New Orleans Saints Linebacker Pete Werner Marries Emily Chernoff
Pete Werner and Emily Chernoff. Photo: Sara Ackermann Photography
New Orleans Saints linebacker Pete Werner married Emily Chernoff in a traditional Catholic wedding ceremony at Saint Joan of Arc Church followed by a garden party reception at Scottish Rite Cathedral in Indianapolis on March 22
Several nods to Werner's NFL career were included in the nuptials, such as the bride tossing a football instead of a bouquet
"We saw it as an unforgettable celebration, a massive party filled with laughter, and memories shared with our closest family and friends," the bride tells PEOPLE of the big day
NFL player Pete Werner is married!
The New Orleans Saints linebacker married Emily Chernoff on Saturday, March 22, in a traditional Catholic ceremony at Saint Joan of Arc Church followed by an elegant ballroom reception at Scottish Rite Cathedral in their hometown Indianapolis.
"Our wedding was truly the best day and night of our lives, filled with so much love," Chernoff exclusively tells PEOPLE. "It’s hard to put into words how special it was to see all of our family and friends come together, offering their extreme amounts of support. It felt amazing to see how well both of our families relate, making the day even more memorable."
New Orleans Saints Linebacker Pete Werner Marries Emily Chernoff
New Orleans Saints Linebacker Pete Werner Marries Emily Chernoff
The pair's "timeless" nuptials were attended by approximately 300 guests, among whom were a mix of the groom's current and former teammates from his time playing with the Saints and Ohio State Buckeyes, including: Dallas Cowboys' Payton Turner, New York Giants' Paulson Adebo, Arizona Cardinals' Blake Gillikin, Philadelphia Eagles' Zack Baun, Cincinnati Bengals alum Sam Hubbard, and New Orleans Saints' Zach Wood and D'Marco Jackson.
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"We are so lucky to have made great friendships through the NFL life," Werner tells PEOPLE.
At the couple's afternoon wedding ceremony, Chernoff walked down "the longest aisle" wearing a sparkling wedding dress designed by Rosa Clará. The beaded gown from Marie Gabriel Bridal features a halter neckline and garza overskirt. The bride's hair was styled half-up by Salon 1|4, and her soft glam makeup was done by Chelsea Lasiter.
New Orleans Saints Linebacker Pete Werner Marries Emily ChernoffNew Orleans Saints Linebacker Pete Werner Marries Emily Chernoff
Emily Chernoff walks down the aisle. Sara Ackermann Photography
Werner looked dapper wearing a traditional black tuxedo. He accessorized with a boutonniere made up of the wedding's yellow, green, blue and pink florals from Pomp & Bloom, which included yellow orchids and pastel roses.
Inside the "truly enchanting" church, the bride and groom exchanged vows surrounded by "the most detailed stained glass," with a stunning large painting overhead.
To pay homage to Chernoff's Irish roots, bagpiper Robert Wood led the recessional and grand exit from the church.
New Orleans Saints Linebacker Pete Werner Marries Emily ChernoffNew Orleans Saints Linebacker Pete Werner Marries Emily Chernoff
Pete Werner and Emily Chernoff surrounded by their wedding party.
Afterward, the celebration continued into cocktail hour, where the guests snacked on a "massive" charcuterie board. They also enjoyed shrimp cocktails, orange chicken and fingerling potatoes.
During the "vintage, elegant, Italian garden party"-styled reception, guests were served a plated salad with artisan lettuce, brie, pears, candied walnuts and pomegranate vinaigrette. They also had their choice of red wine braised beef short rib, Atlantic salmon or a vegetarian sweet bell pepper, quinoa pilaf. Kids, on the other hand, ate chicken fingers.
Food was catered by Kahn's Catering.
PHOTO:
Sara Ackermann Photography
Pete Werner and Emily Chernoff cut into their wedding cake. PHOTO:
Sara Ackermann Photography
For dessert, there were slices of a three-tiered wedding cake covered in smooth white buttercream, decorated with a tulle ribbon bow and topped with flowers. The bottom layer was flavored almond, middle layer chocolate with raspberry and top layer lemon. Sitting on top of the bottom tier was a peekaboo puppy, a figurine of the couple's English cream dachshund named Tony.
Additional almond, chocolate and raspberry, and white flavored cakes, all from Top Tier Cakes, were available as well.
"We saw it as an unforgettable celebration, a massive party filled with laughter, and memories shared with our closest family and friends," Chernoff says of her big day.
New Orleans Saints Linebacker Pete Werner Marries Emily Chernoff
New Orleans Saints Linebacker Pete Werner Marries Emily Chernoff
A non-negotiable for the couple was having great music and dancing.
"A key detail that made the both of us feel special was before we asked our guests to be seated, they looked down over us from the balcony while we danced to John Legend for our first dance," Chernoff shares. "This moment was special because we got the chance to look up at everyone who was there."
Guests "let loose and vibed" on a large, open dance floor as Endless Summer Band performed.
"Without a doubt, one of the most crucial aspects of our wedding was the music… our band selection was at the very top of our list," Werner says. "We wanted to ensure the band would bring the perfect mix of energy and passion to keep our guests dancing and engaged all night long."
New Orleans Saints Linebacker Pete Werner Marries Emily ChernoffNew Orleans Saints Linebacker Pete Werner Marries Emily Chernoff
Pete Werner and Emily Chernoff dance together.
"The dance floor was full of interesting moves, and a few people may have gotten a little too overserved, but that just added to the fun and excitement of the night," he adds.
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The bride's father also set the standard in his first wedding speech by playing a PowerPoint with more than 200 photos of Chernoff and Werner over the years.
"I can say that I hope to give a speech like him one day!" Werner says.
New Orleans Saints Linebacker Pete Werner Marries Emily ChernoffNew Orleans Saints Linebacker Pete Werner Marries Emily Chernoff
Pete Werner and his groomsmen. Sara Ackermann Photography
In a nod to Werner's football career, New Orleans-inspired details were incorporated, such as a charming floral and greenery cart with a bistro table for a picture-perfect moment, and a late-night treat of beignets. The couple's favorite meal, cheeseburgers, was another late-night snack.
Chernoff also threw a floral painted football instead of a bouquet at the end of the night.
The newlyweds first met and became friends at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis. They started dating while Chernoff was at Miami University and Werner attended Ohio State University. In March 2024, they announced their engagement. Their next chapter together entails expanding their family.
"While splitting time in New Orleans and Indianapolis, we look forward to starting a family sometime soon. We are excited to carry on the traditions and beliefs given and taught by our families and friends," the couple says. "But most of all, we currently just look forward to enjoying each day as a couple."
Additional Credits:
Planner and Designer: IndyGigz Wedding Planning @indygigz
Videographer: Camden Claire @camdenclaire_
Stationery: Pickle Prints @pickleprintsinvitations
Embellishments: Nate Bennett @nbeeventgroup
Transportation: Antique Limo and Indy Trolley