If Ottawa is indeed Hockey Country, then an NHL-calibre wedding might be expected as one of the capital's premier summer social events.
And indeed, Senators' star Jason Spezza wed Jennifer Snell on Saturday at Notre Dame Basilica on Sussex Drive with a bevy on curious onlookers waiting outside.
Spezza, 26, was surrounded by teammates both past and present - with one noticeable exception for Sens fans.
Police blocked sidewalks and stopped traffic as Ray Emery, Antoine Vermette, Brendan Bell, Chris Phillips, Chris Neil, and Senators owner Eugene Melnyk entered the church for the closed-door ceremony.
But fans and the media camped outside were especially anxious to see if Dany Heatley, Spezza's close friend and linemate, would appear.
Heatley has demanded a trade from Ottawa, unhappy with his diminished ice time last season under new head coach Cory Clouston. The all-star has rarely been seen since requesting the move.
"It's all about Spezza today, that's what it's supposed to be," said one woman outside the church.
"The church is gorgeous inside and Jason and Jennifer looked amazing," said Neil.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Natalie Johnson
