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Seattle Seahawks’ Sam Darnold married Katie Hoofnagle on April 3 in Rancho Santa Fe, California
The couple exchanged handwritten vows during a phone-free ceremony officiated by Darnold’s marketing agent
The “classic and timeless” wedding was attended by 227 guests
Sam Darnold is officially married.
The Seattle Seahawks quarterback tied the knot with Katie Hoofnagle on Friday, April 3, at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa in Rancho Santa Fe, California, which the couple was drawn to for its “authentic Southern vibe.” Guests followed an all-black, black-tie dress code to enhance the “classic and timeless, black-and-white” wedding aesthetic, which stood out with a “contemporary spin.”
The couple, both 28, exclusively tells PEOPLE that their wedding was, “The best night with all of our favorite people!”
Sam Darnold and Katie Hoofnagle on their wedding day
Credit: Stephanie Lynn | @stephanielynn.co
They add that it was, “A fun, energetic, upbeat weekend surrounded by friends and family from all chapters of our lives as individuals and a couple.” The festivities began with a “California Coastal Citrus Welcome Party” and concluded with a “Limoncello Farewell Brunch.”
The couple’s 227 wedding guests included Josh Allen with wife Hailee Steinfeld, and Christian McCaffrey with wife Olivia Culpo. Other notable attendees were: Kyle Allen, Garrett Bradbury, Pat Elflein, Kamu Grugier-Hill, Christian Kirk, Luke Kuechly, Cooper Kupp, Drew Lock, Josh McCown, Nick Mullens, Brian O’Neill, Jordan Palmer, Brett Rypien, Eric Saubert, Blake Cashman, Mike White, Dan Feeney and Adam Ray.
Sam Darnold with his friends
Credit: Stephanie Lynn | @stephanielynn.co
Hoofnagle, a marketing specialist at Renvio, walked down a white aisle lined with white flowers and lush greenery as strings players from Pink Mozart Entertainment performed Noah Kahan’s “Forever” live. She wore the Wtoo by Watters Charlotte Strapless Basque-Waist A-Line Lace Wedding Gown from Anthropologie.
“I worked at Anthropologie in college and was always drawn to their wedding collection, BHLDN,” Hoofnagle recalls. “I walked by Anthro and saw my now-dress hanging in the window and called my mom and sister, begging them to fly to Orange County ASAP so I could try it on.”
The bride accessorized with “everyday jewelry” to stay true to herself, along with a watch gifted by Darnold. She carried a cascading bouquet of white calla lilies and orchids.
Katie Hoofnagle and Sam Darnold on their wedding day
Credit: Stephanie Lynn | @stephanielynn.co
Darnold looked dapper wearing a custom Tom Ford suit. Later in the night, he traded his black suit jacket for a blue velvet one by the same designer. Hoofnagle also had a second look: the “Isabelle” from Rosie Etienne Bridal, an A-line mini dress with 3D flower lace and delicate beading, which she paired with Prada platform high heels.
Hoofnagle and Darnold exchanged handwritten vows atop an elevated white platform with an elegant, arched floral display behind them.
The ceremony was officiated by the NFL star’s marketing agent and close friend, Tee Stumb, and was phone-free so that “guests could enjoy, feel comfortable, and be in the moment.”
Katie Hoofnagle and Sam Darnold on their wedding day
Credit: Stephanie Lynn | @stephanielynn.co
To the couple, marriage symbolizes “Having a partner for life.”
At the reception, Darnold and Hoofnagle shared their first dance as husband and wife to “It Takes a Woman” by Chris Stapleton. Ten-piece band Modern Retrospect performed. A DJ and saxophonist from Second Song also kept the dance floor packed at the after-party.
“We had so much fun!” the couple tells PEOPLE. “We wanted our guests to dance the night away and from the second they entered we had our band playing to set the energy and it never stopped!”
Katie Hoofnagle and Sam Darnold dancing at their reception
Credit: Stephanie Lynn | @stephanielynn.co
Guests were served a three-course dinner, with sea bass and New York steak as entrées. Dessert was cookies and slices of the three-tiered wedding cake from Heritage & Co. In-N-Out Burger was a surprise late-night bite.
The wedding was planned and designed by Christine Garrison, owner of CMG Weddings & Events.
“Our planner, Christine, went above and beyond to make this a stress-free planning experience,” Hoofnagle says. “We gave her our vision and she brought it to life on our behalf so we could focus on football and Sam’s successful season.”
Sam Darnold and Katie Hoofnagle enjoying In-N-Out Burger
Credit: Stephanie Lynn | @stephanielynn.co
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Darnold and Hoofnagle first met at a bar in Charlotte, North Carolina, after being introduced by a mutual friend. They got engaged in Dana Point, California, on July 5, 2025.
The newlyweds are currently celebrating their marriage with a “minimoon” in Hawaii, and will later have a two-week-long honeymoon in Italy in June once football organized team activities end.
Additional Credits:
Videography: Shawn Yang Films
Florals: Tularosa Flowers
Production, Rentals, Dance Floors, Draping: Edgar Martinez Ruacho
Beauty: Beauty by Melina
Rentals: Bright Event Rentals, Hire Elegance, Theoni Collection
Lighting: Amber Event Production
Specialty Rentals: Found Rental Co.
Structure: La Piñata Party Rentals
Signage and Bookcase Speakeasy Entry: Aarté
Paper Goods and Invitations: Heidi Davidson Design
Cocktail Hour Bars, Phone Check, After-Party Wall Fabrication: Cavalier Bars & Backdrops
After-Party Wall Design: Maxwell Designs
Linens: Nuage Designs, BBJ La Tavola
Photo Booth: mirmir photo
Transportation: Men in Black Transportation
Security: United Guard Services, Inc.
Read the original article on People