—
Josh Hart Marries High School Sweetheart Shannon Phillips in a Surprise Early Ceremony in Chicago
In a touching and joyful moment that took even their closest friends and family by surprise, New York Knicks star Josh Hart and his longtime partner, Shannon Phillips, tied the knot in a private ceremony in Chicago over the weekend — a full month before their originally scheduled wedding date.
The ceremony, described as intimate and emotional by those in attendance, took place in a charming chapel on the city’s North Side and was followed by a cozy reception with close family, friends, and a few teammates. The couple, who have been together since their high school days at Sidwell Friends in Washington, D.C., have long been admired for their unshakable bond and shared values.
A Change of Plans — For Love, Not Logistics
The original date was set for mid-June, but a combination of sentimental motivation and a desire for a quieter, more personal experience prompted the couple to push the timeline forward.
“Shannon and I just looked at each other one night and said, ‘Why wait?’” Hart shared in an Instagram post on Sunday, accompanied by a carousel of candid black-and-white photos from the ceremony. “We’ve waited long enough. We’ve grown together, struggled together, celebrated together. It felt right to take this next step in a way that was truly about us — not the optics, not the guest list.”
Sources close to the couple confirmed that the decision to move up the wedding was spontaneous, but deeply considered. According to one of Hart’s Knicks teammates, who requested anonymity to keep the moment private, “Josh told us on Friday that he was flying to Chicago for something personal. None of us guessed it was to get married.”
A Love Story Rooted in Time
Josh Hart, now 30, first met Shannon Phillips when they were both teenagers at Sidwell Friends, the elite private school that has educated children of presidents and high-profile families. But Josh and Shannon weren’t from those powerful backgrounds — theirs was a connection forged in long study sessions, cafeteria lunches, school dances, and eventually, enduring love.
Their relationship weathered Hart’s years at Villanova, where he became a national champion and All-American, and then blossomed even further as he entered the NBA. Despite frequent travel, injuries, trades, and the nonstop pressure of professional sports, Phillips remained a constant in Hart’s life. She stood by his side when he was drafted by the Lakers in 2017, supported him during his tenure with the Pelicans and Trail Blazers, and has been a fixture courtside at Madison Square Garden ever since he arrived in New York in 2023.
“Shannon is everything to me,” Hart said during a recent appearance on The Old Man and The Three, the popular podcast hosted by former NBA sharpshooter JJ Redick. “She’s been with me from day one. Not day one of my NBA career — day one, period. When you find someone like that, you don’t let go.”
A Ceremony Filled With Meaning
Though smaller in scale than what was initially planned for June, the ceremony did not lack beauty, elegance, or emotional weight. Shannon wore a sleek, minimalist gown by Chicago-based designer Azeeza, while Josh kept things classic in a sharp black tuxedo with a blue velvet jacket — a subtle nod to his Villanova roots.
Officiated by a close family friend, the ceremony was said to have brought many to tears, including Hart himself. “Josh cried,” a guest told People. “Not like just misty-eyed — I mean real tears. You could see how much this meant to him. They both looked like they were in their own little world.”
Their vows, reportedly written separately and kept secret until the moment of exchange, touched on themes of loyalty, faith, perseverance, and unconditional love. Hart spoke about Shannon’s unwavering belief in him through tough injuries and trade rumors, while she recounted the sacrifices and late nights that shaped their story.
The wedding party was kept small, with just a few family members and close friends in attendance. Shannon’s younger sister served as maid of honor, while Hart’s brother, Moses, was his best man.
A Reception with Heart and Humor
Following the ceremony, guests gathered for a private dinner at a downtown Chicago restaurant known for its blend of classic Italian and Midwestern comfort food. The couple chose to forego formal speeches, instead encouraging spontaneous toasts and laughter.
According to one attendee, “It felt like a reunion, a celebration, and a homecoming all at once. You could feel how loved they both are, and how happy everyone was to just be there — no pomp, just love.”
True to his reputation as one of the NBA’s funniest and most grounded players, Hart found a way to inject humor into the proceedings. At one point during the reception, he reportedly joked, “I locked down my best defender tonight — and it’s not anyone from the Celtics.”
Celebrity Wishes and Team Reactions
Though the wedding was private, word of the ceremony spread quickly once Hart shared photos and a heartfelt caption on Instagram. The comment section quickly filled with congratulatory messages from NBA players and coaches alike.
“Congrats my brother,” wrote Jalen Brunson, Hart’s Knicks teammate and close friend. “Y’all are perfect together.”
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, known for his stoic demeanor, even offered a rare public message through the team’s social media account: “Congratulations to Josh and Shannon from the entire Knicks organization. A true team player and an even better man.”
Fellow Villanova alumni, including Donte DiVincenzo and Mikal Bridges, also chimed in with messages of love and nostalgia. “From Villanova parties to Chicago weddings,” Bridges posted, “what a journey. Love you two.”
A Honeymoon Postponed, But Not Forgotten
Given the timing — the Knicks were recently eliminated from the Eastern Conference Finals — Hart had a short window of downtime. However, sources close to the couple confirmed that the honeymoon will likely take place later this summer, possibly in Italy or the Maldives.
“They’re not rushing it,” a friend of the bride said. “This moment was all about the marriage, not the vacation. They want to take their time and enjoy life together — that’s the whole point.”
Off the Court, On the Path Forward
In recent months, Hart has received widespread praise not just for his gritty, all-around play with the Knicks, but for his philanthropy as well. Just last week, he announced that he would be donating his $20 million player bonus and part of his new endorsement deal to several nonprofit organizations focused on youth development and homelessness.
Now, with a new ring on his finger, Hart enters a new chapter not only in his personal life, but in his continued journey as a beloved figure in the NBA — someone whose loyalty, humility, and heart resonate well beyond the hardwood.
“He’s always been about more than basketball,” said former Villanova coach Jay Wright. “What you saw in that wedding was the same Josh I coached — authentic, emotional, selfless. He and Shannon are a beautiful couple, and I couldn’t be happier for them.”
Closing Thoughts: More Than a Fairy Tale
In an era where celebrity relationships often play out in tabloids and TikToks, the story of Josh Hart and Shannon Phillips stands as a refreshing exception. Their union, built on years of friendship, mutual respect, and shared dreams, serves as a reminder that some love stories are written long before the spotlight ever arrives.
Their early wedding may have caught fans off guard, but to those who know them, it was simply a reflection of their values: love over luxury, meaning over spectacle, and a deep desire to move forward together, on their own terms.
As Hart put it in the final line of his post: “Married my best friend. Couldn’t be happier. Let the next chapter begin.”
—
Leave a Reply