When your dad is literally the G.O.A.T. of hip-hop and a long-standing star on NCIS: Los Angeles, your wedding isn't just a party. It's an event. But honestly, the ll cool j daughter wedding—specifically the marriage of his eldest daughter, Italia Smith, to Lamar Cardinez—wasn't just some flashy Hollywood display of wealth. It felt more like a masterclass in how a tight-knit family celebrates a milestone.
People are still obsessed with the details of that day, even years later. Why? Probably because the Smith family represents a kind of longevity you don't see often in the industry. LL Cool J (Todd Smith) and his wife Simone have been married for three decades. So, when Italia, a successful real estate agent who definitely did not just ride her father's coattails, decided to tie the knot, the expectations were sky-high.
The day was June 17, 2017. It was the Saturday before Father’s Day. Talk about a gift for the man who has everything.
The Long Island Vineyard Vibe
Forget the typical dark, moody ballrooms of Manhattan. Italia and Lamar opted for the North Fork of Long Island. They picked Sparkling Pointe Vineyards and Winery in Southold. If you’ve never been, it’s basically an architectural dream surrounded by vines. It’s elegant but has that breezy, open-air feel that keeps things from feeling too stiff.
Getting a guest list like that into a vineyard isn't easy. You’ve got Mary J. Blige, Monica, Niecy Nash, and Bill Bellamy all heading out to the island. It was star-studded, yeah, but the vibe was surprisingly intimate.
Italia looked incredible. She wore a custom Marie Antoinette-inspired gown. It was huge. It was dramatic. It had all the lace and volume you’d expect for a "princess of hip-hop" moment. But here’s the thing: she didn't stay in that heavy dress all night. By the time the reception hit full swing, she swapped the gown for a sleek dress and—this is the best part—bedazzled sneaker wedges.
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You can’t dance to a 90s hip-hop set in a 20-pound ballgown. You just can’t.
That Viral Family Moment
We have to talk about the grillz. Yes, the jewelry.
In a move that basically broke the "celebrity wedding" mold, the entire Smith family showed up with matching gold grillz at the reception. It was a tribute to their Queens roots and their brand. Seeing LL Cool J, Simone, and all the kids—Najee, Italia, Samaria, and Nina—smiling with gold teeth in a high-end vineyard? Iconic. It wasn't about being "proper"; it was about being themselves.
The groom, Lamar Cardinez, fit right in. He and Italia were college sweethearts. They met at Northeastern University, which is kind of refreshing. In a world of influencer-met-influencer, they had a foundation built long before the wedding hashtags started trending.
What Most People Get Wrong About the LL Cool J Daughter Wedding
There’s a misconception that because LL Cool J is worth millions, the wedding was just a "look at me" flex. If you look at the actual footage and the way the family talks about it, it was deeply emotional.
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LL later told reporters that he didn't "lose a daughter," he "gained a son." He admitted he was emotional but, in true LL fashion, he joked that he "didn't let the tears drop." He let the wedding cry for him.
The Planning and the "Bride Tribe"
Italia’s sisters played massive roles. Samaria Leah, who is a powerhouse in the fashion world with her own denim brand, was the maid of honor. She actually helped design Italia’s gown alongside Karen Sabag. That’s the kind of detail that makes this ll cool j daughter wedding stand out—it wasn't just hired hands doing the work; the family's fingerprints were everywhere.
The bachelorette weekend was another story. They hit up Miami. Yacht rides around Star Island, pole dancing classes, and dinners at C’est Rouge. It was organized by Tiffany Lighty, the daughter of the late Chris Lighty. The history between these families goes back decades, which added a layer of depth to the celebration that a random celebrity guest list wouldn't have.
Legacy and Life After the I-Dos
Fast forward to today. The wedding wasn't just a peak; it was a beginning. Italia and Lamar have been married for over eight years now. They have three kids: King, Faith, and a third little one born recently.
Italia didn't go into music. She didn't try to be an actress. She’s a licensed real estate agent at Keller Williams. She’s out there closing deals and building a life that is very much her own. LL has always been vocal about his kids "earning their keep." He told Oprah once that he doesn't want people to set the bar for them just because he’s their dad.
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That mindset clearly worked.
What You Can Learn from the Smith-Cardinez Nuptials
If you're looking at this wedding for inspiration, there are a few real-world takeaways:
- Prioritize Comfort for the Party: The sneaker wedge move is legendary for a reason. Don't let your shoes ruin your own reception.
- Infuse Your Heritage: Whether it's matching grillz or a specific cultural tradition, don't be afraid to break the "traditional" wedding rules to show who you are.
- Location Matters: Choosing a vineyard on Long Island provided a natural "escape" vibe that kept the celebrity-heavy event feeling grounded and private.
- Family over "Faces": Even with A-listers in the seats, the focus remained on the sisters, the parents, and the childhood friends.
The ll cool j daughter wedding serves as a reminder that even in the brightest spotlight, you can keep the core of the event human. Italia and Lamar managed to have a "royal" hip-hop wedding that still felt like a backyard BBQ at its heart.
If you’re tracking the Smith family’s latest moves, keep an eye on Nina-Symone’s rising music career or Samaria’s denim drops. They are a family that stays busy, stays private when they need to, and definitely knows how to throw a party.
To keep your own event planning on track, start by defining one "non-negotiable" tradition that represents your family, then build the aesthetic around that. Whether it’s high-end jewelry or a specific venue, let your personality lead the way rather than the latest Pinterest trend.