Musician Lainey Wilson and Former Athlete Devlin Hodges Get Married

May 14, 2026, 21:45
USEntertainment

Introduction

Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges have officially married in a ceremony held in Tennessee.

Main Body

The wedding took place on May 10 at The Ruskin Cave in Dickson, Tennessee. The couple chose this location because of its natural limestone landscape and beautiful waterfalls. The ceremony was led by Wes Williams and included several Louisiana traditions, such as a 'second line' march with the Rebirth Brass Band and a Cajun menu from Bell Bottoms Up. For the occasion, Wilson wore a custom Oscar de la Renta gown, while Hodges wore a tailored D. Lacquaniti suit. The couple began dating in 2021 after a blind date in Nashville. Furthermore, they got engaged in February 2025 at the George Jones estate, an event that Wilson described as a surprise. Although they kept their relationship private for some time, they eventually appeared together at the 2023 ACM Awards. Regarding his professional background, Devlin Hodges is a former NFL quarterback who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019. During his time at Samford University, he won the Walter Payton Award and set a passing record. Currently, Hodges works in real estate. According to financial reports from Salary Sport and Star magazine, Hodges and Wilson have estimated net worths of $780,000 and $4 million, respectively.

Conclusion

After a multi-year relationship and a short engagement, the couple has now started their married life together.

Learning

⚡ The 'Connector' Jump: Moving from A2 to B2

At the A2 level, we often speak in short, choppy sentences: "They dated in 2021. They had a blind date."

To hit B2, you need to glue your ideas together using a variety of transition words. This makes your English sound like a flowing river rather than a series of drops.

🛠ī¸ The Tool Kit from the Text

Look at these three specific phrases from the article that act as 'bridges':

  1. "Furthermore..." →\rightarrow Used to add a new, important piece of information.

    • A2 style: They got married. They had a big party.
    • B2 style: They got married; furthermore, they hosted a lavish celebration.

  2. "Although..." →\rightarrow Used to show a contrast or a surprise.

    • A2 style: They were private. They went to the awards together.
    • B2 style: Although they kept their relationship private, they appeared together at the awards.

  3. "Regarding..." →\rightarrow Used to shift the focus to a new topic professionally.

    • A2 style: Let's talk about his job. He was a quarterback.
    • B2 style: Regarding his professional background, he is a former NFL player.

💡 Pro-Tip for Fluency

Stop using "And" and "But" for everything. If you want to sound more sophisticated (B2 level), replace "But" with "Although" and replace "Also" with "Furthermore."

Quick Transformation:

  • A2: I like the beach but it is too hot. →\rightarrow B2: Although I like the beach, it is too hot.
  • A2: He is a doctor. He is also a writer. →\rightarrow B2: He is a doctor; furthermore, he is a writer.

Vocabulary Learning

ceremony (n.)
A formal event or ritual marking a special occasion.
Example:The wedding ceremony lasted two hours.
location (n.)
A particular place or position.
Example:They chose a remote location for their celebration.
landscape (n.)
The visible features of an area of land.
Example:The landscape around the cave was breathtaking.
waterfalls (n.)
A cascade of water falling from a height.
Example:The sound of waterfalls added to the atmosphere.
traditions (n.)
Established customs or practices passed down.
Example:They incorporated several local traditions into the ceremony.
march (n.)
A procession or parade, often with music.
Example:A lively march followed the parade.
menu (n.)
A list of dishes offered at a restaurant or event.
Example:The menu featured regional specialties.
custom (adj.)
Made or done according to personal preferences.
Example:Her custom dress was tailored to her measurements.
tailored (adj.)
Made or adapted to fit a particular person.
Example:He wore a tailored suit for the event.
dating (n.)
The activity of going out with someone romantically.
Example:They started dating after a blind date.
blind (adj.)
Without prior knowledge or experience.
Example:It was a blind date that turned into a lifelong partnership.
engaged (adj.)
Having promised to marry.
Example:They were engaged for a year before marriage.
estate (n.)
A large property or land holding.
Example:The ceremony took place on a historic estate.
surprise (n.)
An unexpected event or gift.
Example:The proposal was a pleasant surprise.
relationship (n.)
A connection or association between people.
Example:Their relationship has grown stronger over time.
private (adj.)
Kept from public view or knowledge.
Example:They kept their relationship private for several years.
appeared (v.)
Made a visible presence.
Example:They appeared together at the awards ceremony.
professional (adj.)
Relating to a paid occupation.
Example:He is a professional athlete.
background (n.)
Past experiences or education.
Example:Her background in music helped her career.
quarterback (n.)
A position in American football.
Example:He played as a quarterback for the Steelers.
passing (adj.)
Relating to the act of throwing a ball.
Example:He set a new passing record.
record (n.)
A documented achievement.
Example:The record stood for five years.
real estate (n.)
Property consisting of land and buildings.
Example:He now works in real estate.
financial (adj.)
Relating to money or finance.
Example:Financial reports estimate their wealth.
reports (n.)
Documents presenting information.
Example:The reports were published last month.
estimated (adj.)
Calculated or approximated.
Example:Their net worth is estimated at four million.
net worth (n.)
The total value of assets minus liabilities.
Example:Their net worth combined exceeds five million.
multi-year (adj.)
Spanning several years.
Example:They had a multi-year relationship before marriage.
engagement (n.)
The period of being engaged to marry.
Example:The engagement lasted only a few months.
wedding (n.)
A ceremony where people marry.
Example:The wedding was a joyous occasion.
married (adj.)
Having entered into marriage.
Example:They are happily married.
officially (adv.)
In a formal or authorized manner.
Example:They officially announced their marriage.
natural (adj.)
Existing in nature, not artificial.
Example:The natural setting added to the charm.
beautiful (adj.)
Pleasant to look at.
Example:The venue was beautiful.
included (v.)
Made part of a whole.
Example:The ceremony included a traditional dance.
led (v.)
Guided or directed.
Example:The officiant led the ceremony.
gown (n.)
A long dress worn on formal occasions.
Example:She wore a stunning gown.
suit (n.)
A set of matching jacket and trousers.
Example:He wore a sharp suit.
event (n.)
A planned public or private gathering.
Example:The event attracted many guests.
described (v.)
Told about in detail.
Example:She described the moment as unforgettable.
currently (adv.)
At the present time.
Example:He is currently working in real estate.
according (prep.)
In agreement with or as stated by.
Example:According to the reports, they have high net worth.
short (adj.)
Limited in duration or size.
Example:It was a short engagement.