Christina Aguilera met music producer Jordan Bratman when she traveled to Atlanta to record a solo album in 2002. Soon it was clear that the couple would make a perfect duet, and Bratman relocated to Los Angeles. “After Jordy moved we became joined at the hip,” Aguilera has said. “He’s my solid.” Three years later, Bratman proposed during a Valentine’s getaway to Carmel, Calif. On November 19, 2005, the couple exchanged vows under a chuppah of fuschia, blush and deep red roses at an estate in Napa Valley.
Joe Buissink/WireImage
A choir sang Aguilera - in a custom Spanish-style Christian Lacroix gown with an elaborate ruffled train, Christian Louboutin heels and a vintage jeweled rosary - down the aisle to Bratman, where they exchanged handwritten vows and lit candles to signify their union during the traditional Jewish ceremony. “I wanted something that would hug my curves and flare out for dramatic appeal,” the petite singer said of choosing her gown.
Joe Buissink/WireImage
In honor of Aguilera’s favorite month, December, planner Michael Gapinski of Along Came Mary used a snowy palette of ivory, cream and white with silver accents to create the reception's wintry landscape. Hundreds of birch trees lined the walls; the tables, dressed with silk cloths and white organdy overlays, were trimmed with white faux fur. Kevin Lee of L.A.’s Premier Flowers designed the centerpieces of glitter-dipped white hydrangeas, roses, amaryllis and branches. Chandeliers of manzanita branches woven with crystal strands set the room aglow.
Joe Buissink/WireImage
Friends like Sharon Stone were treated to a menu of the couple’s comfort-food favorites, including roast chicken, short ribs and family-style sides of macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes and onion rings. “We didn’t want to put people off by serving only fancy food,” Aguilera has said. For dessert, Sam Godfrey of Perfect Endings created a five-tier white-chocolate cake, which was adorned with hot pink roses.
Joe Buissink/WireImage
After dinner the newlyweds swayed to “In a Sentimental Mood” for their first dance. At a friend’s request Aguilera – who had slipped into a satin minidress designed by her stylist, Simone Harouche - took the stage to belt out a rendition of her hit song “Lady Marmalade.” The singer capped off the evening by dedicating Etta James’s “At Last” to her new husband. “Christina expressed how for the past couple of years she has sung this song in concert,” planner Gapinski said. “But that this was the first time it really had meaning for her.”
Joe Buissink/WireImage
After toasting the newlyweds, guests got the party going on the octagonal 24-foot-wide dance floor. For the “after-party” the festivities moved from the wintry tent to the estate’s wine cave, transformed into a disco with red velvet walls and sofas. DJ AM spun until early morning, while guests danced, drank pink champagne and snacked on waffles and chocolate-chip cookies.
Joe Buissink/WireImage
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The Love Story
Christina Aguilera met music producer Jordan Bratman when she traveled to Atlanta to record a solo album in 2002. Soon it was clear that the couple would make a perfect duet, and Bratman relocated to Los Angeles. “After Jordy moved we became joined at the hip,” Aguilera has said. “He’s my solid.” Three years later, Bratman proposed during a Valentine’s getaway to Carmel, Calif. On November 19, 2005, the couple exchanged vows under a chuppah of fuschia, blush and deep red roses at an estate in Napa Valley.
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The Ceremony
A choir sang Aguilera - in a custom Spanish-style Christian Lacroix gown with an elaborate ruffled train, Christian Louboutin heels and a vintage jeweled rosary - down the aisle to Bratman, where they exchanged handwritten vows and lit candles to signify their union during the traditional Jewish ceremony. “I wanted something that would hug my curves and flare out for dramatic appeal,” the petite singer said of choosing her gown.
The Reception
In honor of Aguilera’s favorite month, December, planner Michael Gapinski of Along Came Mary used a snowy palette of ivory, cream and white with silver accents to create the reception's wintry landscape. Hundreds of birch trees lined the walls; the tables, dressed with silk cloths and white organdy overlays, were trimmed with white faux fur. Kevin Lee of L.A.’s Premier Flowers designed the centerpieces of glitter-dipped white hydrangeas, roses, amaryllis and branches. Chandeliers of manzanita branches woven with crystal strands set the room aglow.
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The Menu
Friends like Sharon Stone were treated to a menu of the couple’s comfort-food favorites, including roast chicken, short ribs and family-style sides of macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes and onion rings. “We didn’t want to put people off by serving only fancy food,” Aguilera has said. For dessert, Sam Godfrey of Perfect Endings created a five-tier white-chocolate cake, which was adorned with hot pink roses.
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The Entertainment
After dinner the newlyweds swayed to “In a Sentimental Mood” for their first dance. At a friend’s request Aguilera – who had slipped into a satin minidress designed by her stylist, Simone Harouche - took the stage to belt out a rendition of her hit song “Lady Marmalade.” The singer capped off the evening by dedicating Etta James’s “At Last” to her new husband. “Christina expressed how for the past couple of years she has sung this song in concert,” planner Gapinski said. “But that this was the first time it really had meaning for her.”
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The Party
After toasting the newlyweds, guests got the party going on the octagonal 24-foot-wide dance floor. For the “after-party” the festivities moved from the wintry tent to the estate’s wine cave, transformed into a disco with red velvet walls and sofas. DJ AM spun until early morning, while guests danced, drank pink champagne and snacked on waffles and chocolate-chip cookies.
