Detroit Lions’ Kayode Awosika Marries Bernadette Osborne in Nigerian and American Wedding Ceremonies (Exclusive)

• Detroit Lions player Kayode Awosika married Bernadette Osborne on March 2 in Miami
• The weekend wedding celebration began with a welcome party and a traditional Nigerian ceremony, included a surprise serenade on the big day, and concluded with a farewell brunch
• “Dancing the night away with our closest friends and family is a memory we will always be grateful for,” the bride tells PEOPLE

NFL player Kayode Awosika is married! 

The Detroit Lions offensive tackle, 26, married Bernadette Osborne in a “dream come true” wedding on Sunday, March 2, at Villa Toscana Miami in Florida. 

“We envisioned a weekend where all of our family and friends could travel to not only celebrate us, but also have a quick vacation,” the bride tells PEOPLE. “All we wanted was to be surrounded by people we love and have a wonderful time.”

The “elegant, but still fun and thoughtful” nuptials began with a welcome party on Saturday, March 1, at Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables, Autograph Collection. A Nigerian traditional ceremony, which includes “dances, prayers and blessing rituals,” was incorporated into the celebration. 

The following day, Awosika and Osborne said “I do” underneath an Italian cupola adorned with a classic chandelier at Villa Toscana Miami’s outdoor botanical flower gardens. The couple exchanged handwritten vows in private and traditional vows during the ceremony, which was officiated by the Detroit Lions’ team chaplain and director of player engagement, Sean Pugh. 

“Getting married is choosing someone to become one with you,” Awosika tells PEOPLE. “They are the most important decision you will make because they are the only person you chose to become a part of your family; everyone else in your family isn’t a choice. You are deciding on a partner to go through life with. It’s the beginning of the best journey I can think of.”

The wedding was attended by 135 people, who each were given a handwritten note by the couple for their escort card. Notable guests include Philadelphia Eagles’ Jordan Mailata; Pittsburgh Steelers’ Isaac Seumalo; Detroit Lions’ Dan Skipper, Colby Sorsdal and 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 wearing a cathedral wedding veil and sparkly mermaid-style gown by Enzoani. Her hair was styled by Zunia with StyledNPretty and makeup done by TheClyque.

Awosika looked dapper in a cream suit and black dress shoes.

The newlyweds each changed into a second look for their reception, which was decorated in cream, gold and blue. The groom wore a white dress shirt and black dress pants, while Osborne wore a beaded dress handmade by a Nigerian designer, who also made her traditional Nigerian gown. The pair matched in white Nike Air Force 1 sneakers.

They shared their first dance to James Arthur’s “Say You Won’t Let Go.” Afterward, Awosika surprised his guests and wife by singing “Sweet Love” by Myles Smith.

“Getting married to Kayode is the final step of committing my life to him. I’ve known for years that Kayode was the one, and saying ‘I do’ has been the best moment of my life so far,” Osborne says. “Marrying him is the final step to having a partner and best friend by my side for the rest of my life.”

The most important thing to the couple was ensuring their wedding had “fun dancing” and “good food,” so it’s no surprise that their dinner menu was extensive. Guests enjoyed a pizza station with margherita, truffle and barbeque options. Earlier during the cocktail hour, everyone lined up at a macaroni and cheese station, which featured toppings such as lobster and pulled pork. 

Various foods, including bacon-wrapped plantains, coconut shrimp, clams, s’mores graham cracker tarts and cheesecake shooters, were also passed around throughout the day. Later in the night, guests refueled with cheeseburger sliders, French fries and strawberry milkshakes.

The wedding cake featured four tiers, with two flavored champagne, one decadent Belgium chocolate and another savory coconut.

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

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

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Osborne and Awosika first met in college when Awosika DM’d Osborne, “Hey, what’s up? :).” They eventually got engaged on Osborne’s birthday on June 23, 2023.

“I admire Bernadette’s selflessness and her work ethic is second to nobody I have ever met,” Awosika gushes. “She constantly has a high standard to make sure I or anyone she meets is taken care of to the best of her ability.”

After a honeymoon at La Casa de la Playa in Mexico, the two will focus on their careers. Osborne recently obtained her physician assistant license and plans to begin working in urgent care soon. Meanwhile, Awosika is enjoying the offseason and “getting ready to work hard” for when his football season returns.

“I’m most excited to continue to grow as one and have my person there to be a part of all of the highs and lows with,” Osborne says, with Awosika adding that he’s especially looking forward to having “someone next to me for the rest of my life who wants nothing but the best for me.” 

Additional Credits:

Wedding Planner: Parker Scott Events

Catering: Bill Hansen

Welcome Party/Nigerian Ceremony: Maria Avila