Hayley Erbert and Derek Hough’s wedding was a “fairytale,” according to Derek Hough.

Derek Hough, a professional dancer from “Dancing With The Stars,” has characterized his wedding to Hayley Erbert as a “storybook” affair. The 38-year-old dancer, who was previously linked to UK singer Cheryl, exchanged vows with his DWTS colleague in a redwood forest, followed by a reception at a cliffside estate in Carmel, California.

Mark Ballas, another DWTS professional and the son of Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas, served as Hough’s best man, while his sister Julianne Hough, also a dancer, was a bridesmaid. Hough shared with People magazine: “It’s one of the most awe-inspiring locations. It’s like a fairytale.”

Hough explained the choice of location, saying, “When we were considering a venue, we asked ourselves, ‘What’s significant to us?’ Nature was our top priority. We wanted to be surrounded by trees and plants, and Northern California resonated with us.”

Erbert, 28, added, “We’re in a redwood forest, and we got married right in front of this mother tree surrounded by smaller trees. These smaller trees drop seeds, creating a sort of army of children to protect the mother tree. The symbolism was beautiful. Here we are, planting our seeds to nurture our family.”

The couple’s wedding was attended by celebrity guests including Freida Pinto from “Slumdog Millionaire,” Alfonso Ribeiro from “Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” and Nina Dobrev from “Vampire Diaries.”

Hough reflected on the significance of marriage, sharing, “It’s intriguing how a small piece of metal can impact your entire demeanor and perspective, suddenly carrying a promise with you at all times. Striving to fulfill that promise every day for your partner, yourself, and others is a potent and beautiful commitment.”

Regarding their first dance, the couple chose “Fall Into Me” by Forest Blakk, opting not to perform a choreographed routine. Hough explained their decision: “It’s a beautiful song, and I’ll say this: people probably expected us to put on a performance, a grand dance number. But the thing is, we’re performers, we’re on stage, we dance. So, for us, it felt more intimate not to perform. Being on the dance floor, listening to music, and being in the present moment was more special for us.”

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