Twelve years ago today, music’s hottest couple made it official in a super secret ceremony in New York City. They chose to marry on the fourth day and fourth month of the year in honor of their shared lucky number “4,” because Beyoncé was born September 4th and JAY-Z was born December 4th. Do you remember how it all went down? Here are eight facts about their big day that you may have never heard.
First Things First
Before tying the knot, the couple picked up their marriage license in Scarsdale, N.Y.
Circle Of Trust
Only forty guests were invited to the couple’s super secret ceremony. Now that’s what you call being a V.I.P.
Sky High
The couple tied the knot on April 4, 2008 inside Jay’s extravagant 13,500-sq.-ft. penthouse in New York City’s trendy Tribeca neighborhood.
There Were Tears
In 2008, a guest who attended the couple’s wedding told PEOPLE magazine, “It was a very emotional wedding—lots of crying—and really very spiritual.”
No Bridal Party
While it would have been easy for either the bride or groom to select a best man or maid of honor, the couple chose not to have a traditional bridal party on their big day.
Flower Power
To pull off a heavenly affair, Queen Bey had 70,000 white dendrobium orchids (her favorite flowers) flown in from Thailand.
Everybody On the Dance Floor
Neither of the two legendary performers chose to perform on their wedding day. Instead they joined guests on the dance floor to sway to old school hip hop and R&B tunes.
Keep The Party Going
The couple’s wedding reception party lasted until close to 5.am., a source told PEOPLE magazine at the time.
Gabby and Dwayne Weren’t The First…
…to ask guests to leave their devices behind before attending their wedding, that is. It was widely reported that on their big day, super private lovebirds Beyonce and Jay-Z requested their guests leave their Blackberries (yes, blackberries) at home.