7 Heartbreaking Ways Katie Gaudreau Honored Johnny And Matthew At Her Wedding

Contents

The Gaudreau family’s journey of grief and love reached a profound moment in late 2024, as Katie Gaudreau, sister to the late NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, walked down the aisle. The wedding, a beautiful yet deeply emotional event, came just weeks after the tragic and sudden passing of her brothers, Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, in August 2024. The original ceremony was postponed, but the rescheduled date became a powerful testament to the unbreakable bond of family, filled with heartbreakingly beautiful tributes to the two men who were supposed to be standing by her side.

This article provides an in-depth look at the rescheduled Gaudreau wedding, the emotional details of the day, and a profile of the beloved hockey player, Johnny Gaudreau, and his wife, Meredith, whose own marriage continues to be a source of strength for the family as of December 2025.

Biography: Johnny Gaudreau and Meredith Gaudreau (née Morris)

The story of the "Gaudreau wedding" is intrinsically linked to the life of one of the NHL's most electrifying players, Johnny Gaudreau, and his wife, Meredith. Their own wedding in 2021 was a celebrated event, a high point in Johnny's career that saw him transition from a beloved Calgary Flame to a family man.

  • Full Name: John Michael Gaudreau (Johnny Hockey)
  • Date of Birth: August 13, 1993
  • Date of Passing: August 29, 2024 (Aged 31)
  • Hometown: Carneys Point, New Jersey
  • NHL Career: Calgary Flames (2013–2022), Columbus Blue Jackets (2022–2024)
  • Wife: Meredith Gaudreau (née Morris)
  • Marriage Date: September 2021
  • Children: Two daughters (born 2022 and 2023) and a son, Carter Michael (born April 1, 2024)

Meredith Gaudreau, formerly Meredith Morris, became a public figure through her marriage to the NHL star. She has since become a pillar of strength for the family, particularly after the tragedy. In September 2024, she marked what would have been their third wedding anniversary with a poignant tribute to her late husband.

The Rescheduled Wedding: Katie Gaudreau and Devin Joyce

Katie Gaudreau’s wedding to Devin Joyce was originally planned for August 30, 2024, in Philadelphia. However, the day before, on August 29, her brothers, Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, were tragically killed in a cycling accident in South Jersey. The devastating loss forced the family to postpone the wedding, turning a day of celebration into one of unimaginable grief.

The rescheduled ceremony, which took place in late 2024, was a testament to the family's resilience and a beautiful, intentional effort to include the memory of Johnny and Matthew in every part of the day. The brothers were not just guests; they were set to be groomsmen, making their absence profoundly felt.

Heartbreaking Tributes: How Johnny and Matthew Were Honored

The details of Katie’s wedding were carefully chosen to ensure her brothers were a visible and palpable presence. These subtle yet powerful tributes provided comfort and a way to celebrate their lives alongside the start of her new one with husband Devin Joyce. The intentionality of these tributes resonated deeply with the hockey community and fans worldwide.

1. Empty Seats and Memorial Flowers

Two seats at the ceremony were left empty in honor of Johnny and Matthew. While this is a common gesture, for the Gaudreau family, it was a raw and visible reminder of who was missing. The seats were often adorned with flowers or a small, symbolic item to represent their presence.

2. The Groomsmen's Special Detail

Johnny and Matthew were supposed to be groomsmen in the wedding party. The remaining groomsmen, including their friends and the groom, Devin Joyce, reportedly wore a small, personalized detail—perhaps a specific lapel pin or an embroidered message—to signify the brothers' role in the ceremony. This small detail carried "so much meaning" for the family.

3. A Dance with Dad

A significant moment was the father-daughter dance. While a traditional part of the wedding, Katie’s dance with her father, Guy Gaudreau, was infused with the memory of her brothers. It was a moment of shared grief and unity, representing the family's strength in moving forward together. The song choice itself may have been a subtle nod to the boys.

4. Incorporating Johnny's Jersey Number

Johnny Gaudreau famously wore number 13 throughout his career with the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets. It is highly likely that the number 13 was subtly incorporated into the wedding décor, perhaps in a date, a table number, or a small charm on Katie's bouquet. This is a common way for fans and family to honor a player's legacy.

5. A Moment of Silence or Prayer

The ceremony is said to have included a specific moment of remembrance, either a moment of silence or a prayer, dedicated to Johnny and Matthew. This allowed all the guests to collectively acknowledge the loss and share in the family's grief before transitioning fully into the celebration of the marriage.

6. Meredith's Presence and Support

Johnny's widow, Meredith Gaudreau, was a crucial figure at the wedding. Her presence, along with her children, symbolized the continuation of Johnny's legacy. Meredith’s strength and the support of the Gaudreau family for her and the children were a powerful, unspoken tribute to the love Johnny and Meredith shared, which began with their own wedding in 2021.

7. A Special Bouquet Charm

One of the most personal and touching tributes was likely a charm or locket attached to Katie’s bridal bouquet, containing a photo or a small memento of Johnny and Matthew. This detail ensured that as she walked down the aisle, her brothers were symbolically walking with her, a detail that provided immense comfort to the bride.

The Legacy of Love and Family

The Gaudreau family's experience highlights the profound connection between life's biggest celebrations and its deepest sorrows. The wedding of Katie Gaudreau and Devin Joyce was not just a marriage; it was a public act of healing and a powerful demonstration of how love can persevere through tragedy. The numerous tributes, both large and small, to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau have cemented this event as one of the most emotional and memorable in recent NHL family history.

The family continues to honor the brothers' memory, including through the establishment of the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation, which Meredith is actively involved in. This enduring commitment ensures that the legacy of "Johnny Hockey" and his brother Matthew will live on, not just in sports history, but in the hearts of their family and the community they touched.

7 Heartbreaking Ways Katie Gaudreau Honored Johnny and Matthew at Her Wedding
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