‘Basketball Wives’ Star Shaunie O’Neal Marries Pastor Keion Henderson

Shaunie O’Neal is best known as the star of the hit reality tv series ‘VH1’ Basketball Wives, or as the ex-wife of NBA Superstar Shaquille O’Neal. Over the years, she has been open about not having much of a “love life”, until she starred dating then acquaintance Pastor Keion Henderson in February of 2020. On Saturday May 28, 2022, Shaunie O’Neal and Pastor Keion Henderson tied the knot at the Aurora Anguilla Resort and Golf Club in Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla. The wedding was a private event with only 200 of the couple’s closest friends and family.

The romantic outdoor ceremony took place on the golf course’s 10th hole, with the bride entering as singer Yolanda Adams performed while Shaunie’s three sons walked her down the aisle. All five of her children, in which she has with TNT Sports Analyst Shaquille O’Neal, were in attendance on Shaunie’s special day!

O’Neal wore a sparkling gown by Jean Louis Sabajai in partnership with fashion stylist Eric Archibald, paired with a dreamy veil also from the designer. She accessorized with David Yurman jewelry and shoes by Jimmy Choo. The glowing bride’s updo was perfected by Diamond Johnson, with her makeup look created by Alaina Saulsberry.

Henderson wore a cream tux by Dolce and Gabbana, while the groomsmen were clad in Atelier Houston. Bishop TD Jakes officiated the nuptials, which were planned by the happy couple with The Britto Agency Global Brand Strategist and captured by photographer Manolo Doreste and videographer Michael Tamzil. Wedding bands were exchanged between Shaunie and Keion from Jason of Beverly Hills.

The location was an easy choice for the newlyweds, who “immediately fell in love with it” on a past trip. “I think after that first visit, we knew this was the place we wanted to get married,” O’Neal, who is 47 years old, told PEOPLE in an EXCLUSIVE interview. For Henderson, who is 41, Anguilla’s rich history and welcoming residents made them “proud to connect to” the island and “start their journey” there.

During the reception, the couple’s friends and family dined on Anguillian-inspired dishes including local fish and crayfish, all among blush rose florals created by Black Orchid. Guests spent the evening dancing to music from the Isley Brothers and Jukebox in a custom tent at the resort’s clubhouse and D Richards Restaurant, before Spinderella took over DJ duties in the late-night hours for the afterparty.

Thoughtful details were incorporated throughout the ceremony and reception, including an Eleven/11 toast with McBride Sisters Brut Prosecco.

For both O’Neal and Henderson, the connection was undeniable from their first date, which was a six-hour rendezvous inside a hotel lobby. “I was in California getting ready to preach. … She finally agreed to meet me,” Henderson tells PEOPLE. O’Neal had been out to dinner with a friend earlier that evening and told her future husband she’d go out with him “if she had time after eating.” So, for the next six hours, they connected over family and faith.

“But then I walk her to her car, give her a sideways hug, and I let her get in the car and drive off,” the groom says. “He didn’t even try to kiss me!” his bride interjects. Henderson says she gave him “complete pandemonium” for weeks after he fumbled that first smooch. He made up for it at the perfect time, though: “I showed her the kiss I would have given her the day I met her,” Henderson tells PEOPLE of their first kiss as husband and wife on Saturday.

Henderson fit right in with her family long before the “I dos,” his bride says. “He’s been amazing to just step into our lives and fill a void that’s been there for a minute in a space of just being here with me, cause I haven’t had somebody,” she says. “They love him which makes me love him even more.” The feeling is mutual for the groom. “She’s amazing. She’s just the most laid-back, hilarious, fun-loving person. She’s a woman of faith,” Henderson gushes. “She can cook, she can dress, and she can sing!” As for what’s next for the Hendersons, “we want to build a legacy together,” O’Neal says. The next chapter for her is about “growing, evolving, and becoming,” she says.

The newly weds plan to spend their honeymoon in the South of France to explore that region to expand their palette and to get some culture!

‘VH1’ Basketball Wives currently airs on VH1 on Monday nights, but don’t expect to see Pastor Henderson on any episodes. “I would not bring him on Basketball Wives,” Shaunie laughed during an EXCLUSIVE interview with HollywoodLife. “I wouldn’t even ask him to do that. Congratulations to the beautiful couple!

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