Rachael Ray on Her Wedding Vow Renewal Dress: ‘It Was Lovely, But Itchy!’

Published

9 years ago

October 8, 2015

Rachael Ray wasn’t a bridezilla when it came to choosing a dress for her Sept. 19 vow renewal to husband of 10 years, John Cusimano. In fact, the celebrity chef and TV host let famed bridal designer Reem Acra take complete creative control of the design.

Mark Daniels

“I just wanted Reem to be happy,” Ray tells PEOPLE exclusively. “She’s the pro when it comes to that, and I have so much respect for her. I was thinking ’60s-looking, kind of vintage vibe and so was she. After that, I was like ‘Whatever you want to do.’ I’m so not that kind of girl. I’d much rather be in pajamas. I let the pros take over. If it’s not the kitchen, I’m not that bossy.”

Ray says she was thrilled with the finished product: a lace, heavily-embellished tea-length design, which she paired with silver metallic platform sandals and a half-up hairstyle for the vow-renewal celebration in Castello di Velona, the Tuscan castle where the pair was first married in 2005.

“The dress was very lovely. A little itchy, cause I don’t wear fancy lace gowns or lacy lingerie, and the whole dress was lace. So I was a little itchy twitchy I have to say, but I loved it,” Ray shares. “It’s the only couture ever made for me. And she made my sister’s dress as well. She’s just so insanely talented.”

The designer did not incorporate any elements of Ray’s first wedding dress — a long, flowy chiffon design with a beaded bodice — into the look.

“I drew a doodle and she’d already done a sketch and when I showed her the doodle that I’d made, it was exactly what she was thinking and drawing on her side. This [dress] was Reem,” Ray says. “She was so lovely. I surprised her; she said ‘I want to try your tabbouleh,’ so I made her a huge, huge Israeli feast for lunch.”

Courtesy Rachael Ray

Acra did, however, make sure to add lots of embellishments to the design, which was one of Ray’s favorite parts of the dress.

“We all have superhero nicknames here at the show [The Rachael Ray Show], and my superhero nickname is ‘The Accessorizer,’ because I love costume jewelry. So she [Acra] put a lot of bedazzles all over it. I would use the bedazzler — like the thing from the infomercials that’s made for seven-year-olds — but hers were hand sewn, and really pretty.”

Mark Daniels

And while Ray fell in love with the dress, she admits that she couldn’t wait to slip into something more comfortable as soon as the party ended.

“I cannot tell a lie, as soon as the ceremony and the festivities were over, I did go and put on my nightgown pretty quickly,” she shares. “In fact, on my wedding night, my friends gave me a beautiful Cosabella nightie set and I put it on, and I came out and my husband cracked up laughing. He laughed so hard he was doubled over. He’s like, ‘Who are you? Go put your pajamas on; you look ridiculous.’”

What do you think of Ray’s custom dress? Sound off below.

For more exclusive photos and details about Rachael Ray’s wedding renewal weekend, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday.

RELATED VIDEO: Find Out What Was on the Menu at Rachael Ray’s Beautiful Wedding Renewal

–Brittany Talarico, with reporting by Shay Spence

Music

The Breadwinning Duo: G.T.B Kartel Delivers a dynamic single titled ‘Lil Baby’

Published

6 hours ago

May 10, 2024

TGR Media

In the vast cosmos of hip-hop, a new constellation is rising, and it goes by the name of G.T.B Kartel. This group isn’t just another flash in the pan; they are the modern torchbearers of an age-old tradition that celebrates unity, family, and the collective power of collaboration. Their latest single, “Lil Baby,” is not just a track, it’s an anthem, a signal flare announcing the arrival of a duo that is here to redefine the genre’s landscape.

G.T.B Kartel, an acronym for Get To The Bread Kartel, isn’t just a name—it’s a mission statement. In the lineage of great hip-hop collectives like Wu-Tang Clan and Outkast, G.T.B Kartel reminds us that hip-hop is a space where brotherhood thrives and where the sum truly is greater than its parts. In a world that often glorifies solo success, G.T.B Kartel stands out by putting their bond and their music front and center.

Their single “Lil Baby“ is a masterclass in contemporary hip-hop craftsmanship. From the very first whistle, the track grabs your attention and refuses to let go. The production is sharp, each beat and snare meticulously placed to create a rhythm that’s not only addictive but also innovative. The bars are confident, delivered with the kind of swagger that can only come from artists at the peak of their creative powers.

But “Lil Baby” is more than just a catchy tune—it’s the entrance to G.T.B Kartel’s universe, a realm where each note and lyric is carefully considered to create an experience that doesn’t just resonate, but also inspires. It’s a world where the beat doesn’t fade when the song ends; it echoes, lingering in the air like the promise of more to come.

As we look ahead to the future of hip-hop, it’s clear that G.T.B Kartel is not only part of the conversation but also driving it forward. They don’t just fit into the genre; they’re busy carving out their own space within it. “Lil Baby” is your invitation to join them on this journey—a journey where getting to the bread is about more than financial gain; it’s about crafting a legacy that will feed the soul of hip-hop for generations to come.

Videos

Florida rapper Lord Maji teams up with On-N-Off Strapz for his latest visual titled “Space X”

Published

20 hours ago

May 9, 2024

Nancy B

Florida rapper Lord Maji teams up with On-N-Off Strapz for his latest visual titled “Space X.” Directed by SoRight Films. Watch the music video above via YouTube or stream the single on any music platform.

Music

Goalden Chyld Unites The Masses With New Album, ‘War Cry’

Published

1 day ago

May 9, 2024

Nancy B

Emerging artist Goladen Chyld is set to go global with his new album, War Cry.

The new star spreads peace, love, and unity with informative lyrics, crafty rhymes, summoning productions, and vibrant song structure. The debut album encapsulates the illustrious history of Chicago Hip-Hop, which is drenched in the windy city’s historic activism and unity.

The album, its anthems, message, and authenticity are the perfect starting points for newfound fans of the rising star. Tracks like “Righteous Stepper,” “Savior,” and “Gifted” showcase the artist’s progressive music that advocates for equality. War Cry peaked at #3 on Apple Music and cemented Goalden Chyld’s movement.

“I don’t believe you can listen to this album and not feel some sense of purpose and duty to your community,” he told The Final Call.

He added: “I haven’t received a single negative review. The response has been overwhelmingly positive across all age groups. I’ve received messages from nonprofits showing children engaging with the music, which shows its impact. It’s amazing to see a project resonate so deeply across different segments of our community, reinforcing the need for unity and positive change.”

Chyld, real name Qadir Hakim, was raised by a single mother on the rough side of Chicago. His musical abilities transcend barriers for a wider audience with the storytelling of struggles and progress. His resume is filled with endorsements from big names in hip-hop, ranging from Shaquille O’Neal to Lil Baby to Funk Flex.

War Cry quickly gained popularity on streaming platforms and social media, becoming a highly discussed new artist of 2024. The album arrives at the perfect time, especially considering the current social climate.

Goalden Chyld supports the new album with a series of album release events, including an upcoming unity concert in Chicago on May 25 and a five-borough community tour event at SOBs in New York City on May 30.