Detroit Lions Star Penei Sewell Marries Isabelle Ford in Stunning Malibu Wedding
Detroit Lions star offensive tackle Penei Sewell and his wife, Isabelle Ford, tied the knot in a breathtaking mountainside wedding at Cielo Farms in Malibu, California, in mid-July 2024. The celebration blended classic elegance, family-centered moments, and meaningful cultural details, creating a wedding day that was both luxurious and deeply personal.
Key Takeaways
Penei Sewell and Isabelle Ford hosted a timeless California wedding infused with Hawaiian-inspired touches and vineyard charm.
The couple emphasized family and fun, including their young children in the ceremony and hosting a vibrant welcome party.
Thoughtful planning stood out, from custom designer attire to live music, specialty cocktails, and a dessert wall.
How Penei Sewell and Isabelle Ford’s Love Story Began
Penei Sewell met Isabelle Ford in 2018 while both were attending the University of Oregon. Sewell starred on the football team, while Ford was a member of the cheer squad, and the two quickly connected through mutual friends.
After Sewell was selected by the Detroit Lions in the 2021 NFL Draft, the couple settled into life together. On April 18, 2023, Sewell proposed at their Michigan home, transforming their foyer with flowers and candles while their favorite song, “Big, Big Plans” by Chris Lane, played in the background.
Why the Couple Chose Malibu’s Cielo Farms
When planning their July 12, 2024 wedding, Sewell and Ford prioritized a location accessible to both families. With relatives in Oregon, Utah, and Hawaii, they ultimately selected Cielo Farms in Malibu, California.
The estate’s sweeping mountain views and vineyard atmosphere gave the wedding a “taste of Tuscany,” perfectly aligning with Ford’s vision of a classic, timeless aesthetic accented by white florals and soft baby blue tones. Wedding planner Tori Perano of Passera Events helped bring that vision to life.
A Colorful Welcome Party Kicked Off the Wedding Weekend
The wedding weekend began with a vibrant poolside welcome party at a private Los Angeles estate. Bright pink, orange, and yellow balloons floated in the infinity pool, complementing colorful floral linens and a bold neon sign displaying the couple’s last name.
Ford wore a white Nana Jacqueline dress, while guests enjoyed a gelato cart, one of the couple’s favorite desserts, setting a fun and relaxed tone ahead of the formal ceremony.
Isabelle Ford’s Wedding Dress and Bridal Look
Ford found her wedding dress with ease, ultimately choosing a strapless Netta Benshabu ball gown with a slit. Though different from her original vision, the gown made her feel “like a princess.”
She completed her look with:
Sam Edelman heels
An Anthropologie veil
Her mother’s tennis bracelet
Pear-shaped diamond earrings
A diamond necklace gifted by Sewell on the wedding day
For hair and makeup, Ford flew in trusted Michigan-based artists Katherine Green and Frankie Gray, opting for a natural glam look with a half-up, half-down braided hairstyle.
Penei Sewell’s Custom Dior Wedding Suit
With help from stylist Ricco Noi, Sewell wore a custom Dior suit, paired with Dior shoes. The groomsmen also wore custom tuxedos by Nota Bene Bespoke, ensuring a polished and cohesive look.
In preparation for the big day, Sewell even joined Ford in pre-wedding skincare, getting a HydraFacial just one week before the ceremony.
A Family-Focused Wedding Ceremony
The couple’s children played a central role in the ceremony:
Daughter Mila (3 months) served as the flower girl
Son Malaki (20 months) was the ring bearer
Under a custom nine-foot floral arch, designed to accommodate Sewell’s 6-foot-5 frame, the couple exchanged heartfelt, self-written vows. The emotional ceremony featured live cello music and meaningful song selections, leaving guests visibly moved.
Reception Details: Hawaiian Roots, Elegant Design, and Incredible Food
The outdoor reception featured:
Farm tables with white linens and blue plates
Gold-rimmed glassware and copper flatware
String lights and taper candles for warmth
White leis hung from towering trees near the head table, honoring Sewell’s Hawaiian heritage.
Guests enjoyed specialty cocktails, including:
A Hennessy sidecar for Sewell
An espresso martini for Ford
Dinner options included Korean BBQ chicken, slow-braised short rib, and wild mushroom ravioli—highlighting Sewell’s top priority: great food.
First Dance, Desserts, and a High-Energy Dance Floor
The couple shared their first dance to “Prayed for You (Wedding Version)” by Matt Stell. Instead of a traditional cake, they cut a small red velvet cake before opening a dessert wall filled with donuts, pies, and milk-and-cookies.
As the night went on:
Ford changed into a short white Watters dress
Sewell switched to a white t-shirt, sunglasses, and sneakers
The celebration ended with guests singing along to “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver.
Final Advice From the Bride
“Make sure you enjoy the day as much as you can,” Ford shared. “Be present and stay with your spouse all night—it’s so worth it.”
