Emma Claire MacDonald and Boston Celtics player Payton Michael Pritchard officially connected on Raya, but she remembers that he had actually commented on one of her Instagram posts before they matched. After six months together, Payton proposed during Fourth of July weekend in 2023.
They were in Cape Cod, where Emma was born and raised, with her family and friends. One night, Emma’s sister told her they were going to take photos by her favorite beach before a nice dinner. “That’s when I noticed how nervous Payton was, and I had a feeling it was going to happen!” Emma recalls. “We got to the beach, and he began to tell me how much he loves me and how much I mean to him. Then, he got down on one knee!”
“I’ve always dreamed of a wedding on the beach in Cape Cod,” the bride shares. The seaside resort Wychmere became the couple’s perfect venue. And Cape Cod Celebrations brought their vision to life.
For her summer wedding, Emma chose a drop-waist Vera Wang dress, followed by a sleek Anne Barge look and a Monique Lhuillier after-party mini. “I accessorized with diamond studs that Payton gifted me for one of our Christmases together and wore my grandmother’s wedding band on my right hand,” the bride reveals. Her longtime hairstylist Jana Rago gave her a classic updo, while makeup artist Cat Mignano made Emma look like the best version of herself.
On August 10, 2024, Emma walked down the floral-lined aisle to meet Payton, who looked handsome in a custom Zegna suit, as the Cape Cod String Quartet scored the once-in-a-lifetime moment. “Payton was teary eyed as I was walking down the aisle,” she remembers. “I was just so excited to see him!”
The officiant was Payton’s former teammate, Blake Griffin. “We chose him because we knew he would keep the ceremony nice and light, and he did a fantastic job!” Emma exclaims. “The crowd absolutely loved it, and so did we. It was incredibly special to have one of our friends marry us!”
Once married, the newlyweds and their guests moved to the indoor reception, decorated with florals by BUDS. The pair sweetly opted for a private cake cutting with only their parents and grandparents. And after re-joining everyone, they shared a first dance to “Next Thing You Know” by Jordan Davis. “Payton’s teammate, Jalyen Brown, also wanted to say a few words, so we let him give a last-minute toast!” Emma remembers.
The after-party commenced in the cocktail hour space, transformed by Elevated Impressions, and went on until the last guest called it a wrap on an unforgettable wedding day.
