Gene Simmons from KISS finally
Marries the love of his life Shannon Tweed!
It was so exciting and such an honor to be invited to the Gene Simmons Shannon Tweed wedding this past Saturday, October 1st at The Beverly Hills Hotel. I absolutely adore them and they’re a blast to hang out with. But this celebrity wedding almost didn’t happen. Simmons has dated Tweed for 28 years and finally Tweed drew a hard-line, “marry me or I’m gone!”
Simmons didn’t hesitate long and proposed to Tweed in July. A short clip of his proposal aired on YouTube and it brought tears to my eyes. So did my first glance at her engagement ring! I first became aquainted with Shannon Tweed’s 24 carat diamond engagement ring at her bachelorette party. It’s huge, and I cried with a mixture of joy and envy. The engagement aired on the finale episode of Gene Simmons’ Family Jewels. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIFlPz8BpDk&feature=email
The wedding invitation posted on People’s website read, “Classy Cocktail Attire Requested, although we know some Rock star attire will be worn.” It was signed by the “soon-to-be Team Tweed-Simmons.” Among the celebrity guests were Simmons’ KISS band mates, Huge Hefner, several Playboy Playmates, Bill Maher and Dog the Bounty Hunter.
Gene and Shannon have two kids — Nick, 22, and Sophie, 19 — they were part of the wedding party with Sophie serving as maid of honor and Nick as best man. But before Gene and Shannon exchanged vows, their adorable dog was walked down the aisle by two equally adorable ring bearers.
The wedding ceremony was absolutely beautiful, taking place on the crystal lawn of the Beverly Hills Hotel. There were dozens of crystal chandeliers hanging in large trees surrounding the garden, cream rose petals lined the aisle and huge flower arrangements were everywhere.
Simmons and Tweed exchanged vows that they had personalized, in front of 400 friends and family members. I was SO thrilled to be one of those friends! The ceremony was very touching and Shannon was one of the most beautiful brides I’ve ever seen. The dress, the veil, and the tiara all were stunning. She was also wearing an incredible bracelet that TMZ reported was worth $420,000!
Although guests were asked NOT to bring cell phones or cameras into the event, Bill Maher, decided that rule didn’t apply to him. Using his phone throughout the entire ceremony, he tweeted out some details on his Twitter page, “At the Gene Simmons-Shannon Tweed wedding – a dog just walked down the aisle ahead of the bride so it’s a good start.” Clearly in poor taste, but that’s Bill Maher for you.
Hugh Hefner called the event “a very romantic, family affair” on Twitter. Playboy magazine’s creator dated Tweed in 1981.
The reception was OVER the TOP!! After a quick dress change, from her amazing, princess like Priscilla of Boston bridal gown into a GORGEOUS Badgley Mischka Bridal evening gown, Simmons and Tweed danced their first dance together. Turns out Gene Simmons isn’t the only one with an incredible voice. Their daughter Sophie sang “At Last” by Etta James. She’s stunning, 5’10” and a computer science major who can really sing! It was an enchanting moment.
Nick sang as well. His choice was classic Frank Sinatra. He’s a 6’8” hottie that can also belt it out! I mean really, really sing, he’s charismatic and has incredible stage presence. Tweed eventually sang too, this entire family is talented.
KISS finally took the stage and rocked us out for the remainder of the evening. The whole event was a mixture of part magical wedding, part rock concert and part fairytale.
It just shows you that if you wait long enough, and in Shannon Tweed’s case 28 years, dreams really do come true and Tweed got her dream sealed with a KISS! A whole band of them!!!
For Entertainment Tonight’s exclusive, inside look at the wedding, check out this link below:
Inside Gene Simmons KISS Wedding: http://www.etonline.com/news/114875_Exclusive_Inside_the_Gene_Simmons_KISS_Wedding/index.html
Before Gene and Shannon's wedding in the lobby of The Beverly Hills Hotel
After the wedding reception in my suite at The Beverly Hills Hotel, we ordered sliders!
