Kentucky Wildcats Has a Wedding to Plan: Collins Chandler Proposes to Longtime Girlfriend in a Spectacular Love Mood, Announces Wedding due to….
By: Wildcats Sports Insider | Published: May 10, 2025
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Lexington, KY – In a heartwarming and unforgettable moment that has captivated the hearts of Kentucky Wildcats fans nationwide, star basketball player Collins Chandler has taken the next major step in his life—not on the basketball court, but in his personal journey toward love and family. Chandler, known for his tenacity and brilliance on the hardwood, delivered a stunning and emotional marriage proposal to his longtime girlfriend Layla Brooks in a beautifully orchestrated romantic gesture that is now being hailed as one of the most magical moments in Kentucky Wildcats history.
In a time when college basketball stories are often dominated by trades, stats, and drafts, Chandler has reminded the world that life’s biggest wins sometimes happen off the court. His proposal—equal parts dreamy, meaningful, and public—has officially turned the spotlight onto a love story that’s been quietly unfolding behind the scenes for years.
A Love Story That Started with a Pass, Not a Pickup Line
Collins Chandler and Layla Brooks first crossed paths during Chandler’s sophomore year at Kentucky, at a Wildcats community outreach event held in partnership with local non-profits. Layla, a graduate student in social work and a Lexington native, was volunteering at the event, which brought children and student-athletes together for a day of basketball and learning.
What started as a casual conversation quickly bloomed into something special. Both Collins and Layla have credited their shared love of community, service, and family values as the foundation of their connection. While Chandler rose to stardom on the court, Layla quietly built a reputation of her own—leading volunteer initiatives, maintaining a 4.0 GPA, and advocating for underprivileged children in the Bluegrass region.
Fans and teammates alike have watched their relationship blossom over the years, with Layla frequently seen in the stands supporting Collins and joining him at charity events, post-game celebrations, and more. Despite their growing visibility, the couple remained private—until now.
The Proposal: Romance Meets Wildcat Pride
On the evening of May 4th, 2025, what was thought to be a private “team appreciation dinner” turned into a carefully coordinated proposal that left everyone breathless. Organized at the elegant Ashford Acres Inn, a historic estate-turned-event venue near Lexington, Chandler had arranged a setting that would reflect both the grandeur of their love and their shared journey through Kentucky life.
With teammates, coaches, close family members, and even a few select fans in attendance, Chandler stood under a floral archway adorned in Kentucky blue and white and gave an emotional speech thanking everyone who had been part of his life story. Then, turning to Layla—who was clearly caught off guard—he dropped to one knee as a string quartet began to play their favorite song, and asked her to be his wife.
The moment was met with gasps, cheers, and emotional tears from the crowd.
> “Layla, you’ve stood by me when I wasn’t on top of my game. You’ve reminded me who I am when I forgot. You’ve taught me that love is not just a feeling—it’s a choice. I choose you, today and every day,” Chandler said, holding back tears. “Will you marry me?”
Of course, she said yes.
Wildcat Wedding Bells on the Horizon
Within hours of the proposal, Chandler made a second major announcement via social media: the wedding is officially on, and it’s happening this summer. The date? June 15, 2025. The venue? Still a closely guarded secret—but sources indicate it will be somewhere in Lexington, a location meaningful to both the couple and the Wildcats community.
Even more exciting for Big Blue Nation: Chandler has extended a warm invitation to his Kentucky family—teammates, fans, alumni, and university staff—to share in the joyous occasion.
> “This isn’t just my celebration,” Chandler wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post, alongside a picture of the couple and the ring. “It’s ours. The people of Kentucky made me who I am. My Wildcats family gave me more than just a career. I want you all there when I start this next chapter.”
The post instantly went viral, garnering over 2 million views and thousands of supportive comments from fans, NBA players, and sports analysts alike.
Coach, Teammates, and Fans React
Coach Mark Pope, clearly emotional during the proposal, told reporters afterward that this was “one of the proudest moments I’ve ever witnessed as a coach.”
> “Collins is a leader not just because of his talent but because of his heart,” Pope said. “Seeing him find that same love off the court, and share it with all of us, is incredibly special. This wedding is going to be a celebration of love, loyalty, and everything the Wildcats stand for.”
Teammates also chimed in. Star forward Tyson Reddick posted, “I’ve seen Collins drop 30 points and silence a crowd, but tonight he made all of us cry like babies. Congrats bro!”
Fans across the country are already preparing for what many are calling the “Wildcats Wedding of the Century.” Big Blue Nation forums are abuzz with dress code ideas (Kentucky blue is strongly encouraged), meet-up plans, and speculation about celebrity guests.
A Ring for Her, a Legacy for Them
While wedding plans unfold, insiders say Chandler remains focused on the next chapter of his career as well—most likely declaring for the NBA draft after the wedding. However, he has made it clear that wherever he goes next, Lexington will always be home.
The engagement ring—a custom-designed piece featuring a sparkling sapphire surrounded by diamonds—was sourced from a local Lexington jeweler and incorporates small engravings of the couple’s initials and the word “Faith.”
According to Layla, the proposal was “a dream” she never saw coming.
> “Collins is not just my partner—he’s my best friend. We’ve grown together in every way, and I can’t wait to be his wife. I’m so overwhelmed by the love we’ve received from the fans. This is more than a wedding—it’s a homecoming,” she said.
What’s Next for the Couple?
The couple plans to spend the next few weeks finalizing wedding details, coordinating with university officials, and preparing for the influx of fans who plan to descend on Lexington for the big day. There are even rumors that the celebration may include a post-ceremony event at Rupp Arena, depending on scheduling and logistics.
With love in the air and Wildcat pride running high, it’s clear that this is more than just a wedding—it’s a celebration of everything the Kentucky Wildcats stand for: loyalty, community, perseverance, and above all, love.
One fan might’ve said it best in a viral tweet:
“Collins Chandler didn’t just win a ring—he won our hearts.”
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Event Details (So Far)
Proposal Date: May 4, 2025
Wedding Date: June 15, 2025
Location: Lexington, KY (exact venue TBA)
Guests: Wildcats teammates, coaches, staff, fans, and family
Dress Code: Wildcats blue suggested
Hashtag: #ChandlerWedding #WildcatLove #BBNForever
Stay tuned for official RSVP information and event updates on the Kentucky Athletics website and Chandler’s social media platforms. From championship dreams to wedding bells, Big Blue Nation now has a celebration of love to look forward to this summer.
Congratulations, Collins and Layla—BBN is ready to celebrate with you!
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