The “Burger–King” Wedding That Won the Internet

Joel and Ashley first met in kindergarten — and stayed together all the way through elementary school, where, for the very first time, someone jokingly called them “Burger … King,” poking fun at their last names.

Even though the nickname started as a joke, it stuck with them through the years — and they embraced it. Ashley later said, “Despite the teasing, we fully accepted the nickname.”

In college, everything changed: friendship turned into love. Even with distance between them — Ashley at the University of Illinois, Joel at another college — they made it work. They were committed to staying together.

So no, their story didn’t begin as a marketing stunt. It started as a long childhood journey: friendship, teasing, growing up — and eventually, love.

💍 The Engagement — and the Moment That Sparked the Media Frenzy

In 2015, the couple announced their engagement with a photo taken in front of a Burger King restaurant — joking that they hoped to use the “Burger–King” theme on their wedding invitations.

A local newspaper published the story and the photo — and suddenly the “Burger-King wedding” went viral.
It wasn’t long before everyone saw it and started talking about it.

Then, out of nowhere, Burger King officials contacted the couple — through Skype — and surprised them with a huge announcement: they wanted to sponsor the entire wedding.

🎉 The “Whopper Wedding” — All the Special Details

When Joel and Ashley said “yes,” Burger King didn’t just send a gift — they decided to make it a true Burger-King wedding. What it included:

• Guests and wedding party members wore the classic cardboard Burger King crowns.

• Under the bride’s and groom’s formal outfits, they secretly wore BK T-shirts.

• The groomsmen had burger-themed socks and BK cufflinks.

• Guests received unique souvenirs: mason jars with BK logos, nostalgic yo-yos, and even $10 Burger King gift cards for everyone.

The wedding took place on July 17, 2015, in Jacksonville, Illinois.

Despite the fun BK theme, the ceremony wasn’t held in a fast-food restaurant — the couple still wanted a traditional venue.

Joel and Ashley said they were “completely shocked” and “speechless” at the unexpected generosity — a reaction that spread across media outlets worldwide.

📰 Why Burger King’s Gesture Was More Than Marketing

For most people, this felt like a spontaneous, heartfelt act — not a planned corporate campaign. It was simply the company reacting to a feel-good story that captured the internet’s attention.

Many described it as more of a “fun, wholesome, feel-good gesture” than a simple promotion.

At a time when big corporations often faced criticism, Burger King’s response stood out — creative, warm, and surprisingly personal. A PR moment that truly made history.

❤️ What Remains Today — For the Couple, the Public, and the Brand

Joel and Ashley still jokingly call themselves “Burger King at heart,” as they mentioned in interviews after the wedding.

For people who love unique stories, theirs became proof that love and fate sometimes have the most unexpected matchmakers: nicknames, coincidences — and a fast-food chain.

For Burger King, it was a major win — not just financially, but for showing a sense of humor, spontaneity, and heart.