NFL Player Ian Thomas Ties the Knot with Azaria Algarin in a Spectacular North Carolina Wedding
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Las Vegas Raiders’ tight end, Ian Thomas, who previously played for the Carolina Panthers, said “I do” to his longtime girlfriend, Azaria Algarin, in a stunning wedding ceremony on May 25 in North Carolina. The exclusive indoor celebration was a blend of elegance and modernity, featuring a vanilla, coconut, and lemon-flavored wedding cake, along with captivating performances by an aerialist, violinist, and saxophonist.
The bride, Azaria Algarin, expressed, “Every element — no matter how big or small — was intentional and true to who we are. It was important to us that our wedding felt like us from start to finish.” The newlyweds shared their joy with PEOPLE, with Ian Thomas embracing his recent NFL signing with the Las Vegas Raiders alongside his marriage to Azaria.
Ian Thomas and Azaria Algarin’s love story unfolded beautifully as they exchanged vows in a ceremony described as a dream come true. The couple, who met via a mutual friend on Instagram, chose to seal their love in the city where they first met. Azaria poured her heart into the wedding planning, focusing on meaningful details and a lavish floral design that set the tone for the entire celebration.
Working with Hospitality Butler’s lead planner and designer, Matt Starnes, was a seamless experience for Azaria. They meticulously crafted a black, white, and gold-themed wedding, including custom elements like a unique bar setup and a stunning escort wall, all contributing to a sophisticated aesthetic that reflected the couple’s style and personality.
The extravagant celebration incorporated notable highlights such as performances by an aerialist, violinist, and saxophonist, adding an extra layer of charm to the event. The indoor ceremony, officiated by Frank Bailey, saw Azaria walking down the aisle to the melody of “Oceans” by Hillsong UNITED, wearing a custom ballgown by Pnina Tornai that accentuated her grace and beauty.
Azaria reminisced about her dress shopping experience, recalling how she was initially drawn to fitted dresses but ended up falling in love with a ballgown that made her feel like a princess. The couple’s first dance to John Legend’s “All of Me” was a poignant moment, symbolizing their love and commitment to each other. Ian Thomas looked dashing in a suit designed by Mitch Purgason, as the couple shared heartfelt vows and danced the night away.
The wedding festivities continued with a buffet-style dinner and a delectable four-tiered wedding cake from Kiley’s Sugar Shoppe, adorned with a striking black bow. Azaria expressed, “To us, getting married means gaining a partner, lover, companion, best friend, comedian, travel buddy, and cheerleader — all in one, for life.”
Following the celebrations, the newlyweds embarked on a romantic 12-day honeymoon in the South of France, with plans to visit picturesque destinations like Nice, St. Tropez, and Monaco. As they set out on this new chapter of their lives, Ian and Azaria are filled with excitement for the future and the adventures that await them.
The love story of Ian Thomas and Azaria Algarin serves as a testament to the power of love and commitment, exemplifying a bond that is built on mutual respect, understanding, and unwavering support. The wedding celebration was a true reflection of their unique connection and shared values, creating unforgettable memories for the couple and their guests.