NHL Player Benjamin Gleason Marries Madison Field in Modern Barn Wedding in Michigan

NHL star Benjamin Gleason has traded the ice rink for the aisle.

Gleason, 27 — who was recently signed to Minnesota Wild and previously played for the Philadelphia Flyers — married Madison Field in a wedding with "modern charm" and an "elevated rustic vibe" at Creekside Acres Event Barn in Goodrich, Michigan, on their fourth anniversary, Saturday, July 26.

"We knew we wanted the wedding to feel deeply personal, while still keeping a sense of charm and elegance. Our vision was simple, modern, and romantic, brought to life through a black and white color palette and thoughtful details throughout," Field tells PEOPLE. "We had always pictured getting married in a modern barn, and once we found Creekside — just outside of Benjamin’s hometown — we instantly knew it was the one."

The festivities kicked off on Thursday, July 24, with an intimate outdoor rehearsal dinner at Narrin Farms, where Fields' bridal party was staying. The bride and groom's immediate families and wedding parties enjoyed food, drinks and an open mic to ease into the weekend. 

The following day, Friday, July 25, the couple threw a welcome party at Union Woodshop. Among the 190 wedding guests was Dallas Stars' Thomas Harley and Olympic gold medalist Emma Maltais.

"What mattered most to us was creating a full weekend experience — one big, unforgettable party," Field says. "From the welcome party at our favorite restaurants in Clarkston to the ceremony itself, every moment was intentionally planned to make sure our guests had an amazing time."

As guests arrived at the wedding, Field's uncle, Glen, played acoustic guitar.

Gleason and Field skipped sharing a first look before the ceremony.

"We decided not to do a first look because we loved the idea of holding on to some of the more traditional elements of a wedding," Field says. "There’s something so emotional about that moment of seeing each other for the first time at the end of the aisle, and we didn’t want to lose that."

Gleason and the wedding party walked down the aisle to "Faithfully," a cover by Heath Sanders.

It was a surprise to the professional ice hockey player when the barn doors opened and his bride made her way down the aisle to one of their "all-time favorite songs," Goo Goo Dolls' "Iris."

He watched in awe as Field glided toward him in a fitted floral lace gown designed by Gabrielle Atelier. The "Camilla" dress features detachable long sleeves and was purchased from Sash + Bustle in Toronto, Canada.

"After trying on so many dresses, I began to wonder how I’d know when I found the one," Field says. "Then, I had my bridal moment when my mom and I both cried as I said 'yes.' I don’t think Benjamin, or anyone, was expecting this style on me, since most people would have guessed I’d choose something simpler. But this dress feels so uniquely me."

Gleason and Field admit they were "both pretty nervous" about exchanging their handwritten vows in front of everyone, but "wanted to share these personal and intimate promises in front of our loved ones."

"She’s truly been my rock over the past four years," Gleason gushes about Field. "Having a partner who also played professional hockey is something I don’t take for granted — she just gets it. She’s my biggest fan, and we make an incredible team. Everything she does, she does to the best of her abilities and is always pushing herself and me to be the best athlete possible and the best person in all aspects of life. She is one of the most loyal people I have ever met, and I feel so lucky to call her my wife."

Field most admires Gleason's "heart of gold."

"He makes me better in every way. I’m definitely type A and always on the go, but he reminds me to slow down, be present, and savor the moment. We balance each other perfectly. I love our crazy, beautiful life together," she shares. "Not many people get to live in so many different places like we have — Texas, Pennsylvania, California, and now Minnesota. It’s wild, but we get  to experience the world side by side, and no matter where we are, being with him feels like home."

The bride and groom lit a unity candle to symbolize the joining of their two families, and the start of their life together as one.

The wedding ceremony was officiated by Pastor Rick Hogan, the same pastor who married Gleason's parents, making for "a meaningful, full-circle moment."

Afterward at reception, Gleason and Field danced to "I'll Be" by Edwin McCain. Gleason played this song during his "absolutely unforgettable" cottage proposal to Field, which was joined by their dog Grizzly, on Aug. 22, 2024.

Having great food at the wedding was "really important" to the couple.

Not wanting to "limit" guests with just a plated meal, the pair chose a buffet-style dinner offering a wide variety of delicious options. 

A fresh vegetable crudité platter with red pepper hummus and ranch dill dip, alongside a European cheese platter featuring artisanal imported and domestic cheeses, whipped brie, fresh and dried fruits, plus assorted flatbreads and crackers acted as stationed appetizers.

Butler-passed appetizers included: chicken on mini Belgian pearl waffles drizzled with sriracha maple glaze, peppercorn-crusted tenderloin crostini with tomato jam and horseradish herb spread garnished with microgreens, and coconut shrimp with citrus horseradish marmalade dip.

Dinner began with a plated salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, slivered red onion, English cucumber wheels, chickpeas, and watermelon radish, drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. Rustic bread and dinner rolls with butter roses were also on the tables.

"An open bar was also non-negotiable," Field adds. "We both wanted the entire weekend to feel like one big celebration from start to finish."

The buffet menu was widespread. Guests dined on an oven-roasted seasonal vegetable medley, garlic mashed potatoes, cavatappi pasta with palomino sauce and grated parmesan, chicken piccata simmered in crisp chardonnay velouté with artichokes and capers, and slow-smoked beef brisket sliced thin with natural jus.

For dessert was a simple two-tiered vanilla wedding cake, alongside assorted mini pastries, éclairs, cannolis, bite-size brownies, fruit tartlets and seasonal parfait shooters.

The next day, Sunday, July 27, everyone gathered for a casual post-wedding party to "end the weekend on a high note."

Gleason and Field's relationship began on Instagram during the pandemic when Gleason sent Field a DM. That night, they FaceTimed for the first time and proceeded to do so every day for two months. Taking "a leap of faith," Field booked a flight to meet Gleason in person. 

"From the moment we met at the Detroit airport four years ago, it just felt right — as if fate brought us together," Field remembers.

The couple started officially dating three days later and said "I love you" that same week. "It was fast, but it just felt right," Field notes. 

Now, the duo look forward to their trip to Key West, Florida, and being "each other’s rock through all the highs and lows."

"We’re most excited to build a life together," they tell PEOPLE. "Buying our first home in Oxford, Michigan, was our first big step in putting down roots. We can’t wait to start a family, raise a few little hockey players, and keep growing together — always pushing each other, supporting each other, and becoming the best versions of ourselves as a team."