NEED TO KNOW
Shaquill Griffin and Shauntrell “Tokyo Jetz” Pender married on May 3 in Tomball, Texas
The celebration featured live music and a seven-tiered wedding cake
The couple’s children had special roles in the ceremony
Three months after winning the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks in February, Shaquill Griffin scored a second ring — his wedding ring.
The NFL player, 30, married retired rapper Shauntrell “Tokyo Jetz” Pender, 31, in a black, red and gold-themed wedding on Sunday, May 3, at AG Outdoor Venue in Tomball, Texas.
“For me, this wedding is like a fairy tale. It’s odd that neither one of us envisioned this when we first met and things just fell into place,” Pender tells PEOPLE. “For Shaquill, the wedding was lifesaving. He sees things so much differently now that we’re here.”
Shaquill Griffin and Shauntrell “Tokyo Jetz” Pender kissing
Credit: Stanlo Photography
The wedding was attended by 181 guests, all of whom dressed in black. Notable attendees included comedian and musician Lil Duval, model Lira Galore and celebrity hairstylist Hair Physician. Also in attendance were pro football players M.J. Stewart, Jonathan Greenard, Shaquem Griffin, Rayshawn Jenkins, and Chris Claybrooks.
Originally, the couple envisioned a destination wedding, but decided against traveling with their small children. Texas became a clear choice as it holds a special place in their hearts.
“It’s more than just a place to us, it’s home,” the “No Problem” singer shares. “It’s where we’ve built our life, poured into our dreams, and created a foundation for our family and future. Texas represents growth, resilience, and everything we’ve been working toward together. Celebrating our love here means we’re surrounded by the community, energy, and environment that helped shape our journey, making the moment not just a wedding, but a reflection of who we are and where we truly belong.”
Shaquill Griffin and Shauntrell “Tokyo Jetz” Pender
Credit: Stanlo Photography
As David Michael Wyatt sang Musiq Soulchild’s “Love,” Griffin walked down an elegant black aisle lined with countless red roses that led to an elevated platform surrounded by even more scarlet blooms. The couple’s 6-year-old son, Amir, delivered the NYC Luxury wedding rings as “ring security.” Then, their 3-year-old daughter, Amor, dropped ruby petals as the flower girl.
The bride made her way down the aisle to “First Time” by Teeks. She wore a custom-designed, sparkly mermaid-style dress by Alonuko. Her hair and makeup was done by ITSHairco. and Tia Codrington, respectively. Later in the night, she changed into a strapless red gown by Nicolesposa that she “couldn’t get out of [her] head” after falling in love with it at first sight.
The couple exchanged handwritten vows so that they could “freely express [themselves] wholeheartedly.”
Shaquill Griffin and Shauntrell “Tokyo Jetz” Pender
Credit: Stanlo Photography
“For me, marriage means love, understanding, infinite gratitude and partnership,” Pender says.
The ceremony was officiated by David Brown of Marry Me By David, and included the tradition of jumping the broom. The broomstick was created with the help of Amor, and the bride and groom hope to pass it down to her for her own special day.
“While she may not see the significance or importance in doing this now, when it’s her turn, I know she’ll appreciate those moments,” Pender says.
Inside at the reception, guests sat at sleek black tables with chandelier-like canopies of deep red roses overhead, with dozens of blooms cascading down on clear strings. The dramatic candlelit dinner featured duet entrées of herb-roasted airline chicken breast with blackened Cajun salmon paired with aromatic coconut rice pilaf and tender sautéed broccolini.
Shaquill Griffin and Shauntrell “Tokyo Jetz” Pender
Credit: Stanlo Photography
“We love that our chef comes from a Caribbean background because we both grew up in Florida and wanted our food to be full of flavor and culture and a great experience for our guests,” Pender says.
For dessert, slices of their massive seven-tiered wedding cake covered in cascading red roses, from Wedding Cakes by Tammy Allen were served.
Another touch of drama at the celebration was a fog machine for the first dance. Entertainment was provided by Knockout Entertainment. DJ Qwon and performances by Pender, Lil Duval and Yungeen Ace also kept the party going.
Shaquill Griffin and Shauntrell “Tokyo Jetz” Pender
Credit: Stanlo Photography
“When we started planning, we didn’t just see a wedding, we saw a celebration of our love,” Pender says. “We’ve always been the kind of people who throw beautiful, elaborate events, so it only felt right to make this the biggest and most meaningful one yet! Something that truly reflects our love story and the life we’ve built together.”
The wedding was planned and designed by Jenkins & Co. Weddings.
Griffin and Pender met over social media, with Pender making the first move over direct message. She shares, “We both feel like God put us exactly where we were supposed to be to meet. We met by accident but, of course, there is no such thing as ‘accidents.’ “
Pender most admires Griffin’s “drive, determination, and selflessness,” while Griffin loves Pender’s “loyalty, passion, and love.”
On New Year’s Eve 2024, Griffin popped the question on the top floor of Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis.
Shaquill Griffin and Shauntrell “Tokyo Jetz” Pender
Credit: Stanlo Photography
“Everything was covered in photos of us and white roses with candles,” Pender remembers. “I like to think I saw it coming, but honestly, I had no idea. Everything was so beautiful and meaningful. We both cried and blushed all night.”
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The newlyweds will go to Bali later this summer for their honeymoon. Beyond that, they’re excited to continue growing as couple and as a family.
“Our next chapter looks like building and growing together as we continue to learn from each other,” Pender says. “We both have so much more love to give each other and our little ones.”
Shaquill Griffin and Shauntrell “Tokyo Jetz” Pender’s wedding reception
Credit: Stanlo Photography
She adds, “With family comes responsibility, so were also excited about continuing to grow our businesses to create generational wealth for our children and theirs to come.”
Additional Credits:
Design and Production: Decor 2 Remember
Videography: Bricks Group
Guest Portrait Photographer: The People’s Paparazzii
Content Creator: Candids By Key
Bridal Party Makeup Artist: Ryan Sims Beauty
Bridal Party Hair: Daniel Angelo
Flower Girl Hair: Thee Braid Addict
Bridal Concierge: Your Bridal Fairy
Wardrobe Stylist: D. Rushing
Bridal Party Jewelry: CharmBox Co
Catering: Keifs Catering
Bartending: Ditragos
Valet: PG Services
Cigar Lounge: DV Cigar Roller
Hookah: All The Smoke Mobile Luxury Hookah
Lighting & Sound: ATH Productions
Getaway Car: City Classic Cars
Stationery: Minted Weddings
Read the original article on People