Tyrese Haliburton Marries Jade Jones: Iowa State Romance Ends in Courthouse Wedding
NBA star Tyrese Haliburton and his longtime girlfriend Jade Jones have officially tied the knot in a courthouse ceremony, marking a new chapter for the Iowa State University sweethearts. The couple, who met as students in Ames in 2019, announced their marriage on social media with the caption, “It's (courthouse) official.”
The Indiana Pacers guard and the former Cyclones cheerleader have been together for seven years. They got engaged last year and plan to hold a larger wedding celebration on August 1. But for now, the couple made it legal with a small ceremony attended by close family and friends, including Haliburton's mother Brenda and Pacers assistant coach Isaac Yacob.
A Love Story Rooted in Iowa State
Haliburton and Jones first crossed paths at Iowa State University, where he led the basketball team and she cheered on the sidelines. Their relationship blossomed over six years before Haliburton proposed at Hilton Coliseum, the Cyclones' iconic arena. At the time, he was recovering from an Achilles injury and worried about getting down on one knee, but his workouts made it possible.
“The place where our story started and where our next chapter begins,” Haliburton wrote in his engagement announcement, reflecting on the significance of the Iowa State venue.
Courthouse Ceremony and Casual Celebration
The courthouse wedding was a low-key affair. Haliburton wore an all-black outfit with Puma suede classic shoes, while Jones opted for a white dress, white heels, and a bouquet of white flowers. A friend shared a video of Haliburton struggling to open a champagne bottle, with Jones eventually showing him how to pop the cork.
Social media posts were filled with congratulations. Karl-Anthony Towns' girlfriend Jordyn Woods wrote, “Yayyyy one step closer.” Haliburton himself commented, “Okay WIFEY.”
Remembering a Lost Friend
The celebration was bittersweet. Last month, during Jones' bachelorette party, close friend Makenzi Nichole Kern unexpectedly passed away from health complications in St. Barts on June 8, just two days after her 26th birthday. Kern was a fellow cheerleader with Jones at Iowa State and had been part of their circle since college.
“Everyone knows how Kenzi and my story started,” Jones wrote in an emotional Instagram post. “I never knew our hilarious hair-pulling fight would've turned into a friendship that has changed my life forever. Kenzi was the funniest, goofiest person I've ever met. She was always making me belly laugh. She had such a gift of bringing happiness to every room she was in.”
Haliburton added, “We will always love and miss you Kenz. Forever thankful for you.”
Jones acknowledged the void Kern's absence leaves for the upcoming wedding. “I can't even imagine our wedding day without her there celebrating with us. The day will not be the same without her, but I know she will show us she is there somehow,” she wrote.
What This Means for Iowa
For many Iowans, Haliburton and Jones represent a success story rooted in the state's values: hard work, loyalty, and community. Haliburton's rise from Iowa State standout to NBA All-Star has been a source of pride for Cyclones fans. His marriage to Jones, a fellow Cyclone, reinforces the bond between the couple and their Iowa roots.
The couple's story also highlights the importance of family and friendship, even in the face of tragedy. As they prepare for their August wedding, they carry with them the memory of a friend who was there from the start.
For now, Haliburton and Jones are enjoying their newlywed status. Their courthouse ceremony may have been simple, but it was a meaningful step for a couple whose journey began in Ames and continues in Indiana.