Philadelphia Bride and Groom’s Wedding Day Coincides with Eagles Super Bowl Parade: ‘Worst-Case Scenario’

A Philadelphia bride and groom had no idea that their nuptials would fall on one of the busiest days in the city — during the Eagles 2025 Super Bowl victory parade. 

Eagles fans Tom Friel and Jess Murphy told WTXF-TV that they locked in their wedding date, which is set to take place on Friday, Feb. 14, several months before the Eagles won the big game and the parade was scheduled. So, when that date was also picked for the parade, they went into a bit of a panic.

"We were thinking for sure Thursday. There was no shot they'd pick Friday,” Murphy told the outlet. However, when the date of the parade was announced, "I was like, 'Oh no, that's the worst-case scenario in terms of timing.’ "

The pair — who met at Pennsylvania State and watched Eagles player Saquon Barkley set records on the football field in 2017 — said they faced a major dilemma in wanting to attend the parade and celebrate while also moving forward with wedding plans.

"[Barkley] was our favorite player when we were in college. Got a chance to meet him a couple of times out at parties,” Friel told WTXF-TV. "When we got him back from the Giants, we were so happy to be able to root for him again."

"I mean we are die-hards, Penn State and the Eagles," the couple added.

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It also put their family members — who are also big fans of the team — in a bit of a tough spot. Friel told the outlet that his uncles “run the flags out” for the Eagles, and his uncle Kevin was even one of the flag runners for the team during the Super Bowl Mardis Gras party held ahead of the big game in New Orleans.

As for their feelings about not being able to attend the parade, Murphy said, “I'm a little disappointed about that. Would have loved to be there, but obviously for a good reason.”

They said that the real challenge now comes with making sure all their wedding vendors and guests arrive on time — as parts of Philadelphia will be closed for the parade.

"Really the major key will be family and friends traveling in for the wedding," Murphy told WTXF-TV. "That will be difficult with traffic."

The couple noted that parade celebrations are expected to wrap up at about 3:15 p.m. local time, a few hours before their wedding is set to start at 5:30 p.m. They’re hoping that is enough time to get everything into place.

"He's like everything will work out,” Murphy said of her fiancé’s assurances. “It's fine. It's all fine."