Inqlings | Main Line wedding fit for a Fresh Princess
By Michael Klein
Inquirer Columnist
Neither bride nor groom is in The Biz, but major star power gathered yesterday on the Main Line as Ellen Smith married her longtime beau, businessman D. Lawrence Downs.
That's Ellen Smith, 33, a hair and makeup artist and younger sister of Philly-bred entertainer Will Smith. Nuptials and reception for 360 friends and family were held at the Bryn Mawr spread of their mother, Carolyn. Ellen Smith's twin brother, Harry, who helps handle Will's business affairs, walked her partway down the aisle. Their father,Willard, walked her the rest of the way. The Smiths also have an older sister, Pam.
Smith and wife Jada Pinkett Smith took over a Center City penthouse Friday after flying in with kids Trey, 11, Jaden, 5, and Willow, 3, as well as Pinkett Smith's mother, Adrienne Banfield, and Will Smith's ex-wife, Sheree. Grandmom Smith packed her house with toys in anticipation of their arrival.
Also on the guest list were Shawn Stockman and Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men, and Will's old partner, "DJ Jazzy Jeff" Townes.
An attendee says no expense was spared. Under tight security, the couple exchanged vows at the gazebo on the 3.3-acre property, which Will Smith bought for his mom in 1997. (The Rev. Barry Lyons officiated and sang.) Grounds were festooned with calla lilies and orchids by Ten Pennies Florists & Decorators. The reception, whose menu featured salmon from Tuxedo Caterers, was held under huge tents erected on the tennis courts. Thurman Studios and GSP Video recorded the event. The beaded, ivory gown and tiara came from Suky Rosan.
Will Smith has something else going on in his hometown. In his 2000 film The Legend of Bagger Vance, he played a mystical caddie who helps a golfer get his swing back. Now Smith and Treyball Development, his company, want to help the city's 33d Street driving range get its swing back.
Treyball is one of two finalists - Synterra Ltd., run by Bill Wilson, a major contributor to Mayor Street, is the other - vying for the right to develop, manage and operate the Longknockers Driving Range near Reservoir Drive in East Fairmount Park, administered by the Fairmount Park Commission. The project, which might come in around $1 million, would include miniature golf, a clubhouse, and a chip-and-putt.
The commission's Dennis Waller says a decision should be made in about two weeks.