NFL Player Bralen Trice Marries Ariana Quinones in ‘Modern Bridgerton’ Wedding (Exclusive)

• Atlanta Falcons linebacker Bralen Trice married Ariana Quinones in a “timeless” wedding attended by 140 wedding guests on March 9 in Trenton, Georgia
• Musical elements included a string quartette for the ceremony, an authentic Mariachi band for cocktail hour and DJ for the reception
• “It was truly everything we envisioned and more… it was perfect,” the bride tells PEOPLE

NFL player Bralen Trice is married!

The Atlanta Falcons linebacker said “I do” to his college sweetheart, Ariana Quinones, on Sunday, March 9, at The Conservatory at Blackberry Ridge in Trenton, Georgia. The elegant, European-inspired estate was adorned with neutral florals and rich brown decor in shades of Pantone’s color of the year, mocha mousse, creating a “warm, romantic atmosphere” for the couple’s 140 guests.

“The vibe was a modern take on the Bridgerton princess feel,” Quinones tells PEOPLE. “We also really wanted the design to be welcoming and timeless.”

The night before the wedding was an “intimate and casual” rehearsal dinner — and surprise baptism ceremony.

“Following the ceremony rehearsal, we surprised our friends and family with a baptism ceremony. It was important to us to do this together surrounded by all of our loved ones prior to entering our marriage!” Quinones says. “It was truly a special moment.”

Trice and Quinones exchanged handwritten vows in private early the next day before their ceremony. Speaking from behind either side of a brick wall, the couple sweetly held hands as they listened to each other’s promises to honor and cherish one another.

“This private moment between us was full of emotion and really set the tone for the ceremony to come,” Quinones says. “This was the first time we touched and spoke to each other all day and the second we held hands back to back everything felt right.”

The bride and groom shared their first look at their ceremony, which was officiated by Pastor Matthew Samler.

“All we wanted all day was to see each other!” Quinones says.

Trice made his way down the aisle to “Oceans” by Hillsong UNITED. Once he saw Quinones walking toward him, it was difficult for him to contain his tears. At one point, he emotionally covered his eyes.

A string quartet, Amabile Strings, played Sleeping At Last’s “Turning Page” for Quinones, who wore a strapless lace gown with a plunging sweetheart neckline.

“I love the way he has always made me feel safe and protected,” Quinones says of Trice, adding, “Bralen loves how patient I am.”

After tying the knot, the newlyweds and their guests enjoyed music from Mariachi Aventurero de Dalton at cocktail hour. 

Trice and Quinones then entered their luxurious reception space and had their first dance to “It Takes a Woman” by Chris Stapleton. Sheer cream drapery and several sparkling chandeliers hung above the dance floor and tablescapes.

Guests dined family-style dinner on collard green salad, steak, shrimp scampi, asparagus and mashed potatoes before the newlyweds cut into their cake, a four-tiered red velvet topped with white roses from Cake Envy.

Later in the evening, Quinones changed into a lace mini dress, which she paired with matching white cowboy boots. She shared a private dance to “Yellow” by Coldplay with her new husband, who had ditched his jacket.

“It was truly everything we envisioned and more… it was perfect,” Quinones says of the wedding, which was planned by Brennan Lally.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The following day, the couple went on a “fun” road trip to Nashville with their wedding party and family. For their first wedding anniversary, the newlyweds plan to go on a honeymoon to Greece and Japan, spending time in each place.

Trice and Quinones first met as student athletes at the University of Washington in 2019. Trice was on the football team, while Quinones was on the softball team. After their mutual friends introduced them, they became “inseparable.” 

Trice popped the question during a romantic trip to Hawaii on Dec. 15, 2023. They each announced their engagement in separate posts on Instagram a few days later on Dec. 20, 2023. “Eternity with You Is All I Could Ever Ask For,” Trice captioned his post.

For the couple, marriage means “committing to a lifelong partnership.” They’re happy to know that they will “always have each other to lean on,” no matter what life throws at them.

Quinones adds that she’s especially excited for “endless sleepovers with my best friend every night for the rest of our lives.”

Additional Credits:

Creative Coordinator: Audrey Kotyk, @sirpillasoirees_audrey

Planning Company: Sirpilla Soirées, @sirpillasoirees

Florals and Draping: BLOSM, @blosmdesign

Beauty: Glam Boss, @glam_boss, Vigilante Cosmetics, @vigilantecosmetics

Rentals: EventWorks, @eventworksrentals

Dance Floor: Southern Event Wraps,@southerneventwraps

Stationery: Ledgewood Fine Stationery, @ledgewoodfinestationery

Seating Chart Rental: Mad Honey Rentals, @madhoneyrentals

Catering: Culinary Creations, @culinarycreationschatt

Entertainment: Keenan Daniels, @themilliondollaman

Linens: BBJ La Tavola, @bbjlatavola