Former NFL player JuJu Smith-Schuster married Laura Kruk on Friday, July 10, in a ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel, California. The event drew a notable guest list, including celebrities and athletes, among them Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, as well as Patrick and Brittany Mahomes.
Swift and Kelce attended the wedding shortly after their own nuptials, marking one of their first public appearances together since their recent ceremony. Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Mahomes were also present to support their former teammate.
"We wanted our wedding to reflect who we are as people and as a couple and to be one big party," Kruk told Vogue of the event. Smith-Schuster added that he played a "great team player" role in the planning, primarily by "helping with the DJ and saying 'yes' and 'no.'"
Kruk wore a Steven Khalil gown, and Smith-Schuster donned a white suit by Julian Abdul Studios. The wedding festivities began with a beachside welcome party that included elements honoring Smith-Schuster's Samoan heritage, featuring Polynesian dancers and branded coconuts.
"It was the ceremony of my dreams," Kruk shared. "Guests were welcomed with Champagne upon arrival and some of our favorite love songs played by a violinist." Smith-Schuster expressed his feelings, stating, "The moment I saw her walking toward me, I knew without a doubt that I was marrying the woman I had prayed for."
The reception was hosted by Smith-Schuster's aunt, Jane. A highlight of the evening was the couple performing a traditional Samoan Taualuga dance. "Watching her honor my family and our traditions made me incredibly proud and reminded me just how blessed I am to call her my wife," Smith-Schuster said.
Smith-Schuster remarked on the celebratory atmosphere, saying, "It still feels surreal finally having a ring on my finger - and for once, it's not a Super Bowl ring." He concluded, "Watching everyone come together to celebrate our love is a memory I'll cherish forever. It was, without a doubt, the most unforgettable - and absolutely lit - day of our lives."
The couple's romance began in January 2023. Smith-Schuster recounted their first meeting, saying, "I went out to visit her on my playoff bye week. First time seeing her, I said, 'Wow, you are so beautiful.'" Kruk added, "He's been my best friend ever since." The proposal took place during a trip to Nantucket in September 2023. "It was such a peaceful, calm day," Smith-Schuster recalled. "With the lighthouse standing in the distance and the sky painted in the most breathtaking colors, it felt like time stood still. My heart was racing the entire time... It was a moment I'll cherish forever."