Carrie Underwood | Source: Getty Images
Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher, who just celebrated their anniversary, had an extravagant wedding that reportedly cost half a million dollars. Before tying the knot, the former professional ice hockey player proposed to his beloved wife and mother of his sons with a $150,000 engagement ring.
Hollywood power couple Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher’s love story seems like a fairytale, as marriage was the last thing on the “American Idol” winner’s mind when they first met in 2008.
However, despite their challenges from dating to marriage, the duo have discovered what works for them and are still going strong, having just celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary yesterday, July 10.
Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher at the 55th Annual Country Music Association Awards in Nashville, Tennessee on November 10, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Carrie Underwood & Her Husband’s First Meeting
When Carrie’s bassist, Mark Childers, offered to introduce her to his friend, Canadian National Hockey League star, Mike, she was neither looking for a long-distance relationship nor marriage.
Carrie Underwood at the Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Party in Beverly Hills, California on February 9, 2008 | Source: Getty Images
The “Jesus, Take the Wheel” artist was worried that dating was difficult on its own and adding distance to the equation could make things worse. Moreover, she was skeptical about having a blind date with someone who lived in another country.
Carrie felt her meeting with Mike would be awkward, nevertheless, she suggested meeting backstage at one of her concerts. The exchange was casual, but it proved worthwhile because their physical chemistry was off the charts.
Mike Fisher and Carrie Underwood at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 3, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
After this, she texted Mark, and in her message, she wrote , “hot, hot, hot.” The instant attraction was mutual as Mike thought she was more beautiful in person than she was on television.
Mike Fisher and Carrie Underwood at the CMT Music Awards in Nashville, Tennessee on June 8, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
For three months, they talked on the phone before meeting again, giving them the perfect opportunity for a first real date, which took place on New Year’s Eve in 2008, where they shared their first kiss.
Interestingly, the country music star had to initiate the kiss because Mike wasn’t much of a PDA guy, and so she made him lock lips with her in public.
Mike Fisher and Carrie Underwood sharing a kiss at the CMT Music Awards in Nashville, Tennessee on June 9, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
While they dated, they went on for weeks without seeing each other due to the nature of their jobs. However, with both of them being famous, they knew that this came as part of the deal and were aware of what to expect.
Additionally, even though Mike traveled a lot, it never bothered Carrie because they were both independent people. She once revealed that Mike is the only guy she never had to worry about as she trusts him.
Mike Fisher’s Proposal to Carrie Underwood
In December 2009, Carrie and Mike decided to take a quiet walk through the woods in the middle of a snow-covered forest. Gushing over the memory, Carrie recalled it as a sweet moment because this was when Mike popped the big question.
A close-up of Carrie Underwood’s engagement ring at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California on February 15, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
He got down on one knee, called her by her full name, and proposed. Of her reaction to the proposal, Carrie recounted , “I tackled him in the snow. I forgot to even look at the ring, like, I wasn’t even paying attention.”
Carrie Underwood showing her wedding ring on NBC’s “Today” in New York City on July 30, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
The engagement ring was a flawless yellow diamond designed by Johnathon Arndt, and estimated to be five-plus carats, which puts its value around $150,000.
Carrie Underwood’s engagement ring during her appearance at the Radio Disney Music Awards in Hollywood, California on June 22, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Incorporating their shared faith, after Mike proposed, they prayed together. They were both so excited and wanted God to watch over them, their plans, their marriage, and their future.
Out of the woods and into the flashing cameras of Hollywood, Carrie’s representative made the public aware of their engagement.
At that time, the rep made it clear that their wedding date had not been set yet, but also said , “I’m happy to confirm that Carrie Underwood is engaged to Mike Fisher, and the couple couldn’t be happier.” Mike also confirmed the happy news. He reportedly expressed that they were both joyful over their engagement.
Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher’s Beautiful Wedding
On July 10, 2010, the couple married at the Ritz Carlton Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Georgia, with 250 friends and family members. But the fairytale had begun long before Carrie walked down the aisle.
Carrie and Mike’s big day was “a spiritual expression of thier love,” as put by their wedding planner, Jayne Bubis. Tying in their adoration for each other, their loved ones, and their faith, their ceremony featured classical music and their favorite Bible readings.
In a statement that they shared with a media outlet about their special day, Mike and Carrie expressed , “We could not feel more blessed to have found each other and to have shared this day with our friends and family that mean so much to us!”
Mixing the glitz and glam of Tinseltown with the Southern charm of Georgia, the pair spared no expense for their wedding, which reportedly cost a whopping $500,000 . According to sources, they had even booked all 251 rooms at the resort.
As if things could not get any more glamorous, a media outlet stated that the “Cowboy Casanova” singer was said to arrive at her wedding via a helicopter . Guests enjoyed their fair share of luxury too, being granted free reign of the hotel’s private lake and golf course.
The event was a big party which featured a floral-decorated reception with guests having lots to eat and drink. What’s interesting is that, while some details included glamorous additions, like the helicopter, those who attended said it wasn’t your usual crazy Hollywood wedding but a nice party.
Of the vibe of the day, Jayne disclosed , “They wanted a laid-back environment where everybody could be together and have a good time.”
Additionally, while it had been confirmed that former “American Idol” judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson would be in attendance, the couple didn’t focus on celebrities. This is purportedly because they wanted to connect with those who mean a lot and are close to them on their special night.
Carrie Underwood, Mike Fisher and their family at Carrie Underwood’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony in Hollywood, California on September 20, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Speaking of spending time with the ones closest to them, Carrie spoke about her father on the wedding day. As he was about to walk arm in arm with his daughter down the aisle, Carrie laughingly recalled , “We were in this little room and he was talking about his and my mother’s wedding. He said when they were getting married, he thought he was going to throw up!”
To exchange “I dos” with the love of her life underneath a beautiful lakeside tent, Carrie chose a Chantilly lace and silk organza Monique Lhuillier wedding gown for her big day. “[Carrie] wanted something grand and magical. She wears evening gowns all the time but this had to be really special,” Monique noted .
The one-of-a-kind, drop-waist wedding gown features a Chantilly lace corset bodice which was covered in crystals and silk flowers. It was topped with a chapel-length circular veil that had encrusted pink and clear crystals, cinched with a pink sash, and took over 400 hours to make.
Carrie Underwood as her character Maria in “The Sound of Music Live!” in 2013. | Source: Getty Images
She finished her look with a wedding gift from her husband which was a sparkling custom diamond tiara featuring 40 carats of diamonds, all set in 18-carat white gold. The tiara was surrounded by diamond flowers and vines designed by the jeweler who made her engagement ring and wedding bands.
The singer’s makeup artist and bridesmaid for the day, Melissa Schleicher, recalled , “When we put her tiara on, she looked at me and said, ‘I’m getting married!’ She’s found the love of her life. Mike is her Prince Charming.”
Carrie also wore a second gown at her wedding. This one, which she changed into for the reception, was also custom-made by Monique. The garment was a strapless, jeweled bodice and corseted cocktail dress that had a frayed organza skirt.
“For the party, she said ‘I want to dance and have fun.’ I saw she had gorgeous legs so I thought why not show them off?” the designer explained of the second gown.
Carrie Underwood at the Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala in New York City on June 13, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Monique praised how beautiful Carrie, who also gifted her bridesmaids an assortment of stunning Swarovski jewels to choose from, looked on her wedding day. “I thought she looked like one of the most gorgeous brides I ever worked with–she has this spark in her eyes and a confidence, she owned that look,” the designer swooned .
Carrie Underwood at the 38th Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony in New York City on November 3, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
On the other hand, the artist’s dashing spouse wore a black two-buttoned suit with a white boutonnière to match Carrie’s bouquet. Other fascinating details concerning the pair’s wedding include the fact that they opted to have cupcakes instead of a wedding cake.
Dishing on some details about her wedding before the big day in a past interview, Carrie revealed , “We’re kind of doing cupcakes.” She explained that while she considers herself traditional, she wanted to do things a little differently to also ensure that everyone would have a good time.
The cupcakes were made by Ivey Cake—a cake shop based in Franklin, Tennesse run by Ivey Childers. Ivey is also the wife of Carrie’s good friend Mark, who introduced the singer to her now husband. Boasting about Ivey’s skills, Carrie praised that the baker “makes the most amazing cupcakes in the universe.”
When she finally did walk down the aisle, say her vows, and kiss her now-husband, the whole congregation gave them a standing ovation.
Over a Decade in Love
The couple, who have been married for 14 years now, celebrate their wedding anniversary on their social media pages. For their 11th anniversary, Carrie posted a picture of her and her husband.
In her caption, she expressed being shocked by how much time has flown but looked forward to the future with him. She said she still looks at him as her boyfriend after being with him for over a decade.
In Mike’s 11th anniversary post on Instagram, he shared a picture from their wedding day and called Carrie the best partner for him. When his wife was asked about the secret to their happy marriage , she said communication, trust, and Skype were key.
Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher at the 56th Annual CMA Awards in Nashville, Tennessee on November 9, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
A Look at Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher’s Children
On February 27, 2015, the couple welcomed their first son, Isaiah Michael Fisher, who made his baseball debut in September 2021. Carrie shared the proud moment on her Instagram as she revealed that she was more nervous watching him than when she watched her husband play hockey.
In November, Carrie shared a picture of their family with their second son, Jacob Bryan Fisher , all dressed in their Halloween costumes.
After the birth of their first son, Carrie suffered from multiple miscarriages months into her numerous pregnancies. However, Mike was convinced that they would have another son.
It was a painful period for her because she had seen miscarriages as one of those bad things that happened to other people, and it was never something she ever envisioned herself dealing with.
One day, her husband confidently said they would have another son, and she would bear Jacob. Carrie asked him how he could be so sure, and Mike told her that he had wrestled and had been most honest with God.
In his moment with God, he sensed that God told him they would have a son, and his name would be Jacob. Shortly after that, Carrie got pregnant. However, sadly, she miscarried again.
Carrie then also had an honest conversation with God where she told him how she felt even though she later felt guilty for being mad at her creator.
She told God they needed to have another baby or not have it because she couldn’t afford to miscarry anymore. Fortunately, she got pregnant, and everything was alright after an ultrasound.
They later learned the significance of the name of their second-born son from the story of Jacob, who wrestled with God for his blessing. Carrie Underwood safely delivered her second baby on January 21, 2019.
