Duggar Girls Blog

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Ben and Jessa's First Kiss Details

As the wedding ceremony came to a close this afternoon and Pastor Mike Schadt introduced Jessa and Ben Seewald as a married couple, guests were shocked at what came next. Or, should we say, what didn't come next.There was no kiss at the altar. The newlyweds ran out of the sanctuary in Bentonville, Arkansas, to have their first kiss in private. Pastor Schadt then proceeded to tell the crowd that Jessa and Ben had made that decision on their own, based on counsel they received from Schadt.

Pastor Schadt encouraged Jim Bob and Michelle to demonstrate a "Duggar kiss," and they obliged.

Jessa and Ben also went against traditional wedding protocol by serving ice cream sundaes instead of wedding cake. And Jessa's bridal gown was a blush tone instead of white. She purchased her dress from Tesori Bridal in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

More details at PEOPLE.com.

Duggar Daughter Wedding #2

Duggar Daughter wedding Number 2 ended up being just as large as Duggar Daughter wedding Number 1. This afternoon, Jessa Duggar and Ben Seewald recited their marriage vows in Bentonville, Arkansas, in front of more than 1,000 guests.Jessa wore a lacy, flowing wedding gown in a pale tone with a beaded bodice. Jessa's maid of honor, Jinger Duggar, and ten bridesmaids wore coral dresses that matched Ben's bow tie.

Michelle Duggar calls Ben Seewald a "peacemaker and a gentle, kind man." Dylan McMahan, Ben's best man, says the groom is a "man of integrity."

"We love Jessa so much and are so happy for her." Michelle told PEOPLE.

Jessa and Ben are on their way to an undisclosed honeymoon location. The wedding will air on the next season of 19 Kids and Counting.

Jessa's Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

Jessa Duggar and Ben Seewald gathered with dozens of family and friends Friday night for their rehearsal dinner. The two have been engaged since August 14th and are excited to become husband and wife this afternoon.

"I'm so happy to have so many friends here from so many places," Jessa Duggar told PEOPLE.

"When I look at all the faces surrounding us tonight," Ben Seewald told PEOPLE, "I don't know how to thank all of you for investing in our lives, and in our life together. Y'all make us feel so special.

After the rehearsal, guests gathered to watch video tributes created by family and friends. Christian comedian Tim Hawkins even sent one. "Want to see how a Duggar boy rebels?" Hawkins joked in the clip, before proceeding to unbutton the top button of his shirt.

Jessa and Ben's rehearsal dinner consisted of Frito pie, iced tea toasts, and a variety of dessert pies.

During the meal, Ben's six younger siblings (Jessica, 17; Danielle, 14; Michelle, 12; Ethan, 10; Faith, 8; and Thomas, 5) made toasts to their older brother and thanked him for his leadership.

"Thanks to all our friends and family," Michael Seewald, Ben's father, told the crowd. "It's a blessing to see Ben and Jessa's life together, and we pray they grow closer."

Jessa's siblings also made tearful toasts. Jinger Duggar talked about her close relationship with Jessa, and Jill (Duggar) Dillard shared marriage advice: "We have great examples in our parents that love doesn't have to end. Spend lots of time together and remember, the honeymoon doesn't have to end."

"And we're looking forward to seeing more cousins," Derick Dillard added.

More details on PEOPLE.com.

Here are some Wedding Rehearsal Photos: