Just six weeks into their courtship, Bette Midler, then 39, surprised her beau Martin von Haselberg with a proposal.
Martin, originally from Argentina, gladly accepted, and the duo, now 77 and still going strong, swiftly made their way to Las Vegas.
For a mere $45, they exchanged vows in the presence of an Elvis impersonator, who doubled as their sole witness.
Their whirlwind union stands as a testament to enduring love, spanning nearly four decades marked by challenges and triumphs.
Curious to delve deeper into the remarkable journey of this enduring couple? Keep reading to uncover more about their extraordinary bond that has outshone many fleeting Hollywood romances!
Bette Midler, renowned for her unforgettable voice and stellar acting prowess, had already amassed accolades such as Grammy, Golden Globe, and Tony awards when she crossed paths with the 35-year-old Martin von Haselberg in 1984.
Despite the brevity of their courtship, Bette, then in her late thirties, took the plunge and proposed to the Argentine-born Martin after just six weeks of dating.
Their impromptu decision led them to Las Vegas, where they exchanged vows at the Starlight Chapel, presided over by the iconic figure of Elvis.
Recalling the unconventional ceremony held at 2:00 am, Bette fondly reminisced, "Our wedding comprised only two individuals – my husband and me – along with the Elvis impersonator who officiated. And, of course, there was a wardrobe change for my soon-to-be husband."
Describing the scene further, the star of "Hocus Pocus" shared, "Initially, he showed up in a suit that simply wouldn't suffice for our nuptials. I put my foot down, insisting on a wardrobe adjustment. So, he changed into a more suitable attire, and we proceeded to one of the quaint chapels to obtain our marriage license. Accompanied by the melodic tunes of Nino Rota, composer of the 'The Godfather' trilogy, we walked down the aisle."
Their spontaneous decision bore fruit two years later with the arrival of their daughter Sophie, now 36, an accomplished actor known for her role in Woody Allen's "Irrational Man" (2015).
However, despite the joyous moments, the couple found themselves devoid of photographic mementos of their Vegas escapade for over three decades.
Their long wait came to an end when, unexpectedly, a package arrived in the mail.
"We were astonished to discover that a photographer had captured our special day," Bette revealed during a 2021 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. "Upon the closure of the Starlight Chapel about five years ago, they kindly sent us the long-lost pictures."
Their journey since that fateful day has been marked by both trials and triumphs.
Approaching their 40th wedding anniversary, the singer of "The Rose" opened up about the early struggles in their marriage, emphasizing the pivotal role their daughter played in reshaping their priorities.
"We used to engage in heated arguments," Bette disclosed to Closer magazine. "However, with the birth of Sophie, our focus shifted. We were determined to provide her with a stable and loving environment. So, we persevered through the challenges until things improved, as they eventually did."
For Martin, prioritizing family was paramount. "We made a conscious effort to craft the life we desired," the former performance artist-turned-commodities trader-turned-supportive husband affirmed.
Meanwhile, Bette showered praise on her spouse, lauding him as an exemplary father. "My husband is, without a doubt, an extraordinary father," she gushed. "He imparted invaluable lessons to Sophie, from teaching her a foreign language to honing her culinary skills. Moreover, he has been my steadfast support system for countless years, making numerous sacrifices along the way."
In return, Bette acknowledged her own journey of growth, emphasizing the importance of compromise and accountability in nurturing a successful relationship.
"Active listening and compromise are paramount," she reflected. "Furthermore, shedding the tendency to assign blame is crucial. Accepting accountability is key to fostering mutual understanding and harmony."
In 2020, amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, the proud parents joyfully escorted their daughter down the aisle as she exchanged vows with Harry J. N. Guinness, a celebration that, albeit intimate, brimmed with love and laughter
Reflecting on the occasion, Bette remarked, "It was a heartwarming affair. Despite the limited guest list due to Covid-19 restrictions, Sophie and her husband reveled in the festivities, staying up late into the night, cherishing every moment."
As for Elvis, he remained conspicuously absent from the proceedings.
Their enduring love story serves as a beacon of hope in an industry often marred by transient relationships.
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