Blake Griffin Officiates Wedding of Celtics Teammate Payton Pritchard
In a delightful off-court moment, NBA star Blake Griffin added a new role to his repertoire: wedding officiant. The six-time NBA All-Star officiated the wedding of his Boston Celtics teammate Payton Pritchard. The ceremony was a picturesque affair, unfolding on the sunlit beaches of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Pritchard, the dynamic guard known for his sharpshooting and high basketball IQ, tied the knot with YouTuber Emma MacDonald. The couple, who began their relationship in 2021, got engaged in July 2023, culminating in this heartwarming ceremony. Emma shared snippets of the joyous event on Instagram, giving fans an inside look at the special day.
Blake Griffin, having recently played with the Celtics during the 2022-23 season, brought his charm and charisma to the role of officiant. His connection with the newlyweds was evident. "We chose him because we knew he would keep the ceremony nice and light, and he did a fantastic job!" MacDonald said. "The crowd absolutely loved it, and so did we. It was incredibly special to have one of our friends marry us!"
The wedding attracted notable figures from the Celtics community, including governor Wyc Grousbeck, head coach Joe Mazzulla, and teammates such as Oshae Brissett, Sam Hauser, and Xavier Tillman. The presence of these significant attendees underscored the strong bonds within the Celtics family. Jaylen Brown, Pritchard's teammate, shared a short clip of Griffin during the ceremony on Twitter, captioning it, "Yesterday was amazing congrats to my brother P rabbit pic.twitter.com/rpn61HrQ9q."
For Pritchard, this summer has been filled with memorable milestones. The 25-year-old guard averaged 6.4 points, 2.1 assists, and 1.9 rebounds in 18.7 minutes per game during the last postseason, leaving a notable mark with a remarkable half-court heave in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. His contributions on the court have earned him respect and admiration from his peers and fans alike.
The bond between Griffin and Pritchard, forged during their time as teammates in the 2022-23 season, was evident throughout the ceremony. Griffin's involvement as the officiant added a personal touch, making the occasion even more special. "It was incredibly special to have one of our friends marry us," reiterated MacDonald, highlighting the significance of this personal connection.
As the sun set over Cape Cod, the newlyweds and their guests celebrated not just a wedding, but a gathering of a close-knit community. The beaches provided a stunning backdrop for a ceremony filled with love, laughter, and camaraderie. It was a day where the world of professional basketball intersected with personal joy, creating lasting memories for everyone involved.
This off-season event reflects the deep relationships built within the Boston Celtics organization, showcasing the unity and friendship that extend beyond the basketball court. With such strong support from his teammates, Pritchard's journey both professionally and personally appears to be on a promising path.