With just a few hours left until the ball descends in Times Square, the final weddings of 2024 are being celebrated across the nation. This includes a unique event during the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. Erin Doolin and Erik Yates from Maryland exchanged vows during a commercial break in the first half of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl matchup between No. 14 South Carolina and No. 21 Illinois at Camping World Stadium. The officiant for their ceremony was none other than the Cheez-It mascot, Ched-Z. The couple’s special moment was shared on social media by the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, highlighting the unconventional but heartfelt nature of their nuptials.
Following the on-field wedding, the newlyweds were whisked away to their afterparty location in one of the end zones. The flavor of their wedding cake, however, remains a mystery – leaving open the question of whether it was inspired by the cheddar cheese essence of Cheez-Its themselves.
As the game progressed, Illinois held a narrow halftime lead of 7-3 over South Carolina, courtesy of a 15-yard touchdown pass from Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer to Zakhari Franklin. Although the Gamecocks had an opportunity to narrow the gap with a field goal attempt, kicker Alex Herrera’s 41-yard kick missed its mark.
The stakes were high for both teams, with Illinois poised to reach 10 wins in a single season for the first time since 2001 if they emerged victorious. On the other hand, a comeback win for South Carolina would mark a significant milestone, securing 10 wins for the team under the leadership of Shane Beamer for the first time and the first time since 2013.
The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl provided a memorable backdrop for the unique wedding ceremony, showcasing the blend of sports and personal milestones. For Erin Doolin and Erik Yates, their decision to tie the knot during a major college football game added an extra layer of excitement and romance to their special day.
The love story that unfolded at the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl resonated with viewers, offering a glimpse into the lengths people go to commemorate significant moments in their lives. As the clock ticked down to the new year, the union of Erin and Erik served as a heartwarming reminder of the enduring power of love and celebration, even in unexpected settings.
The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl not only witnessed a thrilling football contest between two competitive teams but also became the stage for a wedding that will be cherished by the newlyweds and those who shared in their joy. The fusion of sports and love created a memorable tableau, underscoring the magic of unexpected connections and the joy of celebrating milestones in unconventional ways.
In the midst of the game’s intensity and the excitement of the crowd, Erin and Erik’s wedding stood out as a moment of pure romance and spontaneity, transcending the boundaries of
