Love Finds a Way: Couple Weds After Tragedy

High school sweethearts Katie and Devin Joyce marked their first wedding anniversary on July 11, 2026. This milestone followed the joyous arrival of their son, Matthew Guy Joyce, on June 20, 2026. Their wedding ceremony took place at St. Mary's Church in Gloucester City, New Jersey, with a reception at Philadelphia's The Bellevue Hotel.

The couple's initial wedding plans for August 2024 were canceled due to the sudden deaths of Katie's brothers, Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. The brothers, an NHL star and a hockey coach, were fatally struck by an alleged drunk driver while biking in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, on August 30, 2024.

Katie shared her emotional journey, describing the difficulty of preparing for her wedding while grieving. She noted the significant shift in emotions from the initial excitement to the bittersweet reality of celebrating without her brothers. Devin echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the absence of loved ones but emphasizing the continued celebration of love.

To honor Johnny and Matthew, the couple incorporated several meaningful tributes into their wedding. Katie's bouquet featured roses corresponding to her brothers' jersey numbers (13 and 21). The groomsmen and fathers wore socks embroidered with these numbers. Custom suits and Katie's veil also bore touching mementos, including photos and handwritten messages from her brothers.

Seven months after their wedding, Katie announced her pregnancy in February 2026. The arrival of their son in June brought immense joy, with Katie expressing that their hearts grew larger than imagined. The family recently visited the ice rink where the uncles played hockey, sharing a heartwarming moment with their baby son.