Hollywood producer Will Packer marries his longtime love Heather Hayslett in an intimate, backyard ceremony.
On Friday night, the duo were joined by 50 of their closest friends and family members who arrived for what they thought would be an intimate dinner, only to discover the couple’s backyard had been transformed for a surprise wedding.
According to Essence, “Everyone made a grand entrance for the occasion. The groom and his oldest son, who was his best man, along with the bride’s son walked down the aisle together to a mash-up of the epic score of 2001: A Space Odyssey and Rich Homie Quan’s “Flex, Ohh, Ohh, Ohh” (dance moves included!) and the bride’s sister, who served as her matron of honor, and Packer’s two daughters made their way down the aisle to Janelle Monae and Miguel’s duet ‘Primetime.'”
Packer’s childhood friend, Pastor Charles Jenkins of Chicago officiated the ceremony. Anthony Hamilton serenaded the couple with a rendition of Teddy Pendergrass’ “You’re My Latest, Greatest Inspiration” for the bride’s big march down the aisle in a stunning champagne satin Eve of Milady wedding gown with a silver beaded overlay.
“When I saw her at the end of that aisle I just lost it,” Packer told Essence. “That whole backyard was crying… Between Heather’s entrance and the vows, it was insane. It was very, very emotional.”
Packer and Hayslett first met during a boat ride at ESSENCE Festival in 2009. He later popped the question live on stage before 40,000 attendees at ESSENCE Festival in 2013. The Packers’ family of six is made up of Packer’s son Dominique, 20, and two daughters, Maya, 11, Nija, 15, and Hayslett’s son, Zion, 13, all from their previous relationships. Congrats to the newlyweds!
