Katie Gaudreau paid tribute to the memory of her brothers, Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, in a way that will keep them close to her.
Gaudreau shared on her Instagram story an inscription of her brothers’ initials on her wedding band after they were tragically killed on Aug. 29, just one day before her wedding was supposed to take place.
The brothers died last week when they were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles on a rural road in Oldmans Township, N.J.
“Forever with me now. J&M” she wrote over the photo.
Gaudreau also posted a tribute to her brothers on her Instagram page back on Sept. 2.
“To know these two was to love these two. There are absolutely no words I have to express the bond my family shared. The entire world knows there would never have been a John without Matty or Matty without John,” Gaudreau wrote. “The absolute best big brothers a little girl could have asked for. This will never be a goodbye post because I will never stop saying your names and honoring you both. I’ll take the best care of mom, dad, Kristen, Mer, Madeline, and your babies.”
Police said the driver, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and charged with two counts of death by auto, along with reckless driving, possession of an open container and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle. A judge postponed a pre-trial detention hearing in the case until Sept. 13 to give both sides more time to prepare. The suspect is being held until then.
Gaudreau described in a separate post her reaction to the devastating news.
“Right in the middle of getting ready for the best day of my life the unthinkable happens that will change my life forever. I remember a week ago being in the hotel sitting with family and texting (her fiance) Devin about how we forgot to practice our dip. To think that was our biggest worry at this moment when, in just a split second and a phone call later, our lives would forever change,” Gaudreau wrote.
“Remember to tell your people you love them. I would do anything to tell my big brothers I love them one more time.”
A memorial service for family and close friends of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau will take place on Monday in Media, Pa., the family announced.
The Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames — Johnny’s two NHL teams during his career — will live stream the memorial.
The Blue Jackets and the Flames both have plans to attend Monday’s services.
Katie Gaudreau, a bride from Massachusetts, recently made headlines for her touching tribute to her late brothers Johnny and Matthew at her wedding. Instead of a traditional wedding band, Katie chose to honor her brothers by incorporating their memory into her special day.
Johnny and Matthew tragically passed away in a car accident several years ago, leaving a void in Katie’s heart that could never be filled. As she prepared for her wedding day, Katie knew that she wanted to find a way to include her beloved brothers in the celebration.
After much thought and consideration, Katie decided to have two custom wedding bands made in honor of Johnny and Matthew. The bands were designed with intricate details that symbolized each brother’s unique personality and spirit. One band featured Johnny’s favorite color and a small engraving of his initials, while the other band had Matthew’s birthstone and a subtle design that represented his love for nature.
During the wedding ceremony, Katie made a heartfelt speech about her brothers and how much they meant to her. She then exchanged vows with her husband, slipping on the special bands as a symbol of her brothers’ presence on this important day.
The gesture touched the hearts of everyone in attendance, as they witnessed Katie’s love and devotion to her brothers. The wedding bands served as a beautiful reminder of Johnny and Matthew’s enduring impact on Katie’s life and the love that will always bind them together.
Katie’s tribute to her brothers serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of family and the enduring bonds that can never be broken. Her wedding day was not only a celebration of love and commitment but also a tribute to the memories of two beloved brothers who will always hold a special place in her heart.