In a picturesque outdoor setting among the towering redwoods of Monterey County, California, dancer-choreographer and acclaimed "Dancing with the Stars" judge, Derek Hough, tied the knot with his longtime love, Hayley Erbert.
The ceremony took place on a serene Saturday, embodying the essence of love and nature. Hayley Erbert, 28, who made a mark as a contestant on "So You Think You Can Dance" and later graced the stage as a member of the "DWTS" troupe, shared the profound symbolism of their chosen venue with People magazine.
"Our marriage spot was right before this majestic mother tree encircled by younger trees. These trees scatter seeds, almost like nurturing a protective brigade for the mother tree. The significance was simply profound, mirroring our aspiration to nurture and expand our family," Erbert expressed.
Derek Hough's Nature-inspired Venue
Derek Hough, the 38-year-old dancing sensation with six "DWTS" titles and a three-time Emmy Award winner, shed light on their venue choice. "In scouting locations, we delved deep into what resonates with us.
The answer was unanimous – nature. We're both enamored with the lush landscapes and serene vibes of Northern California. Our hope was to share this slice of paradise, drenched in romance, with our loved ones," Hough mused.
The event was graced by the presence of many notable faces. Among them was Derek's younger sibling, Julianne Hough, a dancer, actor, two-time "DWTS" victor, and the show’s anticipated co-host. The guest list further sparkled with the likes of Jenna Johnson, Kym Herjavec, Alfonso Ribeiro from the "DWTS" fraternity; TV star Maria Menounos; and Hollywood actors Freida Pinto and Nina Dobrev.
Derek and Hayley's romantic journey commenced in 2015, evolving into a proposal from Hough in June of the previous year, sealing their path to forever.