Wedding Dress
Celebrity fashion designer
David Meister conceptualized Gabi's custom bridal gown based on her personality. Originally she wanted a princess ballgown, but after trying on a number of dresses, she decided the mermaid silhouette suited her best. David suggested she go with a soft white to flatter her complexion. He incorporated hand-sewn crystals into the design and used an Italian silk fabric with a little wool, which doesn't wrinkle and holds its shape. The beautiful gown went from a sketch to ready-to-wear in five days thanks to David and his talented team.
Wedding Planning
Wedding consultant
Kristin Banta has been with us on this entire journey. Today, she comes armed and ready to jump in to action for any last-minute bridal emergency with a kit that includes first aid, toiletries, sewing kits, stain remover, heel stoppers, and even a spare ring. You name it, she's got it! Kristin has encountered fires, hurricanes, overflowing bathrooms, and guests falling in a pool, so she's well-prepared to be the hero in any worst-case scenario.
Decorations
Lifestyle expert
Jessie Jane contributed to the "Home & Family" wedding series time and time again with lots of personalized touches. All of her crafts including bags to hold flower petals, fans that double as programs, a wish tree, and lace lanterns, to name a few, were all finally put to use on Gabi & Charlie's special day to create a glam-meets-vintage vibe. Guests had fun posing with moss letters in the Hollywood Photo Booth as they trickled in to the ceremony space. Jessie's DIY projects can be seen throughout the ceremony and reception and even the edible favors guests get to bring home.
Flowers
Michael Gaffney spared no expense in creating a floral oasis in the "Home & Family" backyard. He created a lush arch for Gabi & Charlie to exchange their vows under. In total, Michael used 700 roses, 300 hydrangeas, dozens of gerber daises, plus countless other varieties of flowers. This task was too large to take on alone, so Michael enlisted the help of his students. We show a time-lapse video of the ceremony space going from bare to fully in bloom.
Entertainment host Debbie Matenopoulos commentated the ceremony, introducing each member of the wedding procession, including Gabi's mom Denise Kiss, Charlie's parents Teri and Ben Bontempo, the bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, and ring bearer. Last, but certainly not least, the lady of hour arrived after spending the day getting prepped and pampered at the
Sheraton Universal City Hotel. Charlie struggled to keep himself composed as he saw his bride for the first time at the end of the aisle. Gabi was all smiles as her father escorted her to the altar with Christina Perri's song "A Thousand Years" playing in the background. In front of 150 guests, the couple of nine years exchanged personal vows and rings. Then, the moment we've all been waiting for, they sealed their marriage with a kiss!
First Dance
Mark & Cristina toast the newlyweds before taking center stage for their first dance. With all eyes upon them, the blushing bride and handsome groom swayed back and forth to "My Vow," performed live by country music artist
Greg Bates. He originally wrote the song at just 19 years old, soon after graduating high school. He drew on the successful marriages of his parents and grandparents as lyrical inspiration. Then, Gabi & Charlie took their guests by surprise by breaking it down to The B-52's "Love Shack" and were soon joined on the dance floor by the bridal party!
Learn more about Greg Bates at www.gregbatesofficial.com.
Cake Cutting
Before cutting into their multi-tiered wedding cake, the best man, maid of honor, and Charlie's dad deliver toasts. An emotional father-of-the-bride calls for reinforcement to read the words he prepared. He was too choked up to utter his special message to his daughter and new son-in-law. Gabi & Charlie also took a moment to thank "Home & Family" producer Amy for coordinating the entire affair and making their dream wedding come to fruition. It's finally time to slice into their cake!
Just Married!
Gabi & Charlie get whisked away in a 1962 Rolls-Royce to embark on their romantic honeymoon to Hawaii. Before they get into the classic car, Mark & Cristina give the couple one final gift, a pair of watches. Greg Bates returns for an encore to play ""Did It For the Girl" as guests wave goodbye to the lovebirds.
& services for the "Home & Family" Wedding!