Jake Bobo, a wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks, and his college sweetheart Mackenzie Cole tied the knot on June 27 at the historic Duke University Chapel in Durham, North Carolina. The couple’s wedding marked a significant milestone in their love story that began during their days as student-athletes at Duke.
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With around 240 guests in attendance, the wedding drew heavily from their shared experiences at the university. Bobo, 27, and Cole met in the summer before their freshman year, both participating in sports—Bobo in football and Cole in volleyball. “Duke is where we fell in love and our journey began,” the couple expressed in an interview, recalling many cherished memories from their time at the university.
The couple’s engagement also took place at Duke, where Bobo proposed to Cole in a private moment on the East Campus, at the very spot where they had their first kiss. This strong connection to their alma mater made marrying at the Duke Chapel feel like a natural choice. Mackenzie noted that the process of booking the chapel is highly competitive, requiring connections to the university to secure a date, a requirement that makes the venue all the more special.
Planning the wedding unfolded amidst a busy time for the couple, as Bobo’s team made a triumphant run to the Super Bowl earlier in the year, outmaneuvering the New England Patriots to seize the championship title. Given this backdrop, the couple found themselves juggling the excitement of wedding plans while managing Bobo’s professional commitments.
The wedding festivities kicked off with a rehearsal dinner at Duke Chapel, featuring menu selections that included local favourites, alongside a dinner at the couple’s choice restaurant, Cucciolo Osteria, which serves Italian cuisine. “This was our special occasion restaurant,” they described it, eagerly sharing the dining experience with family and friends.
On the day of the wedding, festivities began early with the bridal party enjoying a workout at Midtown Yoga, followed by a welcome party held at the Washington-Duke Inn. The big day itself, orchestrated with meticulous planning from Premier Party Planners, was designed to reflect the couple’s personalities and love story, ensuring that every aspect resonated with their shared journey.
Mackenzie selected a song by Taylor Swift, “Enchanted,” for her walk down the aisle—a nod to her inner circle of fellow partners of athletes. During the ceremony, the couple exchanged traditional vows, interspersed with private, handwritten promises they shared before the guests. Their first dance to Noah Kahan’s “Everywhere, Everything” underscored the couples’ affection and commitment.
The wedding decor embraced a black, white, and green colour palette for a sophisticated yet joyous atmosphere. Cole, donning an elegant gown by KYHA Studios, expressed her gratitude for the weekend’s events, highlighting both the food, which showcased Bobo’s New England roots with lobster rolls and a menu that included sea bass and filet mignon, as well as the important presence of family and friends.
Reflecting on the weekend’s significance, the couple cherished having their loved ones gathered in one place, understanding the rarity of such moments. “The love surrounding us throughout the entire weekend was something we’ll never forget,” Cole remarked, encompassing the essence of their celebration.
As they embark on this new chapter of their lives together as husband and wife, both Bobo and Cole expressed deep appreciation for one another. Bobo admired Cole’s ability to uplift those around her with kindness and generosity, while Cole noted Bobo’s integrity and the safety he provides her, “I feel incredibly lucky to be marrying him,” she stated.
Following their wedding, the couple plans to enjoy some downtime at Umstead, a nearby hotel and spa, before Bobo returns to Seattle for football commitments. An extended honeymoon in a tropical destination is on the horizon for the newlyweds once the season concludes. “We cannot wait to continue growing together and supporting each other’s dreams,” they concluded, ready to create a lifetime of memories.