Jessa Duggar and Ben Seewald Get Married, Opts Not to Have First Kiss at Wedding
"19 Kids and Counting" star Jessa Duggar married her fiancé, Ben Seewald, at the First Baptist Church in Bentonville, Arkansas on Saturday, Nov. 1. The couple said their vows in front of more than 1,000 guests.
The bride wore a blush-colored gown—an Allure design from the brand's Fall 2014 Modest Collection and featured a scoop neck with cap sleeves, according to E! Online.
A source from Us Weekly said that during the ceremony, the bride and groom poured two vases of sand into one to symbolize their union, and when Ben put the ring on Jessa's finger, she reportedly said, "That's so beautiful!"
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One of the things that surprised the guests happened during the part when the bride and groom were supposed to kiss. According to People Magazine, Pastor Mike Schadt introduced the couple as Mr. and Mrs. Seewald and then told the crowd that they would not be kissing then and there, explaining that they decided to have their first kiss in private. He then asks Jessa's parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, to do so instead.
At the reception, the guests feasted on ice cream sundaes instead of a traditional wedding cake.
"I don't really like cake," Jessa said to People, and the magazine reports that the bride ate chocolate ice cream, while the groom opted for chocolate mint chip.
Jessa and Ben got engaged in August after an 11-month courtship. In accordance with their Christian faith, they did not hold hands until after their engagement.
The newlyweds' family and friends were very happy as they spoke with People magazine about the couple.
"Ben is a man of integrity," said best man Dylan McMahan. "I know he's going to honor his wife and put her first."
"Ben is a peacemaker and a gentle, kind man," said Michelle to People. "I am grateful for the way the Lord brings two people together. We love Jessa so much and we are so happy for her."
