NBA all-star Chris Paul and his bride Jada Crawley strike a pose with their 2 year-old son, Chris II aka Lil’ Chris. The couple’s wedding program included this sweet message to their baby boy, “We never knew it was possible to love someone as much as we love each other until you came into our lives.”
A glowing Jada receives loving support from her bridal party who adjusts the bride’s strapless Vera Wang gown gifted to her by the famed wedding dress designer.
Both Big Chris and Lil’ Chris strutted their stuff in custom made Ralph Lauren Black Label tuxedos. “My son is my road dog. We’re wearing matching cufflinks and everything!” reports an excited Chris.
Jada’s natural glow was accentuated by hairstylist Agnes Weary of Perfection Beauty and Barber and makeup artist Kisha Williams of The Makeup Lab, both based in New Orleans.
“Our relationship has been a progression. I feel safe with Chris. He’s very protective,” shares Jada.
“I truly love Jada; she has been there for the ups and the downs. Basketball isn’t going to last forever. Jada and I love spending time with each other, genuinely,” reveals Chris.
“Everyone knows I love kids. So now to actually have my own son? There’s nothing like it!” says Chris with Lil’ Chris by his side.
A svelte Jada is all smiles on her wedding day. “I can’t wait for the rest of our lives to start,” says the bride.
A dapper Chris on his big day. The groom shared days before, “Man, I’m so excited and anxious. I just want [our wedding day] to get here!”
The college sweethearts wed in their home state of North Carolina at the Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge in Charlotte. The venue is also home to a world-famous golf course. “It was important for us to get married in North Carolina where we’re from and where we met,” stresses Jada.
The stylish bride is flanked by her equally lovely bridal party who wore strapless dresses by Watters.
Jada’s bridal party consisted of cherished childhood pals and more recent friends like Savannah Brinson, (far right) longtime girlfriend of LeBron James. “I couldn’t ask for a better friend in Jada. She and Chris have a beautiful union and I wish nothing but the best for them,” says Savannah.
Chris surrounded by his tight circle, including buddy Danyale whom he’s known since they were toddlers, and basketball icon LeBron James who he’s been close with since high school. “I’m so fortunate to have friends that have been with me through different stages of my life,” reflects Chris.
The fellas in the bridal party show a blushing Jada some love.
The bride and groom pose with Chris’ proud parents and brother.
Chris shares some camera time with his older brother and best man (who is also a newlywed) CJ.
Jada, who is an only child, spends a moment with her doting parents who have been married for 27 years. “All we ever wanted was for her to be happy,” says Mrs. Crawley, Jada’s mom.
“Chris and I have grown both on and off the court from young adults, as young men to now being men with families. I am happy and humbled that I’m able to support him and his family for Chris and Jada’s wedding,” says LeBron.
Chris sneaks in a pic with the precious flower girls of the day, Dasia and Khloe who are daughters of Jada’s bridesmaids.
The entire bridal party poses for a playful shot. “At the end of the day, Chris and I are just hometown, everyday people,” explains Jada.
Chris’s homies including Ludacris, Dwayne Wade, Kevin Hart, Speedy Claxton and Carmelo Anthony made the trip to Charlotte from all over the country to support their friend on his wedding day.
Stylish starlets LaLa Vazquez and Gabrielle Union were also in attendance. “In this age of people picking apart those who are genuinely happy, [Jada and Chris should] remember that joy is their birthright,” offers Gabrielle. LaLa adds, “This is a once in a lifetime experience.”
Hearthrob Robin Thicke performed “Angel” live for the couple’s processional. Gospel great BeBe Winans was also on hand to deliver “For the Rest of My Life” later in the ceremony.
R&B crooner Robin Thicke serenaded the couple for both the ceremony and the reception. During his rendition of “The Magic Touch”, guests packed the dancefloor.
Jada entering the breathtaking ceremony space with her father. The tent where her nuptials took place were filled with over 10,000 carefully selected white buds including roses, orchids and hydrangea.
Jada is escorted down the aisle by her proud father. Mr Crawley says, “Chris is a fine young man and not just because of what he does but because of who he is. I’m grateful that he loves my daughter.”
An anxious Chris holds back the tears as he waits for his future wife to join him at the altar. “I can’t wait to see the look on his face when I enter the ceremony,” Jada admitted pre-wedding.
Nearly a decade after meeting as college students, Jada and Chris exchange wedding bands to symbolize their union as husband and wife.
The couple with their officiant Pastor Samuel Blakes of New Orleans says, “The wedding is pretty but marriage isn’t always pretty. My hope for Jada and Chris is a wealthy life. By wealth I mean peace, joy and the intangible things money can’t buy.”
“Our vows are very important. They are a way to express our undying love for one another and share that love with the closest people in our lives,” explains Jada.
Jada and Chris carefully light their unity candle before 300 guests.
“Chris and I have talked about marriage for so long. We both come from married households and we want that to be us,” confides Jada.
Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Chris Paul! The excited newlyweds, who wed on 9.10.11, exited their ceremony to the sounds of “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire.
For their first official dance as husband and wife, the couple chose, “The Sweetest Love” by Robin Thicke.
Hip-hop pioneer MC Lyte provided soulful tunes for the night and kept guests dancing from beginning to end. “I wish Chris and Jada lots of love, laughter, growth and a life that’s limitless,” she says shown here with her partner DJ Dano.
This six-tier wedding cake contains the couple’s custom crest which appeared throughout their invitation suite. Guests were also treated to adorable individual mini cakes. All pastry was created by Charm City Cakes of Baltimore and the hit show Ace of Cakes.
Jada, in her second Vera Wang dress, playfully feeds her new husband a piece of their wedding cake.
A candid shot of Gabrielle and her beau Dwayne surrounded by gorgeous purple and orange buds. Wedding planner David Tutera used 50,000 flowers and 600 candles to transform the space!
Grammy-winner Ludacris enjoying the couple’s lively reception.
“I gave Jada the same advice I give all my friends on their wedding day: ‘Enjoy this moment’, " shares LaLa.
The King of New York Carmelo Anthony shakes a serious tailfeather during the reception showing his skills aren’t limited to basketball.
Funnyman Kevin Hart — who kept guests in stitches throughout the reception — during the cocktail hour with his date for the evening.
Ludacris shown here with the groom shares, “I am 100 percent sure this couple will make it because of their energy. I know how much they care about family and how strong their morals are and I’m extremely proud.”
“Myself and Melo are just happy to be here and witness this love,” shares LaLa.
Lovebirds Dwayne and Gabrielle cut a rug on the dancefloor. “Today is a celebration!” exclaims Gabrielle.
Mama Paul (Chris’s mother, far right) gets a crash course on The Wobble during the reception.
The happy couple made a grand exit from their reception in this classy Excalibur. Loved ones kept the celebration going by shutting down nearby Carowinds Amusement Park with the newlyweds the next day.
