Marissa and Kemba Walker's Star-Studded NBA Wedding Was a Fashion Spectacle
The rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception all took place on the property. 'Our top priority was the atmosphere and aesthetic—we wanted a space that felt beautiful, unique, and aligned with our vision for the day,' Marissa explains. 'Size was also a major factor, since we knew we'd be hosting a large group of guests and wanted everyone to feel comfortable.'
Read on for custom fashion moments, NBA star guests, and a first dance song with a deeply personal touch. The Venue
Anna Roussos | RATTA STUDIO
'As soon as we saw the greenhouse-style venue, we knew it was the one,' Marissa says. 'Its elegant architecture had a charming French aesthetic that resonated deeply with us—especially since we got engaged in Monaco. The space transported us, making it feel like we were celebrating abroad without ever leaving the country.' To bring their vision to life, the couple partnered with Passera Events for planning and design. The Dress
Anna Roussos | RATTA STUDIO
Marissa began her dress search in Charlotte, where she and Kemba are based, and quickly found a Galia Lahav gown that she knew was perfect for the reception. 'Her designs are absolutely stunning,' she says. 'The sequins and the way it hugged my body made it an instant yes.'
Anna Roussos | RATTA STUDIO
After visiting a few boutiques in Atlanta, Marissa decided to continue her search in New York City—fitting, since Kemba grew up in the Bronx. There, she found her dream ceremony gown at Designer Loft Bridal. 'I dedicated an entire week to finding the one,' she recalls. 'When I came across my ceremony ball gown, I instantly felt like a true princess—which is exactly how I'd always imagined feeling on my wedding day.'
The gown's lace detailing and structured silhouette caught her eye, but it was the custom basque waist that sealed the deal. 'It gave the dress a fresh, modern edge with just a hint of sexiness, all while keeping that timeless, romantic vibe,' she says. Kemba's Look
Anna Roussos | RATTA STUDIO
Kemba collaborated with longtime friend and designer Tom Paolini—who's been tailoring his suits for over a decade—to create his wedding day look. 'I knew he was the perfect person to bring my vision to life,' Kemba says. 'I sent him a bunch of inspiration photos, and he took it from there—delivering exactly what I had imagined.'
The result was a timeless, double-breasted suit with a flared bottom that Kemba describes as 'flawless.' He adds, 'What I loved most was the fit: a classic cut!' Paolini also surprised him with a second custom look for the reception, based on more inspiration Kemba had shared. 'Once again, he absolutely nailed it.'
Anna Roussos | RATTA STUDIO
His shoes came from The Shoe Surgeon, a custom footwear company based in Los Angeles and led by Dominic Ciambrone. 'He completely delivered on the vision—I wanted something unique, and he incorporated both of my logos in black diamonds on each shoe,' Kemba shares. 'It was the perfect final touch.' The Ceremony
Anna Roussos | RATTA STUDIO
Marissa and Kemba were married by Pastor Colin Crook, a close friend from their church, Elevation Worship. 'We were lucky to have so many loved ones be part of our day,' Marissa reflects. The Reception
Anna Roussos | RATTA STUDIO
The wedding welcomed 215 guests, including Hornets players Brandon Miller and Grant Williams, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, and Hornets head coach Charles Lee. Dinner was catered by Bold Catering, who 'nailed it,' Marissa says. During cocktail hour, guests enjoyed coconut shrimp, chicken and waffles, and watermelon with feta. For dinner, they chose between short ribs, cedar plank salmon, or mushroom risotto.
'Kemba's good friend, Derrick 'Fly Ty' Jacobs—also the longtime MC for the Charlotte Hornets—hosted the evening and brought amazing energy,' Marissa shares. A harpist and string trio played during cocktail hour, followed by the band Sol and the Gang for dinner. For their first dance, the couple chose Marissa's song 'Clouds.'
Later, DJ Shogun took over, keeping the party alive with a high-energy mix of classic ATL and New York City hits. 'No one left the dance floor!' Marissa says. Open Gallery Adrienne Gaffney
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Adrienne Gaffney is a features editor at ELLE and previously worked at WSJ Magazine and Vanity Fair .
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