Joan Rivers’ Daughter Marries Amid Personal Tragedy in Wyoming

JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — Melissa Rivers, daughter of the late comedian Joan Rivers, tied the knot with attorney Mitchel on Saturday, March 15, at the Four Seasons in Jackson Hole, surrounded by 150 guests. The wedding comes after a challenging start to the year, as Melissa lost her home in the Palisade fires on January 7.

“We were going to cancel the wedding,” said Rivers, 57. “I didn’t know how I’d piece my life together after losing everything, including the dress I planned to wear.” Friends rallied around her during this trying time, insisting they should proceed with the celebration. “A number of people who were coming lost their homes, too, and they felt the same. This was something we all looked forward to,” Rivers added.

On her wedding day, Rivers donned a stunning gunmetal gown crafted by designer Stella McCartney. She mentioned that the presence of her oldest friends, including college pals from the University of Pennsylvania, made the day even more significant. “Just being with all my friends was something I desperately needed during a time when it felt like everything was taken away from me,” she shared.

The ceremony was officiated by Sabrina Lott Miller, who has been the Rivers family’s executive assistant for 37 years. Emotional vows were exchanged on the dance floor, capturing the heartfelt nature of the occasion. Rivers’ son, Cooper Endicott, 24, delivered a poignant speech welcoming Mitchel into their family, humorously advising him to let Rivers have her way for a harmonious marriage.

Guests, including philanthropist Laura Wasserman and former Oprah producer Charles Cook, found themselves moved as talent agent Charles Silver shared memories of Joan Rivers and her late husband, Edgar Rosenberg. Each attendee received a small golden bee pin as a tribute to Joan, symbolizing her inspiration and resilience.

As the newlyweds took to the dance floor, they honored their recent loss by dancing to the Talking Heads’ “Burning Down the House.” The night continued with lively music and an eclectic menu featuring Korean fried chicken sliders and baked king salmon.

Amid joyous celebrations, Rivers recalled that the event was designed to feel more like a party than a traditional wedding. “We wanted to throw a party with a wedding ceremony breaking out in the middle, and I think we nailed it. People were connecting and laughing throughout the night,” she said.

Though Rivers initially wished to marry at Hf Bar Ranch, a site significant to her childhood, its winter accessibility issues led to the venue change. To honor the ranch, the couple served the chocolate cake from there.

Despite the overwhelming emotions tied to their recent loss, Rivers believes experiencing the tragedy together helped strengthen her bond with Mitchel. “It’s comforting to know we handle crises well together,” she remarked. Mitchel also reflected on their relationship, recalling how they exchanged vows in a friend’s guest room just days after losing their home. “At first, I thought it was silly, but it brought us so close,” he said.

Melissa Rivers, who had previously declared she would never marry again after her divorce from John Endicott, shared how meeting Mitchel changed her perspective. “There almost wasn’t a second date because of his shoes. But he walked across the street to ensure I got back safely, and I knew there would be a second date after that,” she said with a laugh.

As the couple navigates their next steps, Rivers feels that marrying Mitchel was a wonderful decision. “He’s a solid guy; he’s reliable in a world where I’ve often questioned stability,” she said. “Plus, he’s smart enough to let me win most of our arguments!”

Rivers concluded, reflecting on the joy of the day, “Who knew my friends could behave so well together? The atmosphere was filled with genuine happiness, and I’m incredibly grateful for the love and warmth we experienced.”