Never too late! Duck Dynasty’s Si and Christine Robertson celebrated their very first wedding ceremony 43 years after tying the knot on Saturday, May 3, Us Weekly can exclusively confirm. The couple wed in 1971, but never had a proper wedding after their justice-of-the-peace nuptials.
The couple celebrated their special day under a white tent at their son and daughter-in-laws, Scott and Marsha Robertson. Upon arrival, guests signed an original artwork by artist Kristen Myers, which had a personal note from country singer Garth Brooks and his wife Trisha Yearwood.
Christine was escorted by her 2-year-old grandsons, Connor and Logan Robertson, as she made her way down the aisle to Si, 66, who dressed in a camouflage tuxedo jacket. The bride and groom were feted by their Duck Dynasty family, and even got a special video message from actor Kirk Cameron. In the clip, the Growing Pains alum noted how inspiring the couple is for having such a loving marriage for over four decades. (Willie and Kori Robertson were attending the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C. at the time.)
Si’s surprises for his longtime love didn’t stop there. For the first time ever, he gifted Christine with a diamond wedding ring at the altar. In addition, after saying “I do” the pair were interrupted by a video made by Brooks and Dunn’s frontman Kix Brooks, Christine’s favorite band. Si and Brooks’ song, “Can’t Take the Swamp Outta the Man” began to play, as the twosome made their way to their reception. (Si’s own album, Si Robertson: Me and My Smokin Hot Honey, is available on iTunes May 13.)
The A&E stars partied afterward at a green and purple themed reception, which was decorated by Amanda Davis Jerkins. (Jerkins grew up in the same neighborhood as Ashley and Korie Robertson.) The crowd was entertained by the Nashville band The Mauldin Brothers and feasted on barbecue food, cooked up by local restaurant Podnuh’s. The Sweet Shop ofBlue Ridge provided dozens of cupcakes, and kids had their very own dessert table that included push-up pops.
The couple’s wedding isn’t the only remarkable story to tell. The second-time newlyweds first caught each other’s eye in 1967 when Si, then 19, was trying to hitch a ride. “I had just got back from Vietnam and I was actually hitchhiking for a night of clubbing,” Si told Us. “A buddy of mine and his girlfriend were in the car with [Christine], it was her car, and he knew me and he said, ‘Stop I know that guy!’ So that’s how we met—she picked me up when I was hitchhiking.”
Being married for over 40 years has taught Si a thing or two. “What I would tell young married people is never let the sun go down on you if you’re both mad,” he told Us. “Don’t go to bed being mad. Make up, kiss each other and tell each other you love each other. Then get a good night’s sleep and get up the next morning and go on with life.”
Something that’s helped him along the way? “I bring her flowers,” he said of the sweet offering he continues to give Si. “I used to bring momma flowers all the time. If I drive by and somebody is having flowers, selling them, I buy them.”
Official photos from Si and Christine’s wedding will be available in the next issue of Us Weekly, which hits stands on Wednesday, May 7.
