Atlanta Falcons' Keith Taylor Marries Jaeden Hooker in Black and White Desert Wedding (Exclusive) 

03/22/2025 04:12 PM

Among the 140 guests were many of the groom's former Kansas City Chiefs teammates

• Newly signed Atlanta Falcons cornerback Keith Taylor tied the knot with his girlfriend Jaeden Hooker on March 21 in Paradise Valley, Arizona
• The "timeless" wedding was attended by 140 of the couple's family and friends, including many of the groom's former Kansas City Chiefs teammates
• "Our life together no matter the circumstances, state or team remains constant, and filled with a drive to always find joy," the bride tells PEOPLE

NFL player Keith Taylor is a married man!

The Atlanta Falcons cornerback said "I do" with his girlfriend of more than six years, Jaeden Hooker, at El Chorro in Paradise Valley, Arizona, on Friday, March 21.

"The wedding was a dream come true," Hooker tells PEOPLE. "Something we have been talking about for years and it was amazing to see it come full circle. All of our friends and family that came out made it their mission to make sure we had the best weekend ever and it was amazing!"

Following Super Bowl LIX, Taylor was traded from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Atlanta Falcons, but his former teammates still made sure to support him on his big day. Among the 140 wedding guests were Chiefs players Joshua Williams, Jaylen Watson, Trent McDuffie, Deon Bush and Chamarri Conner.

Also in attendance was New Orleans Saints' Justin Reid, Houston Texans' Irv Smith, Houston Texans' Myles Bryant, Chicago Bears' Alex Cook, Detroit Lions' Levi Onwuzurike, New York Jets' Derrick Nnadi, San Francisco 49ers' Yetur Gross-Matos, New York Giants' Brian Burns, New York Giants' Roy Robertson-Harris and Carolina Panthers' Derrick Brown.

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The nuptials began on Wednesday, March 19, with an intimate dinner between the couple's families and wedding party. Thursday, March 20, kicked off with the bride's bridal shower and the groom's Top Golf lunch. That night, everyone was invited to an all-white welcome party hosted by the groom's family.

"Being able to see and celebrate with everyone outside of just the wedding day was a huge priority to us," Hooker says. "With the NFL schedule it's really hard to find a time where you get to see everyone you love all at once and that made this weekend extra special."

The following day, the Arizona native walked down the aisle wearing a custom Casablanca bridal dress from McKenzie Jade's as Lana Del Rey's "Video Games" played. She wore "classic" bridal shoes designed by Jimmy Choo.

"What drew me to the dress was knowing it was custom and that I wouldn't be finding it again online and the drama of the lace and corset," Hooker says.

Beneath the breathtaking view of the Camelback and Mummy Mountains, Taylor and Hooker exchanged both handwritten and traditional vows.

"We decided to read our own vows in front of all of our guests to really show and tell the promises we have made to each other in front of all the people that love and support us," Hooker explains. 

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The ceremony was officiated by Taylor's father, who is a pastor.

Afterward, everyone entered the reception space, which was black and white themed with green accents. 

A must-have for the bride was having a checkered dance floor, which she would share her first dance with Taylor on. Their first dance song was "Find Someone Like You" by Snoh Aalegra. Their final dance was to Chris Brown's "Yo (Excuse Me Miss)," their favorite song to dance to since meeting at a Halloween party in college in 2018.

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It was also important to Hooker and Taylor — who got engaged on April 13, 2024, at Nobel Hotel Los Cabos in Mexico — to include their beloved black lab, Cane, into a few decor details.

"We decided to go with a more timeless, natural vibe," Hooker says. "We wanted the dinner to feel like you were at Sunday dinner with your family!" 

Guests were served a plated dinner with braised short ribs and lemon chicken on the menu. Because the newlyweds aren't big fans of cake, their simple single-tier wedding cake was more of a formality. Their cookie and ice cream truck was the real star of the reception. 

For the after-party, Hooker changed into a custom dress designed by a close friend.

The wedding was planned by Audrey Wood Events.

She and Taylor plan to jet off to Saint Lucia in the Caribbean later this month for a week-long honeymoon. Afterward, is a one-way trip to Atlanta because of Taylor's new signing.

"The next phase looks like moving to Atlanta getting readjusted to a new team and environment!" Hooker says.

The pair are "so excited" for married life and to "continue to grow together."

"We are also excited to add a few more dogs and children to our family tree," Hooker says.

"Our life together no matter the circumstances, state or team remains constant, and filled with a drive to always find joy," she continues. "Our life together is exciting but peaceful."

Additional credits:

Content Creator: Grace Myler Media @gracemylermedia

Jewelry: Ballantyne Jewelers @ballantynejewelers

Suits: Garys @garys_mensstore

Videographer: Kyle Hustis @kylehustis