Wedding Date: August 17th, 2008
Where: Los Angeles, California
Ellen DeGeneres has a funny way of announcing news, even her very own news, non-nonchalantly – which is why I love her. On her show in mid-May 2008, Ellen, she proudly announced California overturned the ban on gay marriage, at which point the audience erupted with cheer. As soon as the noise allowed her to speak again, Ellen announced that SHE will be getting married to which the crowd went even wilder. Her blushing bride-to-be was none other than Portia De Rossi, who’d she had been dating for almost three years. I literally have watched this video at least 20 times since starting this write-up. It’s so uplifting and makes me realize that love really does conquer all.
Fast forward just three months later, Ellen and Portia married with just 19 guests in their Los Angeles home. After a first look (seen in the below YouTube video), the couple arrived together in their living room where guests awaited. The two sat down on floor pillows and read hand-written vows to each other. Inspirational book author, Wayne Dyer, officiated the ceremony. Their first dance together was to “Ribbon In The Sky” by Stevie Wonder. As a surprise to Portia, they were later serenaded with a live acoustic performance by Joshua Radin.
Both brides wore custom designs from Zach Posen. Although, I have to say, Portia stole the show. Her romantic gown had a white Marilyn Monroe-looking halter top with and the bottom a full tulle blush pink bottom – simply stunning. Ellen wore a an elegant sheer blouse with vest and pants, all white.
A full vegan meal prepared by Ellen and Portia’s personal chef, David Silberkleit, was served on their gorgeous veranda over looking the pool. The meal consisted of vegetable egg rolls and miniature sliders. The dessert cake, made by Sweet Lady Jane, was a rich red velvet (also vegan).
People magazine has the rights to most of the photos of their special day. See their online story FIRST LOOK: Ellen & Portia’s Wedding Album for many more pictures and details of the wedding.
Where are they now?
Ellen and Portia are still together and “madly in love”. There were divorce rumors years ago which have all been squashed by the couple. In fact, they are so smitten with each other that they more recently spoiled each other very extravagantly. For Ellen’s 60th birthday, Portia gifted her a permanent home for The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda. This selfless en-devour is called, The Ellen Fund. This past October, Ellen gave Portia a Kris Jenner-inspired silver Lamborghini.
See this Access Hollywood interview below explaining the Ellen Fund: