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    Apparently, finding true love after finding success is like looking for a needle in a haystack. If you’re lucky enough, you meet your person before the triumphs and take the stairs together. Los Angeles Lakers forward Kevon Looney, who won three NBA Championships with the Golden State Warriors, met his new bride, fitness model Mariah Simone Winston, while he was in college at UCLA. Their paths intertwined thanks to mutual friends, and eventually, they became friends too.  

    Looney and Winston’s relationship was platonic for two years before it became romantic. But falling in love was inevitable for Kevon.

    “I knew Mariah was my person early in our relationship, back when we were still just friends,” the NBA champion tells ESSENCE. “We could talk for hours about anything, and the conversation never felt stale or boring. I was young, but even then, I knew she was someone I could see myself building a life with.”

    After years of building, Looney decided it was time to take their relationship to new heights by proposing to Mariah in February 2025. The milestone moment took place on a beach boardwalk in San Diego during an All-Star break. The NBA player disguised the proposal as a special dinner and photoshoot. 

    “After dinner, we took a walk along the beach boardwalk,” Mariah shares. “As we were walking, I noticed this beautiful setup in a secluded part of the beach. At first, I had no idea it was for me. I was actually excited for whoever was about to get engaged. Then Kevon started leading me toward it, and that’s when I realized the entire setup was for us. It was such a beautiful surprise and truly one of the best days of my life.”

    The couple, who wed in July, had a picturesque outdoor wedding surrounded by friends and family, including some of Kevon’s past and present teammates. Read more about their classic, timeless wedding and see the stunning images from their celebration in this week’s Bridal Bliss

    What was the theme for the celebration, and how did it inspire the decor and experience given to guests? 

    Mariah: The theme was timeless, classic, and effortlessly luxurious. We chose soft pastels, elegant bow ties, and romantic details to create the feeling of stepping into a modern-day fairytale. The ceremony felt dreamy and enchanting, while the reception transitioned into a chic, modern celebration that still carried the same sense of timeless elegance. Every element from the grandest moments to the smallest details, all the way down to the napkins, were chosen with intention. We wanted our guests to feel completely transported and surrounded by beauty, romance, and magic.

    What were some of your favorite moments from the day?

    Mariah: My favorite moment was, of course, marrying my best friend and the love of my life. We chose not to do a first look, so seeing him for the first time at the altar made the moment even more special. Walking down the aisle toward him felt completely unreal. He had the biggest smile on his face and looked so handsome. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.

    I also loved the entire getting-ready experience, having my hair and makeup done, and stepping into my bridal gown. I felt so beautiful and happy, just taking in our wedding day. 

    Kevon: My favorite moment was seeing Mariah walk down the aisle in her dress. I have seen her model numerous outfits for me, and I have even watched her walk in New York Fashion Week, but seeing her walk down the aisle gave me a joy I had never experienced before, and that beautiful moment will always be something I will remember and cherish. Kissing my bride was another favorite moment. We never practiced or discussed how the kiss would go, and although we have kissed a million times, that kiss was the most memorable.

    What do you look forward to most about sharing a life with one another as husband and wife? 

    Mariah: I’m so excited to do life with my husband and begin this new chapter together. We’ve already shared so many beautiful moments throughout our relationship, and I’m excited for all that’s still to come. Building our life together, starting a family, creating new memories, and seeing what God has in store for us on this journey.

    Kevon: I look forward to growing old together, continuing to grow as individuals and as a couple, and starting a family of our own. I’m excited to build a beautiful life together filled with love, laughter, new experiences, and memories we will cherish forever.

    Vendors

    Couple: @looney @mariahslooney

    Photography: @sammblake

    Planners: @smithjamesevents

    Videography: @618studios

    Wedding Dress: @leahdagloria

    Reception Look: @wiederhoeft

    Suits: @albalegacy

    Stylist: @taramaiettastyle

    Hair: @olayhair

    Makeup: @lanib

    Venue: @bellavistaestatesb

    Florals: @studiomondine

    Entertainment: @nowthatsmajor @santabarbarastringquartet 

    Catering: @duocatering 

    Fabrication: @bellavistadesigns 

    Rentals: @theonicollection 

    Flooring: @brighteventrentals

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