In an interview with Entertainment Tonight , Real Housewives of Atlanta star Cynthia Bailey dished on her upcoming wedding to sportscaster Mike Hill.
The nuptials will take place on October 10; the couple had announced the date on last year during filming. It is her second televised wedding, making it the first time that a Housewives member has gotten hitched twice in the franchise’s history. Her first marriage to Peter Thomas ended in divorce in 2017.
October 10 “is our perfect date,” Bailey said. She speculated that if they had waited until next year, she feared that everyone would still be in face masks for the event.
The bride to-be has faced a unique set of challenges in the planning of her upcoming nuptials. The Atlanta-based cast and crew have been working together to adhere to safety protocols during the ongoing pandemic.
“It’s been a nightmare,” she said, further explaining that she has had to change plans “one million times.”
Bailey said there will be temperature checks, security, food regulations, strict mask rules, and social distance protocols for the indoor/outdoor ceremony and reception. She also noted that out of the 250 guests invited, she was expecting less than half to RSVP. Yet, the television celebrity was surprised when nearly every invitee confirmed their intentions to attend.
“Literally, it backfired,” she went on to say. “Everyone’s been cooped up for six months. They’re like ‘give me my mask, give me my shield, we don’t want to miss this’ So we have a full house.”
Included in the bridal party as a bridesmaid is RHOA alum Eva Marcille, who announced in September she will not be returning for Season 13 of the show. Kandi Burruss and Kenya Moore will also serve as bridesmaids at the event, happening at the Governers Towne Club in Acworth, Georgia.
When asked about show veteran NeNe Leakes, the soon-to-be bride said she did send her an invitation, but has not received an RSVP back.
For twelve years, the two women have had a roller coaster friendship, with the last episodes leaving them as nothing more than acquaintances; nowhere near as close to the tight bond that the women had previously. Leakes spoke to ET on October 1 and denied rumors that she was fired from the Bravo hit, but that she will not be returning of her own volition.
The supermodel acknowledged the news but said she hadn’t spoken to her about the controversy.
“I don’t want to be like, ‘hey, I know you’re going through a tough time, but are you gonna come to my wedding?” she explained. She clarified that they don’t have each other’s numbers blocked anymore, and is sure the alum would be able to see any messages she sent.
“I’m here,” the 53-year old reality star said in regards to the future of their friendship.
The Inquisitr previously reported that previous cast members Porsha Williams, Moore, Burruss, Marlo Hampton, Tanya Sam and Bailey would return to the series, along with newcomers LaToya Ali, Drew Sidora and Falynn Guobadia. It is assumed that they will be in attendance to witness Bailey and Hill tie the knot. The ceremony and celebration will air on Bravo in 2021 for Season 13 of the Real Housewives of Atlanta .