JET (October 18, 1999)

Vanessa L. Williams
And NBA Star Rick Fox Tie The Knot In New York

Vanessa L. Williams and NBA star Rick Fox have become an official team. The two recently married then had a gala reception for family and friends in New York

After dating for a little more than a year, famed songbird-actress Vanessa L. Williams and NBA star Rick Fox have made it official.

Williams, wearing a Vera Wang grown, and Fox tied the knot during a private ceremony at Church of the Holy Trinity, a Roman Catholic church in New York.

Following the wedding, the bride and groom were joined by family and friends for a gala reception at the plush St. Regis Hotel.

Though the public first got wind and had its first glimpse of the newlyweds following their nuptials in the Big Apple, reportedly the loving twosome were first wed this summer during a clandestine ceremony in the Caribbean. Ironically, Fox was reared in Nassau, Bahamas.

This is the second marriage for Williams, 36, who has three children, Melanie, 12, Jillian, 10, and Devin, 6, from her marriage to her former manager Ramon Hervey. Fox, 30, has a son, Kyle, 7, from his union with Kari Hillsman, his college sweetheart.

Helen and Milton Williams, the songbird´s music-teacher parents, extended blessings to the happy couple

The two met a little more than a year ago, reportedly through supermodel Tyra Banks, who Fox was dating at that time. When the relationship dissolved, he began to date Williams. The two have been inseparable ever since.

The hunky Fox was so smitten after meeting Williams that he didn´t seem to waste any time asking for her hand in marriage. Just last year the popular NBA star made EBONY´s list of eligible bachelors. He told the magazine that he was looking for a woman "who enjoys her freedom". The versatile Williams won his heart.

A couple of years ago, Williams revealed to EBONY what she hoped for in a relationship.

"I want someone who is going to cherish me. That´s what I´m looking for", she explained.

The beautiful performer got her wish. The Toronto-born Fox simply adores his new wife. When the couple were spotted at celebrity outings and movie premieres this year, it was obvious to all that they were happy in love.

Their love also was extended through their children as they showed the importance of family throughout their courtship. Last summer they took their children to the movie premiere of Tarzan in New York.

Williams and Fox both value importance of family. Both have children from previous unions. They enjoyed the Tarzan premiere in New York this summer with two of Williams´ children, Devin (left) and Jillian, and Fox´s son, Kyle

Vanessa Lynne Williams, one of the most talented and diverse performers around today, knows no boundaries as an entertainer. She has won international acclaim with her ethereal vocals as a singer and for her passionate performances as an actor.

Her hit songs include The Right Stuff, He´s Got The Look, Dreamin´, Running Back To You, Save The Best For Last, and Love Is, a duet with Brian McKnight. Her performance of the heartwarming melody Colors Of The Wind, featured on the Pocahontas soundtrack, won an Academy Award.

Music has always been in William´ blood. The noted singer has won fame with such hit songs as Colors of the Wind, Save The Best For Last and The Sweetest Days

A consummate entertainer, five years ago Williams starred in the Broadway play Kiss Of The Spider Woman, in which she won stellar reviews.

Other acting ventures for Williams have included numerous film and television roles. She´s appeared in the movies Eraser, Hoodlum, Soul Food and Dance With Me. Her television credits include "L.A. Doctors" and "Chicago Hope".

Williams was lauded two years ago for her role as the tough attorney Terri in the celebrated movie Soul Food. She portrayed the eldest sister to Nia Long (center) and Vivica A. Fox

Currently, Williams is getting set to start filming a remake of the 1971 movie Shaft, where she´ll star opposite Samuel L. Jackson. In the meantime she can be seen in the upcoming movie Light It Up.

Born Ulrich Alexander Fox, the 6-foot-7 NBA forward has been with the Los Angeles Lakers since 1997. Last season he averaged 9.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 44 games. Recently, Fox reportedly signed a six-year deal with the team worth about $25 million.

The famed couple look forward to the sweetest days ahead

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who majored in radio, television and motion pictures in 1991, Fox also has successfully made a foray into acting. He has appeared on the gritty, award-winning HBO prison drama "Oz", as well as made appearances in the films He´s Got Game, Eddie and Blue Chips.

Williams´ Chappaqua, NY, home is where the couple reportedly plans to make its home base.