'The Bachelor: Jason & Molly's Wedding,' whatever the weather
Those of us in Los Angeles know that last weekend's weather was beyond volatile. Rain on your wedding day is supposedly good luck ... and nothing says "great TV" like watching Chris Harrison talk about the weather on and off for two hours. We get it. Rain happens.
Though ABC's "The Bachelor" franchise has been an undisputed ratings success, it has produced few successful romantic partnerships. "The Bachelor" and its sister show, "The Bachelorette," have resulted in proposals for 11 out of 19 seasons, but only two marriages have resulted so far. The first, of course, was Trista Rehn's marriage to Ryan Sutter, televised on ABC to more than 26-million viewers in 2003.
Tonight, "Bachelor" fans tuned in for the marriage of Jason Mesnick and Molly Malaney, one of the most controversial couples in the franchise's history. Jaws dropped across the nation when Jason dumped chosen fiancée Melissa Rycroft and begged Molly for a second chance.
Of course, it wouldn't be "The Bachelor" without extensive recapping of what we've already seen. The flashback scenes remind us that, like the latest "Bachelor" couple, Jake Pavelka and Vienna Girardi, Jason and Molly also began their relationship with a bungee jump off of a bridge. Perhaps the key to true love is a shared near-death experience?
Despite the media scrutiny, Jason and Molly have persevered, and Molly has spent the last few months getting integrated into Jason's life in Seattle -- a life that includes Jason's adorable 5-year-old son, Ty, who seems to have taken to Molly quite well.
ABC's cameras followed Jason and Molly through the planning stages of their wedding. It was sweet ... even if it did seem like one endless commercial. Every element seemed to have a product placement -- the Neil Lane jewelry, the Vanilla Bake Shop cake, the Tiny Pine Press invitations. Good news, Los Angelenos: If you want a wedding exactly like Jason & Molly's, the show gave you a step-by-step road map.
The most painfully staged product placement occurred when Molly just happened across Jason's sister while she was browsing Macy's online fashion director tool. Not very subtle there, producers.
Despite all that, I was charmed to see the "(500) Days of Summer"-esque moment when Jason and Molly cuddled on the Macy's store display bed. It was a genuine moment in a sea of carefully shot brand-name logos.
Another one of my favorite parts of the wedding special was when Molly tried on dress after dress by Monique Lhullier. The girly side of me loved to see the parade of beautiful white dresses, and when Molly's mom said, "This is the same girl who used to come home with mud all over her," I couldn't help but smile. By the way, Molly looks beautiful with her darker hair. She looks years younger than she did during their season of "The Bachelor."
Jason and Molly enjoyed their bachelor and bachelorette parties in Vegas on the same night. It was nice to see Molly let loose a bit while she was with her friends. "Ready to get the party started? Well, the party has just arrived," she yelled, pointing to herself. Her bachelorette festivities involved some salon pampering, erotic dance lessons, and VIP treatment at a Vegas nightclub. Her friends gave her wedding-night advice to splurge on lingerie, to be careful not to drink too much and, helpfully, to "put out."
Meanwhile, Jason and his friends drank, gambled and then did some clubbing. Jason's friends gave him a good-natured hard time. "Of all the women Jason's proposed to," one said, "I think Molly's the best." Another brought out embarrassing childhood photos, and yet another demonstrated "the wet Mesnick" -- a spot-on impression of Jason's blubbering face after he dumped Molly.
At the end of the night, Jason and Molly met up in front of the Bellagio fountain to nuzzle each other adorably and reminisce about their reality-show courtship. Later, at the rehearsal dinner, Jason said to Molly, "How often in your life are you completely, just, like, happy?" Aww.
When the big day arrived, it wasn't lacking in dramatic tension. Yes, Chris Harrison, there's rain. However, there were also paparazzi, who caused a bit of a brawl as they tried to get their footage -- in fact, a security guard conducted a "citizen's arrest" that alarmed Jason as he stood taking pictures from a hotel window.
The paparazzi involved are, according to X17 Online, planning to sue the security guards.
Still, the reality show must go on. The weather actually held up at the beginning of the ceremony, which was attended by many former cast members from "The Bachelor" franchise. The wedding had a beautiful green-and-white theme. Jason Castro of "American Idol" fame sang "Over the Rainbow" as a rainbow appeared overhead. That was probably just clever editing, but let's pretend it was visible, OK?
Molly's uncle, a judge, conducted the ceremony, which included Molly and Jason reading short love poems to each other. Molly referred to their relationship as "reality, romance, and roses: a trifecta of happiness," and they released a flock of doves into the sky as well-wishers looked on.
In the middle of Molly's vows, the skies finally opened, and the rain began to pour down. In the audience, umbrellas blew inside out, Ty laughed delightedly, and raindrops splattered the camera lenses, but Molly and Jason took it in stride, barely taking their eyes off of each other. According to his vows, Jason thinks Molly's eyes are "star-gazing amazing," so that's not too surprising.
After the ceremony, Jason and Molly ran for cover while Jason Castro sang his song "That's What I'm Here For," which, incidentally, was released on iTunes today! At this point, the product placement almost seemed insulting to viewers. If I were Jason and Molly, I'd be glad that it rained, if only to add an unscripted, un-purchased element to their day. If there's one thing that ABC's influence can't reach, it's the weather.
OK, I'll admit it. When Jason and Molly danced to Gavin DeGraw's surprise performance of his song "Follow Through," I teared up a little bit. I couldn't help it! Gavin DeGraw isn't promoting a new record right now, either. I checked.
Don't forget to leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts on "The Bachelor: Jason & Molly's Wedding." Don't hold back: Weigh in on her dress, her hair, his poem, his creepy doll and especially those super-awkward clips of Jake and Vienna.
-- Carina MacKenzie (catch me on Twitter @cadlymack)
Photos: ABC
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ABC's cameras followed Jason and Molly through the planning stages of their wedding. It was sweet ... even if it did seem like one endless commercial. Every element seemed to have a product placement -- the Neil Lane jewelry, the Vanilla Bake Shop cake, the Tiny Pine Press invitations. Good news, Los Angelenos: If you want a wedding exactly like Jason & Molly's, the show gave you a step-by-step road map.
The most painfully staged product placement occurred when Molly just happened across Jason's sister while she was browsing Macy's online fashion director tool. Not very subtle there, producers.
Despite all that, I was charmed to see the "(500) Days of Summer"-esque moment when Jason and Molly cuddled on the Macy's store display bed. It was a genuine moment in a sea of carefully shot brand-name logos.
Another one of my favorite parts of the wedding special was when Molly tried on dress after dress by Monique Lhullier. The girly side of me loved to see the parade of beautiful white dresses, and when Molly's mom said, "This is the same girl who used to come home with mud all over her," I couldn't help but smile. By the way, Molly looks beautiful with her darker hair. She looks years younger than she did during their season of "The Bachelor."
Jason and Molly enjoyed their bachelor and bachelorette parties in Vegas on the same night. It was nice to see Molly let loose a bit while she was with her friends. "Ready to get the party started? Well, the party has just arrived," she yelled, pointing to herself. Her bachelorette festivities involved some salon pampering, erotic dance lessons, and VIP treatment at a Vegas nightclub. Her friends gave her wedding-night advice to splurge on lingerie, to be careful not to drink too much and, helpfully, to "put out."
Meanwhile, Jason and his friends drank, gambled and then did some clubbing. Jason's friends gave him a good-natured hard time. "Of all the women Jason's proposed to," one said, "I think Molly's the best." Another brought out embarrassing childhood photos, and yet another demonstrated "the wet Mesnick" -- a spot-on impression of Jason's blubbering face after he dumped Molly.
At the end of the night, Jason and Molly met up in front of the Bellagio fountain to nuzzle each other adorably and reminisce about their reality-show courtship. Later, at the rehearsal dinner, Jason said to Molly, "How often in your life are you completely, just, like, happy?" Aww.
When the big day arrived, it wasn't lacking in dramatic tension. Yes, Chris Harrison, there's rain. However, there were also paparazzi, who caused a bit of a brawl as they tried to get their footage -- in fact, a security guard conducted a "citizen's arrest" that alarmed Jason as he stood taking pictures from a hotel window.
The paparazzi involved are, according to X17 Online, planning to sue the security guards.
Still, the reality show must go on. The weather actually held up at the beginning of the ceremony, which was attended by many former cast members from "The Bachelor" franchise. The wedding had a beautiful green-and-white theme. Jason Castro of "American Idol" fame sang "Over the Rainbow" as a rainbow appeared overhead. That was probably just clever editing, but let's pretend it was visible, OK?
Molly's uncle, a judge, conducted the ceremony, which included Molly and Jason reading short love poems to each other. Molly referred to their relationship as "reality, romance, and roses: a trifecta of happiness," and they released a flock of doves into the sky as well-wishers looked on.
In the middle of Molly's vows, the skies finally opened, and the rain began to pour down. In the audience, umbrellas blew inside out, Ty laughed delightedly, and raindrops splattered the camera lenses, but Molly and Jason took it in stride, barely taking their eyes off of each other. According to his vows, Jason thinks Molly's eyes are "star-gazing amazing," so that's not too surprising.
After the ceremony, Jason and Molly ran for cover while Jason Castro sang his song "That's What I'm Here For," which, incidentally, was released on iTunes today! At this point, the product placement almost seemed insulting to viewers. If I were Jason and Molly, I'd be glad that it rained, if only to add an unscripted, un-purchased element to their day. If there's one thing that ABC's influence can't reach, it's the weather.
OK, I'll admit it. When Jason and Molly danced to Gavin DeGraw's surprise performance of his song "Follow Through," I teared up a little bit. I couldn't help it! Gavin DeGraw isn't promoting a new record right now, either. I checked.
Don't forget to leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts on "The Bachelor: Jason & Molly's Wedding." Don't hold back: Weigh in on her dress, her hair, his poem, his creepy doll and especially those super-awkward clips of Jake and Vienna.
-- Carina MacKenzie (catch me on Twitter @cadlymack)
Photos: ABC
Related Articles
Ali Fedotowsky announced as ABC's sixth "Bachelorette"
In which Jake puts a ring on it
Return of the rejects... and Rozlyn
Gorgeous dress, and wedding. So sweet, I really adored every second of it. I am so sorry they had to put up with the hellish headlines and stories in the tabs all year. She is a clearly a mature woman who seems unflappable and I think he appreciated her for that at the end of the day. He seems a dedicated and sensitive man who will love his famly forever.
Posted by: Joycie | March 09, 2010 at 08:21 AM
Were they married on Feb. 27th? My parents annivarsary was Feb. 28th (61yrs), but my dad passed away Feb. 15th, and we buried him 4 days before their annivasary.
Proud WWII Army Daughter
Posted by: Frances | March 09, 2010 at 08:32 AM
Great article again Carina! I wish you had been there to watch with us last night! I'm very glad you mentioned the beyond obvious product placement that took place last night. Was the scene with the Macy's product tool a joke?? Jenny and I rewatched it twice in complete disbelief that they tried to make that seem like normal sisterly chatter. Anyways, loved the article! Come back and visit soon!
Posted by: Ashley | March 09, 2010 at 08:45 AM
It was just awesome & magical moment for Jason/Molly.
Posted by: Ork | March 09, 2010 at 08:47 AM
I think the wedding was sweet...it's what they wanted. I can't imagine the stress of everyone's opinion on choosing the person you choose to marry. As long as the couple are happy and dedicated to each other who cares what anyone thinks. Jason was true to his heart when he broke up with Melissa and asked Molly for a second chance. Melissa wasted no time in resuming her life and marrying her ex boyfriend so she must have had feelings for him instead of Jason all along. I think everyone got what they wanted and I wish them the best!
Posted by: WANDA | March 09, 2010 at 08:49 AM
I don't have any gal pals who are into the Bachelor like me. So sitting back and reading your observations, many of which are the same as my own,helped fill that void. Thanks.
Posted by: Veronica Lynn | March 09, 2010 at 11:44 AM
They look real happy. I am happy for them. The wedding was real nice too even though it did rain. The reception was nice too.
Posted by: Tami | March 09, 2010 at 11:55 AM
I think they love each other very much.That was the best wedding.You can almost feel like you were there.I think they will be together for ever.Perfect couple.
Posted by: Barbara Semeraro | March 09, 2010 at 12:21 PM
I wish them a long and happy life together. They make a great couple.
Why anyone would plan an outdoor wedding during the month of February in an el nino winter is beyond me. Yikes. The theme and set was absolutely gorgeous though.
I'm sure had it not been for the sponsors, this couple wouldn't have had such a lavish wedding - nor would it have been televised. Somebody had to pay for it all.
Posted by: Tee | March 09, 2010 at 12:37 PM
Got a little sick of the constant references to Jason and Molly having gone through "more difficulty than most go through in a lifetime" referring to their year of unfavorable tabloid headlines. Give me a break, talk to the people in Haiti about difficulty. I wonder if Melissa was watching as the rain poured down all over Molly's perfectly made up face, beautifully coifed hair, and gorgeous gown. I would have liked to have seen the footage of her reaction!
Posted by: Amy | March 09, 2010 at 01:25 PM
WHERE WAS TY????? I didn't see him - I thought he would have been right up there with the wedding party. I don't even know if I heard his name but maybe once?
Posted by: Mitchell | March 09, 2010 at 01:37 PM
I can't believe I sat through the whole thing. Boring doesn't begin to cover it.
Posted by: Deb | March 09, 2010 at 02:01 PM
perfect couple, beautiful wedding, soo happy for them
Posted by: joso | March 09, 2010 at 02:07 PM
Mitchell:
Jason mentioned that he didn't want Ty being on camera any more and he prevented the producers from filming him. He also said the only important thing to him was having Ty there to watch him marry. I think that is a smart AND responsible thing to do as a parent.
Posted by: Tee | March 09, 2010 at 03:17 PM
who cares about the product placement. earth to author, theres product placement in almost everything you watch - have you ever seen a, like....um....a movie? the wedding was beautiful and molly is the beautiful, compassionate, thoughtful, loving, caring, friend, and perfect lady that a single sensitive never been married 41 yr old guy like myself could only wish for. best of luck to the two of them!
Posted by: steve c | March 09, 2010 at 04:09 PM
i thought the wedding was really nice but i just checked this website because i didn't get to finish the whole thing! I would really have wanted to see it but i just couldn't stay up! i think they are a great couple and will be happy together!!!!
Posted by: Jennifer | March 09, 2010 at 04:58 PM
Good for Hilary--Ty's Mom refused to sign the forms to allow Tye to be part of this televised show. Jason did not agree with this decision. I thought the interviews of Molly and Jason were so boring--saying the same thing over and over. They said the last year was so awful--stop whining! Your house didn't burn down; your parents or child didn't die; you aren't homeless like the Haiti people. ABC has just given you $100,000 each to have a million dollar wedding televised. You had many, many donated trips to exotic places and every time I looked, you were getting paid to do an interview or selling your pictures to magazines, telling the story of how rough your last year had been. Neither one of you has a full time job and knows what working is all about. The best thing for you is that Hilary has taken the high road and isn't selling her story to tell about having to pay child support for Jason and all the reasons why she divorced him. I am sure her entire family got sick and tired of Jason being advertised as a single Dad, how he set up a charity as a single dad; and how he was an account executive--when they knew that none of this was true.
Posted by: Sally | March 10, 2010 at 06:59 AM
Geez, lighten up Sally...who cares about all the dirty laundry??? Everyone has it, right?
If what you say is true, Hilary is simply putting her son first. Isn't that what ALL parents should do? She would only make herself look bad by bagging on the father of her child.That's not exactly worthy of "Mother of the Year" award. And what makes you think it's YOUR OBLIGATION to speak of these things??? As far as I know, YOU could be Hilary.
Posted by: Eve | March 10, 2010 at 11:42 AM
So meaningful post to me > so Helpful too. Thanks fro sharing !
Posted by: Koozie Questions | March 10, 2010 at 06:11 PM
As soon as I heard the dress for Molly costs $45 thousand dollars,I decided to pass on watching.
Posted by: Erica Stephens | March 11, 2010 at 02:03 AM