The Socialites
In 1941 one of the most lavish weddings took place in the world of social elites on December 28 when heiress and future fashion designer Gloria Vanderbilt wed movie producer Pat DiCicco
The wedding took place in Beverly Hills and featured a beautiful cake and gorgeous decorations. That was the first of her 4 marriages.
Air Raids and Wedding Bells
It was 1939 and once again with the war in the picture, weddings became a little more modest. Weddings were planned in just a few days to accommodate men before they left for war.
Even though it was a grim time, it was also the year the iconic golfer Henry Cotton married Mrs. M. I. Moss. As you can see a background sign points to an air-raid shelter.
The Man Band
Before 1940, wedding rings for men were not common. In World War II they rose in popularity when soldiers chose to wear them in battle to remind themselves of their wives.
A soldier could look to his wedding band for comfort and support, giving him the incentive to be strong so he could return home to his loving wife.
Marylin's Big Day
Norma Jean Baker AKA Marylin Monroe got married at just 16 years old to her 21-year-old neighbor James Dougherty on June 19, 1942.
Their marriage lasted 4 years. Norma Jean was discovered by modeling and acting agencies and could only sign the contract as an unmarried woman. And so it ended.
When Carole Landis Walked Down the Aisle
Actress Carole Landis married her Air Force captain Thomas Wallace on January 23, 1943. The couple joyfully danced the Jitterbug to big band music, as was the style back then.
She celebrated quite a few times since as she got married another 3 times (and that was her second)