Viewers planned Melissa and Jeremy’s ‘Modern Love’ wedding

Melissa and Jeremy, Al Roker, Meredith Vieira and Matt Lauer on the Today Show

By Michael Inbar

It’s been a love affair often deferred for Melissa McMillin, 21, and Jeremy Gebhardt, 22, who have found themselves separated for six months at a time while he served his country in Iraq and Afghanistan.

So the couple’s exchange of vows in front of friends and family — and millions more viewing at home — made for perhaps the most poignant ceremony in the 11-year history of TODAY Throws a Wedding, the annual event in which viewers select a couple to be married live on television’s most popular morning show, then plan all the details for them.

Following the ceremony on Rockefeller Plaza Thursday, Jeremy celebrated the woman who waited for him while he was often 7,000 miles away, serving in the U.S. Air Force as a senior airman.

“It’s been such a long time coming,” Jeremy told Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira and Al Roker on the plaza. “Melissa deserved this more than anyone in the world. I’m so happy that she was able to share this with me and everyone here. It’s beautiful.”

Added his bride: “I’m so excited; it’s about time! It’s been so long.”

View details here…

The honeymoon

Melissa and Jeremy will vacation on the island of Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The newlyweds will spend seven nights in their own villa and enjoy activities such as snorkeling the pristine barrier reef, relaxing at a spa and eating at a beach barbecue.  More honeymoon info here…

Johnny Knoxville and Naomi Nelson

FROM New York Daily News

Even ”Jackass” can get married.

Comedian Johnny Knoxville, star of the infamous MTV franchise, wed girlfriend Naomi Nelson on Friday, usmagazine.com reports.

The couple had been dating for two years and, according to Life&Style.com, they only just picked out the bride’s engagement ring two days before the wedding.

Nelson reportedly stopped by Los Angeles’ Platt Boutique Jewelry with her husband-to-be and chose a 2.5 carat Edwardian engagement ring.

Knoxille and his new wife had a son, Rocko Akira Clapp, together in December. The 39-year-old actor also has a teen daughter with his ex-wife, Melanie Clapp.

Knoxville divorced his first wife in 2007 after 11 years of marriage. The duo share joint custody of their 15-year-old daughter.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2010/09/26/2010-09-26_johnny_knoxville_star_of_jackass_weds_naomi_nelson_report.html#ixzz10yHuFqyG

Crystal Bowersox

FROM:  People.com

By Melody Chiu and Alison Schwartz

Wednesday September 29, 2010 06:45 PM EDT

She had no problem when it came to the high notes during her American Idol tenure, but as runner-up Crystal Bowersox preps for her big day, she’ll be the first to admit it: She knows nothing about life as a wife.

“I’ve never really in my life had a great representation of what a good marriage is,” the singer, 25, tells PEOPLE. “My parents divorced, and a lot of people in my family are divorced, so I hope to give my son a great model of what a happy marriage is or relationship could be.”

Bowersox announced her plans to tie the knot with musician Brian Walker last week, and it’s the first marriage for the Ohio native, who memorably split with her then-boyfriend before the Idol finale.

And she’s not the only Walker fan. Bowersox says her son, Tony, 1½, who is from a previous relationship, loves spending time with her fiancé.

“Brian’s known me for a long time, and so he’s been a part of my life for a long time,” she said Tuesday at the Hard Rock’s Pinktober Breast Cancer Awareness Program Launch. “He’s known my boy. They laugh constantly. It’s hilarious.”

As for her wedding plans, Bowersox is no Bridezilla, and she’s not focusing on any detail in particular.

“None of it has to be perfect – just the part of saying, ‘I do.’ That’s the only thing that really matters, right?” she says. “If everything else goes wrong, it doesn’t matter. We’re married. We’ve got the rest of our lives to have fun.”

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20430293,00.html

FROM TimesUnion.com

You would think that Miss Manners ran the billing department. Here is a small sample of the messages that keep peppering her inbox.

“We are attending a wedding this weekend and want to give the couple money for a wedding present. What is the appropriate amount to give?

“What is the expected amount of a gift card when the baby is not related?”

“How much money should you give to a niece for high school graduation?”

“What is considered today as an appropriate monetary wedding gift for a single male attending a large wedding (120-plus people) of his best friend’s daughter?”

“Will be attending a wedding of my grandson at a park with a picnic to follow. What is the correct cash gift etiquette?”

“What is an appropriate amount of money to give a high school graduate who is your husband’s best client’s daughter. We are attending a party in her honor, too. $50 or $100?”

Miss Manners has a question of her own:

What do these people expect? A firm amount, such as “$129.99 for weddings with $17 bonus if wedding dinner is edible”? A formula, such as “one-fifth of a percent of your disposable income for a baby who is related; one-tenth of a percent for one who is not”?

The sad thing that they do expect is that they are obligated to pay people for passing Go, and that there are understood to be admission fees for attending any related events. This is what the ancient and noble customs of giving presents and providing hospitality have come to: How much do I owe?

That is something people all have to decide for themselves. Any formula made without knowing the giver’s financial circumstances and the type and depth of the relationship to the recipient would be meaningless.

But then, giving friends and relatives money has rendered a charming gesture meaningless.

Miss Manners is aware that many find paying a welcome relief from having to put real effort into performing social duties, such as thinking about what present might please the particular recipient and about returning hospitality. Never mind that thoughtfulness and reciprocation are what these duties are all about, and, indeed, basic pleasures of civilized society.

After all, they reason, how can they go wrong (if only they could get Miss Manners to determine the correct amount)? Who doesn’t like receiving money?

Well, here’s a shock: Many people do not. Some are actually insulted to be paid by their peers. Some are disappointed that people they thought cared about them don’t care enough to think about them. Some just miss the fun of being surprised, delighted or amused by opening pretty packages.

And while they don’t yet realize it, all of them will miss the warm pleasure of living with little things associated with warm relationships.

If there is any warmth behind “OK, how much do I owe?” Miss Manners has missed it.

http://www.timesunion.com/living/article/Miss-Manners-can-t-set-price-for-gifts-671347.php

FROM theNewsChronicle.com

David Hornsby and Emily Deschanel

“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” actor David Hornsby and “Bones” star Emily Deschanel tied the knot Saturday night in Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles.

According to People.com, Deschanel, 33, wore matching platinum and gold drop earrings and scroll hair pins by Neil Lane.

The wedding ceremony was a private one where only close friends and family members were invited, including the bride’s “Bones” co-star David Boreanaz.

The couple have been dating for three years before finally deciding to get married.

Deschanel plays the role of Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan on the Fox crime-drama series. She is currently in her sixth season on the show.

Hornby, who is also a writer and producer, is known for his role Matthew “Rickety Cricket” Mara on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” He has appeared on other television programs such as “Six Feet Under” and “Jake in Progress.”

Read more: http://thenewschronicle.com/david-hornsby-emily-deschanel-marry-los-angeles/092707855/#ixzz10h04Ar4V

Kate Ritchie Stuart Webb wedding ceremony

 

The couple shunned offers of up to $500,000 for a television and magazine deal to keep their low-key nuptials private.

They tied the knot at Quamby Estate, a 64 ha old-English property about 20 minutes drive from Launceston.

Ritchie walked down the aisle in a specially created Steven Khalil gown. Matching her traditional dress, the reception area was also decked in white.

Among the high-profile guests were a smattering of Ritchie’s former Home and Away castmates. Judy Nunn attended with author and actor husband Bruce Venables, as well as actors Sam Atwell and Kylie Watson.

“I’m very happy for them,” said Watson, who played lifesaver Shauna on the Seven soap. Bec Hewitt, who is pregnant with her third child, and tennis-ace husband Lleyton were also there.

Ritchie’s best friend Bek Tuqiri came without her footballer husband Lote, who was in Sydney for last night’s preliminary final between the Dragons and Wests Tigers.

Ritchie’s sisters, Rebecca and Susan, were bridesmaids.

Invitations were sent out in March, when guests were asked to keep details of the wedding a secret. Friends began arriving in Launceston on Friday.

“I was surprised it got out because it was all so hush hush,” said one high-profile guest. “We were told to keep it secret. She really wants it to be quiet and private.”

Another guest explained Ritchie’s desire for privacy on her big day.

“Kate has lived her whole life in public, so she really wants to keep this most special occasion between their families and closest friends,” she said.

Stuart Webb and Kate Ritchie

Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz

From Hello Magazine

Alicia Keys married her long-term boyfriend, music producer Swizz Beatz, in a private ceremony on Saturday.

The 29-year-old bride wore a stunning Grecian-style Vera Wang dress and the groom chose a Tom Ford tuxedo.

They wed in a small, intimate ceremony in front of family and close friends on the French island of Corsica.

VIP guests included Queen Latifah and U2 frontman Bono.

Alicia Keys married her long-term boyfriend, music producer Swizz Beatz, in a private ceremony on Saturday.

Alicia – who sung at the World Cup ceremony in June – was glowing as she showed off her ever-growing baby bump in her elegant gown.

The star announced her pregnancy and engagement back in May. The new arrival will be the couple’s first child together.

Thirty-one-year-old Swizz Beatz, who has written and produced music for Beyoncé and Jay-Z, has two sons from a previous relationship.

Alicia and Swizz – real name Kasseem Dean – have been together since autumn 2008.

And judging by the first photo of the wedding – in which they share an intimate kiss – they won’t be Fallin’ out of love any time soon.

Nadine Coyle

“Girls Aloud” singer Nadine Coyle is engaged to NFL star Jason Bell.

Bell proposed last week while at home in Los Angeles.

“I just got back from London and he was in New York and he surprised me with a ring and stuff, while I was in my pajamas!” Coyle tells Radio 1. “If I had known I would have had a blow-dry or at least had a manicure or something!”

Coyle and Bell have been dating for two years and met through a mutual friend.

“He was really nice about it,” she adds of the proposal. “He got down on two knees, not one knee because he had played football for a while so he was all banged up.”   – CelebrityBrideGuide.com

Jason Bell and Nadine Coyle

FROM WeddingChannel.com

By — Tia Albright

Celebs go all out on their weddings — but how much do they end up costing? Here’s the Forbes list of the most expensive celebrity weddings.

Celebrities have been known to go all-out for exotic vacations and expensive nights on the town, and it seems that weddings are no exception. Rumor has it that Salma Hayek was set to spend $3.5 million for her nuptials before she called it off. Wondering what other celebs have spent on their big day? Lucky for you, we found a Forbes list of the most expensive Hollywood weddings! Check it out.

Elizabeth Hurley and Arun Nayar

Elizabeth Hurley & Arun Nayar: $2.5 Million

Why have one wedding when you can have two? That’s what model-actress Elizabeth Hurley did when she married Indian businessman Arun Nayar in March 2007. Three hundred guests (including designer Valentino and singer Elton John) attended the first ceremony at the medieval Sudeley Castle in Gloucestershire, England. Next, the couple went to India for a Hindu ceremony at Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur where the couple stayed at the Maharani suites that cost upward of $10,000 per night. The bride and groom eventually logged in eight days of celebration.

Christina Aguilera and Jordan Bratman

Christina Aguilera & Jordan Bratman: $2 Million

When pop diva Christina Aguilera married music executive Jordan Bratman in November 2005, the power couple decided to get away from the limelight by throwing a three-day event in California wine country. On the final night, guests met at the Staglin Family Vineyard for a winter-themed wedding. The couple said their “I dos” in a pew-filled, stained-glass Castilian castle that was built over a swimming pool. Afterward, everyone made their way to the tented reception. Inside, elaborate decorations included silver drapery, a sparkling chandelier and white roses.

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas

Catherine Zeta-Jones & Michael Douglas: $1.5 Million

This Oscar-winning couple spared no expense for their elaborate New York wedding in 2000. Guests received special hologram-embedded invitations that they needed for access to the event space at New York’s Plaza Hotel—talk about exclusive! Sean Connery and Jack Nicholson were two of the lucky few that made it inside. Catherine wore an antique Chantilly lace gown by Christian Lacroix that she accessorized with a tiara. Later in the evening, guests looked on as Grammy-winner Bonnie Tyler wowed the audience with a private performance.

Madonna and Guy Ritchie wedding day

Madonna & Guy Ritchie: $1.5 Million

The Material Girl went all-out when she married British film director Guy Ritchie in December 2000. The pop icon decided on a royal event at Scotland’s Skibo Castle—the couple booked all 21 of the estate’s rooms for guests, who included Sting and Gwyneth Paltrow. Madonna accessorized her strapless, cream, silk gown by Stella McCartney with a 1910 diamond tiara (once worn by Monaco’s Princess Grace) while Guy wore a customary Scottish kilt. Following the ceremony and dinner, everyone headed down to the castle’s basement to dance the night away.

Donald Trump and Melania Knauss

Melania Knauss & Donald Trump: $1 Million

In January 2005, real estate mogul Donald Trump married model Melania Knauss in an extravagant Florida wedding. The affair began with the bride walking down the aisle in a strapless Christian Dior masterpiece complete with 300 feet of satin beaded with 1,500 crystals and ending with an exquisite 50-pound, 13-foot train. Following the ceremony, guests gathered at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate where they enjoyed the sounds of a 36-piece orchestra during an elaborate meal catered by celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

Prince William and Kate Middleton

From Herald Sun

PRINCE William will end the marathon wait for Kate Middleton – by making her his bride in 2012, just before the London Olympics.

The News of the World reported yesterday that the couple would marry just before his 30th birthday in June.

The couple want their big day when the world’s spotlight is on London – for the Queen’s diamond jubilee in June and the Games, which start on July 27.

A senior insider said: “William and Kate are aware a royal wedding followed by the jubilee celebrations and the Olympics will really put Britain on the map again.”

Secret plans are being drawn up for the nuptials to fit in with both major events.

Britain's Prince William

The source said: “This will be a landmark occasion.

“The Chinese may have put on a great show for the last Olympics but nobody can do royal pomp like we can. It will be spectacular.

“There is no doubt that Kate is the right girl for William.

“Their future together is sealed.

“The powers that be, and I mean right to the top, see this as the perfect opportunity to secure the monarchy at the heart of the people at a time when the media focus is on our country.”

Rumours have been rife about when the couple will wed.

They met at the University of St Andrews in Scotland and have dated for eight years, splitting up twice along the way.