Carly Rae Jepsen Opens Up About the ‘Rule’ She and Her Husband Had at Their Wedding That Made It a ‘Magical’ Day (Exclusive)

Carly Rae Jepsen, the beloved pop icon, is set to mark her first wedding anniversary with husband Cole M.G.N. on 4 October 2026. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Jepsen reminisced about their enchanting wedding day, held at the historic Hotel Chelsea in New York City, offering insights into how music played a vital role in making their nuptials memorable.

In preparation for their special day, Jepsen and M.G.N. aimed to remain fully immersed in the moment. The couple, who had been cautioned about the potential challenges of weddings, devised a strategy to ensure they remained present for each other throughout the festivities. Jepsen shared, “We were really conscious of wanting to be super present…to feel the romance of everything that we planned for all that time.”

To achieve this, they introduced a playful element to their celebration by incorporating “secret songs” into their wedding playlist. These songs served as signals to remind them to check in with each other amidst the hustle and bustle of the celebrations. “Once we heard those songs, it meant for us to come and find each other,” Jepsen explained, adding that this helped them steal moments together for a dance or a quiet word amidst the celebration.

Despite the plan, the couple spent much of their time side by side, and Jepsen noted that this connection contributed to the day’s “magical” atmosphere. One particularly poignant moment occurred just after the ceremony when they took a brief escape from the festivities outside. “We were just the two of us…standing on the streets of New York looking at each other,” she recalled. “Just being like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is really real.’”

The road to their wedding was a shared journey of friendship and collaboration. Jepsen and M.G.N. (born Cole Marsden Greif-Neill) had been working together prior to their romantic relationship, with the producer having co-written and co-produced tracks for Jepsen’s album, “The Loveliest Time,” released in 2023. Their synergy continued with her latest project, “Day and Night,” where they created seven new songs, including the single “Motivation.”

Jepsen expressed her joy at having M.G.N. as a partner, stating, “I can’t imagine anybody else getting it.” Their partnership extends beyond personal ties and into their creative endeavours, with Jepsen appreciating the unique dynamic of their working relationship. “It is a little bit weird to walk around and be shouting at your partner, like, ‘Quick, grab the phone. I have an idea,’” she remarked, highlighting their shared passion for music.

The couple welcomed their first child, son Ilya Blue, earlier this year in March, adding another dimension to their family life. Reflecting on her journey, Jepsen noted that previous chapters had felt solitary and uncertain, but now she feels she is embracing a new era filled with gratitude and love. “It feels like a really fresh new chapter that I’m in now, with a family that I couldn’t be more grateful for,” she shared.

As Jepsen and M.G.N. approach their first anniversary, their story continues to resonate with fans, showcasing a relationship built on friendship, collaboration, and creativity. The pop star’s insights into their wedding day offer a glimpse into a couple that’s not only committed to each other but also to their shared passion for music.

For more on Carly Rae Jepsen’s upcoming projects and her reflections on love and family life, fans can look for her feature in the latest issue of PEOPLE, available in stores now.