In a dazzling celebration dubbed the “biggest party of their lives,” Minnesota Vikings offensive guard Will Fries and his bride, Isabella Therien, tied the knot on June 27, playfully coined “Friesday” in a nod to the groom’s last name and the festive day of the week. The couple’s extravagant black-tie wedding at the stunning Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange, New Jersey, was a night of glamour, nonstop dancing, and unforgettable culinary delights that left their 250 guests in awe.
A Venue Fit for a Fairytale
The couple chose Pleasantdale Chateau for its European-inspired architecture, farm-to-table cuisine, and timeless elegance. “The venue felt like an escape from the hustle of the New York City metro area,” Therien shared with PEOPLE. “It brought an air of extravagance and timelessness, exactly what we wanted—a big European wedding with a New Jersey twist.” Adding a personal touch, the venue’s connection to The Sopranos—a favorite of Fries, the ultimate fan—sealed the deal.
Pleasantdale’s on-site farm provided fresh ingredients for an “exceptional” menu and a showstopping five-tiered strawberry shortcake wedding cake. “Our love language has always been food,” Therien said. “We wanted to ensure nobody left hungry, and the cuisine was a top priority.” The couple’s vision was clear: throw an unforgettable party with incredible food and a dance floor that never emptied.
A Bride in Four Gowns
Stealing the spotlight, Therien captivated guests by wearing four distinct wedding gowns, each reflecting a unique facet of her personality. “I’ve never fit into one style box,” she explained. “Wearing four gowns allowed me to express boldness, sexiness, glamour, elegance, and class—every side of who I am.”
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Ceremony: Therien walked down the aisle in a timeless basque-waist gown paired with a cathedral veil featuring delicate lace trim, creating the “classic princess moment” she’d always dreamed of.
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Reception Entrance: For her grand entrance, she donned a gown covered in intricate beaded lace, inspired by a cherished childhood photo of herself draped in pearl beads by her mother.
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Evening Celebration: A long-sleeved, beaded lace gown with a plunging illusion V-neckline blended elegance and allure, perfect for dancing the night away.
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After-Party: Therien closed the night in a playful, modern white sequin cocktail gown from Milla Nova, embodying bold glamour.
The first three dresses were custom-designed by Veni Infantino, with photographer and design consultant Courtney Shea Smith helping bring Therien’s “effortlessly glamorous yet simple” vision to life. “Each gown was a carefully chosen expression of my personality and the story I wanted to tell,” Therien said. “It made the day unforgettable.”
A Night of Nonstop Celebration
The couple, who opted to plan the wedding themselves without a planner, curated an organic, elegant atmosphere with a neutral color palette and lush white and green hydrangeas, their favorite flowers. The reception was a high-energy affair, with the band Hank Lane keeping the dance floor packed. “Not one guest left the dance floor, and the band didn’t take a single break,” Therien recalled. “One of the venue owners said it was the craziest crowd he’d ever seen.”
In a nod to Therien’s Polish heritage and their shared Eastern European roots, the couple surprised guests with a performance by the Mummers’ Woodland String Band. The after-party, led by DJ HeartandSoul4U, kept the energy soaring into the night.
A Ceremony Full of Heart
The ceremony, officiated by Pastor Max Ingram, was deeply personal. Fries and Therien exchanged handwritten vows, with Therien walking down the aisle to Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling in Love and the couple exiting to the stirring theme from Interstellar. A unity candle ceremony, where both mothers lit candles before the couple lit one together, symbolized their families uniting.
Fries looked dashing in a tuxedo from The Tailored Society, while Therien’s four gowns ensured she shone in every moment. “We soaked in every second,” Therien said. “Seeing the faces of the people we love most, celebrating with us, was everything.”
A Star-Studded Guest List
The guest list read like an NFL roster, with Indianapolis Colts players Blake Freeland, Quenton Nelson, Matt Goncalves, Danny Pinter, and Braden Smith in attendance, alongside Buffalo Bills’ Connor McGovern, Chicago Bears’ Ryan Bates, and Minnesota Vikings’ Ryan Kelly. The couple’s 250 loved ones filled the venue with joy, creating memories the newlyweds wish they could “relive over and over again.”
A Love Story Rooted in Food and Family
Fries and Therien’s romance began over sushi in July 2020, introduced by a mutual friend in college. Four years later, Fries proposed on June 1, 2024, in Ocean City, New Jersey. Since their first date, the couple has been inseparable, bonded by their shared love of food and family.
“Marriage to us means choosing each other every day, through every season of life,” Therien told PEOPLE. “It’s about building a partnership rooted in trust, respect, laughter, and love.” With Fries’ NFL career bringing constant change, the couple is committed to facing it all as teammates. “We celebrate the highs, navigate the lows, and never take each other for granted,” Therien added.
Fries admires Therien’s kind heart and ability to make everyone feel like family, while Therien is inspired by her husband’s work ethic and drive. Looking ahead, the couple—proud parents to dogs Ace and Archie—dreams of a big family filled with “love, laughter, and the best kind of chaos.” They envision summers at the Jersey Shore, lively holiday gatherings, and creating cherished family traditions.
As Fries and Therien embark on their new chapter, their wedding stands as a testament to their love, style, and commitment to throwing the ultimate celebration. From four breathtaking gowns to a dance floor that never stopped, this “Friesday” was truly one for the books.