Anna Nicole Smith's Commitment Ceremony

Anna Nicole Smith, 38, and lawyer Howard K. Stern, 37, boarded the 41-ft. catamaran Margaritaville in the early morning hours of Sept. 28 and set sail off the coast of the Bahamas' Paradise Island – and then pledged their love in a commitment ceremony.

During the simple ceremony, Smith and Stern exchanged vows and temporary rings before a Baptist minister and some of the couple's close friends. Although the high-seas ceremony is not legally binding (and no marriage certificate was issued), a source close to the couple tells PEOPLE, the pair "made a commitment before God to be there for one another, to be each other's strength during this difficult time."

After the ceremony, the couple literally took the plunge into the balmy waters off the coast of a nearby island. After guests toasted the couple with champagne and apple cider, the pair celebrated in their own special way – with some fresh Kentucky Fried Chicken, ferried to the wedding party by sailboat.

Because I know what a sad time this is for ANS, I'm gonna refrain from making my usual evil commentary. But I do have to say one thing...KFC? FOR SERIOUS? AWESOME.



She's totally peeing in the water here...



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