Not just for math nerds, Pi Day is also being celebrated by &pizza, the “anti-establishment” pizza purveyor that aims to unite people through a love of food and dedication to social causes. On March 14 they will be hosting over a dozen free nuptials, vow renewals and commitment ceremonies for lucky couples at select shops across the east coast—including New York City, Philadelphia, Boston and Washington DC—for their fourth annual Pi Day.
What started in 2016 with one couple (who is expecting their second child within days of this year’s Pi Day) has now become an annual tradition celebrating love, inclusion and unity. Transforming their shops into private wedding venues, &pizza is pulling out all the stops to create a fantastic fete: the décor, dessert, music, photography and catering, including all you can eat pizza and a personalized signature pie for each couple—all for free. &pizza’s top executives have even been ordained to officiate the weddings.
Selected couples include high school sweethearts looking to renew their vows, couples affected by the government shutdown, a few online dating success stories and even a “tribe” member who works at &pizza. Others just love pizza and the jumped at the chance for an unforgettable celebration. Couples were chosen for their unique stories such as:
Natacha & Kevin Pizzini who started dating on Pi Day, celebrate the date every year and even refer to themselves as “The Pizzas” because of how similar their last name is to the beloved food. Married in a courthouse wedding five years ago to keep finances down, the opportunity to renew their vows with a bigger celebration on a date with such significance, feels like it was meant to be.
Traci Flemons & Chimemezue Anyanwu who met through a mutual friend during a group lunch, but began to lunch alone and fell in love. The couple took an interest in &pizza when they took advantage of the company’s free pizza offer to furloughed workers during the shutdown and said that the inclusive and fun vibe of the shop, along with the personal connection, makes it the perfect place to start their union.
Amanda Mesa & Rosemary Kim who achieved what some might think the impossible: a tinder fairytale. The duo met over a meal expecting nothing more than good conversation, but instead found love. Big believers in good food and company, they see getting hitched at &pizza as a match made in pizza heaven.
Sarina Van Zyl & Nick Chan who said food has been a recurring theme in their relationship. They met through their college’s dining hall catering service, worked together at a restaurant and fell in love over many meals doing research for Nick’s successful Instagram food account. For these foodies, making a commitment prior to their formal wedding in August, surrounded by food and love, only seems appropriate.
“Beyond the obvious pun of pi vs. pie, the ampersand in &pizza stands for connectedness, and what stronger connection is there than that of a marriage?” says Michael Lastoria, CEO, co-founder and creative director for &pizza. “We’re thrilled to be able to again offer deserving couples the opportunity to celebrate their union in a fun and festive manner that aligns with our brand mission.”
Aside from a beautiful ceremony and signature pies, couples will receive the following to make their day special: desserts from Milk Bar, flowers from 1-800-Flowers.com, a Chandon Sparkling Rosé reception, credit from Uber Eats for a year’s worth of &pizza, balloons and décor from BASHESDC, a DJ/personalized playlist and a photographer and digital photo booth.
For those not getting hitched, Uber Eats is providing a promo code (PIDAY19) to receive $3.14 off all &pizza deliveries from 3/13 – 3/17, while 1-800-Flowers.com is offering 20 percent off orders made on Pi Day up until 11:59 pm using promo code PI20.
