Ruben Studdard, who rose to fame as winner of the second season of “American Idol” television show, married Saturday Surata Zuri McCants at the Canterbury United Methodist Church in his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama. The 30-minute ceremony consisted of an exchange of vows, prayers and music performed by a string ensemble.

29-year-old groom, nicknamed the “Velvet Teddy Bear” for his big frame and resonant voice, and the 20 groomsmen at his side wore black Joseph Abboud tuxedos from local outfitter Mr. Burch Formal Wear.

The groomsmen's shirts and vests were black, while Studdard had a white vest and a white bow tie. His 30-year-old bride wore a white and ivory wedding gown. On “American Idol”, Studdard was famous for dressing down in jerseys emblazoned with Birmingham's area code, 205.

Studdard and McCants procured a marriage license at the County Probate Office in Columbiana, Ala., last Monday.
Studdard met McCants in October 2006, when he was autographing CDs at a Wal-Mart in Atlanta.

Amazed by her beauty, he followed her to the store's toy department, and asked for her phone number. The newlyweds plan on living in Alabama as the singer prepares to release a new CD later this year.

The “Velvet Teddy Bear” has released three albums since his 2003 breakthrough, including the platinum CD “Soulful.”
Cristopher Ruben Studdard was born on September 12, 1978 in Frankfurt, Germany while his father was stationed with the U.S. Army, and has a deep musical background – he sings American pop, R&B and gospel.