Jessa Duggar marries Ben Seewald but ditch the traditional kiss at the altar to have their first kiss in private

 (Courtesy of The Duggar Family)

It was wedding number two for the 19 Kids and Counting Duggar family this year as daughter Jessa tied the knot with Ben Seewald on Saturday, but the pair had a little surprise in store for everyone.

Jessa and Ben had been expected to have their first kiss as a couple at the altar on their wedding day but it turns out they made a decision guests weren't expecting: there would be no traditional kiss to conclude the exchange of vows - at least not in public anyway!

Instead, the Duggar family say on their blog that the newlyweds "ran" out of the sanctuary at Bentonville, Arkansas, to have their first kiss in private.

"As the wedding ceremony came to a close this afternoon and Pastor Mike Schadt introduced Jessa and Ben Seewald as a married couple, guests were shocked at what came next.  Or, should we say, what didn't come next," the blog post read.

After Jessa and Ben had left the sanctuary, Pastor Schadt told those gathered that they had made that decision on their own but based on counsel they had received from him.

That wasn't the only break with tradition on the day as Jessa and Ben served their guests ice cream sundaes instead of a traditional wedding cake. 

And instead of the traditional white wedding gown, Jessa opted for a blush tone. Jessa had 10 bridesmaids who wore coral dresses matching Ben's bow tie.

All in all though, the couple were pictured after the ceremony looking happy and content holding hands with each other. 

And with such a big family, it's little wonder there were a thousand guests there on Saturday to join in the celebration. 

Mother of the bride Michelle Duggar told People.com: "We love Jessa so much and are so happy for her."

The young lovebirds are now enjoying their honeymoon together at an undisclosed location and the wedding will air on the next season of 19 Kids and Counting.

It's been a week of Duggar weddings, as Jill Duggar's wedding to Derick Dillard back in June only just aired on TLC last week. 

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