In a heartwarming celebration of love, professional basketball players Megan Gustafson and David DiLeo exchanged vows on July 18, 2025, at Bella Sala in Tiffin, Iowa. The couple, both aged 29, chose the picturesque venue for its outdoor oasis, featuring an enchanting waterfall that they felt perfectly complemented their vision of a “big, romantic garden party” inspired by the popular series “Bridgerton”.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/megan-gustafson-david-dileo-wedding-072026-1-547b5ee51bac4586ab51dceca56862b7.jpg)
The couple’s journey to this momentous occasion began with a unique introduction; Gustafson was introduced to DiLeo by his mother while playing in a local basketball league during her freshman year of university. Their friendship blossomed over the years and, after a chance encounter in London in early 2024, their relationship evolved into a romantic partnership.
Gustafson, who currently plays as a centre for the Portland Fire in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), wore a stunning satin ballgown designed by Maggie Sottero for the ceremony. The dress, characterised by delicate lace details, had a special significance for the bride as it incorporated patterns reminiscent of roses, a tribute to her late grandmother who had a fondness for the flower.
Before their grand ceremony, the couple shared intimate, handwritten vows that emphasised their deep connection. The officiant, Lisa Bluder, guided them through traditional vows, marking the beginning of their marital journey accompanied by heartfelt music. Guests witnessed the couple recess to “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield, a fitting choice that encapsulated the excitement of their new life together.
In addition to the main ceremony, Gustafson and DiLeo performed a personal Catholic ceremony for their immediate families the day before the wedding, signifying their commitment in an even more intimate setting. After the celebration at Bella Sala, attendees were treated to a sumptuous dinner prepared by Peppercorn Food Co., with options of beef tenderloin or grilled chicken, paired with all the traditional accompaniments.
The couple’s wedding cake, a beautifully crafted marble white confection with flavours of lemon and strawberry, was created by a family friend. To satisfy their guests’ sweet cravings, a variety of desserts were offered, including chocolate chip cookies and key lime pie shooters, alongside a nostalgic “Carver Cone” — a beloved ice cream treat from the Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, where Gustafson had played during her college years.
The atmosphere during the reception was filled with joy as Gustafson and DiLeo took to the dance floor for their first dance to the song “Miracle” by Riley Clemmons. Welcoming their friends and family onto the dance floor, the couple celebrated with loved ones, including members of the University of Iowa women’s basketball team and even their pet dog, Pancake, who has garnered attention with her own Instagram account.
Reflecting on their relationship, DiLeo proposed to Gustafson by the banks of a river in Iowa City on July 17, 2025, during her WNBA All-Star break, with friends and family close by. Gustafson described the moment as both surprising and romantic, and since that day, the couple has looked forward to embarking on their journey as a married couple.
In their post-wedding reflections, Gustafson and DiLeo voiced their excitement for the future, sharing that they are eager to embrace the everyday moments together. “We are most excited about just doing life with each other,” they expressed. Both athletes acknowledged the challenges posed by their respective careers, but they are committed to making their relationship work despite the distance.
“As athletes, we travel a lot and have been long-distance for a considerable time,” noted Gustafson. “We are looking forward to being together as much as our schedules will allow.” Following the conclusion of her WNBA season, the couple plans to reunite and spend time together, with Gustafson scheduled to support DiLeo in Turkey, where he plays professionally.
As they embark on this new chapter, although the couple’s immediate plans for a honeymoon have been adjusted due to their busy schedules, they expressed a desire to eventually visit Hawaii to celebrate their union. In the meantime, they have organised a mini-honeymoon at a hot springs resort near Portland, allowing them to enjoy some quality time together.
With support from friends, family, and each other, Megan Gustafson and David DiLeo demonstrate a profound commitment to their relationship, ready to face the challenges of their athletic careers while nurturing their love for one another.