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.
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.
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.
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)
The Town Hall Wedding
This image taken in 1944 depicts a typical town hall wedding in a time where the groom donned his military uniform and the bride would wear her best dress instead of an expensive gown.
It was a time of simplicity, minimalism, and celebrating what was truly important.