Blake Griffin Officiates Wedding of Celtics Teammate Payton Pritchard
The serene beaches of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, recently played host to a memorable ceremony as Payton Pritchard, the Boston Celtics guard, married popular YouTuber Emma MacDonald. Adding a unique touch to the event was NBA star Blake Griffin, who took on the role of officiant.
Griffin, a six-time NBA All-Star, has forged a strong bond with Pritchard during their time together with the Boston Celtics in the 2022-23 season. This camaraderie was highlighted when Griffin accepted the honor of marrying Pritchard and MacDonald. Speaking about their choice, the bride said, "We chose him because we knew he would keep the ceremony nice and light, and he did a fantastic job!"
The ceremony, under the warm Massachusetts sun, drew a notable crowd. Attendees included Boston Celtics governor Wyc Grousbeck, head coach Joe Mazzulla, and teammates Oshae Brissett, Sam Hauser, and Xavier Tillman. The special nature of the occasion was captured by Jaylen Brown, who shared a short clip of Griffin officiating on Twitter, writing, "Yesterday was amazing congrats to my brother P rabbit pic.twitter.com/rpn61HrQ9q."
Emma MacDonald also expressed her happiness, sharing moments from the ceremony on Instagram. She reflected on the day by saying, "The crowd absolutely loved it, and so did we. It was incredibly special to have one of our friends marry us!"
Pritchard and MacDonald began their relationship in 2021, and their connection has grown stronger ever since. They got engaged in July 2023, and this wedding ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter for the couple.
The wedding wasn't just a personal milestone for Pritchard but also underscored the strong bonds within the Celtics team. The 2022-23 season saw Pritchard average 6.4 points, 2.1 assists, and 1.9 rebounds over 18.7 minutes per game during the postseason. In Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Pritchard drew attention with a remarkable half-court heave, showcasing his skill and determination on the court.
Griffin's participation in the wedding also highlighted his prominent presence within the team. Known for his dynamic play and leadership, Griffin seamlessly transitioned into the role of officiant, bringing warmth and humor to the ceremony. Emma MacDonald’s praises of Griffin’s performance, emphasizing his ability to keep things "nice and light," speak volumes about their close-knit relationship.
The celebration at Cape Cod was more than just a wedding; it was a testament to the camaraderie and familial bonds that often form within professional sports teams. As Griffin, Pritchard, and their teammates stood together on this happy occasion, it was evident that their connections extend far beyond the basketball court.