When Hollywood couples say “I do,” the world often watches with bated breath, but Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds’ wedding is a chapter wrapped in delicious mystery. While their playful chemistry and witty Instagram exchanges delight fans, the actual nuptials remain a vault of carefully guarded secrets. From an ethereal setting to an exclusive guest list, their 2012 ceremony mixed classic romance with a cloak-and-dagger vibe rarely seen in Tinseltown weddings.

While Hollywood couples usually steal the spotlight with glitz and glam, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds quietly crafted a wedding full of enchanting mystery and heartfelt moments. Here are the most captivating secrets behind their special day.

The stunning Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, was the picturesque stage for Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds’ wedding. The historic estate, famed for its majestic Avenue of Oaks, brought a romantic Southern charm that perfectly suited their desire for an intimate, private affair. With just around 35 guests invited, the ceremony was not only exclusive but also steeped in deep Southern tradition and natural beauty, providing an elegant yet personal atmosphere.

However, the choice was not without controversy. Boone Hall Plantation’s history as a former slave plantation sparked public criticism, especially over the preserved Slave Street. Ryan Reynolds later openly addressed the pain caused by this decision, expressing regret in 2020. Their response went beyond words: they held a private vow renewal at home and donated $200,000 to the NAACP Fund, showing genuine growth and accountability in the face of a complicated legacy.

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While Boone Hall Plantation offered timeless Southern charm wrapped in complex history, the wedding’s guest list unlocked a whole different kind of magic, where intimate friendships met Hollywood’s glittering elite.

The guest list was a Hollywood VIP mystery box, blending genuine friendships with celeb glitz. Among the attendees were Blake Lively’s close friends and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants co-stars America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, and Alexis Bledel, blending nostalgia and camaraderie. Music sensation Florence Welch was there, while B.J. Novak and designer Christian Louboutin added a dash of Hollywood cool to the intimate celebration.

To guard their privacy fiercely, the couple required NDAs from guests and vendors alike and confiscated cell phones to prevent photo leaks. Blake Lively’s brother even arranged secret transportation with out-of-state rentals to avoid prying eyes. Despite this high-profile guest list, the wedding slipped quietly under the radar, no paparazzi, no leaks, until after the vows were exchanged, sealing its status as one of Hollywood’s most successfully concealed weddings.

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While the guest list dazzled with star power and stealth, the night’s true magic unfolded as Florence Welch’s haunting melodies wove an unforgettable soundtrack, turning secrecy into soulful celebration.

Florence Welch, the ethereal lead of Florence + The Machine and a close friend of Blake Lively, brought an unforgettable touch to the wedding with her live performance. Her set included three deeply emotional songs, notably a heartwarming rendition of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow.' Her presence was not just entertainment; it was a personal gift that added an intimate, magical layer to the evening, elevating the atmosphere and reflecting the couple’s close-knit bonds.

One unforgettable moment came during Florence Welch’s performance, when Blake Lively revealed to Vogue that her custom Marchesa gown had caught fire from a sparkler, leaving behind a tiny burn mark. While initially a scare, Ryan Reynolds’ perspective turned it into a cherished memento: “You'll always remember that moment with Florence singing and the sparklers. You have that forever, right there, preserved.” This tiny flaw became a treasured detail, proving that while Reynolds might not have been playing a Hollywood rom-com lead that night, he lived like one, capturing the celebration’s perfect blend of cinematic elegance and real-life spontaneity.

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While Florence Welch’s voice set hearts soaring and a stray spark left its mark, the true showstopper was still to come: Blake Lively’s breathtaking gown that told its own love story.

Blake Lively’s wedding dress was a stunning masterpiece crafted by Marchesa designers Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, as later revealed by Martha Stewart Weddings. The hand-draped silk tulle was embroidered with intricate rose gold and crystals, embodying Lively’s signature romantic yet glamorous style. Every stitch and detail was meticulously planned by Lively herself, resulting in a gown that was both timeless and breathtaking, a perfect match for the couple’s private Southern wedding vibe.

Complementing Blake Lively’s look, her bridesmaids wore blush silk chiffon Marchesa dresses adorned with delicate crystals, creating a cohesive and ethereal bridal party aesthetic. Though the wedding was shrouded in secrecy, fans caught a glimpse of the gown in Martha Stewart Weddings magazine. This iconic dress remains a bridal fashion inspiration, celebrated for its beauty, personal touches, and the elegant story it tells about one of Hollywood’s most private weddings.

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