Enthusiastic Coaster Couple Get Married at Wild Thing

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Enthusiastic Coaster Couple Get Married at Wild Thing

Molly Illetschko Photo Molly Illetschko |
May 31, 2022

The location where the bride, Jessica Cross helped her fiancé, Jamis Iverson, conquer his childhood fear of the Wild Thing would be the place they would return to initiate the start of their lives together. On Saturday, May 29, Jamis and Jessica came together in marriage on the platform of Valleyfair’s most iconic roller coaster, Wild Thing.  

The thrill-seeking couple met in 2019 on the dating app, Bumble. A quick connection sparked over Mexican food and a few rounds of bowling on their first date, where the two bonded over their interest in Marvel movies and some fun light bashing on their exs. This was just the start of the rest of their lives together, soon to be filled with many more adventures and memories. 

Growing up a Valleyfair Season Passholder, Jessica shared her long-developed love for Valleyfair with Jamis as they regularly visited the park. On a particular date, Jessica insisted that Jamis face his fear of riding the Wild Thing. “He protested all the way up the lift hill until we crested the top,” Jessica said, "then he cried out, "OH MY GOSH I LOVE THIS SO MUCH!" As soon as they got off the ride, Jamis needed more. The couple proceeded to explore every major coaster the remainder of the day, also many the first for Jamis. 

As their love for each other grew, so did their love for roller coasters. Jessica and Jamis began taking a yearly trip dedicated to riding coasters near and far. Last year’s destination park, Charlotte, North Carolina’s Carowinds, was one in particular that would remain significant in their relationship. Last year’s destination, Carowinds, on the boarder of both North and South Carolina would mark a significant chapter in the couple’s life. 

Carowinds is the home of Fury 325, North America’s tallest, fastest, and longest giga coaster, and also happen to open Jessica’s birthday in 6 years prior. Before riding the star attraction, Jamis sat Jessica down in front of the Fury 325 sign, where he would ask Jessica to marry him.  

“He had a sweet little speech about how I helped him conquer his childhood fear of Wild Thing and that is what led us here,” Jessica explained. Not only would riding Fury 325 give Jessica her 50th coaster credit, but it would be the first ride Jessica and Jamis would ride as an engaged couple. 

The couple enjoyed the rest of their day at Carowinds wearing customized shirts to display their announcement in a place surrounded by their favorite things, roller coasters.  

Jessica explains they always had an inkling that exchanging their vows at the Wild Thing would have to be a must. It gave them a chance to make the park an even bigger part of their lives together, a reminder of a special moment for each time they visit Valleyfair and Wild Thing. 

In a fitting fashion, the newlyweds are celebrating their marriage on a road trip to Pennsylvania, nevertheless filled with an array of roller coasters. They plan to visit King’s Island, Kennywood, and wrap up their honeymoon at Cedar Point’s Coastermania event on June 3.