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WNBA player Megan Gustafson and professional basketball player David DiLeo are officially married after exchanging vows in a romantic ceremony surrounded by family and close friends in Iowa.
The couple, both 29, were married on Saturday, July 18, at Bella Sala in Tiffin, Iowa, the state where they first met. Gustafson currently plays for the Portland Fire, while DiLeo competes professionally in Turkey. Together, they envisioned a wedding inspired by the elegance of a romantic garden party with touches reminiscent of the popular period drama Bridgerton.
They chose Bella Sala after falling in love with its picturesque outdoor setting, particularly the venue's waterfall, which they felt created the perfect backdrop for exchanging vows.
With the help of Design by Soirée Wedding Planning, the pair brought their dream celebration to life using a colour palette of pale pink, teal, black and gold. The wedding party reflected the elegant theme, with DiLeo's groomsmen dressed in black and Gustafson's bridesmaids wearing vintage mauve gowns that complemented the groom's tie.
Walking down the aisle to Christina Perri's A Thousand Years, Gustafson wore a satin ballgown by Maggie Sottero featuring delicate lace details. The dress included subtle rose patterns as a tribute to her late grandmother, Mary, who loved growing pink roses. Roses also featured prominently throughout the floral arrangements and decorations.
Before the ceremony, the couple privately exchanged handwritten vows. During the official service, officiated by former Iowa women's basketball coach Lisa Bluder, they recited traditional vows before celebrating their marriage by walking back down the aisle to Natasha Bedingfield's Unwritten. They had also held a private Catholic ceremony for immediate family the previous day.
Guests enjoyed a reception at the venue featuring a plated dinner with beef tenderloin or grilled chicken, followed by a variety of desserts, including a marble cake with lemon and strawberry flavours, flourless chocolate torte, cookies, key lime pie shooters and the famous "Carver Cone" ice cream that pays tribute to Gustafson's University of Iowa basketball career.
The newlyweds shared their first dance to Riley Clemmons' Miracle before celebrating with loved ones, including members of the University of Iowa women's basketball programme and their beloved dog, Pancake.
Looking ahead, the couple are excited to spend more time together after years of balancing long-distance relationships because of their basketball careers. While work commitments will delay a full honeymoon, they plan a short getaway near Portland before eventually celebrating with a dream trip to Hawaii.
