Reality show darling, NeNe Leakes has proven that her love for her husband Gregg goes beyond gossip and the strain of living your life out in front of the cameras. The two reunited loves have landed a new docu-series all their own, “I Dream Of NeNe: The Wedding,” airing Tuesdays at 9pm EST/PT on Bravo.
Previously in “Real Housewives Of Atlanta,” we watched NeNe and Gregg’s adorable love affair go from sweet to sour and back sweet again as they loved, lost and reconnected all while the cameras watched. This new docu-series chronicles all that happens on the road to NeNe and Gregg’s second marriage and extravagant wedding, mirroring her over-the-top personality.
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With a star-studded, high-profile wedding comes big responsibilities, especially for the army of women who rally behind the bride as a support system–the bridesmaids. We caught up with one of NeNe’s most outspoken bridesmaids, Marlo Hampton and she gabbed with us about every lavish detail of NeNe’s nuptials. Marlo gave us some amazing tips if we ever find ourselves in a wedding where the bridesmaids get to wear their own fabulous pair of Christian Louboutins!
HB: How did you get to be one of NeNe’s bridesmaids?
MH: When NeNe and I first met, the odds were against us. It was said that we’d probably fight because of the rumors of her having dated my ex-boyfriend. I don’t care what happened in his past. NeNe and I hit it off. It was like we’d known each other for years. We literally met at one spot and we hit it off so goof, we left and went to another spot, hanging out all day.
HelloBeautiful: What was your favorite part of being one of NeNe’s bridesmaids?
Marlo Hampton: I got to design my own gown. That was the best thing. We were all able to design our own gowns. I feel if you’re wearing something that you love that works for you–one shoulder, strapless–you can own your own look. It made me feel like I was a designer. [laughs]
HB: What are your three tips to a bridesmaid in a high-profile wedding?
MH: 1. Don’t pay the bridesmaids that you don’t like any attention. Don’t interact with them if they’re arguing, that only stresses the bride more. 2. Speak your mind. Tell the truth and be honest with the bride and the bridesmaids. You have to be honest. I don’t know how to not be honest. 3. Be supportive of your bride.
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HB: What was your favorite part of NeNe’s wedding?
MH: I have two favorite parts. When she walked out, I had goosebumps. She was gorgeous in that dress! I was speechless. I think we both got teary-eyed. You could tell that it brought back memories of her first wedding and she knew it was really happening when she put her dress on. The wedding was my first wedding that I was in. I was also the creative director of the wedding. I had two big hats to wear for this wedding.
HB: What was NeNe’s biggest “bridezilla” moment?
MH: I think every wedding has that. [laughs] Her main problem was “bridesmaid-zillas.” She had her moments and every bride does. You put a lot of different women in one room, you have so many opinions and emotions. There’s a lot—you’ll get to experience it all. I had all kinds of emotions from being a part of this wedding–happy, sad, shy, crying, mad… [laughs].
HB: Are there “bridesmaid-zilla” moments that stick out to you?
MH: There’s a lot. You’ll have to staying tuned for that. Just know Marlo stood her ground. i wasn’t thinking about none of them “bridesmaid-zillas!” In my mind, I just wanted to make the bride happy. It was all about her. I tried to make that my job.
HB: What do you get a bride like NeNe for a wedding gift?
MH: You know what, I got her a couple of different gifts. You just have to get something cute. It could be a candle, something blinged out, a red bottom–you know she loves Christian Louboutin. If there’s a new pair of Louboutin shoes or bag, get her that. You know what’s crazy–NeNe loves house things. She loves pots, pans, wine glasses, serving dishes, china–entertainment pieces. That was another fun moment. We did her registry together–we picked out wine glasses, cheese cutters, mixers, all of that. So much fun!
HB: What advice would you or have your given NeNe in marrying Gregg a second time around?
MH: Do it the same way, just love harder. Continue to love him. I am not married, but I know that it is beautiful to see them together after all these years they’ve been together. The time they spent separate made them realize, ‘Hey, we’re meant to be together.’ I would also tell them that the grass isn’t as green as it looks on the other side.
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HB: What are your thoughts on remarrying someone?
MH: I think it’s a beautiful thing, of course. I’ve experienced it with other friends, people break up and sometimes it takes getting back together to appreciate and value one another. I definitely say do it. Time apart can be good and make you realize that person’s worth. I think they both got it together and treasuring one another. Being around NeNe and Gregg is like being around brothers and sisters. They know what each other is thinking. It’s something you’ve never seen in your life.
HB: What’s your dream wedding look like?
MH: Oh my Lord! Something crazy–I don’t even know. I can’t even begin to think about it. I know there will be a lot of crystals and candles. You know it’s going to be over-the-top with a lot of glam! [laughs]
HB: What are you currently working on?
MH: Of course, “I Dream Of NeNe” is on now. We’re working on a lot of projects with my Glam It Up Girls. I was raised in a foster home as a child and it was a no-brainer. I go to different agencies, I get foster girls and we go to eat, church, plays, games–we do everything. I want them to know the future is theirs, no matter if their mom and dads are there or not. You can find that at SimplyMarlo.com. You can follow me on Twitter at @IHeartMarlo. Get to know Marlo. I am as real as it gets. I am on a different planet and I’m ok on that planet. There’s a human beyond the fabulousness.
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Photos: ‘I Dream of NeNe’
Check Out This Amazing Gallery Of NeNe’s Wedding!
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