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My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding on TLC April 29, VIDEO

By April MacIntyre Apr 11, 2012, 5:59 GMT

TLC today announced that is has scheduled the premiere of the all-new series My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding – going inside the hidden world of American Gypsies – for Sunday, April 29 at 10/9c.

TLC has set a premiere date for the new series My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding, going inside the hidden world of American Gypsies.

The 8-episode series will air Sundays at 10/9c, starting April 29.

From TLC

TLC today announced that is has scheduled the premiere of the all-new series My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding – going inside the hidden world of American Gypsies – for Sunday, April 29 at 10/9c.

Each of the series’ 8 episodes will explore the tight-knit Gypsy community, offering up unprecedented access to their lives, welcoming viewers into their homes and trailers, and inviting them to theirinfamous Swarovski Crystal-studded weddings. Building on the worldwide success of the UK series My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, TLC will now go across the United States to share what it’s like to be living as a Gypsy in America.

“My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding" is a remarkable look at a way of life that is extremely hidden from mainstream America, despite customs and celebrations that can be extravagantly elaborate – this is a culture where bigger is always better,” said Amy Winter, GM, TLC.  “With this series, TLC continues to open doors into little known worlds by sharing the lives of these fascinating families, their strong traditions, and their over-the-top parties and events.”

There are an estimated one million Gypsies throughout the US, but most live in complete secrecy, away from the judgment and discrimination that plague their communities.

However, their lifestyles areanything but discrete – they blend long-established values with modern-day influences, resulting in celebrations that are large, loud, and lavish.

Boston-based Sondra Celli, America’s leading Gypsy dressmaker, appears throughout the series, making the elaborate custom gowns that are a trademark of the Gypsy wedding tradition.

Her outfits are also sought after for birthdays and other milestones when looking their best is the most important thing on a Gypsy’s mind. From baptisms to birthdays, to the wildest weddings across the USA, the series will introduce Gypsies who are clinging to ancient traditions and connected by unbreakable family bonds.

In the series’ premiere episode, two teenage girls are going through different rites of passage under the constant watching eyes of their protective mothers – there is no sex before marriage if you are a Gypsy teenager.

In West Virginia, Hope is planning an extravagant 15th birthday party, and in Virginia, 17 year-old Shyanne is preparing for her wedding to a boy she got engaged to after their second meeting.

The following week, May 6 at 10/9c, Priscilla – a 14 year old Gypsy girl – has been training to become a good wife for years and is now ready to find her future husband. Her father, known as Pat Baby, is working around the clock to throw the best Halloween party in Georgia.

They set off to create her dream dress, covered head to toe in crystals, and plan an event for over 300 Gypsies in the hopes that everyeligible Gypsy man will be lining up to meet Priscilla.

The series fan site is located at http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/tv/my-big-fat-american-gypsy-wedding.