Niki Taylor's Model Marriage

Model ties the knot with NASCAR driver Burney Lamar in California; it's the first marriage for Lamar and second for Taylor

By Gina Serpe Dec 29, 2006 6:58 PMTags

Niki Taylor is living marital life in the fast lane.

The erstwhile CoverGirl model tied the knot with NASCAR driver Burney Lamar in La Jolla, California, Wednesday after a four-month engagement.

The 31-year-old professional poser and the 26-year-old racer swapped vows in front of 60 guests, including Taylor's 11-year-old twin boys, Jake and Hunter, from her previous marriage, in an afternoon ceremony at the oceanfront town's Grande Colonial Hotel.

In fine couture form, Taylor donned a Vera Wang gown for her strut down the aisle and had big sister Joelle Bolline serve as her matron of honor. According to Us Weekly, Lamar's father, Izzy, handled best man duties.

Per People, the ceremony was officiated by the couple's pastor from Brentwood, Tennessee, where they are currently based and where Taylor runs her own clothing boutique. Guests also reportedly walked away with gift bags chock full of Volunteer State-themed gifts.

Though that's not to say a California vibe wasn't in effect: The newlyweds swayed to Jack Johnson's "Better Together" for their inaugural dance as husband and wife.

It's the first marriage for up-and-coming NASCAR driver Lamar and the second for Taylor, who apparently has a penchant for sports-minded spouses. The model was previously married to former pro football player Matt Martinez for two years before the couple divorced in 1996. She was later linked for several years to Keith Urban.

Taylor and Lamar first met at a charity event in January 2005, and, according to the supermodel, it was love at first sight.

"I looked at Burney and said to myself, 'This is the guy I'm going to marry,' " she told Us Weekly.

According to the magazine, Lamar popped the question Sept. 15 while the couple was visiting Taylor's parents in Florida.