Whitney Houston’s wedding to Bobby Brown

As you’ve undoubtedly heard, Whitney Houston died over the weekend at the age of 48. Since this is a wedding blog, and not a sad times blog, let’s look at her happier days – specifically, her wedding to Bobby Brown.

Photo from Washington Post

Whitney Houston married Bobby Brown on July 18, 1992, at her home in New Jersey. There were about 800 guests at their wedding. The two met while attending the Soul Train Music Awards in 1989. She was dating Eddie Murphy when they met. I guess Whitney found someone better for party-all-the-time fun. You’re welcome for the link.

Recently, Whitney Houston’s been more infamous for her drug use and erratic behavior than her singing and acting, but in 1992, she was the Biggest Thing Ever. This wedding was a Brad-and-Angelina big deal.

Pics from LipstickAlley
Here’s their wedding altar – dripping with roses!

Wedding details from an article in Ebony, thanks to the Classic Whitney site:

Diane Johnson, who has been designing Houston's stage and personal wardrobes for years, co-designed the bridal gown with Marc Bouwer. "Whitney wanted to keep it a very simple design," says Johnson, who runs a boutique in East Orange, N.J., Houston's hometown. "The Lyon lace, imported from France, is the finest lace in the world. The lace made the dress." In addition, Johnson designed the groom's white double-breasted silk tuxedo and the bridesmaids' purple silk floor-length gowns with trains.

Purple, purple, everywhere!

Among the attendants were two of Houston closest pals, recording artists Priscilla (CeCe) Winans Love and Perry (Pebbles) Reid. The best man, Brown's brother, Tommy, and the groomsmen, who included Houston's brother, Michael,   were all attired in Johnson-designed purple tuxedos with matching purple alligator shoes that were custom-made in Italy. The four flower girls and three ring bearers were adorable in white and lavender.

"Purple is Whitney's favorite color," Johnson emphasizes. "She wanted everything in purple and lavender and white. She even decorates her Christmas tree in purple."

The couple exchanged identical platinum wedding bands. Hers had the words "Love, Bobby" in cut-out script, while his read, "Love, Whitney."

After Brown enthusiastically declared, "I do!!" and the couple were pronounced husband and wife, the guests were awed as seven white doves were released outside the gazebo. The couple then sealed the union with a long, passionate kiss during which Brown literally lifted his bride into the air as the jubilant guests applauded.

Looking happy!

Their reception lasted over 12 hours, and the couple went on a lavish honeymoon – a wedding present from their record companies.

I do not like the body language here. He looks like he’s taking possession of her, and her hands are twisted behind her back, as though she’s in handcuffs. Am I reading too much into this? Since they divorced: NO.

The two had one daughter – Bobby Kristina. They separated and divorced in 2006.

Aw, so pretty and 80s! I know it was the 90s, but there’s always a hangover for the first few years. The headpiece makes her look more ethereal, but I always loved her gorgeous, naturally voluminous hair.