In a heartfelt celebration of love, Jessica “JLee” Lee, known for her role as a model on the television game show ‘Deal or No Deal’, has married her long-time partner, Carl Hiteman. The couple exchanged vows on June 24 at Galway Downs in Temecula, California, marking the three-year anniversary of their first encounter.
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The couple infused their wedding with personal touches and elaborate decorations that blended elements of Old Hollywood glamour with modern fairy-tale aesthetics. Their celebration featured an abundance of white and green floral arrangements alongside books adorned with gold paper and flickering candles. Lee and Hiteman expressed their vision for the day, describing it as a “magical” occasion filled with joy, love, and lasting memories.
For her special day, Jessica donned two bespoke gowns, both crafted by her close friend and renowned costume designer, Rebecca Dominguez. The pair met while working on ‘Deal or No Deal’, and Lee affectionately refers to Dominguez as her “Fairy Godmother”. Speaking fondly of the experience, Lee stated, “My Fairy Godmother worked her magic on this, turning an off-the-rack Madi Lane bridal gown into a fully custom and hand-sewn dress.” Dominguez dedicated over 380 hours stitching both of Lee’s gowns, highlighting the precious bond they share.
Lee’s ceremony gown was complemented by a second dress, designed to allow easy movement for dancing at the reception. Dominguez elaborated, noting that she deconstructed two existing gowns to create a unique piece tailored specifically to Lee’s vision. “The hours were as much as 380 doing what I love. [Lee] was worth every second,” Dominguez remarked.
The wedding ceremony, which was officiated by a friend of the bride, Bud Galloway, featured the exchanging of handwritten vows. As the couple stood before their guests, Hiteman recited from a small, moss-green vow book, while Lee expressed her own heartfelt vows. Following this touching moment, the couple directed their 75 guests to the reception, where they had requested everyone to dress in black, creating a sense of uniformity and elegance.
Guests were treated to a splendid array of culinary delights during the reception, which included both passed appetizers and a buffet showcasing chicken, fish, a carving station, and vegan options. For dessert, a stunning three-tiered wedding cake by Bo Cakes awaited the couple and their guests. Each tier offered distinct flavours, from vanilla bean and praline to almond with praline filling, ensuring a sweet finale to a beautiful day.
Adding a unique element to the proceedings, Lee surprised Hiteman with an original wedding song crafted with the help of Sean Mackin, the violinist from the band Yellowcard. “Sean was amazing to work with and incredibly talented!” Lee expressed, noting that, despite being on tour, Mackin found time to help her create a memorable wedding gift. The song, which melded elements of Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” and The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony”, was performed live as she made her way down the aisle.
The emotional significance of music permeated through the wedding, with Lee and Hiteman curating special playlists for various moments throughout the day. “Music is such an important part of our lives,” Lee explained. Each selection held cherished memories and meaning for the couple, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the celebration.
The pair’s journey began serendipitously three years earlier in a friend’s kitchen, where Lee found herself tethered to a wall outlet charging her phone, and Hiteman happened to be seated nearby. A conversation sparked between the two, leading to the exchange of phone numbers and eventually culminating in their engagement on the North Shore of Hawaii in December 2024.
As they embarked on this new chapter together, the couple looked back on their wedding not only as a union but also as a celebration of their friendship and shared passions. Jessica and Carl’s wedding was not just a single day’s event but a symbolic start to their lifelong journey filled with love, laughter, and music.