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‘I choose you!’ Couple ties knot during New Jersey Pokémon GO Fest

‘i-choose-you!’-couple-ties-knot-during-new-jersey-pokemon-go-fest
‘I choose you!’ Couple ties knot during New Jersey Pokémon GO Fest

Something borrowed, something … Pikachu?

A Canadian couple who hooked up while playing the widely-popular smartphone game Pokémon GO, tied the knot in New Jersey on Friday — in front of thousands of other players, who’ve flown in from around the globe for this weekend’s Pokémon GO Fest.

Sandra Maroszek and Les Dorgo from Windsor, Canada, met as they were trying to catch virtual versions of the mysterious, magical beings that grace collectible Pokémon cards and populate the beloved Japanese video games, which also inspired an animated series.

A bride and groom pose for a photo with a large Pikachu at their Pokémon GO Fest wedding.

Sandra Maroszek and Les Dorgo found each other — and ultimately love — playing the popular 2016 game. AP Content Services for Niantic

Couple posing with large Pokémon balls at a Pokémon GO Fest wedding.

The happy couple got engaged during the 2024 fest. AP Content Services for Niantic

Members of their families also flew in from Poland and Hungary for the ceremony.

The happy couple has been traveling the world on their vacations — in search of elusive Pokémon.

They travelled to France to catch a Klefki, and ventured into Florida to get a Maractus.

Two people crouching next to a large inflatable Venusaur at Pokémon GO Fest.

Patrick Scrobe, left, and Thomas Graham, both from Wayne, NJ, neal next to an inflatable Venasaur. The 2025 Jersey City Pokémon GO Fest held at Liberty State Park. Aristide Economopoulos

They’ll spend the first couple of days of their honeymoon on the hunt for even more.

More than 100,000 players have invaded Jersey City this year in hopes of catching the imaginary creatures.

Pokémon GO Fest was held at Randall’s Island last year, and saw players scouring the Big Apple for Pokémon GO.

Couple kissing at Pokémon GO Fest 2025 wedding. there is a big castle motif prop around themwith the pokemon go fest logo onit and signs reading noble fields

The couple shot their wedding photos at Liberty State Park. AP Content Services for Niantic

Maroszek and Dorgo actually got engaged at last year’s festival, and decided to come full circle by exchanging vows at this year’s event in Liberty State Park.

“Pokémon GO has quietly become a surprising engine for real-world connection — combating loneliness, encouraging physical activity, and sparking friendships (and yes, relationships) rooted in shared adventure,” claimed the festival’s organizers in a statement.

Pikachu in costume at a Pokémon GO Fest.

Pikachu is escorted out to meet fans at the festival. Aristide Economopoulos

“But this couple’s journey from strangers to walking down the aisle during GO Fest offers a rare and joyful lens into how connection is evolving outside the swipe-right culture.”

Festival goers will be able to catch characters during the weekend, and explore habitats from the game, recreated inside the park.

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