Couple marry in IKEA two years after having their first date there...and yes there were lots of meatballs at the reception



An afternoon in IKEA is usually littered with fighting couples but one unique pair decided to buck that trend by hosting their nuptuials there.



So surrounded by their friends, family and flat-packed Swedish furniture, Julie 'Bunny' Rodgers and Willie 'Bear' Pittman exchanged vows and then chowed down on meatballs.



Celebrating the fact that their first date two years ago was in Maryland's College Park IKEA, the happy pair decided that it was the perfect venue for their marriage.

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Willie Pittman and Julie Rodgers relax on one of IKEA's famous flat-packed sofas after their wedding in Maryland's College Park IKEA store two years to the day they began dating

Contacting the store and putting the unusual request to staff there, Rodgers and Pittman stood amid customers all making their way around what is more commonly known as a graveyard for relationships.

Unlike most people, Ikea only has happy memories for Rodgers and Pittman as it was the scene of their reunion 30-years after graduation from H.D. Woodson High School.



'We happened to see each other on a social network,' said Pittman who had spent the intervening years in the U.S Marines.

IKEA laid on a free reception for the pair after their vows complete with their iconic Swedish meatballs

'We had never dated and in fact I always joke and say I was in the big brother zone at high school.'



Exchanging numbers the pair decided to meet up for first time in 30 years on April 17 2010 at the nearby IKEA according to ABC 7

'She mentioned IKEA and the fact that on Tuesday the special was meatballs,' said Pittman.



'So we came out for a meal and enjoyed each others company so much when we walked around the entire store.'

Reunited 30 years after their graduation Julie 'Bunny' Rodgers and Willie 'Bear' Pittman went to junior high and high school together but never dated

Taking their time wandering around the famously ambient-lighted labryinth-like Swedish store, the pair came to think something special was beginning.



'As we're leaving, we get yoghurt cones and we're on the way to the parking lot when it hits me,' said Rodgers.



'I turned to him and said, 'This is one of the best dates I've ever had,' to which he said, 'This is a date?'

Everything at Julie 'Bunny' Rodgers and Willie 'Bear' Pittman's wedding was available to buy from the Swedish furniture giant including the silk rose petals laid along the aisle

Exactly two-years-later when Rodgers phoned the store to arrange the wedding, staff offered up the space for a free of charge wedding.



'I was quite surprised when I received the phone call requesting the use of the store for a wedding,' said IKEA's Sharon Black.



'We get many requests, but never a wedding

The happy couple only have fond memories of IKEA unlike the modern day cliche of arguing couples roaming the floors of the furniture store

The happy couple were surrounded by their friends and family at College Park's IKEA

'Once we met the bride and heard her "IKEA" love story, we had to make their dream come true.



'The couple is beautiful and inspiring and we are elated that they chose IKEA in College Park for their special day.'

Free Meatballs: The College Park IKEA laid on a reception complete with free meatballs for Julie and Willie

With everything in the wedding and reception available to buy, down to the silk rose petals down the aisle, Ikea reaped some positive publicity.

