African American Stars share their wedding details. Whether it's an over-the-top, media-frenzied extravaganza or a private, friends-and-family-only ceremony, the wedding of two famous folks is always a cause for celebration — and much media attention!
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More so than the wedding of one famous person to an unknown, the wedding of two pop-culture icons becomes an event in itself. |
Star Jones & Al Scales Reynolds |
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett
Actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett professed their love, December 31, 1997, at The Cloisters in Baltimore, Maryland.
They recited their vows at a 1930's castle constructed in a combined medieval French and English style. Tra-Knox provided music as photographer John Dolan, who also captured the "I do"s of comic actor Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor, recorded the wedding for posterity.
The Dress: Eschewing the elaborate beadwork which has become their signature trademark, the design team of Badgley Mischka, who has created wedding apparel for such celebrated brides as Carmen Electra and Rebecca Romijn, fashioned a high-necked, long sleeve gown of ecru-colored silk and velvet which clung to every curve of the petite fashionista. Adding a splash of color to the ensemble, the bride carried a bouquet composed of pink and white roses interspersed with verdent foliage. The groom was equally stylish in an ivory suit and tie.
Things that make me say hmmmmmm....
Will on Open Marriage: Although Will Smith has said he would never cheat on his wife without first asking permission, he has been quoted as saying, "In our marriage vows, we didn't say 'forsaking all others.' The vow that we made was that you will never hear that I did something after the fact...If it came down to it, then one spouse can say to the other, 'Look, I need to have sex with somebody. I'm not going to if you don't approve of it - but please approve of it.'"
They recited their vows at a 1930's castle constructed in a combined medieval French and English style. Tra-Knox provided music as photographer John Dolan, who also captured the "I do"s of comic actor Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor, recorded the wedding for posterity.
The Dress: Eschewing the elaborate beadwork which has become their signature trademark, the design team of Badgley Mischka, who has created wedding apparel for such celebrated brides as Carmen Electra and Rebecca Romijn, fashioned a high-necked, long sleeve gown of ecru-colored silk and velvet which clung to every curve of the petite fashionista. Adding a splash of color to the ensemble, the bride carried a bouquet composed of pink and white roses interspersed with verdent foliage. The groom was equally stylish in an ivory suit and tie.
Things that make me say hmmmmmm....
Will on Open Marriage: Although Will Smith has said he would never cheat on his wife without first asking permission, he has been quoted as saying, "In our marriage vows, we didn't say 'forsaking all others.' The vow that we made was that you will never hear that I did something after the fact...If it came down to it, then one spouse can say to the other, 'Look, I need to have sex with somebody. I'm not going to if you don't approve of it - but please approve of it.'"
Toni Braxton & Keirston Lewis
Toni Braxton & Keirston Lewis
Toni Braxton & Keirston Lewis
The wedding of Toni Michele Braxton and Keirston Jamal Lewis in a Georgia wonderland was a victory, a shout and a fairy-tale ending to one of the greatest comebacks in show business history. As the bride and groom walked down the aisle after being pronounced husband and wife, the groom suddenly swooped up his bride and carried her in his arms to the garden as she squealed with laughter. Take a look at her bridal registry.
Former Atlanta mayor and former U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young officiated at the sunny, late afternoon ceremony in the rose garden of the formal French and Italian gardens near the amphitheatre in the 60-acre Dean Gardens estate outside Atlanta. Because of the interest in the wedding and the high-profile guests, security was extra tight. Georgia state troopers kept paparazzi at bay well beyond the 20-foot-high, black wrought iron gates at the property's entrance.
Security was so tight that guests didn't even know the ceremony's location until the very last minute. The invitations directed them to a local church; and when they arrived, they needed a ticket to gain entrance to the shuttles that ferried guests to the private estate for the wedding. Guests were asked to leave cameras and cell phones at home. Workers hired for the wedding said they didn't know whose wedding it was until they arrived at the site.
Former Atlanta mayor and former U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young officiated at the sunny, late afternoon ceremony in the rose garden of the formal French and Italian gardens near the amphitheatre in the 60-acre Dean Gardens estate outside Atlanta. Because of the interest in the wedding and the high-profile guests, security was extra tight. Georgia state troopers kept paparazzi at bay well beyond the 20-foot-high, black wrought iron gates at the property's entrance.
Security was so tight that guests didn't even know the ceremony's location until the very last minute. The invitations directed them to a local church; and when they arrived, they needed a ticket to gain entrance to the shuttles that ferried guests to the private estate for the wedding. Guests were asked to leave cameras and cell phones at home. Workers hired for the wedding said they didn't know whose wedding it was until they arrived at the site.
The groom and his groomsmen entered to a hip version of "So Fresh, So Clean," a single by Atlanta's own OutKast. The mothers of the bride and groom were seated to Bach's "Jesu, joy of Man's Desiring," A 16-piece orchestra, directed by Terrence Lee Jones, played a mixture of classical and contemporary music, announcing the bridal party's entrance.
The bride's entrance was heralded with Handel's "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba." And the audience gasped as they caught their first glimpse of Braxton through a billow of tulle, walking down the 40-foot, white-carpeted aisle on her father's arm to Wagner's "Bridal Chorus."
The singer, who has worn some of Hollywood's most revealing gowns, was lustrous, shimmering in an ivory Vera Wang gown of duchess satin. The full gown featured a notched crystal-beaded front bodice with back-button detail, and a cathedral train with matching veil. The ivory bridesmaid's gowns were by Watters & Watters and were personalized for each bridesmaid. The groom wore a Ralph Lauren tuxedo with an ivory jacket and black tuxedo pants.
The bride's entrance was heralded with Handel's "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba." And the audience gasped as they caught their first glimpse of Braxton through a billow of tulle, walking down the 40-foot, white-carpeted aisle on her father's arm to Wagner's "Bridal Chorus."
The singer, who has worn some of Hollywood's most revealing gowns, was lustrous, shimmering in an ivory Vera Wang gown of duchess satin. The full gown featured a notched crystal-beaded front bodice with back-button detail, and a cathedral train with matching veil. The ivory bridesmaid's gowns were by Watters & Watters and were personalized for each bridesmaid. The groom wore a Ralph Lauren tuxedo with an ivory jacket and black tuxedo pants.
After the ceremony, guests were ushered past two flamelit touchier columns into a large white jewel-decked fairyland tent attached to the property's clamshell amphitheatre. Tiffany & Co., Toni's favorite store, set the decor for the day. Even her wedding invitations were delivered in special boxes by express mail.
All linens and flowers were decorated with the bride's colors of baby pink and Tiffany blue. Table linens were all custom-dyed in Tiffany blue as was the carpet in the tent. The chairs featured custom chair caps adorned with Bohemian crystals that doubled as place cards. Tables were decorated with pink and blush paveed roses.
Singer Toni Braxton and Keri LewisÂ’ wedding cake was designed by AtlantaÂ’s Mark Lotti and was a four-tier creation which looked like a perfect stack of four robinÂ’s-egg-blue Tiffany boxes. This theme carried throughout the wedding in which the carpeting, chair covers, and tablecloths were all custom-dyed to resemble TiffanyÂ’s trademark blue color.
All linens and flowers were decorated with the bride's colors of baby pink and Tiffany blue. Table linens were all custom-dyed in Tiffany blue as was the carpet in the tent. The chairs featured custom chair caps adorned with Bohemian crystals that doubled as place cards. Tables were decorated with pink and blush paveed roses.
Singer Toni Braxton and Keri LewisÂ’ wedding cake was designed by AtlantaÂ’s Mark Lotti and was a four-tier creation which looked like a perfect stack of four robinÂ’s-egg-blue Tiffany boxes. This theme carried throughout the wedding in which the carpeting, chair covers, and tablecloths were all custom-dyed to resemble TiffanyÂ’s trademark blue color.
Anthony Anderson and wife Alvina
Anthony Anderson and wife Alvina
Can I just say I LOVE Anthony. He is an actor that is so distinctive, so clever that just the mention of him being in a movie makes it my top thing to do that DAY! Why else do we love this charming multifaceted piano playing acting comedian? he married his college sweetheart. Now that is what I call grounded!
Married since 1995, Anthony lives in L.A. with his wife, Alvina, and their 2 children.
Married since 1995, Anthony lives in L.A. with his wife, Alvina, and their 2 children.
Cedric the Entertainer and his wife Lorna Wells
Cedric the Entertainer and his wife Lorna Wells
Cedric the Entertainer is married to the former Lorna Wells, with whom he has a son, Croix Alexander; he also has a teenage daughter, Tiara, from a previous relationship. In 1995 he started the Cedric the Entertainer Charitable Foundation, which seeks to broaden the cultural horizons of inner-city youth. In 2002 he published Grown-A$$ Man, a collection of essays combining humor and social observation.
The Big Day: September 3, 1999, at a private mansion in Pasadena, California, that they dubbed Casa de Amor.
Special Touch: The reception featured live music by three bands--including a string quartet and salsa band.
Prince in Waiting: "To see her coming down the aisle made me feel like Prince Charming," says a giddy Cedric. "I felt so special when I saw her face."
The Big Day: September 3, 1999, at a private mansion in Pasadena, California, that they dubbed Casa de Amor.
Special Touch: The reception featured live music by three bands--including a string quartet and salsa band.
Prince in Waiting: "To see her coming down the aisle made me feel like Prince Charming," says a giddy Cedric. "I felt so special when I saw her face."
DeLeon Richards and Gary Sheffield
DeLeon Richards and Gary Sheffield
Gospel recording artist DeLeon Richards and LA Dodger baseball great Gary Sheffield were married Saturday, February 5, 2000 in St. Petersburg, Florida.
DeLeon made a rose petal entrance to a live performance of "Ribbon In The Sky". She then sang "Straight From The Heart" to her husband with an accompaniment from Jerry Peters' band. During communion, CeCe Winans sang "For Always". Yolanda Adams sang "That Name" during the lighting of the unity candle.
Both Tonéx and Yolanda Adams performed during the reception, which was 100% soul-food and lasted until the wee hours.
DeLeon made a rose petal entrance to a live performance of "Ribbon In The Sky". She then sang "Straight From The Heart" to her husband with an accompaniment from Jerry Peters' band. During communion, CeCe Winans sang "For Always". Yolanda Adams sang "That Name" during the lighting of the unity candle.
Both Tonéx and Yolanda Adams performed during the reception, which was 100% soul-food and lasted until the wee hours.
Mark Anthony & Jennefer Lopez
Mark Anthony & Jennefer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony<br>in her Beverly Hills <br>ansion's backyard.
This strange duo were wed on June 5, 2004. Following the split from Ben five months earlier and a quickie divorce from dancer Cris Judd a year earlier. Jennifer and Marc's wedding was actually very beautiful. Designed by Simply Chic designer Rachel Ashwell, the Lopez-Anthony wedding was held in the garden, with plenty of flowers and summery light colors.
Supposedly, friends and family members thought they were attending a backyard awards party, when they were surprised with tents, an altar and J.Lo. in a flowing Vera Wang gown. The two, and their reps, refuse to confirm or deny their wedded status, but it's hard to argue with pictures. Cynics have noted that Marc Anthony had a new album released on Tuesday, and weddings and rumors only help record sales.
Supposedly, friends and family members thought they were attending a backyard awards party, when they were surprised with tents, an altar and J.Lo. in a flowing Vera Wang gown. The two, and their reps, refuse to confirm or deny their wedded status, but it's hard to argue with pictures. Cynics have noted that Marc Anthony had a new album released on Tuesday, and weddings and rumors only help record sales.
Here are all the details you've been waiting for:
Here are all the details you've been waiting for:
The Setting was the backyard of J.Lo's Beverly Hills home, underneath white tents. Lopez ad Anthony were reportedly married shortly after 6 pm, surrounded by 40-50 guests, including Lopez's mom Guadalupe, TV reporter sister, Lynda Lopez, and, as some reports are saying, her ex-flame P. Diddy, who wished both her and Anthony well, calling her his "girl for life."
The Bride Wore Vera Wang's off-the-shoulder ruffled lace dress, a one-of-a-kind from the designers' spring 2005 collection. Her hair was swept up, and crowned with a long veil, worn off the face. She carried a matching umbrella, in a failed attempt to hide from the paparazzi's prying lenses. She was also covered in borrowed Neil Lane diamonds, including a necklace and a bracelet.
The Engagement Ring Lopez has worn an 8 carat square-cut diamond ring on her middle finger since January, but has denied it was an engagement ring from Anthony.
The Groom Wore an off-white Armani suit. Perhaps he had his newly obtained divorce papers in his pocket! Until last week, Marc Anthony was married to Dayanara Torres, but was divorced in a speedy Dominican Republic ceremony.
The Bride Wore Vera Wang's off-the-shoulder ruffled lace dress, a one-of-a-kind from the designers' spring 2005 collection. Her hair was swept up, and crowned with a long veil, worn off the face. She carried a matching umbrella, in a failed attempt to hide from the paparazzi's prying lenses. She was also covered in borrowed Neil Lane diamonds, including a necklace and a bracelet.
The Engagement Ring Lopez has worn an 8 carat square-cut diamond ring on her middle finger since January, but has denied it was an engagement ring from Anthony.
The Groom Wore an off-white Armani suit. Perhaps he had his newly obtained divorce papers in his pocket! Until last week, Marc Anthony was married to Dayanara Torres, but was divorced in a speedy Dominican Republic ceremony.
Rodney & Holly Robinson Peete
Rodney & Holly Robinson Peete
Actress Holly Robinson ("21 Jump Street," "Hangin' With Mr. Cooper") and football quarterback Rodney Peete said "I do" on the grounds of TV executive Les Moonves' Brentwood estate in Los Angeles, California June 10, 1995. They are a model couple.
The football player declared his love on bended knee in front of a live studio audience gathered to watch the taping of Holly's ABC comedy "Hangin' With Mr. Cooper." ( I actually remember that. They had put it in the outakes at the end of the episode.) The romantic gesture would come back to haunt him when his fellow teammates jokingly reenacted the proposal in the Dallas Cowboys locker room.
Event planner to the stars Colin Cowie (who has created the nuptial ambiance for such celebrities as Jerry Seinfeld, Lisa Kudrow and Paula Abdul) arranged for perfumed rose petals to drift down upon the bride and groom from a balcony as the couple's union was blessed by the Reverend Jesse Jackson during an outdoor ceremony. Once the couple were pronounced husband and wife, the reverential tone of the occasion was lightened with the crash of cymbals and beat of drums as the Southern California Trojans marching band let loose with the Trojan fight song.
The football player declared his love on bended knee in front of a live studio audience gathered to watch the taping of Holly's ABC comedy "Hangin' With Mr. Cooper." ( I actually remember that. They had put it in the outakes at the end of the episode.) The romantic gesture would come back to haunt him when his fellow teammates jokingly reenacted the proposal in the Dallas Cowboys locker room.
Event planner to the stars Colin Cowie (who has created the nuptial ambiance for such celebrities as Jerry Seinfeld, Lisa Kudrow and Paula Abdul) arranged for perfumed rose petals to drift down upon the bride and groom from a balcony as the couple's union was blessed by the Reverend Jesse Jackson during an outdoor ceremony. Once the couple were pronounced husband and wife, the reverential tone of the occasion was lightened with the crash of cymbals and beat of drums as the Southern California Trojans marching band let loose with the Trojan fight song.
The bride was a breathtaking beauty in a custom-made white silk satin creation enhanced with pleated tulle and encrusted with an array of Austrian crystals and pearls.
At the reception, 300 guests swayed to the music of James Ingram and jazz and blues chanteuse Charlie Jene at the reception.
After the wedding, the couple escaped on a three week honeymoon in France and Monaco.
At the reception, 300 guests swayed to the music of James Ingram and jazz and blues chanteuse Charlie Jene at the reception.
After the wedding, the couple escaped on a three week honeymoon in France and Monaco.
Deion Sanders and Pilar Biggers
Deion Sanders and Pilar Biggers
In a private garden wedding, NFL superstar Deion Sanders recently married beautiful model-actress Pilar Biggers in Nassau, Bahamas on Friday, May 21, 1999. Eighty of the couple's closest friends flew in for the ocean view ceremony officiated by their spiritual leader and guide, Bishop T.D. Jakes.
The 25-year-old bride wore an elegant, yet simple, white-waisted satin gown, sleeveless with a cut-out back and clean lines. She was a magnificent sight to behold as she proceeded down 70 steps that cascaded into the plush green island garden which overlooked a breathtaking alabaster lagoon.
The always impeccably dressed Sanders, 31, grinning broadly, wore a white silk and marble satin striped morning suit as he stood at the altar watching his bride make her majestic entrance. The suit was designed by Dave Corbin of Atlanta.
Flaming torches lit the path to the gazebo altar where columns were draped in white tulle netting and exotic flowers tied in gold tassels.
The 25-year-old bride wore an elegant, yet simple, white-waisted satin gown, sleeveless with a cut-out back and clean lines. She was a magnificent sight to behold as she proceeded down 70 steps that cascaded into the plush green island garden which overlooked a breathtaking alabaster lagoon.
The always impeccably dressed Sanders, 31, grinning broadly, wore a white silk and marble satin striped morning suit as he stood at the altar watching his bride make her majestic entrance. The suit was designed by Dave Corbin of Atlanta.
Flaming torches lit the path to the gazebo altar where columns were draped in white tulle netting and exotic flowers tied in gold tassels.
During the wedding, the couple was serenaded by Steve Lawrence, music minister of Bishop Jakes' Potter's House Church in Dallas, along with Jesse Campbell of Chicago. Inspirational harpist Jeff Majors also provided music at the touching affair.
A small reception in the Ocean Club's Garden of Versailles followed the ceremony.
Biggers, a model with the Ford Agency, has appeared in numerous sports, fitness and fashion magazines. Her career includes editorial, catalog and runway modeling for designers such as Tommy Hilfiger, Guess and Richard Tyler.
Her acting career has included television appearances on "Walker, Texas Ranger," "Veronica's Closet," and "The Pretender." Biggers' most recent work included an appearance in the film The Mod Squad.
See, she somebody too.
A small reception in the Ocean Club's Garden of Versailles followed the ceremony.
Biggers, a model with the Ford Agency, has appeared in numerous sports, fitness and fashion magazines. Her career includes editorial, catalog and runway modeling for designers such as Tommy Hilfiger, Guess and Richard Tyler.
Her acting career has included television appearances on "Walker, Texas Ranger," "Veronica's Closet," and "The Pretender." Biggers' most recent work included an appearance in the film The Mod Squad.
See, she somebody too.
Mary J. Blige and Kendu Isaacs
Mary J. Blige and Kendu Isaacs
On Sunday, December 7, 2003, with just fifty guests (none of whom were celebrities), singer Mary J. Blige and record producer Kendu Isaacs had a quiet ceremony at her house in Bergen County, New Jersey, conducted by their pastor, none other than Dr. Frederick K.C. Price. Instead of an orchestra or band, a friend played "Here Comes the Bride" on the piano.
Even with a small wedding, Mary J. was reportedly very nervous – she had difficulty breathing while walking down the aisle, and didn't exhale until Kendu took her hand.
They then sat down to dinner of oxtails, barbequed chicken, and crab prepared by her mother and sister. But celebrities can't pretend to be ordinary people forever; the couple is forgoing a honeymoon as Mary J.
begins rehearsals for her tour in promotion of her "Love and Life" album (which she's received three Grammy nominations for). Since new hubby Kendu worked on the album, hopefully they'll get to spend some time working together on the tour.
Even with a small wedding, Mary J. was reportedly very nervous – she had difficulty breathing while walking down the aisle, and didn't exhale until Kendu took her hand.
They then sat down to dinner of oxtails, barbequed chicken, and crab prepared by her mother and sister. But celebrities can't pretend to be ordinary people forever; the couple is forgoing a honeymoon as Mary J.
begins rehearsals for her tour in promotion of her "Love and Life" album (which she's received three Grammy nominations for). Since new hubby Kendu worked on the album, hopefully they'll get to spend some time working together on the tour.
Kelis & Nas
Kelis & Nas
On January 8, 2005, hip-hop artists Nas and Kelisexchanged marriage vows at Morningside Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia.
The bride was escorted by her stepfather down the aisle of the Baptist church past 175 guests to stand beneath an arbor of white flowers and greenery in a ceremony which combined traditional vows with heartfelt words from the couple. The groom slipped a wedding band on his intended's finger which would accompany a cushion cut diamond engagement ring with two pink heart-shaped diamonds embracing the large center stone, while the bride presented her love with an unique platinum wedding ring featuring a movable band of yellow diamonds. The couple lit a unity candle before sealing their union with a kiss, and as the newly betrothed twosome began their first walk together as man and wife they paid homage to their African-American heritage by jumping the broom.
The bride was a verdant vision in a Matthew Williamson creation composed of varying degrees of green silk chiffon. A corset bodice with a sweetheart neckline was embellished with burnished gold threads fashioned into a floral design, which flowed into a ballgown skirt with the hemline shortened in the front to expose a pastel green layer of fabric underneath. The singer continued the nature-influenced motif with a headband of gold leaves atop her Titian tresses which fastened to a cathedral-length white veil. Completing the look, the performer carried a small bouquet of white blossoms and wore a diamond necklace, drop earrings and bracelets.
The groom opted for Old Hollywood glamour, donning a three-piece ivory suit by Yves Saint Laurent, complete with white tails and a white top hat.
The bride was escorted by her stepfather down the aisle of the Baptist church past 175 guests to stand beneath an arbor of white flowers and greenery in a ceremony which combined traditional vows with heartfelt words from the couple. The groom slipped a wedding band on his intended's finger which would accompany a cushion cut diamond engagement ring with two pink heart-shaped diamonds embracing the large center stone, while the bride presented her love with an unique platinum wedding ring featuring a movable band of yellow diamonds. The couple lit a unity candle before sealing their union with a kiss, and as the newly betrothed twosome began their first walk together as man and wife they paid homage to their African-American heritage by jumping the broom.
The bride was a verdant vision in a Matthew Williamson creation composed of varying degrees of green silk chiffon. A corset bodice with a sweetheart neckline was embellished with burnished gold threads fashioned into a floral design, which flowed into a ballgown skirt with the hemline shortened in the front to expose a pastel green layer of fabric underneath. The singer continued the nature-influenced motif with a headband of gold leaves atop her Titian tresses which fastened to a cathedral-length white veil. Completing the look, the performer carried a small bouquet of white blossoms and wore a diamond necklace, drop earrings and bracelets.
The groom opted for Old Hollywood glamour, donning a three-piece ivory suit by Yves Saint Laurent, complete with white tails and a white top hat.
The newlyweds rode in style in a Rolls-Royce Phantom to a reception held inside a tent decorated in green with touches of pink and bronze. Members of hip-hop's hierarchy such as Ludacris and DMX enjoyed chocolate and champagne truffles by Dylan's Candy Bar.
When hip-hop artists Nas and Kelis got married, they got a five-tiered wedding cake embellished with sugar roses and gilded in 23 kt gold (gold and green ws the theme for the wedding) by cake design company, Perfect Endings in Napa, California.
While the bride's sweet tooth was the inspiration behind the confectionary delicacies, the groom added his own culinary touch to the event with his favorite dish-- macaroni and cheese.
When hip-hop artists Nas and Kelis got married, they got a five-tiered wedding cake embellished with sugar roses and gilded in 23 kt gold (gold and green ws the theme for the wedding) by cake design company, Perfect Endings in Napa, California.
While the bride's sweet tooth was the inspiration behind the confectionary delicacies, the groom added his own culinary touch to the event with his favorite dish-- macaroni and cheese.
Star Jones & Al Scales Reynolds
Star Jones & Al Scales Reynolds
Star Jones & Al Scales Reynolds They were married, November 13, 2004. Star spent quite a bit on her dream wedding. Some say it was tacky, but Black folks will "do it up" when they can afford and darn it she sure as heck can! Yes, they got freebies for everything from the invitations to the bridesmaid dresses in exchange for plugs on "The View" and her wedding website, starandal.com. They even registered for a $10,500 sterling silver tray on Tiffany & Co. Don't know if anyone bought it though! They seem to truly love each other and their website is an informative resource for guests.
Whitney Houston & Bobby Brown
Whitney Houston & Bobby Brown
Who says being married is easy?
When Whitney married bad-boy of R&B and ex-New Edition hitmaker, Bobby Brown, on July 18, 1992, the media instantly predicted that the marriage wouldn't last and have been quick to jump on every whisper of disharmony and argument as sign of an imminent break-up. However the union seems to be lasting and the couple are seen regularly out in public. There have been moments of upset in the relationship, most notably the alleged slapping of Whitney by Brown in a car-park incident in Hawaii in 1997, but also moments of joy, such as the birth of their daughter, Bobbi Kristina, on March 4th, 1993.
The wedding
It was the wedding of the decade, the most talked-about celebrity event of the year 1992, and the most coveted invitation of the summer social season.
Superstar singer Whitney Houston and pop star Bobby Brown exchanged wedding vows in a private ceremony on Houston's posh New Jersey estate. A small gathering of family and close friends, celebrities and entertainment tycoons, they were pronounced husband and wife in a romantic garden gazebo adorned with 8,000 roses and hundreds of orchids, all in lavender and purple, the bride's favorite colors.
Wearing a form-fitting beaded, Lyon lace gown with a four-foot train and a beaded headpiece with floor-length beaded tulle, a teary-eyed Houston was escorted down the carpeted aisle--which led from a rear entrance of her $10 million home--by her father, John Houston, as a string orchestra played Mendelssohn's wedding march.
Rev. Marvin Winans, a member of the popular gospel singing family, officiated at the 35-minute, double-ring ceremony. BeBe Winans sang "Enough Said," a song he composed especially for the couple a few days before the wedding. His brother, Daniel Winans, sang a song he had written for Houston years before he met her. Both songs were so touching that the bride and groom and many in the audience were moved to tears. Throughout the ceremony, the maid of honor, Robyn Crawford, had to blot tears from the bride's eyes and cheeks.
Afterwards, the newlyweds entertained 800 guests at a lavish wedding reception hosted in a huge air-conditioned, carpeted ballroom tent constructed on Houston's lawn above the swimming pool. Lavender and purple fabrics draped the ceiling and lined the tent, giving the illusion of an Arabian palace. Some 15,000 lilac and purple dendrobium orchids decorated support columns, entrances and exits. Each of the 84 tables in the dining tent, one of seven set up for the affair, was clothed and beribboned in three layers of lavender ribbed satin that highlighted the elaborate centerpieces. The floral arrangements included blue roses and cattleya orchids in shades of lavender and purple. Candles in hurricane glasses created a warm, romantic glow that contrasted with the elaborate and effective light and sound show. Guests identified their tables by silver-trimmed white cards with phrases, such as "Lover For Life" and "Love Obsession," scripted in lavender.
The sit-down dinner was opulent but relaxed, for in between courses the formally attired guests boogied on the purple and white oval dance floor to music programmed by David Cole and Robert Clivilles of C + C Music Factory. The menu included chilled peach soup, grilled chateaubriand, jersey chicken breasts stuffed with collard greens, and grilled herbed vegetables. For dessert, there were fresh berries, an assortment of chocolate delicacies, as well as slices of the six-tiered, 18-layered wedding cake. The architectural confection, decorated with hand-molded lavender sugar violets, had alternating layers of strawberry lemon mousse and banana cake. An army of waiters kept glasses filled with Dom Perignon and Cristal champagne throughout the evening.
The newlyweds' happiness was quite evident during the reception as they danced cheek to cheek, sipped champagne, mingled with guests and playfully squished cake in each other's faces and then licked it off. The last guests did not leave until 2 a.m., some 12 hours after the festivities began.
The following morning, Brown and Houston flew on the Concorde to Europe for a 10-day Mediterranean cruise aboard a luxurious 140-foot yacht with a crew of nine. The honeymoon was a wedding gift from Arista and MCA.
When Whitney married bad-boy of R&B and ex-New Edition hitmaker, Bobby Brown, on July 18, 1992, the media instantly predicted that the marriage wouldn't last and have been quick to jump on every whisper of disharmony and argument as sign of an imminent break-up. However the union seems to be lasting and the couple are seen regularly out in public. There have been moments of upset in the relationship, most notably the alleged slapping of Whitney by Brown in a car-park incident in Hawaii in 1997, but also moments of joy, such as the birth of their daughter, Bobbi Kristina, on March 4th, 1993.
The wedding
It was the wedding of the decade, the most talked-about celebrity event of the year 1992, and the most coveted invitation of the summer social season.
Superstar singer Whitney Houston and pop star Bobby Brown exchanged wedding vows in a private ceremony on Houston's posh New Jersey estate. A small gathering of family and close friends, celebrities and entertainment tycoons, they were pronounced husband and wife in a romantic garden gazebo adorned with 8,000 roses and hundreds of orchids, all in lavender and purple, the bride's favorite colors.
Wearing a form-fitting beaded, Lyon lace gown with a four-foot train and a beaded headpiece with floor-length beaded tulle, a teary-eyed Houston was escorted down the carpeted aisle--which led from a rear entrance of her $10 million home--by her father, John Houston, as a string orchestra played Mendelssohn's wedding march.
Rev. Marvin Winans, a member of the popular gospel singing family, officiated at the 35-minute, double-ring ceremony. BeBe Winans sang "Enough Said," a song he composed especially for the couple a few days before the wedding. His brother, Daniel Winans, sang a song he had written for Houston years before he met her. Both songs were so touching that the bride and groom and many in the audience were moved to tears. Throughout the ceremony, the maid of honor, Robyn Crawford, had to blot tears from the bride's eyes and cheeks.
Afterwards, the newlyweds entertained 800 guests at a lavish wedding reception hosted in a huge air-conditioned, carpeted ballroom tent constructed on Houston's lawn above the swimming pool. Lavender and purple fabrics draped the ceiling and lined the tent, giving the illusion of an Arabian palace. Some 15,000 lilac and purple dendrobium orchids decorated support columns, entrances and exits. Each of the 84 tables in the dining tent, one of seven set up for the affair, was clothed and beribboned in three layers of lavender ribbed satin that highlighted the elaborate centerpieces. The floral arrangements included blue roses and cattleya orchids in shades of lavender and purple. Candles in hurricane glasses created a warm, romantic glow that contrasted with the elaborate and effective light and sound show. Guests identified their tables by silver-trimmed white cards with phrases, such as "Lover For Life" and "Love Obsession," scripted in lavender.
The sit-down dinner was opulent but relaxed, for in between courses the formally attired guests boogied on the purple and white oval dance floor to music programmed by David Cole and Robert Clivilles of C + C Music Factory. The menu included chilled peach soup, grilled chateaubriand, jersey chicken breasts stuffed with collard greens, and grilled herbed vegetables. For dessert, there were fresh berries, an assortment of chocolate delicacies, as well as slices of the six-tiered, 18-layered wedding cake. The architectural confection, decorated with hand-molded lavender sugar violets, had alternating layers of strawberry lemon mousse and banana cake. An army of waiters kept glasses filled with Dom Perignon and Cristal champagne throughout the evening.
The newlyweds' happiness was quite evident during the reception as they danced cheek to cheek, sipped champagne, mingled with guests and playfully squished cake in each other's faces and then licked it off. The last guests did not leave until 2 a.m., some 12 hours after the festivities began.
The following morning, Brown and Houston flew on the Concorde to Europe for a 10-day Mediterranean cruise aboard a luxurious 140-foot yacht with a crew of nine. The honeymoon was a wedding gift from Arista and MCA.
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