James' World 2

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After spending just a few days together, New York Giants player Juju Smith-Schuster and fitness instructor Laura Kruk knew it was meant to be. The two first connected in January 2023 when the wide receiver was playing for the Kansas City Chiefs, and Laura lived in Arizona. “I went out to visit her on my playoff bye week,” Juju tells Vogue. “First time seeing her, I said, ‘Wow, you are so beautiful.’” On that trip, Laura took Juju to her favorite restaurants, introduced him to her friends, and even put him through a few workouts. “He’s been my best friend ever since,” she says.

Just nine months later, Juju knew the pair would remain best friends for life. So on September 7, 2023, the football player proposed to Laura on a surprise trip to the White Elephant in Nantucket. “It was such a peaceful, calm day,” remembers Juju. The two began by shopping around the town, enjoying oysters, and taking a boat out to explore the coastline. “With the lighthouse standing in the distance and the sky painted in the most breathtaking colors, it felt like time stood still. My heart was racing the entire time,” says Juju. “I was so nervous yet so incredibly excited, and I couldn’t stop smiling because I knew I was about to ask the love of my life the most important question I’d ever ask. It was a moment I’ll cherish forever.” At sunset, he popped the question, and Laura said “yes.” She adds, “It was a phenomenal day.

”The couple decided to enjoy the engagement period and chose to tie the knot at the Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel, California, on July 10, 2026. “We wanted our wedding to reflect who we are as people and as a couple and to be one big party,” says the bride. The groom admits that Laura was the true star behind the planning process. “I was a great team player by helping with the DJ and saying ‘yes’ and ‘no,’” Juju says. Working with wedding planner Audrey Wood made the entire process seamless and helped Laura truly enjoy the journey. “She made it so easy, and no task was ever too big for her,” adds Laura. “We took our time with the process and really kept our guests and their experience in mind throughout.

”Both the bride and groom were lucky enough to find their wedding-day looks quite easily. Laura actually spotted her Steven Khalil gown online a few months before she went shopping. She knew she would have to try it on. “It was the second dress I stepped into, and although I continued shopping at a couple other boutiques, I knew it was the one,” she says. The style features a mermaid silhouette, detailed lace fabric, and a ruched tulle overlay. She paired it with a coordinated veil for her trip down the aisle, diamond studs, and a tennis bracelet. “The dress and veil were the moment, so for jewelry, I wanted to stay timeless and classic,” the bride shares.

Juju donned a custom double-breasted white suit by Julian Abdul Studios for the wedding day. “I had my stylist, Vick Michel of Upnxt, help me pick and show me options to decide on,” the groom explains. “What I wore was an easy decision for me.” He accessorized with Chanel glasses for the sunny California afternoon and Tom Ford shoes, a pocket square, and a bow tie. Adds Laura, “I loved that he kept his look a secret from me, so I was just as excited to see his outfit as he was to see mine.

”The wedding weekend began with a beachside welcome party in Laguna Niguel. The Hawaiian theme served as a perfect nod to the groom’s Samoan roots. “The guests enjoyed piña coladas in branded coconuts with our wedding logo on them and danced to good music all evening,” shares the bride. “We brought out Polynesian dancers halfway through the night and listened to speeches from our closest friends and family.

”The next day, the wedding ceremony was set on a lawn adorned with white and green florals overlooking the ocean. “It was the ceremony of my dreams,” shares Laura. “Guests were welcomed with Champagne upon arrival, and some of our favorite love songs played by a violinist.” All the bride’s nerves washed away when she arrived at the altar. “It truly felt like it was just the two of us in that moment,” she shares. Juju also felt a wave of calm when he saw Laura. “The moment I saw her walking toward me, I knew without a doubt that I was marrying the woman I had prayed for,” he says. “It still feels surreal finally having a ring on my finger—and for once, it’s not a Super Bowl ring.”

After the ceremony, guests, including Taylor Swift and former Kansas City Chief teammates Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, enjoyed the cocktail hour while the newlyweds took a moment for themselves—and captured a few portraits with their photographer, Nicole Ivanov. Both the bride and groom describe the reception as unforgettable. “No phones were allowed during our wedding celebration, and everyone was so present,” says Laura. “Seeing all of our family and friends mingling and making new friends was so much fun.” Juju’s aunt Jane emceed the night and led the evening through dances and speeches. “She completely stole the show,” remembers Juju. “She had everyone laughing from beginning to end and made the night so special.”

Later in the evening, the couple performed a Samoan Taualuga dance, a traditional dance that serves as the grand finale of an important celebration. “This was my favorite part of the entire day,” shares Juju. “I knew my wife was nervous and stepping far outside of her comfort zone, but seeing her embrace my culture with such love and courage meant more to me than words can express. Watching her honor my family and our traditions made me incredibly proud and reminded me just how blessed I am to call her my wife.” The party then moved indoors, where guests sipped espresso martinis and danced until 2 a.m. “The after-party was the perfect ending to an unforgettable day,” notes Juju. “Watching everyone come together to celebrate our love is a memory I’ll cherish forever.”

Reflecting on their celebration, the bride says, “I couldn’t have asked for a more electric day, and the energy every single guest brought was on another level. The wedding was a perfect reflection of our relationship and love, and I can’t believe I am now married to the love of my life.” Adds Juju, “It was, without a doubt, the most unforgettable—and absolutely lit—day of our lives.”

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Photo: Nicole Ivanov

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