# Secret Beach Weddings Mariah Carey Weds "Kidnapper" Nick Cannon By Bianca | Published 2008-07-12 | Luxury Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mariah-carey-kidnap-nick-cannon References: [foxnews](http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,378464,00.html) & [sfgate](http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=7&entry_id=28057) Mariah Carey has finally gotten her wish to be “kidnapped,” her description for being whisked from the fame surrounding her life, in this case, her kidnapper came in the form of her new husband, Nick Cannon. “When I was in an unhappy place in my life ... I always wanted to be kidnapped,” Mariah told Elle magazine. “I just wanted a way out, but I didn't have one.” Cannon proposed to the songstress with a 17-carat diamond hidden inside a candy ring lollipop, a cheesy, but cute and fitting for way to 'pop' the question to girlie Mariah Carey: at least the first time around. “He sort of kidnapped me and took me on a helicopter ride,” she says. “Then he re-proposed.” Despite rumors that the couple would host a [lavish, $4 million wedding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wedding-planning-services), Mariah says their recent quick elopement in the Bahamas was just fine. "Why? What - did we set a budget? 'It's gonna be $4 million! It's going to be really cool! We're going to give away gold as people leave! We're going to sprinkle them with gold! It's going to be very Coming to America!" Mariah said. "What do they think? Our whole point (in having the unannounced beach wedding) was to do the opposite!" Her June 1993 wedding to her boss, Tommy Mottola, (seen in the gallery) cost close to $500,000, a price which included her [Vera Wang gown](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heli-kalkstein) (complete with 27 foot train) and staff costs like hiring 200 security guards and dressing 47 flower girls. “They've been calling me Cinderella since I first started out,” she said of her current engagement to Cannon. “Most people would think, OK, please! This doesn't happen in real life.” Some are saying she'll still host a $4 million New York wedding. What I, and likely many others, am wondering is what the dress would like like with a $4 million budget! Would she go [uber](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/money-can-buy-you-class) luxurious in a fluffy princess gown, or sex it up in a revealing number? ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.6/10 - Popularity: 95% | Activity: 64% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Luxury](https://www.trendhunter.com/luxury) > [Ultra Luxury](https://www.trendhunter.com/ultraluxury) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Intimate Elopements:** Opportunity for wedding planners to create unique and personalized experiences for couples seeking small, intimate weddings. - **Budget-friendly Weddings:** Chance for wedding industry businesses to focus on providing affordable options and packages to cater to a wider audience. - **Unique Wedding Experiences:** Potential for event planners to design unconventional and memorable weddings that stand out from traditional ceremonies. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Wedding Planning:** Wedding planners can adapt their services to cater to the growing demand for intimate elopements. - **Event Planning:** Opportunity for event planning businesses to expand their services into the wedding industry and offer unique experiences. - **Fashion Industry:** Fashion designers can create exclusive and luxurious wedding dresses that cater to high-budget weddings. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Vegas-Themed Wedding Packages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegasthemed-wedding-package.md) - [Mobile Weenie Wedding Chapels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobile-wedding-chapel.md) - [Modern Wedding-Inspired Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wedding-shop-campaign.md) - [Pop Star-Inspired Holiday Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mariah-carey-barbie.md) - [Branded Free Wedding Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/get-married-at-serendipity3.md) - [Wedding Crasher Weddings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wedding-crasher-wedding.md) - [Ultra-Luxury Wedding Planning Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wedding-planning-services.md) - [Affordable Designer Bridalwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/azazie-and-christian-siriano.md) - [Unique Hotel Wedding Packages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/karisma-hotels-resorts.md)