"I've been waiting a long time for this magical day," said the bride Tiffany Roy.
Michael Oher, the NFL player who inspired the Sandra Bullock-starrer The Blind Side has married his longtime love, Tiffany Roy. Oher announced the news on Instagram, along with an adorable photo of himself and Roy at their wedding ceremony. He wrote in the caption, "Filled with joy, can’t believe people took their time and came to celebrate! My beautiful wife, I love you so much, thank you for blessing me with our family! Easily the best single weekend I’ve ever been a part of." Oher continued, "Not being from the area everyone came to was even more special. I won’t be able to tell everyone to thank you if I saw you this weekend, thank you! I’m complete, let’s keep trending upward!"
The couple has been together for 17 years ever since they met in college, and are also raising four children together, two sons, Kobi and MJ, and two daughters, Kierstin and Naivi, reported CNN. Oher and Roy's wedding, held at the JW Marriott in Nashville, featured a ballerina performance, a choreographed bridal party dance and a parade of second-line bands in honor of the bride's hometown of New Orleans. Oher's story served as inspiration for the movie The Blind Side, starring Sandra Bullock and Quinton Aaron. Oher's post announcing his marriage went viral with many celebrities wishing them well as well. Derrick Barnes commented, "Congrats brother!!! Love looks good on y’all!" Footballer Greg Hardy wrote, "Hell ya my guy, wishing y’all happiness and success forever." Other family, friends, and celebs also extended warm wishes to the couple on their new beginning.
Oher signed a two-year contract with the Carolina Panthers on Friday, March 6, 2015, one month after being released by the Tennessee Titans. On June 17, 2016, Oher agreed to terms with the Panthers on a three-year contract extension worth $21.6 million, with $9.5 million guaranteed. Oher was placed on the injured reserve list on November 25, 2016, due to a concussion, after appearing in only three games that season. After a failed physical, the Panthers released Oher on July 20, 2017.
As the couple embarks on this journey of togetherness, they shared with PEOPLE about the magical moments from their wedding. "The most magical part was our vows. To hear Mike express his feelings in front of 200-plus people was astonishing and romantic. I really felt like a true Queen." The couple's son Kobi walked Roy down the aisle to Beyonce's Halo where she joined Oher. She joined others and then recited personalized vows.
For Roy, the ceremony was as beautiful as one imagines it to be. "For a few seconds, my mind was cloudy," Roy says. "Everything was moving so fast that I could not hear or focus on my own thoughts. Until I felt my dress get caught on my shoe, which prevented me from walking," she adds. "That's when everything became clear. I heard my son ask me, "Are you ready?' and I said 'Of course I am, I've been waiting a long time for this magical day.' It was filled with so much joy, excitement, and happiness."
References:
https://edition.cnn.com/2022/11/09/entertainment/michael-oher-blind-side-married-wedding/index.html
https://people.com/sports/michael-oher-who-inspired-the-blind-side-is-married/
Cover Image Source: Getty Images / Photo by Gregory Shamus (L), Instagram / Michael Oher (R)