You’ve never heard a McLove story like this one. A California couple is putting a unique twist on their big day with a McDonald’s-themed wedding that celebrates their special fast-food romance.
Abigail Armienta and Joseph Gomez, both 26, are set to say “I do” next month surrounded by golden arches, cheeseburgers, and apple pies. The couple met in September 2016 while both were working together at the Roseville Galleria McDonald’s, the couple told ABC10 last Thursday.
Sparks flew thanks to what was supposed to be a team bonding event arranged by their coworkers. Little did they know, they were being set up.
“I knew before I showed up to the movie theaters,” said Gomez. “I texted one of our coworkers and I was like, ‘Hey, when are you going over there?’ Because I think he was off that day. He was like, ‘No, it’s just you two… we set you guys up.”
When Gomez realized it was just the two of them, he decided to pay for her ticket, even though he wasn’t sure if it would be considered a date. It turns out to be a success, as six years later, the couple get engaged on November 25, 2023.
The duo are preparing for a wedding in Sacramento this September. True to their McDonald’s roots, the wedding will feature a welcome sign with golden arches decorated with photos of the couple, along with classic menu items including McDonald's cheeseburgers and apple pies, according to Armienta. Many of their former coworkers and supervisors will also be present at both the bridal shower and the ceremony.
Gomez revealed that McDonald’s played a significant role in their lives beyond just their initial meeting, as the duo worked at the restaurant to pay off their school textbooks; the job even helped Armienta obtain scholarships.
“I know part of it is advertising, but part of it too is that we're really thankful for the opportunities that they gave us,” Gomez said. "And, I'm really thankful because I wouldn't have met the person that we're going to spend the rest of my life with if I didn't work at McDonald's.”
Both Armienta and Gomez live in Roseville, with Armienta now working in education and Gomez in construction project management. The McDonald’s location where they met has since closed, according to a company representative.
“I don't think we'd be here without McDonald's,” Armienta said. “Our first job is kind of a memorable one, but also they made it super important because they helped us not only with figuring out next steps for education but also our careers.”
