Brandon Bussi, a goaltender with the Carolina Hurricanes, and his long-time partner Mary Raclawski celebrated their marriage on Friday, 17 July, in a heartfelt ceremony held at Saint Paul’s Parish in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The couple, who first met during their college years at Western Michigan University, brought together 187 of their closest family and friends to share in their special day.
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The wedding was described by Raclawski as a beautiful blend of “New England elegance” and “timeless, intentional moments.” As part of their celebration, the couple included a memorable feast featuring a raw bar with an array of seafood, indulgent hors d’oeuvres, and a sumptuous four-tiered dark chocolate wedding cake filled with raspberry, complemented by a custom espresso martini luge.
Both Bussi and Raclawski were committed to ensuring their ceremony reflected their faith and values. Raclawski, who emphasised the significance of their Catholic marriage ceremony, stated, “Celebrating the sacrament of marriage in a traditional church ceremony was our biggest priority.” Bussi echoed this sentiment, adding that Boston, the city where they began their life together, holds sentimental importance for them. “It was where I trained as a goalie and where Mary would visit every summer during our early dating days,” he shared.
Raclawski made a striking entrance down the aisle, accompanied by the classic strains of Pachelbel’s Canon in D, wearing a stunning ballgown from Volle’s Bridal. She described the dress, complete with Dolce Vita shoes, as simple yet grand, capturing her personal style perfectly.
As they exchanged traditional vows in the church, the couple opted to share personal vows they had penned for each other during their reception, exchanging them as the sun set, further enriching the intimate atmosphere of the occasion. Their wedding bands were custom-designed in collaboration with REEDS Jewelers, ensuring their accessories matched the overall timeless theme of the day.
The couple’s choice of floral design was particularly symbolic, featuring white orchids in both the bridal bouquet and the groom’s boutonniere. Raclawski highlighted the significance of the orchids, stating, “They represent strength and resilience, much like a marriage built on faith, trust, and unconditional love.” This sentiment beautifully resonated with their commitment to each other.
The reception sustained the New England theme with an extravagant culinary offering. Guests enjoyed dishes that included little neck clams, shrimp cocktail, and well-known Boston items like clam chowder and lobster rolls. The celebratory energy was further enhanced by the couple’s choice of first dance song, “A-Frame” by Jeremy Zucker and Chelsea Cutler, a melody that encapsulates their bond and the unpredictability of life together.
Following the ceremony and reception, the celebrations continued at a post-wedding event dubbed “One More Toast to the Bussi,” held on the following day at The Tall Ship in Boston. This continuation of festivities allowed family and friends to revel in the newly married couple’s joyous union.
Reflecting on their marriage and future together, Raclawski expressed gratitude for Bussi, saying, “Wherever life takes us, we will be okay because we have each other.” Meanwhile, Bussi noted the significance of their partnership: “We make each other better, support each other, and are there for each other in the highs and lows of our lives.”
As they embark on this new chapter, both Bussi and Raclawski are excited about what lies ahead. They shared aspirations of potentially starting a family and growing old together, finding comfort in the idea that their journey is just beginning, amid the many unforeseen adventures that await them.