NFL Star Emmitt Smith Weds Patricia Lawrence In Dallas

Jet, May 8, 2000

Dallas Cowboys star Emmitt Smith is single no more. The famed running back recently married actress Patricia Southall Lawrence during a posh ceremony in Dallas.

Smith and Lawrence exchanged vows in front of hundreds of family, friends and football colleagues at the First Baptist Church in Dallas.

The lovely bride, a former Miss Virginia and Miss USA contestant, wore a stunning ivory gown. Her maids of honor included her sister, Pamela Southall, and Tara Harrison and Cherron Mitchell as the matron of honor.

Decked out in a white tuxedo and gold tie, the NFL star had his dad, Emmitt Smith Jr., serve as his best man while his brothers, Erik, Emory and Emil, served as groomsmen.

The wedding was officiated by the renowned Bishop T.D. Jakes and Bishop Noel Jones.

Grammy Award-winning performer Kirk Franklin performed the tune Now Behold the Lamb at the touching ceremony.

Guests included Dallas Cowboys football stars Michael Irvin, Erik Williams and Troy Aikman, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, Cowboys head coach Dave Campo, Sen. Royce West and nationally syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner.

A lavish reception followed at the Fairmont Hotel.

Smith popped the question to Lawrence last May during his 30th birthday party.

This is Smith's first marriage. Lawrence, who is the mother of a young daughter, Jasmin, was previously wed to actor-comedian Martin Lawrence. They divorced in 1996.