This week on Days of our Lives saw the first African-American couple to be married on-screen in the 54-year history of Days of our Lives.  Now while Lani (Sal Stowers) and Eli (Lamon Archey) tried before in a previous ceremony, this one did the job … they are now officially husband and wife!

The ceremony was attended by Lani’s dad, Abe Reynolds (James Reynolds), her mother Tamara Price (Marily McCoo), Billy Davis Jr.  as a former FBI mentor to Eli, Julie (Susan Seaforth Hayes) – it was her restaurant after all and she is Eli’s grandmother.  Dr. Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) presided over the ceremony.

There were some unwelcome guests at the ceremony as well; leading the bride to question, are we doomed?  Why does this keep happening to us everytime we tried to get hitch!

However, fate was on Lani and Eli’s side this day, as even Gabi (Camila Banus) with her antics, and a shocking arrival from Vivian Alamain (Louise Sorel), couldn’t rain on this day.  Vivian even tried to shoot the bride, but thanks to Rafe (Galen Gering) saving the day and armed with news that her son Stefan (Brandon Barash) could be alive; he informs Viv firmly that she would be killing someone for the wrong reason, even though Vivian is in disbelief that her son is alive.  Next, she is whisked out of the ceremony.

Lani still feeling rattled by all the wedding interruptus gets a sign she should marry the man she loves; when her mother, who needed to go lie down earlier, as she was feeling faint, was able to show back up just in time to restart the wedding.

During the ceremony, Eli mentions the loss of little David Abraham and the struggles they went through, but how in the end it brought then closer together.  After the rings are exchanged and they are pronounced man and wife, the newlyweds “jump the broom” a wonderful tradition and a symbol of African-American heritage, where the sweeping of the broom signifies sweeping away all the bad energy.  After they sweep the broom, Elani jumps over it.

In a behind-the-scenes of the wedding segment released this week on the DOOL app, Sal Stowers and Lamon Archey talk about the inclusion of the ‘jump the broom’ moment in the episode, and how they suggested the idea to DAYS Co-EP Albert Alaar, and how  it was written into the episode.

So, what did you think of Lani and Eli’s wedding? Did you enjoy it? Let us know via the comment section below, but first check out this wedding photo gallery of the big day!

Eli and Lani make one beautiful married couple!

Eli's mom, Valerie Grant gives her son hugs and kisses.

Eli, Valerie, and guest star Billy Davis Jr. (playing a former mentor to Eli) shows up as Val's date and they strike a pose.

Tossing the bouquet to her groom is Lani Price, now Grant!

Picture perfect!

Tamara Price (guest star Marilyn McCoo) came back to Salem to watch her daughter be married again; this time for real!

Eli and Lani can be as fun-loving as they are serious peace keepers in Salem.

A proud moment for Abe, walking his daughter down the aisle at Julie's Place.

"Jump the Broom" - the beautiful tradition put into the ceremony at the request of Lamon and Sal themselves.

It's honeymoon time for the newlyweds! With baby on the way ... can they share some blissful downtime?

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

Last night on Tuesday, February 11th, many soap notables and the cast of Amazon Prime’s Studio City, attended a screening of the series at the Elks Lodge in Van Nuys, California to benefit Elks Lodge Charities and FYC Independents.

And if you have not seen it yet, you should!  It’s filled with great performances, keen writing, and the look and feel of it separates it from the rest of the pack in the digital drama space.

Former GH and B&B star, Sean Kanan created and stars in the dramatic series about a soap opera actor who’s life off-screen is even more dramatic then on-screen.  At the screening, Kanan along with co-stars: Tristan Rogers, Sarah Joy Brown, Scott Turner Schofield, Carolyn Hennesy, Patrika Darbo and more, took to the event red carpet, chatted with guests at the event, and then hunkered down to watch the six-episode first season on the big screen.

The event was hosted by Y&R’s Kate Linder, who always helps bring attention to series, charities and noteworthy causes.

Coming to support the creative endeavor of Kanan and company were: Y&R’s Mark Grossman and Sharon Case, former AMC favorites Eva LaRue and Vincent Irizarry, GH’s Max Gail, The Bay’s Kristos Andrews and Gregori Martin and many more.

Now below check out some photos from the arrivals at the Studio City screening below. 

Then, let us know if you have checked out the series yet …..and your thoughts on it… via the comment section.

Y&R's Adam and Sharon, Mark Grossman and Sharon Case attended the screening.

Former Y&R and Days star, Judith Chapman.

General Hospital's Max Gail attended and hung out with his Port Charles co-star, Carolyn Hennesy.

The one and only Tristan Rogers, who is wonderful in his role in 'Studio City'.

Daytime favorite, Vincent Irizarry came by to check out the buzz behind 'Studio City'.

Sean Kanan with good friend and co-star, Carolyn Hennesy.

Looky who? Eva LaRue!

Y&R's Kate Linder helped host the event.

Scott Turner Schofield's performance received numerous applause during the screening of 'Studio City'.

You can't get any better than three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Sarah Joy Brown, who plays Sean Kanan's half-sister in the digital drama.

Director Timothy Woodward Jr. was beloved by the soap stars who were part of the filming of the project.

DAYS fave, Patrika Darbo's monologue performed in 'Studio City' is a tearjerker generating much attention and kudos.

'Studio City' star and creator Sean Kanan and his wife, writer, Michele Kanan flanking Juliet Vega.

Photos: JPI Studios

The stars came out in full for the iconic Eric Braeden’s (Victor Newman) 40th anniversary with The Young and the Restless at a very special on set celebration at CBS Television City in Los Angeles this past Friday (Braeden premiered as Victor back on February 8, 1980).

Attendees ranged from: a “Who’s Who” of Y&R through the years, important friends, colleagues, former co-stars, family, and executives from CBS and the series.

Y&R’s Doug Davidson (Paul) presided over the introduction of various speakers throughout the presentation to Eric.  If anyone could have such a wealth of friends from different walks of life, it’s Eric Braeden.  Even, sports journalist and broadcaster Stephen A. Smith (who is a GH fan and has appeared on that soap) gave a moving speech about how knowing Eric for the last 7 years has meant so much to him.

Former Y&R star and now one of the main men from the hit NBC drama series, This Is Us, Justin Hartley, returned to his old stomping grounds to deliver his thoughts on working with Eric, when he, indeed, played Adam Newman for four years.  In another tender moment, Justin’s successor, Mark Grossman (Adam) took to the podium as the newest member of the grown-up Newman children to honor Eric.

Peter Bergman (Jack) shared a hilarious story from the Daytime Emmys years ago; when he met his favorite singer of all-time, Aretha Franklin, but who he remembers really wanted to know more about Victor Newman, than he, as Jack!  Joshua Morrow (Nick) shared some very funny stories about working with his on-screen dad over the years, while Braeden’s longtime on-screen wife, Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki) shared some very sweet sentiments about her enduring co-star.

The place was abuzz with some very stellar guests from the world of daytime when General Hospital’s Maurice Benard (Sonny), Steve Burton (Jason) and James Patrick Stuart (Valentin) showed up to celebrate Eric’s big day.

CBS President, Kelly Kahl, Y&R executive producer, Tony Morina, Y&R head writer and co-EP, Josh Griffith and B&B’s EP and head writer, Brad Bell,  and Producer, Ed Scott also saluted Eric from the podium with various speeches, and recollections over Braeden’s 40 years on the top-rated soap and throughout his illustrious film and TV career.  Tom LaBonge, a councilman from the city of Los Angeles, made a very special presentation to Eric, as well.

Check out some of photos from Eric’s spectacular 40th anniversary celebration below.

Then, let us know which was your favorite image from the festivities via the comment section, and share your congrats for Eric for a job well-done and reaching this wonderful milestone.

The emcee/host of the event was Eric's longtime pal and Y&R co-star, Doug Davidson

Two icons! Fans have always wanted to see a crossover storyline featuring GH's Maurice Benard and Y&R's Eric Braeden. But for now, Maurice stops by to pay tribute to Eric.

Peter Bergman (Jack Abbott) the on-screen nemesis to Eric's, Victor Newman told a hilarious story.

'This Is Us' star Justin Hartley returned to the set of Y&R to pay tribute to his former on-screen dad, Eric.

Billy Zane and GH's James Patrick Stuart celebrated Eric at the on set celebration.

Joshua Morrow told some never-before-told moments between him and Eric for the attendees.

Melody Thomas Scott, who has played Nikki Newman for decades honors her on-screen leading man.

Y&R head writer and EP, Josh Griffith hugs Eric on his milestone.

Longtime friend and tennis pal, Dabney Coleman was also in attendance.

Sports broadcaster and journalist, Stephen A. Smith related how his friendship with Eric has meant so much to him over the past 7 years.

As part of the celebration, the national anthem was played on the trumpet, by a dear friend of Eric's.

Mark Grossman, the newest Newman, offered his thanks and congrats to his on-screen dad.

Big hug from the former Adam Newman, Justin Hartley for Eric.

Twins for the day! Amelia Heinle and Melissa Ordway salute Eric.

Former Y&R baddie, Ray Wise visits with Eric.

GH and former Y&R star, Steve Burton on-hand to wish Eric a happy 40th.

Don't want to cut that cake! One of the coolest cakes we have seen at an anniversary celebration.

The former Ashley Abbott, Brenda Epperson was on hand to salute Eric on his big day.

The gang from B&B was in attendance too: Katherine Kelly Lang, Heather Tom, Brad Bell & Don Diamont.

Melody Thomas Scott strikes a post with one of the photos from the event.

Yup, Eric got a loaf of bread from the nuns and a proclamation from the city of Los Angeles!

The man himself, soaking it all in, and deserving all the kudos coming his way for a job well-done!