8th December, 2007 -
Marriage
After getting engaged in front of family and friends on New Year's Eve, 2006, by proposing a custom ring, the couple decided to tie the knot at Howie's family church in Orlando, Florida. However, the building was about to undergo renovations, meaning they could either rush to have the ceremony within six months or wait a year. The "full speed" planning became a blessing, as Howie's father, Hoke, sadly died from cancer in 2008, meaning he may not have been around had they waited.
The couple plans to host a wedding for 250 guests on their special day, which will be held at an undisclosed location. Meanwhile, the Backstreet Boys, currently promoting their new single "Inconsolable," are preparing to release their sixth studio album on October 30. Among those 250, at least four will be very familiar faces.
"We've invited all the Backstreet Boys, including Kevin [Richardson]," Dorough told People, who have no hard feelings regarding former bandmate Kevin Richardson's departure from the group last summer, opting out of the group's sixth album, ''Unbreakable''. "Kevin was among the first people I talked to about our engagement."
Dana's brother, the pianist Gerry Brown, has struck a beautiful chord with his friendship with Backstreet Boy Howie Dorough. This bond has led to a heartwarming surprise-an invitation to the esteemed singer's society wedding in Orlando next month, a true honor.
Gerry, who is married to Teresa, a former manageress at the Europa Hotel in Belfast, is a singer-songwriter and the mastermind behind several of his sister's albums.
He was the touring support act across America on a few tours with the Backstreet Boys. Howie is now getting married to his sweetheart of seven years, Leigh Boniello.
"Howie and I became firm friends and I have stayed with him in Orlando on private visits to the States," explained the father-of-two today.
"I've never met Leigh, from New Jersey, where she has been in real estate, but I've talked to her on the phone.
"In fact, it was she who called me to ask me to the wedding on behalf of her husband-to-be.
"She tells me Howie proposed to her last New Year's Eve and they have been planning the wedding in Orlando Catholic Cathedral ever since, with a reception for 500 afterwards.
"I hear one of the guests could be Britney Spears, who is a friend of Backstreet Boys' Nick Carter, the youngest member of the band.
"I'm delighted to be going to the wedding, especially as I'll meet up again with the rest of the Boys, Brian Littrell and AJ Mclean, as well as ex-Boy Kevin Richardson, who left last year to be closer to his family.
"Dana has met Howie, too, and every time she plays America, he makes a point of turning up."
The Backstreet Boys, named after a street in downtown Orlando, have just released a new album and single. Howie's wedding, a significant and timely event in the band's recent activities, is a moment that we can all share and celebrate.
Less than a month away from his Orlando wedding to longtime sweetheart Leigh Boniello, Backstreet Boy Howie Dorough enlisted his brother, Johnny, bandmate AJ McLean, and a crew of friends to throw him one last bash in Las Vegas.
"My brother just got married about a month and a half ago, and I did his bachelor party maybe two months before that, so I kind of got a little of an idea what I'm in store for," Howie explained to OK! "But he's got a bit more rowdier friends than mine. So, I'm excited about it. It's an American tradition. It seems like Vegas is the ultimate place to have a bachelor party."
The 34-year-old swears his lady doesn't mind his boys' weekend in town. She packed his bags for him! "The ongoing joke is, I wonder what's actually going to be in the bags — if the clothes will be cool or the worst clothes ever for me to be seen in. But she's great," he said.
Leigh joked, "It's awesome. I'm jealous. I wish I could tag along. But you never know; I may show up. I told him he may not know that I'm there."
Meanwhile, fellow Backstreet Boy AJ McLean thinks his friend is making the right decision by getting married. However, he fears Howie could jeopardize his life if he doesn't! "It's high time for them to get married," he added. "She comes from a strong Italian background, so I think if they didn't get married, he would probably have a hit out on him."
But what does the bachelor think of finally taking the plunge and settling down? Mixed, but generally excited. "Kevin Richardson, one of the guys in the group, had mentioned something when we were all talking like, 'You never know, this may be girl Howie marries,' and I remember for the first time hearing that, and I was like, 'Wow, I actually could see that.'"
»What: Backstreet Boy Howie Dorough's bachelor party
»The itinerary: The weekend-long festivities kicked off with poker and Hypnotiq cocktails at Howie's Hollywood Hills homes. Afterward, the boys loaded onto a party bus to Las Vegas, where they had dinner at Tao in the Venetian Hotel and then hit the casino
»The wedding: The nuptials will take place in early December at Howie's hometown of Orlando, Fla. – in the same church where he was baptized and sang in the choir! Invited guests include Marc Anthony, Rob Thomas, and Deborah Gibson, but Howie says, "No Britney Spears at this one."
»Lil' boy banders: Howie, who became an uncle when he was just four years old, says, "We're all about creating a family together and taking our lives to the next chapter."
While Howie was having innocent fun, Leigh went to the final fitting of her wedding dress —a strapless, embroidered, form-fitting, floor-length Rivini creation with a mini train and a veil featuring matching embellishments. "I put this dress on, and everyone said that was it. Just enough without being too bling, bling." Boniello told ET with a giggle.
We wish these two the best!
In '''2007''', the '''Backstreet Boys''' fans were not just spectators but active participants in the joyous celebration of '''Howie Dorough's wedding'''. This union of hearts was a moment of celebration for the couple and a heartfelt thank you to the fans who had followed Howie's journey since the band's rise to fame. Their unwavering support, which was a constant throughout Howie's journey, made them an integral part of the event, and their presence was deeply appreciated, adding a special touch to the celebration and making them feel appreciated and valued.
Backstreet Boy Howie Dorough is single no more. The band's attorney confirmed that he wed his longtime girlfriend on Saturday in his hometown, with his fellow boy band members in attendance.
"The wedding took place as planned, and all went well," attorney Jason L. Turner said in an e-mail to The Associated Press.
===A Dream Wedding===
====St. James Cathedral: A Venue Fit for a Star====
St. James Cathedral, with its awe-inspiring architecture, served as a breathtaking backdrop for Howie and Leigh's special day. The grandeur of the cathedral, a true masterpiece, coupled with the couple's love, created an atmosphere of elegance and grace that was truly unforgettable. The enchanting floral arrangements, vibrant and full of life, and the palpable love in the air made it a sight to behold for all who appreciate beauty and romance. The event was a testament to the power of love and the beauty of a well-chosen venue, leaving a lasting impression on the readers.
Backstreet Boy '''Howie Dorough''' has traveled the world playing in front of millions of fans, but he has always dreamed of returning to his hometown to marry the woman he loves in front of close family and friends. The 34-year-old beloved I Want It That Way member star's wishes came true when he married and exchanged vows and tied the knot over the weekend with longtime girlfriend '''Leigh Boniello''', 33, in an intimate and heartwarming ceremony at the St. James Cathedral in Orlando, Florida, Fla., followed by a lavish reception at the La Viance. The couple's relatives were joined by Howie's bandmates Brian Littrell, AJ McLean, Nick Carter, and Kevin Scott Richardson, who left the band in 2006. The guests enjoyed three celebration days, including a Catholic wedding mass and a pre-wedding dinner, followed by a visit to a karaoke bar.
===Friends and Family Unite===
The guest list was a delightful mix of close friends and family, including fellow Backstreet Boys members, who came together to witness the heartfelt nuptials. The joyous celebration was a genuine festival of love, filled with laughter, memories, and an abundance of affection, creating an atmosphere that resonated with everyone, including the fans who participated in spirit.
However, the festivities were tinged with sadness due to the absence of a couple of close relatives. Leigh's sister, Stacy O'Neil, was to have been the maid of honor, but after discovering she was pregnant with twins, she was advised not to travel for medical reasons. Guests' thoughts also turned to Howie's sister, Caroline Dorough-Cochran, who died of Lupus. So, when the newlyweds left the church, their guests released 200 butterflies in her memory.
Belting out dozens of swoon-worthy and romantic ballads couldn't prepare Howie Dorough for the biggest day of his life — his wedding to longtime girlfriend Leigh Boniello.
'''Ceremony''' On December 8, 2007, with his friends, family, and Fellow Backstreet Boys Bandmates in attendance, Howie Dorough, 34, said "I do" to his lovely new bride, Leigh Boniello, at St. James Catholic Cathedral in a tearful traditional Catholic ceremony in his hometown of Orlando, Fla., on Saturday, People and OK! magazine reported on their Web sites.
Boniello, a Webmaster for the band's website, began dating Dorough about six years ago.
No honeymoon for the couple, though -- the Backstreet Boys continue their tour today in Buffalo. (And ladies, '''Nick Carter''' and '''A.J. McLean''' are still single.)
'''With this ring…'''
There are many emotional moments at a wedding. Still, the highlight for a Backstreet Boy was seeing his bride walk down the aisle. To the sounds of trumpets, carrying a cascading bouquet of white phalaenopsis, Boniello strolled down the aisle of the flower-adorned church to the altar in Orlando, looking beautiful wearing a strapless satin silk Duchesse gown by Rivini with jeweled Brian Atwood heels, where her groom, who wears a Dsquared tuxedo, stood waiting. "When I saw her walking down the aisle, I was like 'WOW!' I had to hold myself back from crying," Howie tells ''OK''! about the ceremony. "She was so beautiful. It really was like a fairy tale." "Everyone described it as a supermodel wedding dress," Leigh tells ''OK''! The couple, who had been dating since 2000 and got engaged on New Year's Eve the previous year, were married at Saint James Cathedral in the groom's hometown of Orlando, Florida. The church was beautifully decorated for the ceremony by Father Miguel Gonzalez, who performed the traditional Catholic Mass, which featured a reading by Howie's sister, Angie, and an "Ave Maria" performance by his other sister, Pollyanna.
The flowers in the church were all white and off-white lilies, orchids, and roses, contrasting with the bright salsa colors of the flowers at the reception – 11,000 stems were used altogether, including 1,000 white orchids flown in from Hawaii, and 2,000 orchids were flown in from Thailand. Howie also recalls a special moment that made his late sister Caroline's presence felt. After Howie and Leigh said, "I do," they exchanged the vows and their beautiful platinum wedding bands, which they designed themselves and made by Howie's friend Alex at Plantation Jewelers in Winter Garden, Fla. ("We came up with the design," says Leigh. Her ring is seven carats, one for each year the couple has been together.), the new couple exited the church, the same church Howie had been baptized in as a child, as guests released 200 black and orange monarch butterflies outside the cathedral into the air in memory of the groom's sister, Caroline, who passed away from complications of Lupus in 1998. One randomly landed on his mom's shoulder. "It was like, 'Oh, that's my sister,'" he reflects. "It was beautiful... very emotional," says Leigh. After Caroline died of Lupus in 1998, Howie founded the Dorough Lupus Foundation, which features a butterfly logo.
"The whole thing was like it belonged in a bridal magazine," one guest tells ''PEOPLE'' of the Catholic religious ceremony held at St. James Cathedral. "It was perfect."
'''Party time!'''
'''Reception''' Following the ceremony, Limo Buses transported the 180 guests to the reception. However, The couple agrees their most memorable moment was choosing to go all out for their grand entrance arrival into their lavish reception site at La Viance, a sprawling 35,000-square-foot 160-acre private home in nearby Groveland, arriving from the church via helicopter, circling overhead several times as their 185 puzzled guests looked on while sipping champagne, thinking they were paparazzi, then erupting in screams and cheers as they landed on the estate's own helipad for their dramatic arrival! "We didn't tell anyone we were going to do it," Leigh reveals to ''OK''! "So, when we flew in, everyone was shocked. It was such a huge surprise!" "My favorite part of the wedding was taking the helicopter with my new wife to the reception grounds," he recalls to ''The Knot''. "And landing to surprise our guests with our magical entrance that nobody expected. Most people thought we were 'paparazzi at first sight,'" he adds with a laugh. This was a perfect couple, a perfect day, and an event that exuded unparalleled elegance and luxury. With the expert guidance of award-winning event planner Heather Snively of Weddings Unique and the artistic touch of renowned florist Ian Prosser of Botanica, the ballroom was transformed into a breathtaking sight. Their unparalleled expertise and creativity were evident in every detail, from the choice of orchids, hydrangeas, roses, and calla lilies in vibrant salsa colors to the stunning ruby Vera Wang dresses of the bridesmaids and the flower girls' sashes on their ivory duchesse satin dresses by Watters Wawa Collection. The dinner tables, dressed in fuchsia douppioni silk and topped with crystal glassware with gold filigree, added to the brilliance of the event.
'''An affair to remember'''
The four-tiered wedding cake was designed and decorated by Deborah Dupree-King, Head of Decorating, for Mark Lotti's Classic Cheesecakes & Cakes of Atlanta, Georgia, who also created fellow Backstreeter Brian Littrell's wedding cake. Deborah decorated the cake to reflect several design elements from Leigh's wedding gown. The top tier was a pedestal of handmade sugar paste flowers, created as a keepsake for the couple.
"It really was a dream come true," Howie tells ''OK''! about his wedding day. "Honestly, my cheeks are hurting from all the smiling!"
What would a Backstreet wedding be without the Boys? Of course, the extravagant nuptials were attended by all of Howie's bandmates, fellow Backstreet Boys members AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, Kevin Richardson (who decided to sit out on the group's latest album, ''Unbreakable''), and Nick Carter. "The wedding was beautiful," Brian Littrell says to ''OK''! "Welcome to the club, Howie!" Meanwhile, AJ McLean had his own matrimony on his mind, revealing to ''OK''! "Hopefully, I'll be next!" The night was complete with special toasts from them. "They're like my brothers," Howie says to ''OK''! "The fact that they recognized Leigh and how long we've been together was so sweet." In addition, '80s icon singer Deborah Gibson and former *NSYNC member Chris Kirkpatrick were there to share his special day with him.
Deborah Gibson has been friends with Backstreet Boys member Howie Dorough for years.
So it makes perfect sense that she was in attendance for Howie’s recent wedding to Leigh Boniello – and it makes just as much sense, Gibson shared with People magazine, that this couple would end up together.
“They really are best friends, and that came across throughout the whole ceremony,” she said.
The pair took to the dance floor to “Endless Love,” an ideal selection for the adorable newlyweds, Gibson added.
“They didn’t just romantically dance together. They acted it out like they were in a video. They were very playful with each other. It was really cute.”
The new groom poses for a shot with his adoring mother, Paula, who told ''OK''! "I am so proud and happy to welcome Leigh into the family. I wish them all the happiness in the world and for them to live their lives with God always in their hearts."
Following the reception, the bride and groom were swept away by the crowd into their awaiting limo at 4:30 a.m. 'Everyone was like, "Go consummate the marriage,"' Howie said ''OK''! Howie & Leigh then jetted off for a three-day honeymoon in Antigua. "We were going to do a honeymoon in Africa and Greece for a month, but we couldn't because of the schedule with Backstreet," Howie explains to ''OK''! "But just taking this time... We're just so glad to chill and relax." The event was truly star-studded and spectacular, leaving everyone in awe as they basked in the unparalleled luxury and elegance of the evening.
The Backstreet Boy, 34, tied the knot with his lady on Dec. 8 in front of 180 guests, including his bandmates, Brian Littrell, Nick Carter, A.J. McLean, and Kevin Richardson, who left the group last year, and ''OK''! was invited for the big bash. After Howie and Leigh, 33, made it official, the couple sat down with ''OK''! to reflect on their special day as they embarked on their new life as husband and wife.
'''Congrats, describe the day, the wedding!'''
'''HD:''' Seriously, it was a fairy-tale, rock-star wedding. I couldn't ask for anything more. But honestly, my cheeks are hurting from smiling so hard.
'''LB:''' It was amazing. It really went well. We had so many surprises for everyone. The whole thing went on for three days. The house where we had the reception was 45 minutes from the church. We provided bus transportation for all our guests so nobody would have to drink and drive. We wanted people to be comfortable and able to enjoy it. We didn't tell anybody, but Howie and I jumped on a helicopter in front of this 32,000-square-foot mansion where we had the reception; there was a helicopter pad right in front where the cocktail hour was being served. So, we flew in, which was a huge surprise. We got off the helicopter, and it was awesome. Everyone was shocked.
'''Howie, what did you think as Leigh walked up the aisle?'''
'''HD:''' Oh my God. I was holding myself back from crying. I had to take a couple of big breaths. She was so beautiful; it was more than I ever expected. It was so breathtaking.
'''Did you cry?'''
'''HD:''' I was holding it back; I definitely got choked up. My eyes definitely watered here and there. I was like, this is really happening. The priest told me, 'This is your dream come true.' I always wanted to get married in my church, where I was baptized. My oldest sister got married there. It was a dream come true; It was a fairy-tale wedding.
'''LB''': I'm a pretty emotional person, so I totally thought I would. But after all the planning, as soon as we were getting ready to go, I was like, all right, we're doing it. I didn't even cry, my makeup looked so good, and I didn't want to ruin my makeup. So, I shocked myself; I got in mode. My dad was worse than I was. My dad was tearing up. I'm looking at him like, "Don't start!"
'''Leigh, your sister (Stacy) couldn't make it. Was it emotional not having her there?'''
Yes, I mean, I can't even talk about it. She's (Stacy) been wanting to have a baby for a long time, and now that she's pregnant with twins, I'm so happy for her. She taped a speech on DVD, and they played it at the reception.
'''Were you nervous?'''
'''HD:''' Oh yeah, a couple of days before we married, everyone said, "Wow, you're so calm." I was like, "Hey, no big deal!" The last hour before we got married, I was nervous. I couldn't find my cufflinks, so that just started it off. From there, I accidentally spilled a glass of champagne on one of my groomsmen. My brother was like, "Dude, it's good luck." He was like, enjoy it! It went by so fast. Everyone says it goes by so fast, and I was like, "Yeah, yeah, whatever." It did; it went by so fast. But we had such a great time.
'''LB:''' Yeah, definitely. I think more nervous in the morning getting ready, but not so nervous at the church. It went really smoothly.
'''Did anyone forget their vows/have a problem saying them?'''
'''HD:''' My voice is hoarse because I lost it a couple of days ago. But besides that, it was all good. I was a little shaky.
'''LB:''' No, not at all. We handled the vows well. We didn't get choked up or anything. We just did it. I was proud of us. We put on a good show!
'''What was the most emotional moment?'''
'''HD:''' I think, seeing Leigh coming down the aisle. It was amazing. I just kept on telling her I loved her so much. I kept saying, "You look so beautiful." It was a dream come true for me. She's my best friend.
'''LB:''' Just seeing my dad cry as I walked down the aisle. And my mom, of course.
'''Was it essential that you get married at the cathedral?'''
'''Howie:''' I'm from Orlando, and this is the church where I was baptized, had my first communion and confirmation, and my oldest sister got married. I'm the baby of the family, so I wanted to complete the circle.
'''What was your first dance to "Endless Love"? Describe it.'''
'''HD:''' Yes, we did. It was to ''Endless Love''. She has a lower base voice than me, so she did the Lionel Richie part. I did the Diana Ross part. Just the fact that everyone was there and enjoyed the moment with us. We got a cover over the whole pool, which was the dance floor. No nightclub in LA could match it.
'''LB:''' Not your typical wedding song, but it's always been an inside joke with Howie and me. In our house in LA, we have music playing throughout the house. That was one of the songs; when we first moved in, we probably heard it 15 times, like while cooking. Our big joke is he sings all the high parts. He does the Diana part, and I do the Lionel Richie part. So, we did a little of that; I wonder if anyone got the joke. But it ended up being pretty funny.
'''What did you serve at dinner?'''
'''LB:''' Everyone got a beef tenderloin and a halibut with lemon zest, and sweet potato, mashed potatoes, and vegetables on the side. I'm a vegetarian, and they made a fantastic meal with eggplant, mozzarella, and roasted red pepper, like a Napoleon.
'''Any last-minute problems/hitches?'''
'''LB:''' Besides my fiancé losing his passport two days before our wedding, as we're going to go on our honeymoon?! Luckily, The Firm, his management company, was great. They were there - they got it done in a day. We got the FedEx package yesterday.
'''HD:''' Besides me not finding my cufflinks, that was about it. It actually was really smooth. And besides me spilling champagne on my friend. It was perfect. I was really choked up. I'm getting choked up just thinking of it.
'''What was your favorite/most memorable moment?'''
'''LB:''' Flying in on the helicopter for sure. Howie might have mentioned it to you. And to make certain people leave the church and not congregate, we did a butterfly release in memory of Howie's sister, Caroline, who died of Lupus. They released two hundred butterflies when we walked out of the church, and then we got into a horse-drawn carriage and just rode around the block until everyone left and didn't go back to the church. It was a nice touch.
'''HD:''' By all means, the helicopter. I wanted to do a rock star entrance. Everyone was like, "WOW!" So, the helicopter swooped around the house several times - It was a drastic entrance! And the butterfly release outside the beautiful church. And we rode in this horse carriage. It was like a fairy tale, like Alice in Wonderland.
'''Were all the Backstreet guys there?'''
'''HD:''' Yes, everyone was there. Unfortunately, Nick didn't attend the wedding but was at the reception. Deborah Gibson was there. And Chris Kirkpatrick from 'N Sync.
'''What was it like to have them there?'''
'''HD:''' It was awesome. They all got up to say a special blessing to Leigh and me. It was sweet. They're like my brothers, and I got choked up for me to have them there. They said something to both of us. They know Leigh as well because she used to work for us. So, the fact that they said something, recognized her, and how long we've been together was so sweet.
'''LB:''' I worked for the group, so they all cared for me. They always knew we would get married. They've been so supportive. So, I just said to Nick, who's the only single one, well, AJ is too. So, I just said to Nick, "Don't think you have to stop partying with us! You're not losing a brother."
'''Tell me about your honeymoon to Antigua—are you excited?'''
'''HD:''' We're so excited. We have three days to get away because I must do some shows with the group in Columbus, Boston, Hartford, and New York. But we're so excited to get away for three days. We were going to do a month's honeymoon in Africa and Greece, but we couldn't because of the schedule with Backstreet. But just taking the time to go to this place, all-inclusive with a butler, we're just so glad to chill and relax.
'''How about having children?'''
'''HD:''' We've definitely talked about kids. We're both excited about taking on that next chapter in our lives. We've had some fantastic years of being on the road, partying, having fun, and living life to the fullest. We are getting closer to our mid-30s, and we're not thinking so much about ourselves anymore. We're now about creating a family together and taking our lives to the next chapter.
Following a gorgeous, beautiful December 8 wedding in Orlando, Fla., that took months of planning, Howie Dorough and Leigh Boniello needed to unwind. And what better place to do that than the beautiful white beaches of Antigua?
Howie Dorough-- The Backstreet Boy's new bride, Leigh Boniello, was his Caribbean queen as the couple enjoyed a three-day honeymoon getaway on the island of Antigua.
The Backstreet Boy and his new bride jetted off for a four-day island getaway and had the time of their lives. Their honeymoon at the all-inclusive, 373-room Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa, located on Dickenson Bay, was the perfect stress-busting solution; the resort features a Mediterranean village with 180 spacious suites.
The newlyweds stayed in a Mediterranean penthouse suite with an ocean view. "It had a cool, plantation vibe," says Leigh. "Our two butlers catered every meal," says Howie. "Needless to say, we enjoyed it."
"The resort catered to our every need," Howie says to ''OK''! "The beaches had some of the most amazing white sand we have ever seen. We would have loved to stay longer." Echoes Leigh, "Everyone was friendly and accommodating. It was the perfect getaway."
Their favorite part of their romantic honeymoon?
"We had an amazing candlelit dinner at the beach," Leigh, 33, recalls. "It was a gift from Howie's brother, Johnny. The resort set up a private gazebo with many tropical flowers and candles. So, we had a chance to enjoy our first dinner as a married couple."
The next few months will be hectic for the couple as Howie prepares for a world tour with fellow Backstreet Boys members Nick Carter, Brian Littrell, and AJ McLean, which kicks off in Tokyo on February 16. "There will be another Backstreet Boys album." Howie tells ''OK''! (Their latest album, ''Unbreakable'', is in stores now.) "We have enjoyed an unbelievable career for 15 years and plan to continue making music for our fans and us for years to come."
As for the future, Howie, 34, and Leigh "definitely" plan on having children, but not yet.
"We see having a family in the future," Howie says. "Right now, we want to enjoy traveling and being married."
6th December, 2000 -
Hookup
===The Couple’s Journey===
Courtship: Howie Dorough and Leigh Boniello's relationship blossomed over the years, dating back to their early encounters. Their love story is not just a tale of romance, but a journey of inspiration, showcasing how two individuals from different worlds found a familiar path driven by their deep-rooted affection for each other.
Howard "Howie" Dorough's life took an unexpected turn in December 2000 when he hired Leigh Boniello as the band's webmaster. What began as a professional relationship soon blossomed into a romance that caught everyone, including the couple themselves, off guard. This unexpected twist in their story adds a layer of surprise and intrigue to their romance, making it a unique and fascinating journey.
Leigh Boniello, a 26-year-old music enthusiast, found herself in a whirlwind of events when she started a new job for the Backstreet Boys at the peak of their fame. She was leaving a yoga class with a friend when her sister called her for an interview at the firm with the Backstreet Boys, during the height of their fame, for the position of new webmaster. Little did she know this job would catapult her into a unique and unexpected romance. The romance was unique because it blossomed amidst their professional relationship, and it was surprising because neither of them had anticipated it. Outside of her work with the band, Leigh had a passion for travel and adventure, which would play a significant role in her relationship with Howie.
"Actually, at the time, we were approached by management in early 2000, when the internet was booming, and I don't even know what it [internet] was, but our management decided to create a little special site for our fan club [fans] get to see us do stuff outside of our concerts like just traveling on the days off. Her job was to get content of us doing stuff outside of the everyday show ritual, and I was always the one who would put my hand up when they'd ask, 'Does anyone want to go hang-gliding in Rio today?'" Howie Dorough recalls to ET. "So, she would come out, and we did the pyramids and many fun things. I always joked the website became mostly about me! She would videotape me consistently all over the place."
"It was like being on The Bachelor, filled with these exhilarating experiences," Leigh reminisces. "We found ourselves in Mexico, exploring the pyramids on a private tour, embarking on wild adventures together. It was a setting ripe for romance. Our unique experiences and shared adventures created a bond between us that was unlike anything I had experienced before."
As the couple prepares to mark their 10th wedding anniversary on Dec. 8, they're opening up for the first time about their globetrotting courtship. From their first date in Mexico, exploring the pyramids on a private tour, to embarking on wild adventures, their relationship was a whirlwind of excitement and shared experiences. They also share their most memorable wedding moments, such as the emotional exchange of vows that brought tears to many eyes, the joyous celebration with family and friends, and the romantic getaway that followed.
Leigh, 43, admits she never expected a job interview would lead to love when she sat in the Los Angeles office of BSB's management, having completed her final interview for a webmaster gig. When she first started working for the band, apparently 4/5 members Brian, AJ, Kevin, and Howie thought they were seeing double because they (except Nick) only met her sister before meeting her separately at the 6-8 hour meetings before the interview in the conference room 8:00 pm meeting and The band's team suggested she meet with the guys immediately; however, the group had just wrapped a six-hour planning meeting after flying in from the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, so no one was in the mood.
"We were all still hurting from the night before, and just out of a six-hour meeting, then they're like, 'Is anyone willing to stay and say hi to the new webmaster?' says Howie, 44. 'Everyone was like, 'I'm outta here,' and Kevin and I -- the good old faithfuls -- were like, 'Alright, we'll do it.' So, we walked in, and I remember thinking, 'She's cute. Alright, I'll listen to this meeting.' So I sat down and thought, 'Well, she's coming on tour. Eventually, one of us is going to hit on her!' So, I hired her because she had a good resume of just other artists she'd worked for." Before meeting Leigh, Howie had established himself as a Backstreet Boys member, a popular boy band known for their hits like 'I Want It That Way' and 'Everybody (Backstreet's Back).' His career was marked by success and a dedicated fan base.
When recalling her first day on the job as BSB's new webmaster in 2000, Leigh remembered some exciting advice from loved ones. "I remember my sister telling me, 'Put your hair up in a ponytail and don't put any lipstick on,'" she shared. "It was kind of nerve-wracking."
While Leigh had previously worked on websites for celebrities, including Claudia Schiffer, and commercials and music videos for Quentin Tarantino’s company, A Band Apart, she had no hands-on experience with video and behind-the-scenes content. Her job was to manage the band's website and feature content of the band doing things outside of the everyday show routine. But she never expected that the job would lead her to her future husband's heart, and she found herself caught up in an epic made-for-TV romance. Her role as the Backstreet Boys' webmaster was not just about managing their website but also about creating engaging content that showcased the band's activities and personalities, thereby enhancing their online presence and fan engagement. Her work significantly increased the band's online following and helped to connect the band with its fans further. Her journey with the Backstreet Boys was not just a job but a life-changing experience that left a lasting impact on the band and their fans. Her efforts as a webmaster not only managed the band's online presence but also significantly increased their fan engagement, making her a key player in the band's success during that period.
Then, a couple of days later, on the night of the Call video shoot, around 7:00 pm, she was at the office by herself in the evening. They just handed her a camera and a map of the video shoot and was told, "Here you go, here's your video camera, here's a map of downtown LA, and you go to the call video shoot. You're just gonna go down there and film the call video." she then went to the parking garage, got in her Dodge Durango SV, and started crying because it was overwhelming having to work on a set with all these people and not know anybody. "I got in my car and started crying. It was overwhelming having to work on a set with all these people and not know anybody." But she pulled through and drove to downtown LA, which is a sketchy area. Luckily for her, one of her best friends from college in San Diego ended up being their hair and makeup artist, so that made it a little easier.
"I drove to downtown LA, which is sketchy, and lucked out because one of my best friends ended up being their hair and makeup artist, so that made it a little easier," continued Leigh, who went on to work for Jerry Weintraub Productions on projects including Oceans 12 and Westworld. "Then, Howie and I talked while he was in the hair and makeup chair. He was definitely the friendliest!" Hence, she was in the makeup trailer and surprisingly connected with her husband, joining the band on their Black & Blue tour a month later and quickly bonding with Howie. She went from working on the internet to working over Dorough's heart.
"We were, like, best friends for the first few weeks," recalls Leigh, who had also worked alongside the head writers of Seinfeld and developed television projects at Dreamworks. "We did a lot of stuff together; we would sit together on the plane and just struck up a friendship. We were sharing potato chips!"
"I had come out of a relationship, so I wasn't looking for anything serious. Neither of us was looking for a relationship, but she was around, and we had a lot of the same interests," adds Howie. "We both loved entertaining, being around people, going out, visiting theme parks, riding roller coasters, and eating. Our shared love for adventure and fun activities brought us closer and laid the foundation for our relationship."
