Memphis Grizzlies’ Marcus Smart Marries Maisa Hallum in ‘Fairytale’ Wedding: ‘Dreams Do Come True’ (Exclusive)

Marcus Smart and his fiancee Maisa Hallum got married!

On September 16, the Memphis Grizzlies player and his longtime girlfriend tied the knot at the Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast, California in front of 300 of his closest family and friends. Boston Celtics players Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Dallas Mavericks’ Grant Williams, Indiana Pacers’ Daniel Theis and Golden State Warriors’ Gary Payton II were among those present.

“Our wedding was truly a fairytale,” Hallum told PEOPLE in an exclusive interview. “Every detail came to life and made it special, and spending time with loved ones was the cherry on top.”

“What can I say? Dreams do come true and this was the most amazing day,” added Smart, 29.

The wedding of Marcus Smart and Maisa Hallum say “I do” at the altar.

Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

The couple tells PEOPLE they decided to say “I do” on the Newport waterfront because the destination is close to their hearts. “The area is breathtaking and the ocean views are unmatched, all around perfection,” says Hallum. They had a black and white color theme throughout the weekend with gold and neutral accents built into every detail.

“It’s a big thing for us to surround ourselves with friends and family and enjoy time with them,” says Hallum. “We knew one day wouldn’t be enough to live in the moment and see everyone, so we extended it to a three-day extravaganza and that allowed us to be present and truly share the love with everyone who attended.”

Ahead of the couple’s wedding, planned by Erica Estrada Design Smart, he revealed that he can’t wait for the big day: “I’m looking forward to marrying the love of my life and celebrating all weekend with our loved ones.”

Marcus Smart and Maisa Hallum celebrate their wedding.

Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

Hallum explains that their weekend-long wedding extravaganza kicked off on Friday night with a “wedding warm-up.” To kick off the festivities, Hallum wore a party dress from The Attico and shoes from Rene Caovilla. Smart wore an Alexander McQueen tuxedo, Christian Dior button-down shirt and Christian Louboutin shoes.

On Saturday afternoon, the bride walked down the aisle to a string quartet wedding version of Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” before the couple exchanged handwritten vows at the altar. The ceremony was officiated by Regan of Great Officiants.

During the ceremony, Hallum wore a sheer gown from The White Dress in Corona Del Mar designed by Galia Lahav paired with Christian Louboutin shoes. “What drew me to the dress was the fact that it was unique and whimsical. Being a custom, sheer floral lace dress, it was incredibly intimate and I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect dress,” she says.

The bride wore dresses by Moda Glam Boutique Cindy Cohen and the groomsmen wore tuxedos courtesy of The Black Tux.

Maisa Hallum walks down the aisle to marry Marcus Smart.

Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

After the ceremony, Smart and Hallum hosted a lively afterparty with musical performances by rapper YG and Grammy-winning singer Eric Bellinger. Later in the evening, the couple danced their first dance to “Best Part” by Daniel Caesar and HER

Smart changed into a custom Giorgio Armani outfit with Christian Louboutin shoes and Louis Vuitton sunglasses, while Hallum’s afterparty dress was by Ines Di Santo and her shoes were Miu Miu.

Marcus Smart and Maisa Hallum’s bridal party and best men.

Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

During the celebration, the couple served a dinner of ahi tuna crudo, gnocchi cacio e pepe, filet mignon with asparagus and potatoes, lobster risotto, and herb-roasted chicken. Dessert included a seven-tiered red velvet cake from Grace and Honey.

The couple also had a candy wall and serving station, as well as a hookah bar and free marijuana — “for guests who wanted it,” Hallum says. They also provided Raising Cane’s for an after hours snack.

In addition to live performances, there was also an oil painter, and guests could pose in the photo booth or take pictures from sledding on the ice. “We also had belly dancers celebrating my Middle Eastern culture,” adds Hallum.

Marcus Smart and Maisa Hallum share a first dance.

Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

To end the weekend, on Sunday, the newlyweds threw a farewell pool party to thank their guests.

After a weekend-long celebration, Smart says he will continue the fun with a honeymoon in Bora Bora before he starts training camp for the upcoming NBA season.

“I love his heart, his tenacity and his kindness. There really is no man like him!” Hallum says of her husband, adding, “We solve everything together as a whole.”

“Maisa is caring, considerate, supportive and my best friend. I can talk to her about anything and everything,” Smart says of his wife, noting that “becoming husband and wife means becoming one.”

Marcus Smart and Maisa Hallum at the altar.

Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

The NBA player and Hallum were first linked in 2017 when they were photographed together at a public event. Since then, they have mostly kept their relationship out of the limelight.

Smart, however, made an exception for his proposal. On December 25, 2022, he shared a video of himself popping the question with a little help from Will Smith. In a video posted on Instagram, the NBA star played a message recorded by Smith.

Maisa Hallum in a wedding dress.

Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

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“I just wanted to take a minute to wish you a very, very Merry Christmas,” Smith said. “I know that maybe you didn’t get what you wanted. I promise you that you will not end this Christmas empty-handed. That’s all my message is… my message from Antarctica.”

When the video ended, Smart got down on one knee behind Hallum, who agreed to his proposal. In the same post, he shared a photo of himself and Hallum in matching pajamas as his fiancee raised her hand to show off her engagement ring.

“(Wow!),” he joked on Instagram before thanking Smith for the assist. “Thanks @willsmith for helping me set it up!”

In an interview with NBC Boston shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), Smart revealed why he chose Smith to help him with his bid. “She actually likes Will Smith,” he said. “He’s one of her favorite actors.”

He added that he is grateful to Men in Black star for taking the time to shoot the video. “It was great … Will didn’t have to do it,” he said. “He took time out of his day, so I really appreciate that.”

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Source: HIS Education