Who: tennis star Pete Sampras and actress Bridgette Wilson
When: September 30, 2000
Where: The wedding was a down home affair held in the groom's backyard.
The Proposal: After a nine month courtship, the groom chose the relaxed atmosphere of their LA home to slip on to his loved one's finger a Cartier oval diamond enhanced with baguettes resting on a platinum band.
The Ceremony: Los Angeles occasion planners Laurels Custom Flora and Events teamed with the bride's sister to transform a backyard into a floral fantasyland, complete with a profusion of white blossoms draped over a bridal archway and floating botanical displays adrift in the couple's pool, its water reflecting the illuminated glow from white candles. Eighty guests, including hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, watched as the bride walked toward her intended to the tune of "The Wedding March".
The Dress: The day prior to the ceremony FedEx delivered the bride's white, V-necked Vera Wang creation, a body-conscious design composed of silk georgette. The sophisticated look was enhanced with a long, diaphanous veil and vintage Fred Leighton jewelry. The groom opted for a traditional black Armani tux. Two flower girls donned white slip dresses with delicate spaghetti straps fashioned by Vera Wang. To compliment their cherubic appearance, the children wore wreaths of purple blossoms in their hair.
The Reception: As tennis is the groom's passion, the couple's tennis court was a natural choice for the reception area. Following the twenty minute ceremony, guests converged in a white tent which altered the site into an elegant arena where guests dined on risotto, filet of beef and slices of a three-tiered lemon and strawberry wedding cake, which was served as the newlyweds took to the dancefloor for their first dance as husband and wife, swaying to the romantic country ballad "I Know How The River Feels" by Diamond Rio.
The country music theme continued with Alabama's touching "I Love You Enough To Let You Go", which was played for the father/daughter dance. Attendees danced to a different tune when surprise guest Elton John arrived, performing a forty-five minute set which included "Can You Feel The Love Tonight", before handing the stage over to the One O'Clock Band for the remainder of the evening.
Parting Gifts: Proud of his Greek heritage, the tennis champ and his bride incorporated several Greek customs into the festivities, from breaking a plate for good luck to distributing almonds (a symbol of fertility) to all who had attended the event.
The Honeymoon: Once the celebration had concluded, the bride and groom embarked on a week-long Mexican excursion.
