- Pittsburgh Steelers’ Ben Skowronek married Brianna Stroup on March 1 at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
- Ahead of the “romantic” wedding, the couple celebrated with guests during a relaxing pool day and colorful welcome party
- “For us, marriage is about having a lifelong teammate—someone who stands beside you through every high and low,” the bride tells PEOPLE. “It’s about making a promise to always support, love, and grow together, no matter what life throws our way”
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek has tied the knot!
The NFL player, 27, married his girlfriend of three years, Brianna Stroup, surrounded by 130 of their closest family and friends on Saturday, March 1, at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
“We wanted our wedding to feel like an unforgettable vacation for our loved ones — a multi-day celebration filled with amazing food, music, and experiences,” Stroup tells PEOPLE.
The festivities began on Thursday, Feb. 27, with a relaxing pool day at Nobu, followed by a vibrant welcome party at Mexican restaurant Hacienda Cocina y Cantina on Friday, Feb. 28.
The nuptials were “a dream come true.”
“It’s everything we envisioned — romantic, elegant, and filled with so much love,” Stroup says.
Originally, she and the professional football player planned to say “I do” in California, but after moving across the country when Skowronek signed with the Steelers last year, their plans shifted.
“Cabo San Lucas holds a special place in our hearts — it was our first vacation together after the Rams won the Super Bowl in 2022,” Stroup explains. Skowronek was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, and played three seasons with the team.
Stroup continues: “The city’s beauty, energy, and sentimental value made it the perfect place to host one of the most important celebrations of our lives.”
The couple’s “modern” oceanfront wedding followed “a sleek, minimalist design with neutral tones and organic textures.” Their wedding planner, Alison Rose Events, drew inspiration from “the natural patterns in the sand, the way light and shadows play on the beach, and the rugged elegance of seashells.”
Everyone turned heads during the ceremony once the bride walked down the aisle to a piano cover of “You Are In Love (Taylor’s Version).” She wore a “stunning” and “timeless” wedding gown designed by Vera Wang, which she bought from her hometown bridal store, Bisou Bridal in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Her hair and makeup was done by Los Cabos Makeup.
“I admire Brianna’s kindness, patience, and unwavering support,” Skowronek tells PEOPLE. “She’s the most thoughtful person I know, and I feel so lucky to have her by my side.”
At the altar, Stroup exchanged traditional vows with Skowronek, who looked dapper in a custom suit. The ceremony was officiated by the groom’s cousin, Steven Koressel, “which made it even more meaningful” and “incredibly special.”
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“For us, marriage is about having a lifelong teammate — someone who stands beside you through every high and low,” Stroup says. “It’s about making a promise to always support, love, and grow together, no matter what life throws our way.”
“You’re Still The One” by Shania Twain played for the newlyweds’ first dance. Lanterns symbolic of seashells were suspended above the dance floor, which added a “dreamy coastal touch” to an already breathtaking setting.
Incredible cuisine was important for the couple, who provided their guests with a plated dinner of short rib, lamb shank and freshly caught local fish.
“One thing we made sure to include was extra servings of Nobu’s signature miso black cod — it’s one of our favorites!” Stroup notes.
After changing into a sequin halterneck with a high slit and low back, Stroup joined Skowronek and sliced into their four-tier wedding cake with floral accents. They also made sure to stop by their churro station, where they grabbed a few fried sweet treats along with chocolate and caramel dipping sauces.
“We wanted the day to feel like a big party, so having a great DJ (Ricardo Patino), delicious drinks, and an electric atmosphere were absolute musts,” Stroup says.
Skowronek and Stroup ended their night with fireworks from Cabo Fireworks Company because “a wedding in Cabo just wouldn’t be complete without them.”
The pair first met in 2018 at Northwestern University and bonded over how they both wore No. 88. “Sparkles flew” between them at a friend’s house in Malibu, California, on New Year’s Eve in 2021. A few years later in May 2023, Skowronek popped the question at Point Dume in Malibu.
“I admire Ben’s passion and determination, he inspires me every day,” Stroup says. “He is the hardest working person I know. He has the biggest heart, and always puts others first.”
The couple haven’t finalized their honeymoon destination yet, but are highly considering Italy. No matter what they decide, they “can’t wait to relax and enjoy this special time as newlyweds.”
“This next chapter is about building a life together, embracing new adventures, and continuing to grow as a couple,” Stroup says. “Whether it’s settling into a new home, starting a family one day, or traveling the world, we’re excited to take on whatever comes next — together.”
Additional Credits:
Videographer: Mad Love Media @madlovemedia_
Content Creator: The Girls Girl Content @thegirlsgirlcontent
Florist: Aria Vera Floral @ariaverafloral
Rentals: Yaya Rentals @yayarentals, Warehouse Rentals @warehouserentals
Shuttles: Impala Cabo @impalacabo
Signage: Alison Rose Events @alisonroseevents
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