In November 2006, WNBA legend Lisa Leslie tied the knot with Michael Lockwood, a pilot for UPS and author, before 85 guests in Maui. The happy couple met through Michael’s friend, whom Lisa met in an airport during a personal vacation.
“He told me him and his wife were a fan and then said, ‘Hey, I have a great guy you should meet you’re both tall,’” says Leslie with a laugh. “I’m thinking, ’I’m not trying to meet anyone; I’m good single,’ but I finally gave in and shared my number with him to give to Michael and the rest is history.”
“It was important for me to have an intimate ceremony with close family and friends,” says Leslie. “It was truly a beautiful day.”
Lisa Leslie is all smiles as she poses next to the “I Love You” message left by Michael after his surprise proposal following the NCAA Women’s Final Four tournament on April 4, 2005, in Indianapolis, for which Leslie served as a commentator.
“I had no idea even after seeing the message on the bed in our hotel room that he was about to propose,” says Leslie. “I just thought, ‘Awww, how sweet!’But when he did get on bended knee I was so corny and like, ‘Oh yes, yes, yes.’”
Shortly after their proposal, Lisa and Michael stand as one.
“During his proposal, Michael said,’I’ve asked God, your parents and now I’m asking you, Will You Marry Me?’” shares Leslie.
Michael’s daughters served as the flower girls.
Leslie was a vision as she made her way down the aisle.
The couple exchanged traditional vows.
“This was the wedding I always dreamed of,” says Leslie.
Lisa and Michael share their first kiss as husband and wife.
Lisa and Michael place necklaces they bought for their daughters symbolizing their union as a family.
Mr. and Mrs. Lockwood enjoy their first stroll as husband and wife.
Lisa Leslie—the Los Angeles Sparks champ who is arguably the most famous female basketball player in the world and is set to star in ABC’s upcoming reality competition "Superstars"—sat down with ESSENCE.com to talk about marriage, motherhood and why she’s the happiest she’s ever been. A source of her joy is husband Michael Lockwood, whom she married in a fairy-tale wedding in Maui in 2006.
Michael’s daughters anxiously await the bride.
Michael’s daughters prepare to release doves in honor of Lisa and their dad’s blessed union.
Christine, Leslie’s mom, poses with her new son-in-law Michael and daughter.
“Me and Michael danced with each other’s mom to Gerald and Eddie Levert’s version of ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ because neither of our fathers were there,” says Leslie.
Michael shares camera time with two of his three groomsmen.
Michael with his best man, who introduced his buddy to Lisa via phone.
“If it weren’t for Michael’s friend, I might still be single,” Leslie admits.
The Lockwoods share their first dance to John Legend’s “So High.”
“I love that song!” exclaims Leslie. “It was perfect for our dance together.”
Lisa and Michael spent ten days in Maui for their honeymoon.
“It was great because we drove around the entire island biking, hiking, visiting the different waterfalls and volcanoes,” says Leslie. “We even spent a night in a bed and breakfast.”
“I love the island because it’s very old Hawaii and rich with history,” says Leslie. “I like traditional places like this because it doesn’t feel to touristy.”
Leslie takes in Maui’s beautiful flowers.
Leslie gives the camera her best shot before one of the many waterfalls she and Michael visited.
Pregnant with her and Michael’s first child together, Leslie has that motherly glow.
Michael has a little fun while taking pictures with his expecting wife.
Leslie catches a breeze poolside.
Leslie says Lockwood keeps her in stitches. “He makes me laugh and I love to laugh,” she says.
Michael is surrounded by the women in his life.
Lisa and Michael, both best-selling authors, share a high-five during one of their book signings. Lisa wrote her autobiography, “Don’t Let The Lipstick Fool You” and Michael penned “Women Have All The Power.”
Leslie snuggles with her daughter, Lauren Jolie.
“At 21 months, she’s already as tall as most 3-year-olds, so we make sure she’s advanced in her learning because I don’t ever want her to be mistaken for being older and not being on her appropriate learning curve,” explains Lisa. “She’s already saying her alphabet and can spell. She’s a smart girl.”
Leslie listens intently as her hubby divulges the secret of a woman’s ultimate power.
Leslie, who was the first woman to slam dunk in the WNBA and holds many other historical firsts, will retire this year as one of the greatest in the women’s league.
Lauren Jolie shines on and off camera.
“She never ceases to amaze me and Michael,” says Leslie of her daughter.
LJ is far from camera shy.
Recent photos of Lauren Jolie show her emoting.
“The girl is an actress,” says Leslie with a laugh, who was signed to the Wilhemenia Modeling agency in June 1996. “The photographer asked us if he could display her photos for [advertising] and I’m like, wow, could this be her first modeling gig?”
Lauren focuses all her attention on her holiday treat.
LJ doesn’t have a care in the world and takes time to reflect on her childhood.
Lauren shows another side of her bubbly personality.
“Lauren is a trip; she’s always on,” says Leslie. “She keeps me and Michael cracking up.”
Lauren wears bashfulness so well.
This power couple might have their own wonderful careers as a WNBA basketball legend and UPS pilot, respectively, but together they are a dynamic duo and always give each other props.
“We have a very traditional relationship,” says Leslie. “Michael is the provider and I’m the mom and wife. We work well together.”
Lisa, who will costar on the ABC reality show “Superstars,” a remake of a 1970’s show, has always been fashion forward and is a former Wilhemenia model.
Sporting her Olympic Gold, Leslie spreads peace and love.
The Lockwoods prepare for another book signing.
“Michael had everything I wanted in a man—right down to his long eyelashes,” says Leslie. “We spoke on the phone for a month before we met face-to-face. As women, you don’t truly realize the difference between a man and a boy until you find a real man, and I love Michael for teaching me that.”
