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This is one for all of the nerdy gurlies looking for the perfect place to tie the knot (or just celebrate their endless love affair with Pokemon).
One couple not only got married at Pokemon Go Fest: New Jersey, but actually met through the Pokemon Go app. Becoming the first couple to get married at the festival dedicated to the augmented reality app, Sandra (a nurse practitioner) and Les (a firefighter) displayed their Pokemon love with pride.
Here’s their story and why Pokemon Go Fest may be the hottest new event for future wedding proposals and weddings.
Pokemon Go and Go Fest Explained
Pokemon Go App
Pokemon Go is a 2016 augmented reality (AR) mobile game originally developed and published by American company Niantic in collaboration with Japanese company Nintendo. Scopley, an American global entertainment company, acquired Niantic in May 2025 for 3.5 billion.
The app rose to popularity during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic with players finding connection with one another despite the isolation epidemic of that year.
The real-world exploration had people exploring new areas to catch virtual pokemon and meet with other real-life players for raids, trades and other collaborative missions.
Pokemon Go Fest
The Pokemon brand has been one of the more expansives intellectual properties, spawning TV series, movies, trading cards, merchandise, video games for various consoles, and of course, apps and in-person events like Go Fest.
Go Fest is an official gathering that takes place at numerous places around the world, including New Jersey, Paris, Japan and other places. Players connect in real-time as they catch pokemon through the app in a physical environment that immerses them in a Pokemon-centric festival grounds.
How Sandra Met Les
“When Sandra, exhausted from treating COVID patients, reached out to her local Pokémon GO community searching for a rare Pokémon called Corsola, Les responded with an invitation that would change both their lives,” Pokemon Go Fest shared with Hello Gurl.
“What started as a simple Pokémon trade blossomed into a deep bond between two first responders who understood each other’s work-related struggles,” they added.
From the virtual to the real world, Sandra and Les found they had a special connection that took them to Pokemon events all over the world, including France and Florida.
They were married on June 6, 2025 at Pokemon Go Fest: New Jersey in Liberty State Park.
Players Joined The Wedding PArty
With a life-size Pikachu and thousands of fellow players there to celebrate, Sandra and Les were in good company for their special day.
Pokemon Go Fest: New Jersey even made sure that the couple has a special cake topper that reflected their professions. The couple’s journey is just one iteration of how the app is connecting real-life people and catalyzing bonds that go beyond the game.
Players Propose At Pokemon Go Fest Too
While Sandra and Les are the first couple to be married at any Pokemon Go Fest, there have been plenty of Pokemon festival wedding proposals. Pokemon Go Fest offers and array of features for specially curated proposal moments for couples.
In fact, Pokémon GO Fest 2025: Paris, which takes place from June 13–15, is another chance for partners to get pop the question amongst fellow players.
Would YOU Ever Have A Pokemon Go Fest PRoposal Or Wedding?
Like we said before, this may be the next big thing for all the nerdy gurlies looking for an extra special way to tie the knot surrounded by fellow nerds.
Let us know in the comments if this is something you’d ever try or recommend or even gift this experience.
