Nowadays, there are very few examples of long-distance relationships turning into marriage. Some couples either break up due to lack of communication or lose the spark midway through their relationship. However, Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders and his longtime girlfriend-turned-wife defied those trends. Having known each other since their college days in 2016, Sanders and Calabuig met each other through a common friend, Jen Munoz.

Recalling those early days, Kaitlyn shared, “Jason was attending the University of New Mexico pursuing his dreams in kicking and I was in college back in California preparing for nursing schools. Jen thought the two of us would be a good match and encouraged Jason to reach out to me.” Although Sanders spent his high school days playing for Villa Park in California, he played his college football for the New Mexico Lobos. But what was Kaitlyn Calabuig doing at that time?

Who is Kaitlyn Calabuig?

Kaitlyn Calabuig was a budding soccer player, having played for Capistrano Valley Varsity Soccer during her high school days. However, her future lay somewhere else as Kaitlyn prepared for nursing school throughout her time in California. While Calabuig was busy pursuing her dream in California, Sanders was kicking in New Mexico. Therefore, we can’t help but wonder how did the couple manage to overcome such distance in their relationship.

Well, it was courtesy of Facetime sessions and texts, as Calabuig shares, “Both of us were chasing a goal under sometimes extreme stress and pressure, so having those moments throughout the day was a break in an otherwise difficult time. We both understood pressure and formed a strong bond and foundation, motivating each other to obtain our goals.” 

She even shared how they became closer once Calabuig received a job opportunity in a hospital in Miami. “Once I graduated, I received a job offer in the ICU out in Miami and moved to be with him. During his off-season, we would always drive to the Florida Keys for a day or two as a mini vacation, so it became a special spot for us. He had set up a sunset dinner in the water, took me on a walk down to the pier and got down on one knee.”

Yes, that’s the moment when Jason finally decides to confess his love to Kaitlyn, thereby entering a new chapter of their life.

When did Jason Sanders get married to Kaitlyn Calabuig?

It was on July 8th, 2023, when Jason Sanders and Kaitlyn Calabuig tied the knot at Cielo Farms in Malibu. Well, it wasn’t a grand celebration as only the closest friends and the couple’s family were present. Sharing that special moment with us, Kaitlyn expressed, “Jason and I are both from California. When I stepped onto Cielo Farms, I immediately got emotional. I don’t know how or why, but I instantly knew this was the place. We feel happy and lucky to be able to say we found our person! We just want to spend time together and enjoy some quiet moments before his season starts and I go back to work.”

To celebrate their special day, the couple decided to hire Crowned Events to take care of planning and design, “Kaitlyn and Jason’s aesthetic was modern and romantic with timeless, refined details. We aimed to complement Cielo’s stone building and lush, green landscaping by bringing in specialty light wood furniture rentals with clean lines and contemporary shapes.” 

But that wasn’t all, as Second Song was called in to perform while catering was handled by Tres LA Catering. And for the cake, Teehan Cake Design handled the decor, thereby making it a memorable day for everyone involved. Since starting his new chapter with long-time girlfriend Kaitlyn Calabuig, Sanders finished last season with an impressive 24 field goals out of 28 attempts. Even this season, Sanders expects the same outputs as he enters his sixth season with the club.