It was a match made in heaven. The pair’s love story began in 2010 when they both graced the small screen in the form of Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart’s critically acclaimed movie, On the Road. Since then, their cinematic chemistry and on-screen attraction has made them one of the most popular celebrity couples in Hollywood. In the wake of their whirlwind romance, PEOPLE has obtained exclusive details on their love story – including the moment they officially became an item.
‘I’m Not Going to Do This Every Day’
In keeping with their “Harry Potter”-inspired names, Robert and Kristen began dating in the early 2010s. But their romance was just as unconventional as their professional choices – Robert went for the typical bachelor life while Kristen shied away from the spotlight. “I’m not going to do this every day,” she told the Daily Beast in 2016. “I like to stay home with my kids and read a good book. I think a lot of couples get stuck in a rut because they think their relationship should reflect what other people think and want. And I think that’s stupid.”
With her family and kids in tow, the actress retreated to a farm in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with her then-boyfriend. While filming On the Road, which saw them play lovers on the road trip of a lifetime through America’s finest highways, Robert would fly home to London from time to time to be with his family. “We’d always go to Wales together when he was home,” Kristen said of her and Robert’s first big trip to Wales as a couple in 2013. “It’s where I proposed.”
‘We’ve Been Seeing Each Other for Three Years’
The couple dated for three years before making the official announcement of their engagement in an intimate ceremony held in October 2016. The ceremony took place at London’s elegant Cheval-Perdure Church. “It was the most incredible morning. I’d never felt so happy and so grateful,” Kristen said in a statement. “Robert is an extraordinary person and I’m so happy we get to share our story with the world. Our hearts are filled with joy. This day will remain in our memories forever.”
The wedding photographer, Ellen von Unwerth, who worked with the couple on their big day, described it as “a beautiful, intimate ceremony.” “They made the most of the season and the venue,” she said. “The colors were perfect, from the bride’s bouquet to the altar decorations. It was a real winter wedding, so their attire was stunning. Robert wore a tweed suit and Kristen a white dress. They looked like a picture from a classic English countryside. It was a real ‘Once Upon a Time’ moment.”
The lovebirds have already made their mark on the fashion scene, gracing the cover of Vogue’s February 2017 issue. The publication called them “the power couple of 2017,” and their fans couldn’t agree more. “I adore Kristen,” said one fan on Twitter. “I really do. She’s such a lovely, sweet person and I’m so happy that she found the person she deserves to be with. I’m just so happy for them.” Another added: “I love that they’re both so strong-willed but also have such a kind and sweet side. I’m so happy for them. They deserve all the happiness.”
‘The Movie Is a Coming-of-Age Story’
While their on-screen chemistry and unconventional courtship made for compelling television, the story of Robert and Kristen’s love is more accurately described as a coming-of-age tale. “The movie is a coming-of-age story about their relationship and their adventure,” Robert said at the time of his engagement to Kristen. “It’s about finding yourself and wanting to be brave and do what makes you happiest.”
Based on the award-winning novel by John Berger, who also wrote the screenplay, On the Road was a landmark moment in Robert’s career. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning Robert the Best Actor at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival and a Golden Globe for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama. It was also the highest grossing British film in history at the time, pulling in over $90 million at the box office. Several scenes from the film were included on A Star Is Born shortlist for 2019 Academy Awards. In his acceptance speech for the Golden Globe, Robert said that the film was “more than a story about the freedom of the roads. It’s a story about finding your way in life and being true to yourself.”
The road to the altar for Robert and Kristen was certainly a rocky one. Their first couple days of married life were overshadowed by bizarre reports of Robert being pulled over for a random drug test by the LAPD while on the way to his honeymoon. He was also photographed with a black eye in the early stages of his relationship with Kristen. However, the British actor has gone on to say that the media frenzy that ensued following these incidents was “part of the cost of doing business.”
‘They Both Shared a Mutual Desire to Make a Difference’
The admiration of their fans extends to their work as professional partners as well. While many see Robert as a brooding, troubled soul who has battled addiction and self-destructiveness, the handsome actor is a tireless worker who puts his heart and soul into his roles and projects. “He’s such a giving person,” said Ellen of her experience working with the pair on their wedding day. “He wants to help everyone he can. He wants to make people happy. He makes me so happy.”
Kristen, too, has gained a reputation as an uncompromising actress who won’t back down from a role. Perhaps most notably, she turned down the opportunity to play Princess Aurora in Disney’s much-anticipated live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, which went to Broadway legend Angela Lansbury instead. “I love that she has a strong personality and isn’t afraid to express how she feels,” said Ellen of Kristen. “She wants to be in a role that makes a difference and she wants to leave her mark on the world.”
The women behind the famous ‘Wedding of the Year’ share their secrets to looking chic at their big day – from the outfits to the hair and makeup to the details in the wedding party. Find out how they made it look effortless in the video above.