A Cheez-It loving couple experienced a wedding day unlike any other, exchanging vows during a two-minute timeout at the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on December 31st, 2024. Erin Doolin, 26, and Erik Yakes, 29, won the “Football Fantaseez” contest, securing a truly unique on-field wedding officiated by the iconic Cheez-It mascot, Ched-Z. The ceremony was followed by a celebratory reception held on one of the end zones of Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, creating an unforgettable memory for the couple and the thousands of fans in attendance.
A Dream Come True for Cheez-It Superfans
For Doolin and Yakes, self-proclaimed Cheez-It and college football enthusiasts, the opportunity to combine their passions with their wedding was a dream come true. “This was an unbelievably magical day,” Yakes told PEOPLE. “I don’t think anyone else will ever be able to say they got married by a giant Cheez-It in front of 50,000 people! It’s an amazing story to tell.”
The couple’s love story began on the dating app Hinge, leading to their first date on December 13th, 2021, in Washington, D.C. Their engagement followed on September 21st, 2024, prompting their choice of “September” for their first dance song. The “Football Fantaseez” contest win allowed them to accelerate their wedding plans and experience a second, extraordinary celebration.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(499×0:501×2)/Cheez-It-Wedding-010225-06-e2aa651acd3c45599437d9f4ed9d789f.jpg)
From Orange Suits to End Zone Celebrations: The Cheez-It Themed Wedding
The wedding ceremony was a spectacle, perfectly blending traditional elements with playful Cheez-It themed details. Yakes sported a vibrant orange suit complemented by a Cheez-It bow tie, while Doolin radiated elegance in a classic V-neck wedding dress, accessorized with Cheez-It earrings and a bouquet of red, yellow, and orange flowers. Her nails showcased a fun, orange design, adding another touch of Cheez-It flair to her ensemble. Following the exchange of vows and orange wedding bands, the newlyweds were transported to their end zone reception, complete with a mini dance floor and a striking three-tier ombre orange wedding cake.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(499×0:501×2)/Cheez-It-Wedding-010225-09-04105a25b39743f29fd63b557f680b33.jpg)
Vows, Visions, and a Shared Love for Adventure
Beyond the playful theme, the ceremony was filled with heartfelt vows and promises for the future. “We vowed to support each other’s dreams, whether it’s competing on Survivor, living abroad, or anything else life throws our way,” Doolin shared with PEOPLE. This sentiment underscores the couple’s shared love for adventure and their unwavering support for each other’s aspirations. Their spontaneous personalities, as noted by their families, made this unconventional wedding a perfect reflection of their unique bond.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(499×0:501×2)/Cheez-It-Wedding-010225-01-9c68cdb665734dfab422a13f7c5ea55e.jpg)
A “Once in a Lifetime Opportunity”: From Hinge to the Halfway Line
The couple’s journey from a Hinge match to a nationally televised wedding highlights the serendipitous nature of their relationship. Their shared love for college football, with Yakes being a Florida State University alumnus and Doolin a Penn State University alumna, further solidifies their connection. “When we saw the ‘Football Fantaseez’ contest, we knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Yakes remarked. “It perfectly combined our love for Cheez-It, college football, and each other.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(499×0:501×2)/Cheez-It-Wedding-010225-07-ba3dbe3583cb4b6098b3f2d976236bc8.jpg)
From “Crazy” Idea to a Cheez-It Fairytale
Initially, their families thought applying to the contest was a “crazy” idea, but ultimately recognized it as a fitting tribute to the couple’s adventurous spirit. The unique wedding solidified their love story, creating a lasting memory not only for themselves but also for the thousands of spectators and television viewers who witnessed their unconventional “I dos.” The Cheez-It Bowl wedding became a testament to their shared passions and a heartwarming celebration of their unique love story.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(499×0:501×2)/Cheez-It-Wedding-010225-02-de39fa827a774746b9b933f80ed5b022.jpg)
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cheez-It Bowl Wedding
Q: How did the couple win the chance to get married at the Cheez-It Bowl?
A: Erin and Erik won the “Football Fantaseez” contest held by Cheez-It, which offered a “Two-Minute Timeout Wedding” as the grand prize.
Q: Who officiated the wedding?
A: The wedding was officiated by Ched-Z, the beloved Cheez-It mascot.
Q: Where did the reception take place?
A: The couple’s reception was held on one of the end zones of Camping World Stadium.
Q: What were some of the Cheez-It themed elements of the wedding?
A: The wedding featured an orange groom’s suit, a Cheez-It bow tie, Cheez-It earrings for the bride, an orange wedding cake, and orange wedding bands. Even the bride’s nails incorporated a fun, orange design.
Q: Where did the couple meet?
A: Erin and Erik met on the dating app Hinge.
