Fireworks

Derick and Jill Dillard are back from their mystery honeymoon! Last night, the newlyweds watched a local fireworks show with Ben and Jessa.

 Derick and Jill Dillard

Ben Seewald and Jessa Duggar

Jessa and Ben Update

How are things going for Jessa Duggar and boyfriend Ben Seewald? Ben attended Jill and Derick's wedding and then spent some time in Northwest Arkansas with the Duggars.

The Duggars are fans of Settlers of Catan. Playing board games with Ben gives Jessa's brothers a chance to bond with their sister's boyfriend.

Over the weekend, Ben and Jessa headed down to Hot Springs, Arkansas, to hang with the Seewalds.

During the drive down to Hot Springs, Ben and Jessa were chaperoned by Justin and Johannah.

Duggar Honeymoon Picture

Derick and Jill Dillard are having a blast on their honeymoon! Today, they are celebrating their "weekiversary." Where in the world do you think they are?

Jill and Derick's First Kiss

Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard--now Mr. and Mrs. Dillard--saved their first kiss for their wedding. And what a first kiss it was!

"I thought about it and decided to dip her," Derick told PEOPLE Magazine. 

How did Jill rank the kiss? "He's a great kisser," Jill told PEOPLE. "All his trumpet playing paid off!"

Kiss Like a Duggar

Jill Dillard, formerly Jill Duggar, and husband Derick Dillard saved their first kiss for the altar. More than 1,000 people gathered at Cross Church in Springdale, Arkansas, to watch the couple recite their vows and lock lips last Saturday.

In the above photo, Jill and Derick recreate their first kiss, a romantic "dip," during a photo session after the wedding.

Jill told PEOPLE Magazine that the kiss was "worth the wait."

After getting to know each other as friends for several months, Derick and Jill courted for four months and were engaged for three months before tying the knot. They waited until engagement to hold hands and saved all other physical aspects of their relationship until they were husband and wife. 

"You can really get to know each other on every level without the physical part of it," Derick, 25, told PEOPLE Magazine. "I am the most blessed man to have Jill."

Read more at People.com. 

Jill Duggar Dillard's Wedding Dress

We have the details of Jill Duggar's bridal gown! After Jill and Derick got engaged this spring, Jill and several of the Duggars traveled to Fredericksburg, Virginia, to try on wedding dresses at Ava Laurenne Bride.

"We were so excited to offer Jill a package that we regularly provide to brides, called a 'Princess Treatment,' said Christy Stutzman, co-owner of Ava Laurenne Bride. "It's a very girly, special and sweet time every time we do it."

Christy and her sister, Wendy Rivera, also a co-owner, had to keep the details of Jill's dress under wraps until the wedding. "The secret was safe with us!" said Wendy. 

The dress was an Allure Romance gown with Swarovski crystals and a chapel length train. Rivera and seamstress Moni Reeise added lace from a veil to create straps and to fit Jill's vision of a dress that was modest but elegant. 

"She wanted something modest, but not predictable," said Wendy. "It fits like a glove. It is perfection."

In addition to altering Jill's dress, Rivera also performed the song "The Prayer" at Derick and Jill's wedding, accompanied by her husband Gabe. 

See footage of Jill's experience at Ava Laurenne Bride on the next season of 19 Kids and Counting. 

In the following YouTube video, Michelle Duggar discusses Jill's bridal gown with Wendy. Keep an eye out for Josie, who is featured in the video wearing her own princess dress for her role as flower girl. 

"She has been begging to put it on since she got it," Michelle Duggar told PEOPLE Magazine. 

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Michelle Duggar's Marriage Advice for Newlyweds

 Derick and Jill Dillard have been husband and wife for five days and are currently in an undisclosed, chaperone-free honeymoon location. Before Jill tied the knot, Michelle shared three critical pieces of marriage advice that she has gleaned over the years.

1. Be available 

Michelle received this piece of advice from a friend six months before she married Jim Bob, and to this day, she says it is the best marriage advice she has ever been given. 

Here's what her friend, Gala, told her:
“Michelle, I know you’re so excited. You’re a bride-to-be, but someday you’ll be at this point. I’ve been married three years and I’m still happily married. I have one child, we’re expecting our second and I’m big (and) pregnant. You’ve got to remember this. Anyone can iron Jim Bob’s shirt, anybody can make lunch for him. He can get his lunch somewhere else. But you are the only one who can meet that special need that he has in his life for intimacy. You’re it. You’re the only one. So don’t forget that, that he needs you."

“And so be available, and not just available, but be joyfully available for him. Smile and be willing to say, ‘Yes, sweetie I am here for you,’ no matter what, even though you may be exhausted and big (and) pregnant and you may not feel like he feels."

As Michelle has followed that advice through the years, she has seen her husband make great sacrifices for her in return. 

He will sit there and listen to everything I need to tell him because he knows that I’m there for him, too. I’m meeting his needs, he’s meeting my needs. 

The mother of 19 reminds newlyweds that their relationship with each other comes before their relationship with any other person on this earth, including their future children.

It’s not just me and the Lord; it’s me and the Lord and my husband.

2. Talk about disagreements privately

The Duggar family makes a point to praise publicly but correct privately, and this advice rings true in marriage, as well. Michelle encourages Jill and Derick to keep private matters between each other. 


Step aside and say we’re going to talk about this privately. And don’t ever put your husband down in front of your children or other people, especially your families. 

3. Get marriage advice when you need it

Michelle advises married couples to seek wise counsel when they need it.

We have all been there. Yes, we have a oneness with (the) spirit in Christ, but there are times that we need others to give us life counsel. So be willing to go seek it together.

And while friends can be eager to offer advice, couples often need to seek counsel from other people. Michelle also encourages husbands and wives to listen to sermons together and to attend marriage retreats.

When Josh and Anna tied the knot, Jim Bob gave his son a few relationship books by Ed Wheat (see our store page). Before Jill married Derick last weekend, Michelle put together a special bridal package for her daughter, which consisted of items for the honeymoon and notes of encouragement.

More Duggar Wedding Details

We know you are all eager to see photos of Jill and Derick Dillard's beautiful wedding. Rest assured, we got special permission to take pictures at the event, and we will be able to post them in a few weeks, so stay tuned. Until then, check out our previous posts containing details, courtesy of PEOPLE Magazine. PEOPLE will be releasing more information and pictures later this week, so keep checking our blog. The wedding will air on TLC this fall.

3,000 Root Beer Floats for a Duggar-Sized Wedding

Jill (Duggar) Dillard Wedding Details

Jill and Derick Thank Viewers

Inside Mr. and Mrs. Dillard's Rehearsal Dinner

No More Grand-Duggars...Yet

Josh and Anna Duggar celebrated Anna's birthday 

 With David and Priscilla Waller (Anna's brother-in-law and sister)

Our readers have been asking if the Duggar clan will be making any pregnancy announcements in the near future. We caught up with Anna Duggar at the wedding, and she confirmed that she is not expecting.

Anna said that, like clockwork, people start asking if she is pregnant once her youngest child is three or four months old. Anna is content with where she is in life and trusts that God knows how to plan a family better than she and Josh do.

On another note, David and Priscilla are expecting their second child in November. We met the Wallers (such a genuine family!) at the wedding, and Priscilla definitely has a pregnancy glow.

The Dillards Thank Viewers

In the following TLC video clip, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and Derick and Jill Dillard share a special message with their fans.

Click the links below for more wedding details:
3,000 Root Beer Floats for a Duggar-Sized Wedding
Jill (Duggar) Dillard Wedding Details

Video no longer available

Duggar Birthday!

Happy 26th Birthday to Anna Duggar!

3,000 Root Beer Floats for a Duggar-Sized Wedding

What type of event calls for 3,000 root beer floats, 3,000 cookies, and 600 cupcakes? A Duggar wedding, of course!

Derick Dillard and Jill Duggar (now Jill Dillard) celebrated their marriage commitment with 1,000 of their closest friends and family members. 

"I'm so grateful to all the volunteers who helped put everything together for the wedding," Michelle Duggar told PEOPLE. "Everyone has worked hard and done an amazing job."

Following the ceremony, wedding guests enjoyed a reception of sweet and salty snacks outside Cross Church in Springdale, Arkansas. The receiving line was long, as the couple greeted attendees from more than 30 states.

In addition to other decorations, the couple displayed Michelle's wedding dress from 1984 and one of Derick's father's police uniforms. Rick Dillard passed away in 2008. Derick's mother, Cathy, is battling cancer and came to the wedding directly from the hospital.

 "We want to think about the importance of marriage," Jill told PEOPLE. "And what it means to be married."

What role did Josh play at the wedding? He served as emcee and tried to convince guests to chow down on the wedding cake.

After the reception, Derick and Jill departed for their mystery honeymoon location in a vintage pickup truck. The couple saved their first kiss for the altar and said afterwards that it was worth the wait.

Click here to read the full People article.

Jill (Duggar) Dillard: Wedding Details

Duggar is now Jill Dillard! She and Derick became husband and wife yesterday afternoon at Cross Church in Springdale, Arkansas. 

The wedding was attended by more than 1,000 family and friends. The couple was especially thankful that Derick's mom, Cathy, who is battling cancer and was not feeling well enough to attend the rehearsal dinner, was able to watch them tie the knot.

"I'm very excited at this wedding," Jackson Duggar told PEOPLE. "Derick is like a brother already. He tells jokes [and] he plays around with us." 

Jill is the first Duggar daughter to tie the knot, and letting her go has been a bittersweet time for the family.

"It really hit me that Jill was leaving as she was packing her bag the other night," Jim Bob Duggar told PEOPLE. "We all realized she was really leaving. We are so glad that Derick is an answer to her prayers. It's an emotional time, but a joyful time."

The wedding was a family affair for the Duggars. Five of Jill's sisters (Jana, Jessa, Jinger, Joy, and Johannah) were bridesmaids, and the three youngest (Jennifer, Jordyn, and Josie), along with niece Mackynzie, served as flower girls. John and Joseph were groomsmen, Jackson and Michael were ring bearers, and five of the remaining Duggar boys were ushers.

"Jill is just enjoying this time," Jinger told PEOPLE. "Derick has such a tender, caring heart. I couldn't have picked a better person for my sister. We are going to miss her so much."

Jill and Derick followed in the footsteps of Josh and Anna, who were married in 2008, and saved their first kiss for the altar.

"You can really get to know each other on every level without the physical part of it," Dillard told PEOPLE. "I am the most blessed man to have Jill."

The newlyweds will spend their honeymoon in an undisclosed location. 


Click here to read the full People article.

Mr. and Mrs. Derick Dillard

Jill and Derick said their wedding vows this afternoon and are on their way to an undisclosed honeymoon location. Hanging out with the Duggars tonight. More info later. :)

Jill Duggar's Rehearsal Dinner

Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard spent yesterday evening with family and close friends at their rehearsal dinner, in preparation for their wedding this afternoon. The couple is expecting more than 2,000 guests.

Jim Bob Duggar admitted that his emotions have been strong. "I've been crying half the day, so I'm making jokes to keep from crying," he told guests at the rehearsal dinner.

Derick's mom, Cathy, is battling cancer and was unable to attend the rehearsal.

"I want to ask everyone to pray for my mom," Dillard told PEOPLE. "Anyone who has been through [cancer] knows what it is like, and if everyone could think of her, I know she would really appreciate it."

Derick is hoping that his mom and step-dad, Ronnie, will be able to attend the wedding today. 

"I would like to speak for our mother and father and say we're very proud of you, Derick, and know you will continue to make us proud," Daniel, Derick's younger brother and best man, told the crowd at the rehearsal dinner. Derick's father, Rick, a former police officer, passed away in 2008.

For dinner, guests enjoyed brisket, chicken legs, baked beans, hash brown casserole, deviled eggs, and ice cream sundaes. Jill and Derick listened to family and friends share memories and marriage advice.

The Duggar kids also put together a hilarious movie reenactment of the couple's engagement.

"We're really, really excited," Jill told PEOPLE. "My sisters have done a great job, and my wedding team of volunteers has gotten most of the wedding planning done ahead of time."

Derick said he been assuring his bride-to-be that everything will work out.

Read more at PEOPLE.com.

Jill Duggar's Wedding Invitation

It's the morning of the big day, and we're here in Northwest Arkansas to celebrate with Jill and Derick! Here's a copy of the couple's wedding invitation:

On Our Way to Arkansas

We're on the road! Headed to Arkansas to watch Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard tie the knot tomorrow. What color do you think Jill's bridesmaids dresses will be?

Jill Duggar and Johannah Duggar getting their nails done

Jill Duggar's Ring

Less than 24 hours to go until Jim Bob Duggar walks his first daughter down the aisle! In this TLC webisode, Derick Dillard shares the story behind Jill Duggar's engagement ring.

Duggar-Dillard Wedding Party

The wedding is almost here! As the families prepare for Jill and Derick's special day, which is tomorrow, let's look at the couple's wedding party.

Derick's Attendants

• Dan Dillard, Best Man
  Brother of Groom
• Stephen Jones, Groomsman
  Friend of Groom
• Madison McCalmon, Groomsman
  Friend of Groom
• Tony Dillard, Groomsman
  Cousin of Groom

  
• John Duggar, Groomsman
  Brother of Bride
• Joseph Duggar, Groomsman
  Brother of Bride
• Jackson Duggar, Ring Bearer
  Brother of Bride
• Michael Duggar, Ring Bearer
  Nephew of Bride

Jill's Attendants

• Jana Duggar, Maid Of Honor
  Sister of Bride
• Jessa Duggar, Bridesmaid
  Sister of Bride
• Jinger Duggar, Bridesmaid
  Sister of Bride
• Joy Duggar, Bridesmaid
  Sister of Bride
• Anna Duggar, Bridesmaid
  Sister-in-law of Bride
• Johannah Duggar, Bridesmaid
  Sister of Bride
• Jennifer Duggar, Flower Girl
  Sister of Bride
• Jordyn-Grace Duggar, Flower Girl
  Sister of Bride
• Josie Duggar, Flower Girl
  Sister of Bride
• Mackynzie Duggar, Flower Girl
  Niece of Bride

Two Days!

Only two days to go until Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard get married! If you could plan the couple's honeymoon, where would you have them go?

Derick Dillard and Jill Duggar

Flashback: Derick Prepares to Propose

Just four days to go until Derick Dillard and Jill Duggar become man and wife! In the following TLC webisode, watch Derick make preparations to propose to Jill.

Derick Dillard as Pistol Pete

And here's a picture of Derick Dillard (Jill Duggar's fiance) during his days as Pistol Pete, the Oklahoma State University mascot. Derick followed in the footsteps of his late father, Rick W. Dillard, who also attended OSU and wore the Pistol Pete uniform. (See Monday's post for more details.)

Derick Dillard as Pistol Pete, the OSU mascot

Derick Dillard's Dad

Derick Dillard's father, the late Rick W. Dillard, passed away in his sleep in 2008, when Derick was in college.

Derick and his parents are Oklahoma State University alums, and Rick and Derick both had the honor of wearing the Pistol Pete mascot during their years at OSU. Pistol Pete makes hundreds of appearances each year at various events, including athletic competitions, weddings, and funerals. The position is fulfilled on an interview basis.

Derick Dillard and his father, the late Rick W. Dillard

In Celebration of Dads

Wishing Jim Bob, Josh, and all the dads out there a Happy Father's Day! 
Click here to find out what Josh has to say about the role of a father.