Detroit Lions’ Kayode Awosika Weds Bernadette Osborne in Dual Nigerian and American Ceremonies (Exclusive)

Several NFL players attended the wedding, with Detroit Lions’ team chaplain and player engagement director Sean Pugh officiating the second ceremony.

Detroit Lions player Kayode Awosika married Bernadette Osborne on March 2 in Miami.

The celebration kicked off with a welcome party, featured a Nigerian traditional ceremony, included a surprise serenade, and concluded with a farewell brunch.

“Dancing the night away with our closest friends and family is a memory we will always cherish,” the bride tells PEOPLE.

NFL offensive tackle Kayode Awosika is officially married!

The 26-year-old Detroit Lions player tied the knot with Bernadette Osborne in a “dream come true” ceremony on Sunday, March 2, at Villa Toscana Miami in Florida.

“We wanted a weekend where our family and friends could come not just to celebrate us but also enjoy a short vacation,” Osborne tells PEOPLE. “All we wanted was to be surrounded by loved ones and have an amazing time.”

The “elegant yet fun and meaningful” wedding began with a welcome party on March 1 at Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables, Autograph Collection. A Nigerian ceremony, incorporating “dances, prayers, and blessing rituals,” was part of the festivities.

On the following day, Awosika and Osborne exchanged vows under an Italian cupola with a classic chandelier in Villa Toscana Miami’s outdoor botanical gardens. They shared handwritten vows privately and traditional vows during the ceremony, officiated by Detroit Lions chaplain Sean Pugh.

“Marriage means choosing someone to become one with you,” Awosika tells PEOPLE. “They are the most significant decision you’ll make because they’re the only person you choose to add to your family—everyone else is not a choice. You’re selecting a partner for life. It’s the start of the greatest journey I can imagine.”

The wedding had 135 guests, each receiving a handwritten note as their escort card. Notable attendees included Philadelphia Eagles’ Jordan Mailata, Pittsburgh Steelers’ Isaac Seumalo, Detroit Lions’ Dan Skipper, Colby Sorsdal, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, New York Jets’ Kenny Yeboah, Carolina Panthers’ James Mitchell, and Chicago Bears’ Matt Pryor.

As “Here Comes the Bride” played on violin, Osborne walked down the aisle in a cathedral veil and a sparkling mermaid-style Enzoani gown. Her hair was styled by Zunia from StyledNPretty, and her makeup was done by TheClyque.

Awosika looked sharp in a cream suit paired with black dress shoes.

For the reception, the couple changed outfits. The décor featured cream, gold, and blue accents. Awosika wore a white dress shirt with black dress pants, while Osborne donned a beaded gown made by a Nigerian designer who also created her traditional attire. Both sported matching white Nike Air Force 1 sneakers.

Their first dance was to James Arthur’s “Say You Won’t Let Go.” Later, Awosika surprised guests by singing “Sweet Love” by Myles Smith.

“Marrying Kayode is the final step in fully committing my life to him. I’ve known for years he was the one, and saying ‘I do’ has been the best moment of my life,” Osborne says. “It’s the ultimate step in having a lifelong partner and best friend.”

For the couple, good food and lively dancing were top priorities. Their extensive menu reflected that focus, including a pizza station with margherita, truffle, and barbecue flavors. During cocktail hour, guests lined up for a mac and cheese bar with toppings like lobster and pulled pork.

Throughout the event, servers passed hors d’oeuvres such as bacon-wrapped plantains, coconut shrimp, clams, s’mores tarts, and cheesecake shooters. Later in the night, guests enjoyed cheeseburger sliders, fries, and strawberry milkshakes.

The wedding cake had four tiers, featuring two champagne-flavored layers, one Belgian chocolate, and one coconut.

“Dancing the night away with our closest friends and family is a memory we will always cherish,” Osborne says.

The celebration ended the next morning with a farewell brunch at Hotel Colonnade.

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Osborne and Awosika first connected in college when Awosika sent her a DM saying, “Hey, what’s up? :).” They got engaged on Osborne’s birthday, June 23, 2023.

“I admire Bernadette’s selflessness and unmatched work ethic,” Awosika says. “She sets high standards to care for me and everyone she meets.”

After honeymooning at La Casa de la Playa in Mexico, the couple will focus on their careers. Osborne recently earned her physician assistant license and will soon start working in urgent care. Meanwhile, Awosika is making the most of the offseason while preparing for the upcoming football season.

“I’m most excited to continue growing together and having my person by my side for life’s highs and lows,” Osborne says. Awosika adds that he looks forward to “having someone by my side forever who only wants the best for me.”