Gayle King offered a heartfelt glimpse into her son William Bumpus Jr.’s wedding to Elise Smith, held at Oprah Winfrey’s picturesque home. The CBS Mornings co-anchor, 69, took to Instagram to share behind-the-scenes photos and videos from the beautiful event.
In one post, King shared a carousel of images showcasing the wedding ceremony. The bride, radiant in a strapless Amsale gown, and the groom, dapper in a white suit jacket and slacks, held hands in Winfrey’s lush garden, where they exchanged vows. A touching photo captured King embracing her son before the ceremony began.
Other images depicted Bumpus Jr., 37, gazing lovingly at his bride from the altar beneath a rose-adorned arch. Smith’s father, who officiated the ceremony, stood nearby with a smile. The bride, holding a white bouquet, walked down the aisle with her mother, Eva.
King, stunning in a blue one-shoulder Amsale dress, posed for a photo with her son and Winfrey, who wore a pale rose-colored gown. The series of photos also showcased the reception, where the newlyweds took selfies with their wedding party and fed each other cake. The celebration concluded with the couple driving away in a mini golf cart decorated with a “We Married” sign and trailing cans.
“Favorite son Will found the girl of his dreams and now lovely @elisemariesmith is an official member of the family. It was truly a spectacular family wedding!” King captioned her post. “Thanks to @oprah—the wedding was magical in her ‘backyard!’”
King didn’t just capture the wedding day but also shared moments from the preparations. In another post, she shared a rehearsal video of the bride and groom walking hand in hand toward the altar. Additional rehearsal photos included King, Bumpus Jr., and Elise posing in the garden and a group shot with the wedding party.
Oprah Winfrey played a significant role in the ceremony, even seen directing staff in one photo. King praised her best friend, noting, “Turns out she’s a pretty good wedding planner!”
The pre-wedding festivities included a welcome dinner at Rosewood Miramar Beach, with multi-colored rose arches and beautifully decorated tables. Videos showed the couple and guests singing Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You” and dancing to Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September.”
“The night ended with an impromptu dance party in a room that didn’t have a dance floor! Black people always find a way—especially my family AND @moseslinmusic at the controls!” King wrote.
The celebration is set to continue, as King shared that the newlyweds plan to host a big dance party for friends who couldn’t attend the intimate family ceremony.
—
Photo Credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com