Friday 19 August 2022 11:46 PM Ben & Jlo's wedding party kicks off tonight with rehearsal dinner at Georgia ... trends now
They've said it once and they're getting ready to say it again.
Now, on the eve of the couple saying 'I do' for a second time, this time in front of dozens of guests, DailyMail.com has exclusive details of what to expect from Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez's celebratory wedding extravaganza.
And, we can reveal, the festivities already kicked off with a party Thursday night.
As preparations down below heated up, fireworks bloomed overhead and bonfires blazed late into the night.
Earlier, guests on ATVs enjoyed tearing around the trails set out specially for their entertainment.
With many guests already in the compound, which includes multiple guest houses, a cavalcade of black SUVs and luxury people carriers arrived at the gates mid-afternoon today.
The party is expected to kick off with a rehearsal dinner tonight – after what was surely a heart-stopping afternoon when Ben's mom Chris Boldt was rushed to the hospital. As DailyMail.com revealed exclusively, she fell off their dock.
Countdown to the big day! Party organizers have been seen working around the clock at Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez's Riceboro, Georgia, estate ahead of their wedding extravaganza this weekend
An altar appears under construction along the riverfront as workers tend to the sprawling property
Despite having already tied the knot in Las Vegas last month, the Hollywood couple is now throwing caution – and budgets – to the wind and DailyMail.com has learned that the cost of preparing the grounds alone runs to more than $400,000
All through the day trucks and supplies continue to arrive, with event organizers and staff erecting structures and tents for the star-studded celebration that has been four months in the planning
The main event – or the 'wedding' – will take place on Saturday, rounded off with a barbecue picnic on Sunday. Catering and event vehicles were also seen arriving in a steady stream ahead of the big day
The couple surprised their fans when they opted for a low-key Las Vegas wedding at the world famous Little White Wedding Chapel last month
The main event – or the 'wedding' – will take place on Saturday, rounded off with a barbecue picnic on Sunday.
But though the focal point of it all is Affleck, 50, and Lopez's, 53, vow confirmation Saturday afternoon, guests who are staying across the weekend are being treated to a host of activities.
It is one month since the couple secretly wed in the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Then they kept it low key and discreet.
Now they're throwing caution – and budgets – to the wind and having a blast with their family and friends.
DailyMail.com has learned that the cost of preparing the grounds alone runs to more than $400,000.
All through the day trucks and supplies continued to arrive, as they have now for many weeks in readiness for a celebration that has been four months in the planning.
Marquees have been erected, sprung dance floors laid, furniture, glassware and linens brought in. A fleet of vehicles from high end cocktail caterer Icebox arrived Thursday evening.
Seen in these pictures, a pristine white walkway has been laid from the grand rear veranda down to the river onto which Affleck's spacious plantation-style home backs. A marquee sits by the water's edge.
The property's Big House', or main mansion, is an imitation of a plantation house set on 87 acres of land
The party is expected to kick off with a rehearsal dinner tonight, followed by the main 'wedding' ceremony Saturday
Affleck bought the property, set in tidal marsh, back in 2003 and made a variety of improvements to the 6,000 square foot 'Big House' and 10,000 square foot 'Oyster House' (pictured) which sits next to it and serves as a lavish guest house
With many guests already in the compound which includes multiple guest houses, a cavalcade of black SUVs and luxury people carriers arrived at the gates mid-afternoon Friday
A piano tuner and Charleston based musical instruments