NFL Player Ty Hamilton Marries High School Sweetheart Amari Thomas in 'Enchanted Garden' Wedding (Exclusive)
NFL Player Ty Hamilton Marries High School Sweetheart Amari Thomas in 'Enchanted Garden' Wedding (Exclusive)
Ashlyn RobinetteWed, March 25, 2026 at 1:37 PM UTC
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Ty Hamilton and Amari Thomas on their wedding dayCredit: Tyler Botdorf -
Los Angeles Rams' Ty Hamilton married his high school sweetheart, Amari Thomas, on March 22 in Dennison, Ohio
The wedding was themed "enchanted garden"
The celebration featured live music, a four-tiered wedding cake, and countless calla lilies
NFL player Ty Hamilton tied the knot!
The Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle married his high school sweetheart, Amari Thomas, both 23, on Sunday, March 22, in an "enchanted garden"-themed wedding, fittingly at Enchanted Acres in Dennison, Ohio. As Ohio natives, the couple tells PEOPLE "it felt so special to come back and celebrate" with their closest loved ones in a place that felt like home.
"When planning, I envisioned a romantic, timeless and elegant celebration filled with lush, beautiful florals that really captured our enchanted garden theme," Thomas says. "I wanted our guests to feel completely immersed in a dreamy, fairytale atmosphere from the moment they arrived. It was important to me to create an experience, from every detail — from florals to the lighting. But most importantly, giving our friends and family a glimpse of our love story."
Amari Thomas and Ty Hamilton on their wedding dayCredit: Tyler Botdorf
Every dreamy detail was designed to immerse the 180 guests into a "magical and intimate atmosphere." Elegant calla lilies, soft candle lighting, and a romantic green and blush pink color palette made the celebration feel like it came straight off the page of a story book.
Husband and wife duo Ian and Tiffany Jones brought a "romantic and timeless" twist with a combination of harp and violin during the ceremony, which was officiated by Dr. Charles Montgomery and planned by Hannah McKain with Selah Events.
At the altar, Hamilton and Thomas exchanged both traditional and handwritten vows.
Amari Thomas and Ty Hamilton kissing during their wedding ceremonyCredit: Tyler Botdorf
"Marriage to me means the joining of each other under God and finally becoming one, loving each other unconditionally no matter the circumstance," Hamilton tells PEOPLE. "It is something that allows us to take the next step in life to secure the other half of each other for a lifetime."
Thomas, whose bridal shower was themed "pearls and prosecco," adds that saying "I do" symbolized a commitment to love and honor each other "for a lifetime rooted in faith."
Amari Thomas and Ty Hamilton on their wedding dayCredit: Tyler Botdorf
For the ceremony, Thomas wore a custom Eve of Milady ball gown with a corset bodice covered in lace and floral appliqués, with subtle sparkle. A full skirt and long train added "a touch of drama." Later at the reception, she changed into a white mini dress with a fitted corset bodice and skirt full of delicate roses, which evoked a "romantic, whimsical and playful feel."
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The newlyweds hit the dance floor to Ben E. King's "Stand By Me" before slicing into their four-tiered wedding cake, which was decorated by Michelle Sauer with vintage-style, Lambeth piping. An assortment of cookies and Ohio State Buckeye desserts (a nod to the couple's alma mater) also satisfied any sweet tooth.
Ty Hamilton and Amari Thomas dancing during their wedding receptionCredit: Tyler Botdorf
Hamilton and Thomas met in high school when they were in their senior and junior year, respectively. They got engaged years later at a waterfall in Ohio on Oct. 18, 2024, and celebrated with a surprise "romantic and love-filled" engagement party that featured a "walk down memory lane" set-up of photos from throughout their relationship.
"From the beginning, we knew this would be forever and we’ve been growing together ever since," Thomas says. "It’s hard to imagine a life like this at the age of 16 — falling in love with your best friend and eventually marrying him creating our own high school sweetheart fairytale!"
Ty Hamilton and Amari Thomas cutting their wedding cakeCredit: Tyler Botdorf
Hamilton most admires Thomas' selflessness, nurturing character and fiery spirit, while Thomas respects Hamilton's determination and strong work ethic.
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Amari Thomas and Ty Hamilton on their wedding dayCredit: Tyler Botdorf
Hamilton and Thomas' honeymoon will take place in Cancun, Mexico.
"We are most excited about building a new life together— growing, laughing and loving through every season," the couple says of their future plans. "We can’t wait to make memories, support each other's dreams and passions and see what God has planned for us."
Additional Credits:Florist: Femme FloralPhotography and Videography: Cj Wedding Films (video) and Tyler Botdorf (photos) with MOMENTContent Creator: Abby Grace CreativeHair and Makeup: Opulence Beauty Co.DJ: Black Tie EntertainmentDress: Bridal and Formal, White Wisteria Bridal Boutique
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