As Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck tied the knot for the second time in a star-studded wedding at Ben’s £7 million Georgia estate, they looked every inch the loved-up newlyweds.
But there was clearly already a touch of trouble in paradise when, just days after the lavish Old-Hollywood-themed bash, the A-list couple were snapped having a heated conversation on their Italian honeymoon. In a video released of the pair having dinner at their posh hotel in Lake Como, a stern-faced Ben, 50, was seen vigorously gesticulating during what looked like a tense exchange with his new wife, aka J-Lo, 53.
Is Bennifer already in trouble?
And insiders tell Closer how their romantic getaway was tainted with rows sparked by the reality of their future together.
Since rekindling their romance last April – 17 years after the couple dubbed “Bennifer” in the early ’00s broke-off their original engagement due to “excessive media attention” – the pair have been publicly flaunting their relationship on the world’s stage.
And last month in Georgia, the bride and groom looked like the picture-perfect blended family as they celebrated their nuptials alongside Jen’s 14-year- old twins, Max and Emme – who she shares with ex, Marc Anthony – and Ben’s three children, who he shares with ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, 50.
But in just 16 months, J-Lo uprooted from her Miami home to live full-time in Los Angeles with Ben, got engaged, bought a home to raise their five children, organised two weddings and had fittings for no less than five couture gowns for her big days. And pals say the reality of their whirlwind romance has started to hit home.
"In the lead-up to the wedding, lots of very real issues started to emerge"
The source says, “Jen and Ben have moved at 100 miles an hour since getting back together and they got swept away by the excitement of it all. In the lead-up to the wedding, lots of very real issues started to emerge, including the children feeling unsettled, their hectic schedules over the next year forcing them to spend chunks of time apart – which has had Jen in tears at times as she’ll miss him so much – and the general struggles faced by parents merging two families and all the stress that comes with that. There’s been some tension between them.”
Since Ben and Jennifer Garner ended their 10-year marriage in 2016, the exes have been amicably co-parenting their three children, Violet, 16, Seraphina, 13, and Sam, 11.
Why was Jennifer Garner a no show at ex Ben Affleck's nuptials?
Jennifer – who reportedly turned down an invite to her ex’s nuptials, blaming work commitments – was snapped shopping in West Virginia with her dad and boyfriend, John Miller, 44 during the Old- Hollywood-themed bash.
And insiders say the actress’ absence was down to her respectful decision to keep a healthy distance to avoid any awkwardness for the couple on their big day.
The source says, “Jennifer didn’t want to make J-Lo feel uncomfortable and knew that her being there would have created a certain atmosphere, which she wanted to avoid. She was honest with Ben about her reasons and sent them a gift and card, which he was very touched by.”
Jennifer G and Ben’s highly-publicised split was rife with rumours of his alleged affair with their nanny, 28-year-old, Christine Ouzounian – which they have both denied – as well as the actor’s well-known struggle with alcohol addiction.
The Fargo star – who has been candidly honest about his drinking problems over the years and has had multiple stints in rehab – said their split was "the biggest regret" of his life.
And pals say Ben – who has remained sober since the divorce – has vowed whatever it takes to continue on his new path and prove to J-Lo that he's a changed man.
The source adds, "Despite their rows in Italy, there were also some wonderful moments where they were able to open up to each other about their fears and be honest about how they're feeling which, for J-Lo, was a huge milestone given Ben had always been someone to run away from his emotions. They know they have a tough road ahead and it isn't all going to be butterflies and rainbows, but they have agreed that with their love for one another, they can face anything. They are excited to start their lives together officially as Mr and Mrs Affleck."