Photo Credit: Donna Newman/ESSENCE
Twas a royal affair in a castle in Miami. The stylish, young couple came to celebrate, its family crest bearing the name STAT. Alexis and Amar’e Stoudemire, whose love affair began more than a decade ago -- the two barely out of high school (he had just been drafted by the NBA) – and sparked a friendship that led to four beautiful children, a fairytale proposal with a twinkling Eiffel Tower as a backdrop. An intimate wedding on the once-in-a-lifetime date of 12.12.12 followed, and, finally, an elegant, formal ceremony where the couple proudly declared their love for one another in front of 175 guests donned in their finest black and white.
Stoudemires practice the Hebrew faith, they recited the Ketubah vows during their ceremony under a Chuppah, a canopy under which Jewish couples are married. As she looked into her husband’s eyes, Alexis said, “I felt comfortable. I felt safe. As soon as I saw him, I wasn’t nervous anymore.” Amar’e adds, “I was almost in somewhat of a daze, but I was at peace. It was a very gratifying feeling to be standing up there with Alexis.”
Alexis chose a gown from J. Anton (her veil was actually tulle from the original dress) and had it customized with more gold accents. Amar’e’s jacket had a story of its own.
Amar’e posed with his oldest son Amar’e Jr.
Alexis and stylist Rachel Johnson decided at the last minute to go with the
Giambattista Valli Couture gown from Spring 2013 for the reception.
Six bridesmaids, 11 groomsmen, Alexis, Amar’e and three of their four children. “It felt like I was a king in the ancient times of Abraham, especially with all of my groomsmen standing by my side,” says Amar’e.
“My friends and my family look up to me, and we are all extremely close. When I was standing up there with everyone surrounding me, I knew that I was making the right choice and that everyone supported us.”
