Not everyone came to Yankee Stadium last weekend for New York City FC's home opener.
Some came for a wedding.
NYCFC supporters Patrick Rivera and Tirzah Gonzalez redefined the term "pregame celebration," gathering with dozens of fellow New York City Supporters Club members to celebrate their wedding beneath the shadow of Yankee Stadium.
"The experience was nothing like I expected," the blushing bride told MLSsoccer.com. "I thought it would be he and I and maybe 10 people if we were lucky."
Instead, Patrick and Tirzah were swarmed by family and friends as they dashed across River Avenue from The Dugout to the outer facade of Yankee Stadium, decked out in traditional wedding garb. Accompanying them was Blue Ladies' supporter, Mei-Ling Hyler; a licensed state officiate who brought the necessary paperwork from City Hall along with her.
Passers-by watched on in confusion as a herd of light blue fans escorted the elegant bride and groom to the walls of Yankee Stadium, taking in the ceremony beneath the tracks of the 161st Street subway station.
"This was absolutely the ceremony," Tirzah said. "We went to New York City's City Hall, got our paper work and all that jazz. The [licensed state officiate] signed it, our two witnesses signed it and so did we and in the mail it went!"
(Credit: Patrick Rivera and Tirzah Gonzalez)
This unconventional wedding is as unique as the couple themselves. A year prior, Patrick surprised his then-girlfriend with an impromptu proposal.
And wouldn't you know it? Soccer was at the center of that moment as well.
"Patrick and I were at the Chicago Fire match on May 15, where coincidentally we drew," Tirzah recalled. "At halftime, he got on one knee. I initially thought he dropped something. So I looked under my seat to try to help him out.
"When I look up, he's holding a smoke bomb ring and he asked me to marry him. I told him to stop messing with me, halftime is almost over and I really wanted to grab some food.
"He assured me he was being sincere," she said. "When I saw how serious he was, I broke down crying and said a very firm yes."
Bringing together their closest friends within the NYCFC supporters groups (Los Templados, Rotten Apples, English Blues, Blue Ladies and more), Tizrah and Patrick declared their vows for all to see – and it was everything they hoped it would be.
(Credit: Patrick Rivera and Tirzah Gonzalez)
"Some people wore suits, ties, dresses. They were crying! We were crying. I'm still crying! But so blessed," Tirzah said. "I don't think there are enough words to describe how lucky I felt. How humbled.
"Every single person there will forever be a part of one of the biggest moments of our lives and that will never be forgotten."
