Olympic Medalist Melissa Jefferson Marries Rolan Wooden II (Exclusive)

• Olympic medalist Melissa Jefferson married Rolan Wooden II in a “dream come true” wedding attended by 250 guests on March 2 in Winter Park, Florida
• “It was imperative to create a memorable experience that our family would cherish, and the younger generation present has a visual of a healthy illustration of Black love,” the track and field star tells PEOPLE
• The newlyweds plan to honeymoon in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Track and field star Melissa Jefferson has tied the knot!

The Olympic gold and bronze medalist married fiancé Rolan Wooden II on Sunday, March 2, at Winter Parks Events Center in Winter Park, Florida. The couple’s “navy, champagne and gold” themed wedding was celebrated by 250 guests, including Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely as the best man and Olympic gold medalist Twanisha “Tee Tee” Terry as a bridesmaid. Olympians Sha’Carri Richardson, Kenny Bednarek and Christian Coleman were also in attendance.

“This is definitely a dream come true,” Jefferson exclusively tells PEOPLE.

The bride and groom are based in Central Florida, and chose a venue close to home so that their families could see the area where they plan to start the next chapter of their lives together.

“Hosting a destination wedding in this location provides our family with the opportunity to visit the city in which we intend to raise our family and continue building our legacy,” explains Jefferson, who won bronze in the women’s 100-meter finals and ran the lead-off leg on Team USA’s women’s 4×100 meter relay team that captured gold at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

The couple chose to have an unplugged ceremony to ensure everyone was “free from distractions and fully present in the moment.” They said “I do” after exchanging both traditional and handwritten vows.

“Melissa is the calm to my storm,” Wooden tells PEOPLE. “She brings peace and balance to my life and I love her for that. She makes me better.”

“Rolan is the most patient person I know and he treats me like I’m the only girl in the world and protects me in every situation,” Jefferson adds.

The pair’s “traditional” ceremony was officiated by Bishop Dr. Floyd Knowlin.

“When planning the wedding, I envisioned an environment where our entire families could gather to celebrate our love,” Jefferson says. “It was imperative to create a memorable experience that our family would cherish, and the younger generation present has a visual of a healthy illustration of Black love.”

Wooden wore a custom suit designed by Tom James Company. Jefferson walked down the aisle to the tune of “Still” by Mali Music with her hair styled by Tiffany Stylez and makeup by Alysse Parker and Beatz by Stenza. She wore a Lillian West wedding dress with a mermaid silhouette from the Bridal Gallery.

“I loved the fit, the train and the timeless details,” Jefferson says. “Not to mention I cried before saying ‘yes’ to the dress.”

At their reception, the newlyweds had their first dance to “All My Life” by K-Ci & JoJo.

“The most special day of my life with my best friend in front of our family and friends,” says Jefferson, who changed into a halter-style, one-piece jumper later in the evening.

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Guests enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres before enjoying a dinner of salmon with lemon butter sauce, freshly baked French bread, and Carbonara with sautéed chicken. Vanilla cupcakes, red velvet wedding cake and dessert shooters served as the final course.

Jefferson and Wooden met four years ago when they were both student athletes at Coastal Carolina University. Jefferson ran track while Wooden played on the football team. In October 2023, Wooden surprised his love with a romantic proposal on the beach. Now that they’re married, they look forward to what comes next.

“The world is ours!” Jefferson exclaims.

Their honeymoon in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, won’t take place until Jefferson’s outdoor season concludes. Until then, Jefferson says that she and Wooden are excited to continue sharing “the best and worst moments of our lives together as husband and wife, knowing that we are each other’s best friend and ride or die mate.”

Additional Credits:

Wedding Planner: D’Perfect Touch Weddings & Events

Florals: Royal Event Services

Caterer/Bar Service: Cuisiniers Catering

Baker: The Baking Realtor

Videographer: Mbition VOYS Productions

Rentals: Gala Rentals and Longwood Events & Rentals

Transportation: Original Groundbreakers Luxury Transportation

DJ/Lighting: QG Invites