Dallas Cowboys Safety Malik Hooker's Modern Wedding at a Texas Hotel

On Thanksgiving Day in 2022, Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker played a big game, returned home, eventually followed his then-girlfriend Dayonna Dixon into the kitchen where she was fixing him a plate, and got down on one knee. "He had followed me around the house all evening," the bride laughs, noting that the NFL star had a case of pre-proposal nerves. "When he opened up the box, he was so nervous that he didn't realize he had proposed with my wedding band. He's shaking and about to give a speech and I'm wondering if this is a promise ring. He starts to tell me how it has been a long time coming and how much he loves me, then asks, 'Will you marry me?' I say yes! But I'm like where is my actual ring?"

They got her ring sorted (it was just in a different box!) and geared up to plan their February 18, 2024, wedding, which called on the iconic pink palette of Valentine’s Day to create a lush, enchanted forest inside The Joule Hotel in Dallas, Texas. After attending other weddings at the venue—and touring the two-story bridal suite—Dayonna, a licensed esthetician, knew the location was the perfect place to bring her wedding day vision to life.

The bride and groom hired Whitney Bailey of Engaged Events to create a stunning white-and-pink wonderland in multiple spaces throughout the hotel: They draped a room on the rooftop—reachable only by glass elevator—in white tulle for the ceremony; created a lush, pink floral tunnel that led guests to a flower-filled dining room; and turned a terrace space into a chic lounge for after-dinner dancing. Cream, lilac, and blush accented brighter pink hues for a finished palette that was bold, romantic, and elegant. Throughout the design, the couple incorporated cherry blossom accents—including a line of trees inside the reception area—in a nod to the bride’s Washington, D.C., roots.

The streamlined guest list—just 88 friends and family—allowed Dayonna and Malik to spend time with everyone and relax throughout the day, making lifelong memories. “With such an intimate guest count, they wanted to give the guests an experience they would never forget,” says Bailey. Ahead, see every photo from their Texas celebration, as captured by Alba Rose Photography.

A Scribbles and Swirls invitation suite in hues of rose and lilac previewed the couple’s pastel wedding color palette, while crisp fonts and an embossed monogram nodded to the modern elements. An intentional collection of postage included a cherry blossom stamp that hinted at the floral design, while a square details card with an embossed floral element noted the dress code: “pastel cocktail attire.”

Dayonna, a skincare expert, perfected her complexion with a hydrafacial and dermaplane facial the week before the wedding; she also swears by The Lab by Blanc Doux toner pads. She polished her nails with a French tip manicure with chrome accents and a 3D swirl, and asked hairstylist Raven to create a “soft and elegant” half-up, half-down hairstyle.

The bride quickly decided on a custom Alonuko Bridal sheath wedding dress with a plunging neckline, off-the-shoulder organza sleeves, and a dramatic, layered train—the first look she tried on. “My heart dropped,” she says. “It made me feel so beautiful, I knew it was it.” Her accessories included scattered-pearl gloves, Bulgari jewelry, Bella Belle shoes with sparkling beads and a tulle accent, and a personalized pin worn in honor of her late mother, which was a gift from her maid of honor.

Dayonna’s two best friends wore pale pink gowns from House of CB to coordinate with the pastel dress code, and carried bouquets of fluttering sweet peas from Grō Designs. Though Dayonna had planned to carry a bouquet of pink peonies, she made a day-of switch, swapping out the peonies for classic garden roses.

Malik and his groomsmen donned custom suits from Miguel Wilson Collection; the man of the hour opted for a white paisley jacket with pink lapels that matched his vest and bow tie and finished his outfit with Alexander McQueen shoes and a single rose boutonnière that matched Dayonna’s bouquet. The goal, says the couple, was a pastel look that was “classy, custom, and elegant.” Personalized cufflinks included photos of Malik and his late father and Malik with his daughter.

The couple shared a first look—and snapped a few portraits in the hotel's hallways—before gearing up for the ceremony.

A white acrylic aisle led from the hotel’s glass elevator to the ceremony space, which was draped in layers of sheer and white fabric. The couple stood on a round, white platform surrounded by low, growing arrangements of blush and ivory blooms and cherry blossoms, with guests seated in a circle around them.

After stepping out of the glass elevator to begin her processional, Dayonna met her father halfway down the aisle and walked with him, arm-in-arm, to the altar; the couple’s daughter donned a pearl-embellished dress to join her parents as the flower girl. 

Malik and Dayonna personalized their nuptials with vows and readings they wrote themselves, and included a traditional jumping the broom ceremony. After saying “I do,” the newlyweds danced out of the room to “Matrimony” by Wale and Usher.

Textured white linens, cut-glass votives, and white roses dressed up tables in the cocktail reception space outside the ballroom. A tunnel made of flowers in varied shades of pink—with the couple’s signature cherry blossom accents—opened into the formal dining room.

A row of pink-petaled cherry blossom trees set between serpentine dinner tables ran down the center of the couple’s reception space, while pale pink draping on the walls created an intimate, romantic atmosphere. The long tables were lined with pillar candles and bud vases, and round stations were accented with clear candelabras and low florals. Mirrors at each end of the room helped bring to life Dayonna’s vision of an endless, enchanted forest.

Elegant tablescapes included patterned chargers, acrylic table numbers, and crisply folded napkins topped with pale pink menus. The couple chose a three-course meal that included a starter of roasted chicken and shiitake broth, short ribs, and seared salmon.

For the reception, Malik changed into another custom look—this one in pink and black satin with black slip-on loafers—while Dayonna chose a one-shouldered House of CB gown with a flowing skirt (perfect for the dance floor). The couple and their guests returned to the cocktail area on the terrace—which the planner flipped into a sophisticated white-themed lounge area—for music from DJ Bowtie and electric violinist John Violinist.

Malik and Dayonna chose Jene Aiko’s “While We’re Young” for their first dance, while Dayonna and her father danced to Beyonce’s “Daddy” and Malik and his mother requested “A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men.

A five-tiered white chocolate wedding cake from Dallas Affaires was decorated with a draped design inspired by the luxe textures of the bride’s ceremony gown.

Just before leaving, Dayonna changed into a sparkling, long-sleeved mini dress from Albina Dyla that she wore for the couple’s getaway. The exit was the finishing touch on a day filled with special moments, says the couple, including “being surrounded by family and friends, it all coming together and being married, and just enjoying the entire day."