A Pokémon-obsessed couple pulled off a wedding ceremony like no other – using a Nintendo Switch 2 console and each attaching a controller to symbolise their unity.
Amanda and Matthew Palladino, both 30, incorporated the console into their nuptials as a nod to their lifelong love of the Pokémon franchise.
Determined to make their big day truly personal, the couple wanted a ceremony that reflected their shared interests.
While many couples opt for traditional rituals – such as tying a knot or mixing sands – Amanda and Matthew chose a geeky twist.
For the special moment, each attached a controller to the Nintendo Switch, symbolising their connection and partnership.
Amanda, an accountant in Claymont, Delaware, US, said: “We knew we wanted to include a unity ceremony but make it unique to us.
“We’ve both loved Pokémon our entire lives, having being born right at the peak of Pokémania so that felt like an easy choice.
“Then when we saw that the new Switch console’s controllers click in smoothly, we thought that would be a fun way to nod to our Nintendo love.”
Matthew and Amanda first crossed paths in 2014 during their freshman year at Ursinus College, Pennsylvania, in a Japanese 101 class.
But the pair didn’t start dating until seven years later, in 2021, after both had graduated and reconnected via a dating app.
Their romance blossomed quickly, and three years later they became engaged on Leap Day 2024 at the picturesque Longwood Gardens.
Amanda said: “We were friends throughout college but nothing happened until we’d both graduated and saw each other on Bumble.
“We also kind of planned the proposal together and thought the Leap Year was a fun and special time to do it.”
Both Amanda and Matthew have been lifelong fans of Pokémon – and all things Nintendo – since childhood.
As adults, the couple continue to share their love of gaming, often teaming up to play co-operative titles on the Nintendo Switch, including favourites like Stardew Valley and It Takes Two.
Amanda said: “Given the fact that Nintendo has become something meaningful, not only for us as individuals but as a couple as well, it felt like the perfect addition to the wedding.
“We were able to use our own console and it was a fun moment in the ceremony.”
