Annette Funicello Personal Property Photo Wedding Reception Beverly Hilton 1965

Description

Annette Funicello Personal Property Photo Wedding Reception Beverly Hilton 1965
Annette Funicello Personal Property Photo Wedding Reception Beverly Hilton 1965
THE ANNETTE FUNICELLO COLLECTION: The Personal Property of Annette Funicello
Authorized and Authenticated by the Annette Funicello Research Fund for Neurological Diseases
Item:
Annette's personally owned 8" x 10" vintage black and white wedding photograph in her custom-designed gown by Academy Award winning costume designer, Bill Thomas.
Date:
January 9, 1965
Description:
This rare image features Annette and Jack Gilardi as they are reportedly joined by their officiant, Rev. Michael Lalor, the founding pastor of St. Cyril of Jersualem in Encino, California (as confirmed by current office staff at St. Cyril).
Photo was captured at the Grand Ballroom at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California (now known as the International Ballroom... home to the annual Golden Globe Awards).
Hollywood designer Bill Thomas was nominated by the Motion Picture Academy for a total of ten times... including his winning nod for "Spartacus" starring Kirk Douglas.  In addition, Thomas designed the wedding gown that Annette wore for her starring role in Walt Disney's "Babes in Toyland" (1961).
According to Disney publicist Arlene Ludwig (one of Annette's bridesmaids that day), the sleeves on Annette's wedding dress were clasped at the cuff by hooks once worn by screen legend Marlene Dietrich... and the crystal drops on her lace train were once worn by Elizabeth Taylor.
Photographer is not indicated; 8" x 10" black and white glossy photo..  Research Fund watermark is not present on actual photograph.  Includes original copyright stamp indicating c. MCMLXV Walt Disney Productions, World Rights Reserved.  The print features the Disney photo archive number written in pencil on the back side of the photo:  165-311.
The white French Chantilly lace dress covers a beautiful satin bodice... worthy of the most celebrated princess of the historic Walt Disney Studio.
Condition:
Excellent
Provenance:
As found in Annette's personal photo archives
Includes Certificate of Authenticity from The Annette Funicello Research Fund
About Us
The Annette Funicello Stage
Annette Funicello and Glen Holt were married on May 3, 1986 and together in 1993 they founded the Annette Funicello Research Fund for Neurological Diseases for the purpose of researching the cause, the treatment and the cure for Multiple Sclerosis and other neurological diseases.
As Annette's disease progressed, she and Glen had redoubled their efforts to fund the critical research that is needed to fight all neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis, the disease that Annette had so valiantly fought for more than two decades. Their relentless struggle against the disease served as an inspiration that can motivate Annette's friends and fans to participate in providing the financial support that this ongoing research requires. Perhaps Glen said it best: "I want to touch their hearts so they will go out there and help us raise some money. I am going to fulfill her wish to help find a cause and a cure."
Glen faithfully cared for Annette until her passing on April 8, 2013. After Glen's passing on February 12, 2018, the Research Fund's Board of Directors stepped forward to carry on the work begun by Annette and Glen more than a quarter-century ago.
In support of Annette's final wishes, 100% of the proceeds from her personal property will be used to support the continuing work of the Annette Funicello Research Fund for Neurological Diseases.
The Annette Funicello Research Fund is honored with the generosity of The Walt Disney Company in re-naming the Walt Disney Studio's historic Stage 1 sound stage on June 24, 2013, forever more to be known as "The Annette Funicello Stage."
Company president Robert Iger shared these personal thoughts in remembering Annette Funicello:
"Annette was and always will be a cherished member of the Disney family, synonymous with the word Mouseketeer, and a true Disney Legend. She will forever hold a place in our hearts as one of Walt Disney's brightest stars, delighting an entire generation of baby boomers with her jubilant personality and endless talent. Annette was well known for being as beautiful inside as she was on the outside, and she faced her physical challenges with dignity, bravery and grace. All of us at Disney join with family, friends and fans around the world in celebrating her extraordinary life.