Hey there! Let’s talk about HGTV’s beloved Cristy Lee, star of Steal This House. Guess what? She’s officially off the market! Cristy tied the knot with her partner of eight years, John Hawkins, in a stunning November 2023 ceremony. And let me tell you, this wasn’t just any wedding—it was a celebration of love, history, and, yes, cars!
A Perfect Venue for Two Car Enthusiasts
For their special day, Cristy and John chose the historic Packard Proving Grounds in Michigan. Why? Well, because they share a deep love for automobiles, and this venue perfectly captured their passion. "We took one look at the Packard Proving Grounds, and we were like, 'This is it. This is the place. This is perfect for us,'" Cristy shared with People in a January 19 interview. "It just oozed automobilia and history and had this amazing retro, eclectic car vibe. We fell in love with it on the spot." Imagine walking down the aisle surrounded by the echoes of classic cars—it’s a dream come true for any gearhead!
Her Dream Dress: Classic with a Flirty Twist
When it came to her wedding dress, Cristy opted for a satin gown from Revolve paired with a pair of Jimmy Choos. She described the moment she tried it on as nothing short of magical. "As soon as I put it on, I knew it was the one," she revealed. "It had this really beautiful slit up one of the legs, but the pleating of the skirt hid it so well. You had that opportunity to have that clean, classic A-line look but also show just a little leg, a little peekaboo, if you wanted." Talk about having your cake and eating it too—or in this case, showing a little skin while still maintaining elegance!
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A Ceremony That Was Short, Sweet, and Full of Joy
The ceremony itself was kept brief and heartfelt, allowing Cristy and John to savor every moment with their 160 guests. After exchanging vows, the couple moved straight into the reception, where they enjoyed a feast featuring New York strip steak and an array of delicious sides. Instead of a traditional wedding cake, they opted for an assortment of cupcakes, adding a fun and unique touch to their celebration. It was all about keeping things lighthearted and memorable.
But here’s the thing: this wedding wasn’t just about fun and games. It was also a testament to Cristy’s resilience. You see, earlier in the planning process, she was diagnosed with Graves’ disease and thyroid eye disease. Despite undergoing two eye surgeries, she was determined to have the wedding of her dreams. "We considered postponing but then we decided, 'We’re doing this. We’re going to do this wedding regardless of how I look or if I feel well enough. We’re making it happen,'" she said. And boy, did she make it happen!

In a candid Instagram post last August, Cristy opened up about her health struggles. "It’s been an extremely difficult battle to decide how, if, when I would share my journey [with] anyone outside of my close friends & family," she wrote. "I will live with both of these diseases the rest of my life, I’m moving closer towards remission and out of the ‘active phase’ every day, but I’m not there yet." Her honesty and strength have inspired countless fans, proving that even in the face of adversity, love conquers all.
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