Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Marissa Phillips Ties the Knot with Braden Leschber in a Spectacular Wedding in Tuscany
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Marissa-Phillips-Marries-Braden-Leschber-060525-540b4dcf9cf947bebb3f63539846bf29.jpg)
Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Marissa Phillips recently exchanged vows with her partner of over seven years, Braden Leschber, in a dreamy ceremony held in Tuscany, Italy on June 3rd. The exclusive destination wedding was graced by 75 guests, which included several of Phillips’ fellow Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders who performed a stunning rendition of “Thunderstruck” alongside the bride during the reception. In an exclusive with PEOPLE, Phillips expressed her excitement for embarking on this new chapter with Leschber.
The enchanting wedding took place at Borgo Stomennano in Tuscany, Italy, and was described as a romantic, elegant, and classic affair by Phillips. The couple’s decision to host their special day in Italy was influenced by Phillips’ Italian heritage and her family’s love for the country’s culture and ambiance. Surprisingly, it was more cost-effective for them to have their wedding in Italy compared to Texas, where weddings are more common and expensive.
The bride, who gained recognition through the Netflix docuseries “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders,” which is set to return for a second season on June 18, highlighted the significance of taking a break from their busy lives to celebrate with loved ones in a beautiful setting. The wedding festivities kicked off with a vibrant welcome party filled with pizza and gelato, setting the tone for a joyous occasion.
On the day of the wedding, Phillips looked radiant in a Katherine Tash “Luna” wedding dress as she walked down the aisle to Lana Del Rey’s “Video Games.” The couple chose a minimalist floral theme, complementing the lush greenery of the venue with white, green, and pops of fuchsia and baby pink. The bridesmaids donned elegant black dresses from Birdy Grey, creating a striking contrast with the bride’s ethereal white gown.
Despite the absence of Phillips’ father, who passed away in 2021, she felt his presence and cherished the moments shared with loved ones. The ceremony, officiated by Phillips’ brother-in-law, emphasized the couple’s unwavering bond and Christian faith. With a blend of heartfelt handwritten vows and traditional pledges, the couple sealed their commitment to each other before their cherished guests.
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a delectable three-course plated dinner featuring Italian delicacies. The celebration continued with lively entertainment from the band BritPops, as Phillips and Leschber shared their first dance to Chris Stapleton’s “It Takes A Woman.” The couple’s dedication to creating unforgettable moments was further showcased by their hands-on involvement in making their own traditional Italian wedding cake.
With a heartwarming conclusion to their wedding festivities, the couple hosted a pool party the next day, allowing guests to revel in the beauty of Tuscany before embarking on their mini-moon in Lake Como. Despite their short honeymoon due to Phillips’ upcoming Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders auditions, the couple remains excited about the future and plans to start a family following Phillips’ cheerleading pursuits.
As Phillips and Leschber embrace this new chapter in their lives, they reflect on the challenges they’ve faced together and look forward to the unwavering support they will continue to extend to one another. The couple’s timeless love story serves as a testament to the enduring power of love and commitment.