It was a stylish affair over the weekend when Bill Rancic and Giuliana DePandi tied the knot, and The Apprentice's first-season winner and E! News anchor apparently have no problem with sharing their special day with fans.
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DePandi wore a custom-fit two-piece white silk Monique Lhuilier gown, while Rancic donned a tuxedo designed by his bride's father, master tailor Eduardo DePandi. In addition to the dapper duds worn by the entire bridal party, People reported the traditional Catholic ceremony was performed by Rancic's childhood priest in both English and Italian (DePandi was born in Napoli).
"This is the real deal," Rancic told People. "We wanted a very old school, full Catholic mass."
Guests at the wedding included Chelsea Lately star and former On the Lot host Chelsea Handler as well as Comcast Entertainment Group president and CEO Ted Harbert, but Rancic's former boss Donald Trump wasn't present.
"His schedule wouldn't allow it," Rancic told People
DePandi's sister Monica served as the maid-of-honor, and her brother Pasquele serenaded the crowd with "Ave Maria" following the vows.
"I lost my father several years back and he's the honorary best man," Rancic told People. "[We had] a candle up there as a tribute to him."
The event wasn't short on glitz and glamour, as it reportedly included a hydrangea-draped altar; a string trio and organ player; a menu that included Southern Italian fare; a performance by Italian folk dancers; DePandi and Rancic leading the procession to the reception in a red convertible Fiat; a reception that included elaborate centerpieces and a 16-piece Capri orchestra; and a rehearsal dinner with 200 guests serenaded by a local guitar player.
Rancic, the 35-year-old boardroom champ from The Apprentice's first season, proposed to DePandi, the 31-year-old E! News anchor, in December during a helicopter ride over his native Chicago. Despite previous relationships with The Bachelor 3 winner Jen Schefft and fellow first-season The Apprentice finalist Amy Henry, Rancic previously admitted it was "love at first" with DePandi when he first met her in April 2004 even though they didn't get romantic until early 2006.
While their wedding may have been a dream come true, the newlyweds will have to wait for their fairy tale honeymoon.
"We both have to get back to work," DePandi told People, as she's scheduled to cover the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards on September 16 while Rancic begins work as one of the new hosts for In the Loop with iVillage, the new name for NBC's revamped iVillage Live daytime talk show.
In the Loop with iVillage, which will air live from NBC's WMAQ-TV affiliate in Chicago, will premiere September 17. Former The Apprentice contestant Ereka Ventrini and actress (and former Celebrity Fit Club and Celebrity Mole: Hawaii contestant) Kim Coles will host the show with Rancic.
About The Author: Christopher Rocchio
