Couple ties the knot during Carolina Hurricanes parade in Raleigh

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — As Canes fans made their way to Hillsborough Street, they couldn’t contain their excitement.

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“Incredible, this is the best thing to happen to this city in decades,” said a Canes fan.   

“I think it’s huge; it proves we are a hockey town; it proves that hockey can live in the South,” said Nathan White.  

Moments before the parade made its way down Hillsborough Street, a happy bride and groom, Gerard Rothfus and Sarahi Villa Arreguin, made their way inside Sacred Heart Catholic Church to cheers and applause.  

Then, after the parade, CBS 17’s Greg Funderburg caught up with them as newlyweds.

“We feel amazing now that we’re married. Best day of my life,” said the newlyweds.   

They both admit they couldn’t believe their big day, planned six months ago, landed on the Canes’ Stanley Cup Celebration. “I thought it was a joke. I didn’t realize they would pull it off this quickly. You mean this weekend? It was crazy,” said the newlyweds.  

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Crazy or not, with some careful planning, the wedding party made it through traffic and Canes fans to witness the ceremony. “The police department was super helpful, worked with the church, and were able to get people in early,” said the groom.  

And beyond the wedding, we found one woman who recently held the Stanley Cup.

“One of my best friends is married to the athletic trainer, so we waited and got to hold it. It was amazing,” said a Canes fan   

It’s a moment these fans say was worth the wait.

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“The big silver shiner thing, lovely. I have never seen it before, so to see it here in Raleigh 20 years too long,” said a Canes fan.   

“There’s nothing better. 20 years we’ve been waiting and wishing we got a Stanley Cup, baby,” said a Canes fan.   

As for the couple, their reception was in Carrboro, and they even got a special message from one of the Canes players about this new chapter in their lives.  

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