"We had an amazing time," Lyons told NHL.com. "Whoever thought my favorite thing, Capitals hockey, could be incorporated into such a momentous day of our lives so flawlessly?"
They were engaged in October 2016, and had no idea a Capitals Cup Final game would fall on their June 2, 2018 wedding date. In fact, they had to scramble last minute to equip The Birkby House, their wedding venue, with the necessary tools to show the game. Lyons is a teacher in the Washington suburb of Silver Spring, Md., and borrowed a projector. Their officiant, who is a technology director at the school, set it up to broadcast the game.
"We were getting texts from friends asking how we were handling having the Capitals play on our wedding day," Lyons said. "We just said 'We have it covered, but you should definitely bring your jerseys.'"
The Capitals also did their part, chipping in rally towels and signs to distribute to the guests. Lyons and Schutz watched as much of the game as they could, focusing on the screen while dancing and sneaking glances while meeting with guests. Those who were more interested in hockey than dancing were right at home.
"It worked out perfectly for those who aren't that into dancing," Lyons said. "They pulled up chairs and watched the screen, and I wasn't upset about it. If it wasn't my wedding, I probably would have done the same thing."
Despite the threat of rain, and the prospect of Washington falling behind 2-1 in the best-of-7 series, everything went off without a hitch. The rain held off until the reception, which was under a tent, and Washington won 3-1.
"It was a day that will go down as the day the Capitals won their first Stanley Cup Final home game, took the lead, and Edie and Alex's epic viewing party where a wedding took place," Lyons said.
Schutz and Lyons live in Bethesda, Md., but watched Game 4 on Monday at a bar in Washington to soak up the city's Capitals fervor. They are planning a honeymoon for the summer after Lyons' school year ends. But if the Golden Knights extend the Cup Final in Game 5, forcing another game in Washington, their plans might change.
"If [the Capitals] end up going to Game 6, you better believe I might end up using some of that money to make sure I go to the game," Lyon said. "Some friends said I probably wouldn't regret it, and I think they're right.
