Karley Swindel, a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, has tied the knot with Landon Sandell in a sumptuous ceremony held at Chateau Nouvelle in Houston on May 30. The couple celebrated their marriage surrounded by family and friends, with a guest list of 210 attendees bringing together their loved ones in an atmosphere described as both “elegant” and “timeless.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Karley-Swindel-Marries-Landon-Sandell591-06012026-2315620b87dd4a5eb5af886c8ed601aa.jpg)
At the age of 26, Swindel expressed the significance of the occasion, noting the importance of family and shared traditions in their union. “Landon and I are really big on family and creating our own traditions. Marrying each other provides so many things we have both always wanted,” she remarked. The couple’s plans for the future include hopes of parenthood and crafting a shared life filled with joy and companionship.
Swindel aimed for a wedding aesthetic that is both fashionable and enduring. Her vision included an “ivory and black” colour scheme that merges elements of “old Hollywood with Victorian vibes.” She articulated a desire for a celebration that would remain stylish in the years to come, hoping that her descendants would aspire to emulate the event. “I want to look back at my wedding photos and still love the style of it 20 years from now,” she added.
The ceremony began with a stunning performance by Swindel as she made her way down the aisle to “Make You Feel My Love” by Sleeping At Last. Her bridal attire featured a stunning strapless gown from Senstudio and a flowing cape adorned with floral details by Nicole + Felicia Couture, highlighting her long-standing appreciation for elaborate bridal fashion. The arrival of the bride was further marked by a floral arch embellished with her favourite white roses, where she exchanged vows and wedding rings with Sandell, with whom she had previously shared personal handwritten vows.
Faith played a crucial role during the ceremony as Swindel insisted on incorporating a cross, representing their commitment to God. She shared, “We plan to build a home, family, and foundation on God,” signifying the spiritual centre of their marriage.
The evening progressed with a lively reception orchestrated by Tyler Pippin, featuring the Manhattan Band from the Jordan Kahn Music Company. However, the entertainment highlights didn’t stop there. Swindel surprised guests with three performances, showcasing her dance roots. The first featured her along with her matrons of honour and fellow cheerleaders. They took to the floor to dance along to contemporary hits, setting a celebratory tone for the evening.
In a lovely father-daughter moment, Swindel shared the dance floor with her father, Brian, to tracks that held sentimental value for them. After these performances, Swindel, alongside 45 cheerleaders from her former team, entertained guests with their rendition of “Thunderstruck,” continuing a beloved wedding tradition.
Changing gears, Sandell and Swindel shared their first dance to “I Think They Call This Love” by Elliot James Reay, created an electric atmosphere that was enhanced further by smoke effects using CO2 cannons. Swindel reflected on their festive aim for the wedding – “We wanted it to be a space flooded with the people we love the most and a packed, vibrant dance floor.”
Alongside the entertainment, the couple presented their guests with a delightful three-course meal. The dining experience kicked off with a classic Caesar salad, while guests indulged in mains of Tuscan braised pork and sherry mushroom cream herb chicken, supplemented with sides of green chili mac and cheese. Desserts included slices from their four-tiered wedding cake prepared by Sheila Bass, which Swindel fondly described as a cherished tradition in her family.
The couple will soon set off for their honeymoon in Mexico at the Le Blanc Spa Resort in Los Cabos. Looking ahead, Swindel shared their plans to remain in Dallas for at least another year before relocating closer to their hometowns, with hopes of buying a new home.
Their love story is one that started long before their official meeting, with connections through their mothers who attended the same sorority. Remarkably, Sandell’s mother also taught Swindel in third grade. Their paths finally crossed during a college admission test and later during a high school trip to Cancun, where they formed a bond that would lead to their romantic relationship.
Engagement followed on August 25, 2024, at the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. With a mutual appreciation for humour underpinning their relationship, Swindel and Sandell’s wedding epitomised the joy and love they share as they embark on their new life together.