13 Shocking Secrets & Hidden Details From Blake Lively And Ryan Reynolds' Controversial Wedding

The wedding of Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds remains one of Hollywood’s most famously private and, later, most controversial events. On September 9, 2012, the two stars, who first met on the set of Green Lantern, exchanged vows in a ceremony shrouded in secrecy, managing to keep nearly all details and photographs hidden from the public for years. However, as of late 2024 and into 2025, more details have emerged, revealing a mixture of breathtaking romance, intricate custom design, and a significant controversy that the couple has publicly expressed regret over.

This deep dive into their highly guarded nuptials, over a decade later, uncovers the fresh, unique facts that define their special day—from the custom-made Marchesa gown that suffered an unexpected accident to the enduring fallout from their choice of a historic, yet deeply problematic, Southern venue.

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds: A Dual Biography

To fully appreciate the significance of their wedding, one must first understand the powerful Hollywood couple at its center. Both Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are established actors with diverse careers and a shared reputation for sharp wit and privacy.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

Blake Ellender Lively (née Brown)

• Born: August 25, 1987, in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Parents: Ernie Lively (actor) and Elaine Lively (talent manager).
• Career Highlights: Rose to prominence as Serena van der Woodsen in the CW series Gossip Girl (2007–2012). Notable film roles include The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005), The Town (2010), Savages (2012), and A Simple Favor (2018).
• Entrepreneurial Ventures: Founder of the non-alcoholic mixer company Betty Buzz.

Ryan Rodney Reynolds

• Born: October 23, 1976, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
• Parents: Jim Reynolds (food wholesale broker) and Tammy Reynolds.
• Career Highlights: Known for his roles in comedy and superhero films, including National Lampoon's Van Wilder (2002), The Proposal (2009), and the title role in the highly successful Deadpool franchise (2016–present).
• Entrepreneurial Ventures: Co-owner of Aviation Gin, Mint Mobile, and the Welsh football club Wrexham A.F.C.

The Controversial Venue: Boone Hall Plantation

The most enduring and complex detail of the Lively-Reynolds wedding is their choice of location. The couple married at the picturesque Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

The plantation is known for its stunning Avenue of Oaks and historic architecture, making it a popular wedding destination. However, it is also a site where enslaved African Americans were held and forced to work, a fact that led to immediate and sustained public criticism.

The Backlash and Public Regret

The backlash centered on the perceived romanticization of a site associated with immense human suffering and slavery. The controversy resurfaced years later, prompting a public statement from the couple.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

In a 2020 interview, Ryan Reynolds expressed profound regret, calling the choice a "huge mistake" and a decision they would "do differently" now. He acknowledged that the beautiful facade of the venue masked a painful history they had failed to fully consider.

Following the controversy, the couple took steps to educate themselves and apologize, stating they felt "truly and deeply sorry." They also committed to making significant donations to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, an organization focused on racial justice. This public reckoning has become a major part of their wedding’s legacy, overshadowing the beautiful details of the day itself.

7 Secrets of Blake's Custom Marchesa Wedding Gown

While the venue became a source of regret, Blake Lively’s wedding ensemble was a masterpiece of custom design, though it, too, had a dramatic, unexpected twist. She worked closely with the design team at Marchesa to create a truly unique bridal look.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

1. The Blush Tone: Blake chose a custom, blush-toned ballgown, moving away from the traditional white. The subtle pink hue added a romantic, vintage feel to the dress.
2. Rose Gold Embroidery: The gown featured hand-draped silk tulle and delicate rose gold embroidery, a detail that provided a warm, metallic shimmer as she moved.
3. 500 Hours of Labor: The intricate custom design required approximately 500 hours of meticulous handwork by the Marchesa team in their New York atelier.
4. The Accidental Burn: In one of the most surprising revelations, Lively admitted that a sparkler held by a guest accidentally burned a hole in the front of her expensive, custom dress during the reception.
5. Her Unexpected Reaction: Instead of panicking, Lively’s reaction was surprisingly calm. She later said the burn became her "favorite part of the dress" because it serves as a reminder of the night’s joyous, chaotic energy.
6. Christian Louboutin Shoes: The bride paired her unique gown with custom-designed shoes by her friend, famed designer Christian Louboutin.
7. A Hidden Detail: The dress featured a sheer, embellished bodice and a voluminous skirt, blending modern sexiness with classic Southern romance. Only a tiny glimpse of the dress was ever officially released, adding to its mystique.

Behind the Scenes: The Mastermind and The Music

The wedding was a logistical marvel, executed with military-like precision to maintain absolute secrecy. The couple relied on a team of high-profile professionals to pull off the surprise event.

Martha Stewart's Team Involvement

The domestic goddess, Martha Stewart, and her team from Martha Stewart Weddings were instrumental in planning the event. They were hired to ensure every detail, from the floral arrangements to the catering, was flawless. The involvement of such a high-caliber team helped ensure the event remained a secret until after the fact.

Florence Welch’s Performance

The entertainment was equally high-profile. Florence Welch, the lead singer of the band Florence and the Machine, performed a set of three songs at the reception. This added a unique, indie-rock flair to the traditionally Southern setting, further personalizing the celebration.

The Secret Food Details

The wedding cake was a massive, vanilla-and-sour-cream confection with peach-apricot preserves and Earl Grey-milk chocolate buttercreams, a decadent creation designed to be both rustic and elegant. The menu featured a lavish array of Southern-inspired cuisine, including mini quiches, oysters, and a custom bar experience.

The Legacy: A Marriage Built on Humor and Privacy

Now, over a decade into their marriage, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have built a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most stable and entertaining couples, largely due to their relentless commitment to privacy and their famous social media antics.

They are now parents to four children—daughters James, Inez, Betty, and a fourth child whose name has not been publicly confirmed. Their family life is fiercely protected, a direct consequence of their desire for normalcy away from the paparazzi. The few glimpses into their marriage often involve their famous "roasting" of each other on platforms like Instagram, which fans adore.

As they approach their 13th wedding anniversary in September 2025, the story of their wedding serves as a powerful reminder: even the most beautiful celebrity moments can be complicated. The event was a testament to their love, a showcase of intricate design, and a lesson in the importance of historical awareness. The controversy over the venue has ultimately led to a more meaningful, public commitment to social justice, proving that even a wedding can evolve into a learning experience for a global audience.