In the 124-year history of the Rose Parade, only two couples have taken wedding vows aboard a float. The first was Carrie Humphries and Ron Simms on the 1989 Huntington Hotel float. The second was Gerald Sapienza and Nicole Angelillo of Chesapeake, Virginia on Jan. 1, 2013.
Unlike the Simms wedding, which the Tournament of Roses did not allow to be miked, the Sapienza “I dos” were heard worldwide.
The officiant used the occasion to indulge in a bit of local pride. “Nicole and Gerald,” he stated after the vows were exchanged, “on behalf of Farmers Insurance and by the powers vested in my by the awesome State of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” At that declaration, pink and white balloons ascended and pink rose petals descended, and the couple exchanged several smooches.
For more about the Gerald and Nicole, read “Farmers Insurance announces names of couple to be wed on 2013 Rose Parade float”
The Sapienzas won a nationwide contest to be married on the 2013 Farmers Insurance Rose Parade float. They told KTLA5 that while Nicole had a secret crush on Gerald in high school, it wasn’t until they connected through an online dating site that they fell in love. Their first date was rock wall climbing—Nicole’s choice—and they “shut the place down.”
For details on how the wedding winners were chosen, read “Wedding bells will ring on the 2013 Farmers Insurance Rose Parade float”
“Nicole has the biggest heart in the world,” Gerald said, and Nicole responded, “Gerald makes me want to be a better person.”
“The Love Float,” built by Phoenix Decorating Company, was modeled after an extravagantly decorated Faberge egg flanked by two angels, one playing a harp and the other a trumpet, nestled on a bed of 7,200 roses and 8,400 carnations in white, hot pink, pink, red and yellow.
The theme of the 124th Rose Parade and 99th Rose Bowl Game was “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” The Tournament of Roses is a celebration that lasts several weeks in the fall and winter, with the high points being the Rose Parade presented by Honda and the Rose Bowl Game presented by VIZIO on New Year’s Day. Keep following your Tournament of Roses Examiner for the latest news and for upcoming announcements.
Like this story?
Like All Things Rose Parade on Facebook or subscribe to Tournament of Roses Examiner by clicking the "Subscribe" link. Read more articles about the Pasadena area at Altadena Headlines Examiner and San Gabriel Foothills Examiner. If you have a question or would like a reply to your comment, please email me at lbmonteros@yahoo.com
Comments