A Middlesex County couple tie the knot at their favorite place to eat. STAFF VIDEO BY MARK R. SULLIVAN
SAYREVILLE, N.J. — Ready to begin their lives together, Kristina Jones and Michael Rowley exchanged vows in a place close to their hearts — White Castle.
The Old Bridge, N.J., couple had frequented the fast-food restaurant during their childhood and on many of their dates.
"Every since we were both kids, we both loved White Castle," said Jones, 28. "We decided since we love it so much, why not get married there? Several of our dates were at the same White Castle that we are getting married at."
Surrounded by sliders and sides of fries as well as a few family members, including their 8-month-old son, Michael Jr.; friends; and White Castle employees, the bride and groom exchanged vows Friday at the restaurant about 30 miles southwest of New York City.
"We gather here today at this unique and special location that Michael and Kristina just really enjoy coming to," said Andrea Purtell of For This Joyous Occasion Officiating Services. "It holds a special place in their hearts — a little piece of their history. The White Castle is an iconic and favorite food joint that they visit regularly, so it is only fitting that this is where, amongst a gathering of those they hold dearest, they will pledge their love and commitment to each other.
The couple opted to marry on the third anniversary of the first time Rowley asked Jones on a date. They exchanged rings and shared a kiss as the crowd clapped and cheered.
Following the ceremony, the couple and their guests enjoyed White Castle burgers and chicken rings, also served at the reception Friday evening at the Knights of Columbus hall in South Amboy , N.J.
"As a kid, I used to go to White Castle with my dad if we were going to the doctors or on the way to take my grandma to visit the cemeteries," she said. "I just love the burgers. I could sit there and eat burgers all the time. I have an 8-month-old son and I had a scheduled C-section, and the night before the C-section, we went to White Castle to celebrate. Every holiday or special occasion we go and celebrate at White Castle."
When the couple decided to get married, Jones said they emailed White Castle to let them know they planned to order a large amount of food for the reception. They ordered about 130 burgers, chicken rings, french fries and onion rings. White Castle officials responded and said they would do anything to help.
"We asked them if it's possible to get married in one, and within a couple of days they said yes," she said.
The restaurant area was closed briefly for the ceremony although workers tended to orders for drive-through customers.
Rowley's grandmother, Pat Semashko of Morgan, N.J., was taken by the venue.
"I'm 86 years old, and this is a novelty," she said. "It's very nice. It's different and it's great. I'm really enjoying it. It's a nice day out."
Purtell, who has officiated at weddings for five years, said this was her first at White Castle.
But White Castle District Supervisor Haskell Wallace said weddings at White Castle are not that unusual.
"White Castle has been doing weddings for about as long as we've been doingValentine's Day , which is more than 15 years," he said. During his career, he has hosted 10 to 15 ceremonies.
Follow Susan Loyer on Twitter: @SusanLoyerMyCJ
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