Don’t Tell Bride Waterskiing Couple Almost Ditched Marriage: ‘I Was Ready To Give Up Everything’

Don’t Tell the Bride has given us some of the most memorable weddings over the years. Many of us have been glued to our screens watching the disasters unfold and, to mark the show’s 15th anniversary, there’s a brand new spin-off series.

Don’t Tell the Bride: Revisited lets fans revisit the best and worst marriages the series has witnessed.

The couples who appeared on the show return to the cameras to relive their experiences and reminisce about the highs and lows of their televised wedding days.

Iconic duo Hannah and Tommy Rees made waves with their wedding by saying their vows while waterskiing. But it wasn’t all easy.

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In an exclusive interview with OK!, groom Tommy revealed that the pressure of learning to water ski nearly forced him to give up on the wedding altogether.

“I was ready to give it all up after the first lesson,” he told us.

“Two weeks later, I still couldn’t water ski, and I really thought, that’s it, it’s over. I had major anxiety and the pressure was just intense! I called the producers and I said I couldn’t do it, and I couldn’t see myself and Hannah being able to water ski together, but after a little, let’s say ‘encouragement’, they convinced me to give it one last try. …”

Here, the couple tells us more about their experience on the show and the never-before-seen ring exchange ceremony that took place after the main event…

Why did you want to participate in don’t tell the bride in the first place?

Hannah: At the time, we just couldn’t afford to get married and have a wedding. As a young couple, we needed to save for a house and couldn’t justify spending money on anything other than a down payment. Deep down, I wanted to organize the wedding myself, but I was ready to give it up for the free wedding!

Tommy: Actually, I wanted to plan the wedding, because I think deep down I knew I was going to make a really good choice. I think I also had something to prove, not just to Hannah, but also to her father.

We didn’t really get along at the time, and I think he thought I wasn’t good enough for her. I thought it would be a good idea to show her how much she meant by learning to water ski…and then getting married on the sea…but I hadn’t realized how difficult that would be!

How do you view your experience now?

Hannah: Looking back, it’s a nice memory to have, it’s kind of weird to think that we chose to get married on national TV and so many people got to see it. The good thing is that we can watch it anytime we want on 4OD… especially on our birthday, we put it on!

Tommy: There are still a few passages where it makes you cringe!

Hannah: Yeah, especially our accents…we’re like real Janners! But overall, we’re really happy when we see him again and it brings back good memories!

Is there anything you’d rather not relive?

Hannah: One thing that hasn’t been shown (thankfully!) is that Tommy actually had a ring-swapping ceremony after the waterski. But I took so long to get ready that all the guests got drunk at the bar. The ceremony was also a little missed because it started to rain.

Tommy: Oh yeah…my sister Judy lost the rings!

Was there ever a time when you thought the wedding wouldn’t happen?

Tommy: I was ready to give it all up after the first lesson. Two weeks later, I still couldn’t water ski, and I really thought, that’s it, it’s over. I had major anxiety and the pressure was just intense!

I called the producers and said I couldn’t do it, and I couldn’t see me and Hannah being able to water ski together. But after a little, let’s say ‘encouragement’, they convinced me to try one last time…

Was a water ski wedding romantic?

Hannah: Actually, I cry every time I see it. I think it was because I knew about the effort Tommy had gone to to learn to ski and then all the effort to plan the wedding itself.

Tommy: I get really emotional when I see him

What do your friends and family think of your participation in the show?

Hannah: Our families definitely thought we were crazy for doing it, my dad in particular. I think he thought somehow, that he would still be in control of the marriage and what was going to happen, and that he would be more involved, especially since I’m his daughter Elder. He was obviously completely ruled out…sooooo…

Would you like to redo your vows (perhaps on TV again?)

Hannah: We talked about renewing our vows for our 10th anniversary, with the closest and dearest people… and in a warm place! The film crew could be invited… but it would be my wedding this time not Tommy’s… so no interference!

What advice would you give to couples participating?

Hannah: Don’t get carried away with your ideas and remember it’s still a wedding day

Tommy: I would say you only live once so don’t take life too seriously… enjoy it and do what you want!

Don’t Tell the Bride: Revisited is on E4 at 8 p.m., Monday through Friday for 2 weeks until Friday, February 4. The Hannah and Tommy episode airs tomorrow (Friday January 28) at 8 p.m. and will be available on demand on All 4.