Rodney King set to marry juror

Rodney King, a victim of police brutality in 1991, is engaged to marry one of the jurors who helped award him $3.8m (£2.5m) in compensation at his civil trial.

Rodney’s brutal beating at the hands of four Los Angeles police officers 19 years ago sparked public outcry and subsequent riots in which more than 50 people died.

King is now set to wed Cynthia Kelley, one of the members of the jury who decided on the settlement amount in the case.

Radar Online magazine said the couple met and shared a pizza after the trial, and later began a relationship. But it did not last long and they separated.

Four months ago Rodney called Cynthia on a whim and the couple got together again. He told the magazine that Cynthia was a “godsend” and that he could not wait to make her his wife.

Fearne Cotton ‘getting hitched’

Fearne Cotton is planning to walk down the aisle with her skater boyfriend, according to reports.

Pro-skater Jesse Jenkins, 24, allegedly went down on bended knee to propose to the Radio 1 presenter on her birthday.

He blindfolded 29-year-old Cotton before taking her to Richmond Park, London, to ask her to marry him.

A friend of the couple told the Sunday People: “It was a big shock for everyone but Fearne is ecstatic. It was the last thing that she expected but she didn’t hesitate to say ‘yes’.”

Cotton is now wearing a diamond sparkler on her engagement finger.

Most weddings in September weekends

People in the UK are in the middle of the most popular wedding time of year, with leading wedding insurer Ecclesiastical naming September 10-12 the second most sought-after weekend for tying the knot.

The figures, calculated based on wedding insurance policies sold this year, indicate the increasing popularity of September weddings in 2010.

Ecclesiastical’s personal lines insurance manager Dave Simms said: “There is a clear shift to Friday weddings and Sundays are increasingly avoided for the big day.

“This, again, is no surprise as having your wedding on a Friday will enable you to prolong the celebrations throughout the weekend and guests can enjoy themselves without having to worry about going to work the following day.”

September 3-4 topped the list of the most popular weekends to get married, while July 17-18 and 24-25 occupy the third and fourth positions. The fifth most popular weekend to tie the knot is September 24-25.

In 2009, July weekends were considered the most popular for getting married.

Actress Amanda Redman ties the knot

TV star Amanda Redman has tied the knot with her long-time boyfriend Damian Schnabel in a ceremony attended by close friends and family.

Amanda, 53, wore a Ritva Westenius wedding gown as she walked down the aisle to marry her partner of 12 years in the grounds of the Maunsel House in Somerset - a 13th-century property.

The marriage of the New Tricks actress was attended by her celebrity friends such as Ray Winstone, who gave a reading, and Sheila Hancock.

Amanda’s daughter Emily Glenister sang at the wedding and was also one of the bridesmaids. She also accompanied her mother and Damian, 38, on their first dance. Emily is also the daughter of actor Robert Glenister - who was Amanda’s first husband.

Other attendees at the ceremony included Celebrity Masterchef winner Lisa Faulkner and Lynda Bellingham.

Katy to go ‘silent’ after wedding

Katy Perry says she and fiance Russell Brand will take their relationship away from media spotlight once they marry.

The couple, who got engaged in January during a trip to India, are currently making plans for their wedding.

Katy said: “We’ve decided that after we get married, we’re not going to talk about our relationship anymore”.

The reason, according to the 25-year-old, is “because it’s like, we’re married, so we’re married”.

However, the I Kissed A Girl singer added: “I think that we understand the general excitement, and we’re two people in love, and people in love like to tell people we are in love.”

Una from The Saturdays spotted wearing a Brides at Work T-Shirt

Pop princess, Una Healy from The Saturdays is supporting the National Wedding Show charity initiative – Brides at Work in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer by sporting the official Diamon’T ‘Brides at Work’ t-shirt.

The limited edition designer t-shirt that holds the distinct ‘Brides at Work’ logo embellished on the front in dazzling diamante, is a truly glitzy item of clothing to wear with pride on the 17^th September in support of this great charity event.

Una, who is a key member of the ever popular girl group The Saturdays tweeted about her new purchase ‘Check out this cool Brides at Work limited edition T-shirt in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer’ and is said to be planning to get involved on September 17^th to raise vital funds and awareness for the charity.

Brides at Work is open to all and we encourage everyone to get involved, no matter when the wedding took place or indeed if it is more of a work in progress or a distant dream…. brides, grooms, bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and maid of honours are all invited to take part. For those who don’t feel quite up to wearing a wedding dress, there are plenty of other options available – so there is no excuse not to get involved! Click here to find out how

To buy your very own Brides at Work T-shirt click here

SAS to sponsor same-sex wedding

Same-sex partners planning to tie the knot may have further reason to celebrate after SAS revealed its luxury package for couples ready to marry in the skies.

The Scandinavian airline - owned by the governments of Denmark, Norway and Sweden will introduce the special package on its Airbus A340 flying between Stockholm and New York on Dec 6.

The couple who win the competition will have their wedding hosted on the Airbus, receive return business class flights with the airline to New York and will be given accommodation at New York’s luxury W Hotel for three nights.

There will also be another wedding reception. The honeymoon will be Los Angeles, in the Andaz West Hollywood hotel where the couple will stay for another three nights.

Robin Kamark, chief commercial officer, SAS, said: “Airlines, including SAS, have organised weddings onboard flights for decades, but we would be the first in the world to organise a same-sex wedding in the air.

“SAS is the national airline of three of the world’s most liberal and progressive countries in the world, especially when it comes to LGBT rights, so we feel this is a natural celebration of love.”

Julio Iglesias marries Dutch model

Singer Julio Iglesias has married the mother of his five children in a private ceremony.

The 66-year-old Spanish vocalist tied the knot with his partner of 20 years, Miranda Rijnsburger, at the Virgen del Carmen church in Marbella on August 24.

Iglesias, who was previously married to Isabel Preyser, announced his second marriage to the 45-year-old Dutch model in a statement to Spanish newspapers.

Two witnesses and the couple’s five children attended the private function, according to Fr Roberto Rojo Aguado - one of three priests present at the ceremony.

Julio has three children with his former wife Isabel.

Miss England Katrina ties the knot

Miss England - Lance Corporal Katrina Hodge has revealed she tied the knot with her soldier fiancé in a secret ceremony in Sri Lanka this June.

The beauty queen soldier, nicknamed Combat Barbie, got married to fiancé Neil - a soldier whose surname cannot be revealed for security reasons.

The 23-year-old, originally from Tunbridge Wells in Kent, wore a “recycled” wedding dress as she tied the knot.

She said: “I’m just pleased my secret is out in the open now.

“I wanted to do my duty as Miss England and even though the wedding was planned, I had to keep it a secret until now because having the Miss England crown meant so much to me.”

She added: “I knew I could still compete in Miss World in South Africa in December as I wasn’t married then. We married secretly in Sri Lanka in June.”

Ms Hodge became Miss England on November 5 and represented England in the 59th Miss World event.

Organisers of the Miss England competition said she would not have to give up her crown because of her marriage.

Angelina Jolie may marry Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who have been together since 2005, may tie the knot some time in the near future, the actress has hinted.

Although the Hollywood couple have not yet decided on exchanging wedding vows, the 35-year-old actress thinks being someone’s wife is a special thing.

They have six children together - Maddox, eight, Zahara, five, Pax, six, Shiloh, four, and two-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne.

Angelina, who was previously married to actors Billy Bob Thornton and Jonny Lee Miller, said: “I do think marriage is a lovely thing as I’ve tried it twice before, but we haven’t felt the need to do it yet. We have already made the greatest commitment of having a family together.”

Talking about her relationship with Brad, the Salt star told new! magazine: “We push each other to be better, even if it’s just a better bike rider or better pilot. We‘re constantly in competition.”

Kasabian gatecrash wedding post gig

Members of Kasabian gatecrashed a wedding as part of their after show celebrations, according to several reports.

The alt rock band, which had just performed at the V Festival in Chelmsford, showed up at a wedding party in another room of their hotel.

They were joined by Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher and drummer Zac Starkey, according to the Sun.

The whole night was spent dancing to songs on Serge Pizzorno’s iPod.

Guitarist Serge said that the band plans to take some time off before starting work on its new album.

He said that the sequel to West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum (2009) would be like a “jukebox”.

Marriage ‘can help reduce stress’

People who are married or in a long-term relationship may be able to cope with stress better than those who are single, new research suggests.

A study by US scientists found that when subject to pressure situations, individuals in committed romantic relationships produce less of the stress hormone cortisol than single people.

The research, published in the journal Stress, involved 500 masters’ degree students who were given a series computer tests after being told the results would have an impact on their career prospects, creating a potentially stressful environment.

Researchers later analysed the participants’ levels of cortisol, which provides a measure of their response to stress.

Study leader and University of Chicago professor Dario Maestripieri said: “What we found is that marriage has a dampening effect on cortisol responses to psychological stress - and that is very new.

“These results suggest single and unpaired individuals are more responsive to psychological stress than married individuals, a finding consistent with a growing body of evidence showing that marriage and social support can buffer against stress.”

Briton in Nepalese gay wedding

A Briton and his Indian partner have tied the knot in Nepal, becoming the first foreign gay couple to get married in the Himalayan nation.

Sanjay Shah, from Leicester, married an Indian man who did not want to be identified, in a ceremony blessed by a Hindu priest.

However, they are not legally married as there is currently no law in Nepal legalising same-sex marriages.

The country’s society generally accepts weddings performed by priests, with very few people living in rural areas registering their marriages with authorities.

Nepal has seen a tremendous improvement in gay rights over the last few years.

Brand-Perry wedding ‘sought after’.

Given the choice, most people would want to be a part of Russell Brand and Katy Perry’s wedding celebrations, a poll has shown.

A survey of 2,000 people by One Poll revealed that more than a quarter (26%) would want invitations to the Brand-Perry wedding more than any other celebrity nuptial parties.

The pair saw off competition from celebrity couples like Prince William and Kate Middleton, who received 13% of nominations, despite the fact they are not even engaged yet.

Brand, 34, originally from Essex, is said to have popped the question to the 25-year-old I Kissed A Girl singer in India on New Year’s Eve, and their wedding is expected to take place later this year.

Wedding co-ordinator Siobhan Craven-Robins said: “The best wedding celebrations don’t have to come with a celebrity price tag but are generally those that reflect the personalities of the couple, so it’s perhaps no surprise to see Russell Brand and Katy Perry at the top of this list.”

Former One Show host Christine Bleakley and Chelsea footballer Frank Lampard were among the ones with the least number of nominations, with only 3% of those polled voting for them.

Hilary Duff weds ice hockey star.

Actress Hilary Duff has tied the knot with her ice hockey star boyfriend Mike Comrie.

The private ceremony took place in San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, California - where John F. Kennedy and his wife spent their honeymoon. Close friends and family attended the wedding.

The Lizzie McGuire star, dressed in a strapless Vera Wang dress with her hair in a bun, and her Edmonton Oilers player groom, dressed in a black tuxedo - walked the aisle and exchanged vows under an arch of white roses.

After the ceremony, Hilary’s sister Haylie, who was the maid of honour, tweeted: “What a special weekend filled with love and beautiful memories.”

Hilary took the help of celebrity wedding planner Mindy Weiss to prepare for the wedding. Mindy’s previous clients include Gwen Stefani, Adam Sandler and Jessica Simpson.

The couple got engaged in Hawaii just a few months back when Mike (29) proposed to Hilary (22) with a ring - speculated to be worth $1million (£641,000). They had been dating for three years before getting married.

Hilary and Mike own a Beverly Hills house believed to be over 5,000 square-feet with five bedrooms, six bathrooms and a private pool.

The couple are now on their honeymoon.

Bookie stops bets on Royal wedding

Leading bookmaker William Hill has stopped taking bets on a 2011 Royal wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton.

The company said it has instead opened a market on which month the pair will tie the knot.

And it will also take bets on the honeymoon destination.

June next year is currently the most likely month for the wedding, at 1/2.

Prices for other months include 3/1 for July, January to May 4/1, August 7/1 and September to December 10/1.

The current favourite in terms of honeymoon destinations is the private island of Mustique in the Caribbean at 4/1.

St Tropez in France is at 11/2, while a Butlins resort in the UK is at 250/1.

Popular holiday resort Magaluf, on the Spanish island of Majorca, is an outside bet at 500/1.

William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams said: “Almost every bet we have taken in the last six months suggests a 2011 wedding and as a result we have decided that the market is no longer viable.

“It is now simply a question of which month and where they are going on honeymoon.”

Prince William ‘to marry Kate’.

Prince William and Kate Middleton are preparing to tie the knot next summer, reports have suggested.

The Daily Star said that the couple, who have been dating for nearly a decade, are ready to get married and will announce their engagement in November.

The glittering ceremony, which will be one of the biggest royal events of the 21st Century, will take place in June, reports said.

The proposed venue for the royal ceremony is St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle with the reception rumoured to be taking place at Buckingham Palace.

The couple, both 28, met in 2001 at the University of St Andrews, Fife, but broke up briefly in 2007.

But the lovebirds reunited shortly after and have been inseparable ever since.

Couples seek cash gifts for wedding

Couples who are getting married are increasingly opting for wedding gifts like cash or vouchers instead of traditional presents such as household goods, a survey has found.

According to the National Wedding Show, the shift is prompted by the fact that many couples in the UK now choose to live together before they get married.

Its survey found 69% of couples would like a gift of cash or vouchers to pay for the wedding itself or a honeymoon trip.

However, asking guests for money to be spent on wedding gifts for the household is still an uncomfortable idea for many. Only 10% of those polled said they would seek a cash donation for the purpose.

A fifth of the people planning to get married said they will use a “gift list” service to avoid ending up with several of the same presents.

The National Wedding Show, the UK’s biggest wedding event, is bringing together big names, including Next, House of Fraser, John Lewis and Debenhams, who provide gift list services, as well as travel companies that offer voucher options.

Hamish Kaumaya from Luxuryholidaysdirect.com said: “We realise that many of our customers are not the ‘toaster and towels gift’ kind of people so we have set up an easy to use online service where guests can contribute to the cost of the wedding package and/or honeymoon.”

Engagement ring recovered from lake

A diamond engagement ring has been returned to its owner after being recovered from the bottom of a lake by a scuba diver.

Sara Stocco, 27, lost the $7,000 (£4,480) ring while she was out boating on Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota, US, with her new fiance Adam Segar, 28.

She watched the ring sink to the bottom of the lake which was crowded with boats and holidaymakers water skiing and fishing.

Sara told a local newspaper: “It was chaotic. I just remember thinking, ‘Oh, my gosh, I just lost my ring that I’ve had a little over a month’.”

Denny Geffre, who has been scouring the lake for more than 40 years looking for gems and treasures, was called in to help retrieve the lost ring.

Armed with a metal detector, he spent three days combing the lake before the jewel was found buried in three inches of sand at the bottom of the lake. The veteran scuba diver was handed a $750 (£480) reward for his efforts.

Robbie Williams marries Ayda Field

Pop star Robbie Williams has married actress Ayda Field at his Beverly Hills mansion in a ceremony attended by family and friends.

Although the pair tried to keep details of the big day out of the public eye following a deal with Hello! magazine for the wedding photos, airborne photographers managed to take a few photos of Williams, 36, and his bride.

The singer was spotted wearing a black tuxedo, while his 31-year-old bride wore a white layered dress with her hair pinned up.

Confirming that the wedding took place on Saturday, Williams’s spokesman said in a statement: “Robbie Williams and Ayda Field were married yesterday, August 7, in a ceremony held in the grounds of the home they share in Los Angeles.”

His father Pete Conway said: “At last, Rob is happy. That’s what you want for your kids and this is the happiest I’ve seen him.

“Ayda is so beautiful and delightful and so lovely and just so right for him. They are brilliant together.”

The singer’s Take That bandmates - whom he rejoined last month - are not thought to have attended the ceremony. Instead they reportedly sent a series of messages to be read out.

Robbie Williams to wed US actress

Pop star Robbie Williams is to marry his American girlfriend actress Ayda Field, it has been reported.

The duo will tie the knot on the island of Santa Catalina, 20 miles off the California coast, according to The Sun.

The guest list for the wedding is short, and among those attending are the singer’s parents and friend Jonathan Wilkes.

After the nuptial ceremony, Los Angeles-based Williams, 36, and Field, 31, who have been together for more than three years since meeting through friends, will reportedly go off on a two-week honeymoon.

The news of the wedding comes just weeks after it was learnt that Williams has reunited with his former band Take That, which has been secretly recording a new album to be released in November.

The band-mates are reportedly not attending the “intimate” ceremony.

Stuntman Eddie Kidd ties the knot

Eddie Kidd raised himself out of a wheelchair to walk down the aisle for his wedding to former model and actress Samantha Kirli.

Eighties stuntman Eddie, 51, who was seriously injured and left partially paralysed 14 years ago after an accident during the shooting of the 1996 film Bulldog Bash, was helped by best man, ex-wrestler Tony “Banger” Walsh.

The bride and groom were overcome with tears at the emotional ceremony.

Speaking through a voice box, Eddie told Hello! magazine: “Sam is very good looking, very sexy and a very good person.

“I wish I’d married her earlier.”

The couple met in the 80s when Eddie was a leading stuntman and body double for Hollywood stars such as Michael Douglas and Harrison Ford. They were reunited a few years ago.

Describing Eddie as the “love of my life”, Samantha, 41, confessed that it was difficult to deal with his disabilities.

“There have been lots of ups and downs. I find it quite hard sometimes when I see him struggling,” she said.

“There have been times when I’ve had to walk out of the room and stop myself from bursting into tears, telling myself: ‘Just be strong’.”

Actor Ray Winstone and spoon bender Uri Geller were among those present at the ceremony.

Kirsty shares wedding dress tale

Kirsty Gallacher has spoken of her search for the stunning wedding dress she wore as she tied the knot with London Welsh rugby player Paul Sampson in Spain.

The Sky Sports presenter said she consulted designer Suzanne Neville while still pregnant with her second son Jude.

She told Hello! Magazine: “Because I didn’t put on an awful lot of weight when I was expecting, she could see what my figure was like.

“When I went back in March, she’d put aside a few designs that she thought would be perfect for me and, would you believe it, the first dress she’d put aside was the one I ended up wearing.”

The 34-year-old got married in a small family ceremony to her partner of nine years - six months after giving birth to her second child. The couple also has a three-year-old son, Oscar.

Paul said: “Someone said to me that it feels no different after marriage. But the bond Kirsty and I have is definitely stronger now, which feels amazing after nine years. Slightly unexpected, but a wonderful feeling.”

Opting out of a “traditional white wedding at home” the couple married in the historic town of Arcos de la Frontera in the San Pedro Cathedral.

Chelsea Clinton weds Marc Mezvinsky

Chelsea Clinton has married investment banker Marc Mezvinsky Astor Courts, at a historic estate in Rhinebeck, New York, in a ceremony attended by hundreds of guests.

Announcing their daughter’s wedding, former US president Bill Clinton and US State Secretary Hillary Clinton said in a statement: “We could not have asked for a more perfect day to celebrate the beginning of their life together, and we are so happy to welcome Marc into our family.

“On behalf of the newlyweds, we want to give special thanks to the people of Rhinebeck for welcoming us and to everyone for their well-wishes on this special day.”

The bride, wearing a strapless white gown with a full skirt and silver beading around the waist, was escorted down the aisle by her father.

Chelsea and Marc, son of former US Representatives Marjorie Margolies-Mezvinsky of Pennsylvania and Ed Mezvinsky of Iowa, were friends as teenagers in Washington, and both attended Stanford University.

Actors Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen, fashion designer Vera Wang, Madeleine Albright, who was secretary of state during Bill Clinton’s second term as president, and Terry McAuliffe, former Democratic National Committee chairman were among the celebrities who attended the wedding.

Ozzy offers wedding package to fans

Romantic Ozzfest fans looking for a unique way to tie the knot can now make their special day even more memorable with a new ticket package offered by Ozzy Osbourne.

The Unholy Matrimony Package, available at this summer’s rock festival, provides everything a wedding couple will need - except a marriage licence.

The special package includes 10 general admission pit tickets for the bride and groom and eight guests, an official Ozzfest wedding ceremony by ordained minister MC Big Dave, and an Ozzfest cake and champagne toast.

All guests will also be provided early entry into the venue with an exclusive pre-show backstage tour hosted by Big Dave, access to the Ozzfest VIP lounge and much more.

In addition, each lucky couple will be given a special wedding gift from the Unholy Matrimony bridal registry, supplied by the event sponsors.

The package options have already been sold for the California, Connecticut and New Jersey shows.

This year’s Ozzfest, which is to begin in the US next month, features full sets from Ozzy, Motley Crue, Rob Halford, DevilDriver, Nonpoint, Black Label Society and Drowning Pool.

Rhinebeck ready for Clinton wedding

Rhinebeck, the picturesque upstate New York town, is gearing up for Chelsea Clinton’s wedding to investment banker Marc Mezvinsky this weekend.

Although details of the ceremony on Saturday are still under wraps and there is no confirmation yet from the Clinton family that Rhinebeck is to host the wedding, it is already abuzz with activity.

Local businesses, residents and officials are expecting hordes of celebrity guests, media crews and onlookers to descend on the little Hudson Valley town. Shop windows are already carrying signs congratulating the former first daughter.

The ceremony is expected to take place at Astor Courts - a secluded 50-acre estate overlooking the Hudson river. The historic mansion in Beaux Arts style was built more than a century ago for John Jacob Astor IV.

It is about 90 miles north of New York City and more than an hour from the home of Chelsea’s parents, former US president Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in suburban Chappaqua.

Sienna ‘wishes for country wedding’

Hollywood stars Sienna Miller and Jude Law are still undecided about where to get married, after reuniting nine months ago.

While the British actor is keen to have an ‘intimate marriage’, the 28-year-old Factory Girl star reportedly has her heart set on a big ceremony in the English countryside, according to Contactmusic.

A source said: “They are very happy and want to get married. But they are still undecided about where to tie the knot. She loves the idea of an English country wedding, but Jude wants as much privacy as possible and thinks a small wedding abroad would be better.”

Sienna was reportedly spotted walking around Vaudelnay in the Loire Valley - where Jude’s parents live - with a wedding file.

The pair ended their relationship in 2005 after it was revealed that Jude was having an affair with his children’s nanny Daisy Wright, but reunited nine months ago.

Cancer patient plans dream wedding

A 22-year-old woman from Plymouth, with only months to live after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, is to marry her boyfriend in the fairytale wedding she has always dreamed of.

Kirsty Ferris was diagnosed with cancer in December, just seven months after her father John died of prostate cancer at the age of 56.

Doctors said she had probably had renal cell cancer for about two years, and that it had spread to her lower back and lymph glands.

She was proposed to by her boyfriend Richard Bare within minutes of the diagnosis outside the hospital.

With doctors giving Ms Ferris just months to live, the couple have decided to tie the knot and make the most of the time left.

City hotel owner Joseph Louei has agreed to help make her dream come true, by making arrangements to stage the couple’s wedding at Astor Hotel for free.

Mr Louei said they were a lovely couple and their wedding this week would be all Miss Ferris had dreamed of.

“If you are sat in front of a 22-year-old girl saying she was going to die soon, what would you do?,” he said.

“She came to me and I am honoured. Life is very, very short.”

He added: “She is going to have the best wedding I have ever done.

“She is going to get what she has been dreaming for since she was a child.

“She told me she always wanted to be a fairytale-style bride. She is going to get more than that.”

Miss Ferris told the Plymouth Herald newspaper: “I haven’t any children and I haven’t achieved that much in my life but the one thing I’ve wanted to achieve since I was a little girl was to get married.”

Orlando Bloom marries Miranda Kerr

British actor Orlando Bloom has tied the knot with Australian model Miranda Kerr, it has been revealed.

Australian department store David Jones, which employs Miranda as a fashion ambassador, said she is on honeymoon with 33-year-old Orlando, who starred in Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean.

News of the wedding slipped out after David Jones said the 27-year-old model would not attend a spring season launch on August 3.

David Jones spokeswoman Colette Garnsey said in a statement: “Given the exiting news that Miranda and Orlando have recently wed and will be enjoying their honeymoon together, Miranda will not be with us [for the launch].”

However, the statement did not reveal where or when the couple got married.

Miranda said she would continue to work for the store.

She said in the statement: “I am enormously grateful to David Jones to have been given this time to enjoy such a special moment of my life.

“I look forward to coming back to Australia in the near future to celebrate with family and friends.”

Clinton wedding ‘venue’ off market

Rumours that a luxurious 50-acre riverfront estate in New York is the venue for Chelsea Clinton’s wedding this month have gathered strength after its removal from the sales market.

Unconfirmed reports have said the former first daughter is to tie the knot with investment banker Marc Mezvinsky on July 31 at Astor Courts, a Beaux-Arts mansion in Rhinebeck, overlooking the Hudson river.

The property, which was put on the market in October last year with an asking price of $12 million, was taken off the Mid-Hudson Multiple Listing Service earlier this month.

A real estate agent in Rhinebeck said if the wedding was actually going to be held there “they wouldn’t want to show it during this period”.

Astor Courts was built between 1902 and 1904 for John Jacob Astor IV who died on the Titanic. The estate’s current owner. Kathleen Hammer, is reportedly a supporter of the Clintons and a campaign donor.

Get involved in ‘Brides at Work’

Diamon’T are thrilled to be the official suppliers of the ‘Brides at Work’ T-shirts in association with The National Wedding Show who launched a new exciting charity initiative – Brides at Work in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

The official ‘Brides at work’ limited edition designer T-shirt is embellished in dazzling diamante rhinestones and is a truly glitzy item of clothing to wear with pride on the 17th September in support of this great new charity event. Available in both black and white and in a range of sizes to suit all shapes, sizes and age ranges so everyone can get involved!

In support of Brides at Work, My Big Day International Ltd who distributes Diamon’T, will donate a generous 10% from every ‘Brides at Work’ T-shirt purchased, available for just £9.99. So, not only will you look super sexy and stylish in one of these fab T-shirts but you will also be helping a worthwhile charity at the same time!

Order yours NOW by clicking here to ensure you have your T-shirt ready to wear to work, school, around the house, to the gym on the 17th September and join the 100’s of others who will be supporting the Brides at Work day!

Brides at Work Day is open to all and will take place on Friday the 17th of September. We want everyone to get involved, no matter when the wedding took place or indeed if it is more of a work in progress…. brides, grooms, bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and maid of honours all are invited to take part. For those who don’t feel quite up to wearing their wedding dress, simply don’t have one or can’t disclose it yet, they can participate by wearing a tiara, with or without the veil for the day or generally dressing up as a part of a wedding party - it is the taking part that counts.

How You Can Get Involved

It is easy to raise vital funds for Breakthrough Breast Cancer by getting involved. You can;

Take part in Brides at Work yourself – if you fancy donning your wedding dress and showing your big day look to your colleagues for charity, sign up and get sponsored
Rally up your staff and friends – why not take the pressure off and dress up and travel into work together as a group and make a real day of it
Go one step further and organise an office wedding party, list the key players, bride, groom, bridesmaid, mother of the bride/groom, flower girl etc… and draw the roles from a hat. Could create some interesting brides! Sign up click here and get sponsored by all those who work for and with you!
Organise a mini wedding cake themed sale in the office – cupcakes always go down a treat
Ask everyone in your office where they went on their honeymoon and ask people to pay £1 to match each person to their honeymoon destination. You could get a prize for most correct answers.
Whatever your fundraising activity, however you get involved - sign up now for your registration pack now by visitingwww.breakthrough.org.uk/bridesatwork

Over 46,000 women are diagnosed with Breast Cancer every year in the UK; Breakthrough Breast Cancer is a pioneering charity dedicated to saving lives and changing futures through research, campaigning and education – removing the fear of breast cancer for good; we would love for you to be a part of Brides at Work in association with The National Wedding Show– to help beat this disease.

Did you spot the National Wedding show debut in Eastenders last night?

The National Wedding Show was delighted to have a starring role in Eastenders last night! It seems Ronnie Mitchell sees the show as an essential visit in the run up to her wedding. Click the link to see for yourself: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00t4jsj/EastEnders_19_07_2010/

Ronan and Yvonne to renew vows?

Rumours that Boyzone star Ronan Keating and his estranged wife Yvonne are to renew their wedding vows have come as a surprise to their friends.

Sources close to the couple said they are not aware of any plans by the pair to reunite after their split over Ronan’s seven-month affair with Boyzone backing dancer Francine Cornell.

A friend said: “I would be very surprised if that story is true.

“We would all be delighted if it was true - but we haven’t heard anything.”

Ronan, 33, and former model Yvonne, 36, announced their separation in May after 12 years of marriage. They have three children - Jack, 11, Marie, nine and Ali, four.

But speculation that the pair may be getting back together mounted after Yvonne flew to Sydney to join Ronan as he returned as a judge on the Australian version of X Factor.

It was claimed that they are hoping to rescue their marriage by exchanging vows for a third time.

Sol Campbell weds Fiona Barratt

Former England footballer Sol Campbell has tied the knot with interior designer Fiona Barratt at St Andrew’s Church in Corbridge, Northumberland.

Chelsea defender Ashley Cole, who separated from wife Cheryl Cole in February after allegations of infidelity, turned up alone at the country wedding, wearing an open-necked white shirt and smart trousers.

The 29-year-old footballer looked relaxed and happy as he chatted with guests at the 8th-century church. Other guests included his Three Lions teammate Rio Ferdinand, TV chef Ainsley Harriott and former Manchester United striker Andrew Cole.

The church was decorated with white flowers for the wedding, and the newlyweds were showered with confetti as they walked to a waiting Rolls-Royce limousine in bright sunshine.

Ms Barratt, 29, is the granddaughter of building tycoon Sir Lawrie Barratt and is also a property developer. She has been dating the 35-year-old former Arsenal defender for four years.

Penelope Cruz weds Javier Bardem

Actress Penelope Cruz has tied the knot with her boyfriend Javier Bardem in an intimate ceremony in the Bahamas, it has been revealed.

According to Cruz’s representative Amanda Silverman, the Spanish stars exchanged wedding vows at a friend’s house at the beginning of this month.

The ceremony was attended by close family members. The 36-year-old actress wore a “stunning” dress created by fashion designer John Galliano.

The couple, who started dating in 2007, appeared together in Woody Allen’s romantic comedy Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Cruz won a supporting actress Oscar for the 2008 film.

In 2007, the 41-year-old actor won an Oscar for the crime thriller No Country for Old Men.

Church relaxes wedding venue rules

Members of the Church of England have backed plans to give couples greater choice over which church they want to get married in.

A new law giving couples a greater choice of churches outside the one they have a “qualifying connection” to has been backed by members of the General Synod, the national assembly of the Church of England.

If the plans come to pass, clergy will not be required to apply for a special licence allowing couples to marry in another church within the same parish.

The Church has made the move in response to the growing popularity of secular locations such as hotels which have begun to encroach on the church’s dominance as the ideal place to get married.

The Ven Jan McFarlane, Archdeacon of Norwich, said the Church was losing people because “they have 101 other places to go”.

The Rt Rev John Packer, Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, said the plans would help clergy “create the right ambience” for couples on their big day.

“It is always surprising how many people want to get married in churches at the ends of muddy lanes surrounded by cows, a warmer church, or at time like this, a cooler church, churches which fit the occasion and where the parish priest can work with a couple and their family to create the right ambience for the wedding to take place,” he said.

Couple tie knot despite gunman hunt

Almost every wedding day throws up little hitches that have to be overcome. However one Northumberland couple had to contend with an armed manhunt in order to tie the knot.

Claudine Auckland, 31, and Lee Charleton, 32, had put almost two years of meticulous planning into their big day in Rothbury, only to see it thrown into doubt when the town became the focus of the police hunt for fugitive Raoul Moat.

Mrs Charleton, who teaches at a local middle school, said: “With two days to go I was frightened that the wedding wouldn’t go ahead. I’m a teacher in the town and the schools were under lock down on Monday with the doors locked and the windows and blinds closed.

“However, we’ve been able to go ahead.”

The wedding and reception took place at the Coquetvale Hotel - just a few hundred yards from where Moat was eventually cornered by the police.

Owner and manager Chris Greaves admitted a police order to lock down the venue from 7.30pm had been “a bit of a problem”, but added the 140 guests were still able to enjoy the day.

He said: “The biggest problem has been the hog roast - we had to cook it outside then carry the whole thing in. There’s not much of it left.”

Dragon cries on daughter’s big day

Formidable Dragon’s Den star Duncan Bannatyne showed a softer side as his eldest daughter tied the knot with her rugby player husband.

The Scottish multi-millionaire, known for his intimidating ways on the BBC2 show, was himself reduced to tears as his daughter Abigail married Anthony Elliott.

Bannatyne was forced to dab his eyes during the ceremony at the French chateau, which features in the new edition of Hello! magazine.

Abigail, 26, told the magazine: “The first time he saw me in my white wedding dress, there were tears in his eyes.”

The Dragon admitted that the day got the better of his emotions. He said: “I did shed a tear, but it was a very small one. I kept thinking about what she was like when she was a little girl.

“She was strong-willed and determined, just like me. We’ve always been close.”

The self-made tycoon, famed for his no-nonsense approach in the Den, grew up on a council estate in Clydebank, near Glasgow.

He now owns a villa in the south of France, close to where he gave his daughter away at the medieval Chateau De La Napoule.

Around 200 guests attended the wedding, including Family Fortunes star Vernon Kay, who DJ-ed at the reception and Deal Or No Deal host Noel Edmonds and his wife Liz, who owns a home not far from Bannatyne and has become friends with him and his wife Joanne.

“We often visit each other when we’re all down there,” the Dragon said.

But the Dragon clearly lived up to his Den reputation when it came to disapproving of previous boyfriends as Abigail said she was worried about bringing her new husband home to meet the parents.

“I thought it could go hellishly wrong, but Dad loved him. It was the first time he didn’t take me to one side to express reservations about a boyfriend,” she said.

Married Scottish couples happiest

The happiest married couples can be found in Scotland, a survey has revealed.

An average of 70% of the 993 couples questioned said they were happily married, the survey showed.

The Scots topped the survey with 78% of the couples asked admitting they were happier after settling down together.

Married couples in the Midlands were the second happiest after saying “I do” with 73%, the South East followed with 70%, Northern England with 64% and Wales with 67%.

The results were found in an eHarmony.co.uk survey of 1,240 people in the UK, including 145 who were divorced, 72 that were widowed and 30 who were separated.

Dr Gian Gonzaga, relationship scientist for eHarmony.co.uk, said: “Good communication is critical and if a couple fosters shared interests, common goals and values it can help both spouses understand each other better.”

Of the people who were no longer together 45% said that they would have liked to have discovered their partner’s bad habits before getting married.

Around 44% said they would like to have realised the value of constant communication before saying “I do”, and 40% said they wished they had learned the importance of compromise.

Brian O’Driscoll weds Amy Huberman

Irish Rugby captain Brian O’Driscoll has tied the knot with actress Amy Huberman in a country church, surrounded by cheering fans.

People waited for hours to witness Ireland’s society wedding of the year in St Joseph’s Church in Aughavas.

The bride arrived in a white Bentley with a Garda escort. She wore an off-white, strapless dress with a half veil by designer Stephanie Allin.

Huberman, who was accompanied by four bridesmaids, beamed for photos clutching a pink bouquet.

Meanwhile, the groom sported a dark Louis Copeland suit, grey waistcoat and champagne-coloured tie, as he shook hands with locals and posed for photographs.

Some of the top stars of Irish rugby who attended the wedding included Shane Horgan, Gordon D’Arcy, Denis Hickey, Luke Fitzgerald, Donncha O’Callaghan, Paul O’Connell and Victor Costello.

Brendan Cole waltzes up the aisle

Brendan Cole, one of the stars of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, has tied the knot with his girlfriend Zoe Hobbs.

The 34-year-old professional dancer and the 29-year-old model posed for wedding pictures at the Nether Winchendon House in Buckinghamshire with guests including Strictly host Bruce Forsyth and dancer Anton Du Beke.

Zoe, who wore a Peter Langner gown as she walked down the aisle, told Hello magazine that it was ‘the most perfect wedding day either of us could have wished for.’

The couple met a few years ago at a birthday party for mutual friend Rick Parfitt Jnr.

Recalling the moment he first saw Zoe, New Zealand-born Brendan said ‘She walked across, said hello and I nearly fell over. I literally stopped in my tracks.’

‘From that day on, I thought about nothing else,’ he added.

Other guests who posed for photographs with the newlyweds included Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood, dancer Erin Boag and Jo Wood, one of Brendan’s dancing partners on the show.

Katie Price has wedding blessed

Katie Price and Alex Reid have had their marriage blessed at a church ceremony in Surrey.

The lavish event at St Paul’s Church in Woldingham, attended by family and friends, was in contrast to their private and low-key wedding in Las Vegas in February.

The 32-year-old glamour girl arrived at the church in a replica A-Team van after guests were ferried there by Range Rovers and a coach carrying a banner reading: “Congratulations Katie and Alex”.

However, her arrival was marred by scuffles that broke out between waiting photographers and bouncers.

The press was kept away and it is understood there was no magazine deal for the ceremony which is set to feature in a three-part television series called Katie & Alex: For Better, For Worse, to be screened later this summer on ITV2.

Guests were shielded from waiting photographers using sheets and umbrellas. They were reportedly not allowed to take their mobile phones in and asked to sign confidentiality agreements.

After the ceremony the couple were taken to the village to Katie’s former marital home with Peter Andre where a huge marquee had been erected for the party. A decoy marquee was also put up at her other home in West Sussex.

Women ‘would wear jeans to wedding’

Nearly seven out of 10 women would be happy to wear designer jeans to a formal wedding, according to a new survey.

The growing popularity of denim as a fashionable attire for most occasions was indicated by the poll which found 88% of women would wear jeans to the theatre and 78% to an up-market restaurant.

Only 10% of women said they thought jeans was an unsuitable attire for a wedding, while 21% were undecided.

However, a majority of women are still reluctant to dress up for a job interview or attend a funeral in designer denim.

According to Sally Allen of Wizard Jeans, which conducted the survey, jeans have evolved over the last 50 years from workwear and casual clothing to fashionable formal wear for “virtually all occasions”.

“But it seems that some still hesitate to wear them for job interviews and, perhaps unsurprisingly, to funerals where they are undoubtedly seen as too frivolous and flippant,” she added.

Megan Fox weds Brian Austin Green

Megan Fox has married her longtime boyfriend Brian Austin Green in Hawaii, the actress’ publicist has confirmed.

The publicist Dominique Appel said the couple - who have been dating for several years - was “happily married”.

The 24-year-old actress tied the knot with Beverly Hills 90210 star Green, 36, after announcing their engagement earlier this month for the second time.

They were previously engaged in 2006, but called it off in 2009. It is the first marriage for both.

Megan’s film credits include Transformers and Jonah Hex, which opened earlier this month.

TV’s Eamonn and Ruth tie the knot

Long-time companions Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford have married at a star-studded ceremony in Hampshire.

The couple, who co-host ITV1’s This Morning show, tied the knot at the Elvetham Hotel in front of family and friends.

They have been together for 13 years now and have an eight-year-old son Jack.

In an interview with Hello! magazine, Eamonn and Ruth likened their “passionate” relationship to that of Hollywood stars Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

Sky News Sunrise host Eamonn, 50, said: “Ruth was the missing jigsaw piece in my life. I was meant to be married.

“She’s a wonderful mummy to Jack, a fantastic partner both personally and professionally and now, I’m proud to say, she’s my beautiful wife.”

Ruth, also 50, added: “Our relationship is very passionate. We’re like Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Although we bicker and argue, ultimately our love for each other and the bond we share is so strong.”

The guest list at the wedding included Royle Family star Sue Johnston, TV presenters Gloria Hunniford, Amanda Lamb and Jeremy Kyle, EastEnders actress Zoe Lucker and former champion boxer Barry McGuigan.

Guests ‘cut spending on newlyweds’

The average amount spent on gifts for newlyweds has fallen to £28.26, compared with £42.91 in 2008, with guests slashing their spending by a third according to research.

The figure, however, suggests a slight rise in generosity this year compared with last year when the average spend was £26.71 per wedding gift, according to a study by Moneysupermarket Vouchers.

The research found that Yorkshire guests spend the least, shelling out £23.15, up from £19.08 last year, while Scottish people are the most generous, paying £40.48 for their gifts.

Londoners come in second place, spending an average of £30.78.

The study of 3,000 UK adults, conducted earlier this month by OnePoll, also found that the older generation tends to spend the most, with the over-55s shelling out more than £40 on presents, while the 18 to 24-year-olds can only afford £24.

Low key wedding for Piers and Celia

Britain’s Got Talent judge Piers Morgan has wed journalist Celia Walden in a low-key ceremony.

Morgan, who has previously spoken of plans for a small wedding rather than a lavish, celebrity-packed affair, reportedly tied the knot at a church in Swinbrook, Oxfordshire yesterday before celebrating at a nearby pub.

Walden wore a headband of white flowers and a simple, full-length dress.

Morgan’s TV judge colleague Amanda Holden sent her good wishes to the happy couple.

She wrote on Twitter on her official website yesterday: “Piers got married today!!

“I could not be happier for my lovely friend!! Celia his wife is fabulous!

“Big party for us lot very soon xx”

Morgan’s agent’s office declined to issue any further comment on the newspaper editor turned TV presenter’s wedding.

Prince Albert of Monaco set to wed

Prince Albert of Monaco has announced his engagement to long-time girlfriend and South African Olympic swimmer Charlene Wittstock.

A statement from the royal palace ended months of speculation that Albert, 52 and Ms Wittstock, 32, were preparing to marry.

The couple met in 2000 when Ms Wittstock came to Monaco for a swimming competition. A former schoolteacher, she moved to the Mediterranean principality in 2006.

Albert is the son of Prince Rainier III and Hollywood star Grace Kelly. He was enthroned as the ruler of the principality following his father’s death in 2005.

Monaco will see the first marriage of a reigning prince since the wedding of Albert’s parents in 1956.

No date has been set for the wedding, but a spokeswoman for the royal palace said according to protocol the couple must wait at least six months after announcement of the engagement to tie the knot.

Pair spend honeymoon at bike event

A loving new bride had no qualms about giving up a romantic honeymoon to watch her biking-enthusiast husband take part in a 24-hour endurance event.

Newly-weds Nigel Moore, 47, and Alison, 49, headed off straight for the Original Source Mountain Mayhem event at Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire, after tying the knot in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire.

Alison, from Biddulph, Staffs, said she was only too happy to spend the wedding night in a tent.

“It’s been an absolutely fabulous weekend and one we will always remember,” she said. “Some people may think I’m crazy to allow my wedding to be taken over by a mountain bike event, but I know it’s Nigel’s passion and I just wanted to support him.”

Mr Moore, who has competed in the event for the past seven years, added: “We had to bring the wedding forward as a relative is seriously ill.

“I’d resigned myself to not being able to take part this year, but then Alison insisted I must go ahead as she knew how much it meant to me. I’m a very lucky man!”

Couples ‘borrowing for big day’

More than a quarter of couples who get married now have to borrow money to pay for all or some of their wedding costs, a new survey has revealed.

A total of 28% of couples needed to get a loan to cover the costs of their big day, the poll for lovemoney.com found. The tradition of the father of the bride footing the bill is changing as well as only 4% of parents have paid for the full cost of a wedding since 2005.

Very few people start putting aside for their wedding day years before - the research found 89% of single people don’t start a marriage savings plan until they meet their partner while more than half (57%) only think about it after getting engaged.

Ed Bowsher, head of consumer finance at lovemoney.com, said: “People are reluctant to begin saving for a wedding that may never happen. But preparing for one of life’s major events makes financial sense. Otherwise you could start your married life lumbered with a chunky debt that will take years to pay off.”

Royal wedding guest list published

The guest list for the wedding of Swedish Crown Princess Victoria has been published by the royal court.

Dignitaries on the list include The Earl and Countess of Wessex, Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito, King Juan Carlos of Spain and Jordan’s King Abdullah II.

Belgium’s King Albert II, Queen Beatrix of Holland, and royal families and presidents from neighbouring Nordic countries have also been invited to the wedding at Stockholm Cathedral.

Over 950 guests are expected at the ceremony on Saturday as Victoria - daughter of King Carl XVI Gustaf and first in line to the throne - marries personal trainer Daniel Westling.

Ford and Flockhart tie the knot

A US state governor has married Hollywood bigwigs Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart at his mansion.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson said the couple, who got engaged last year, celebrated their wedding at the mansion in Santa Fe.

Calista’s publicist Ina Treciokas confirmed that the Indiana Jones hero and the Ally McBeal star are now married.

The governor presided over the ceremony at his home, which is located on a hilltop along the northern edge of the City Different.

Since he is not a minister, Mr Richardson called on New Mexico Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Daniels to make Harrison and Calista’s union official.

Keeping mum about the details of the wedding ceremony, the governor and staff at his home simply said it was a “private matter”.

Alanis Morrissette marries Souleye

Canadian singer and songwriter Alanis Morrissette is on seventh heaven after getting married to rapper MC Souleye.

The couple tied the knot in secret at her home in Los Angeles, Alanis announced through her Twitter and Facebook accounts.

The 36-year-old wrote: “Hi guys! So happy to share with you that my man Souleye and I got married. We’re very excited to embark on this journey with each other.”

The news was confirmed by her agent.

The Hand In My Pocket singer was seen showing off her honeymoon tan as she visited a friend in the city, with her golden wedding ring glowing as much as her cheeks.

Alanis and Boston-born Souleye - whose real name is Mario Treadway - met seven months ago when she was undergoing a break-up with environmental lawyer Tom Ballanco, her boyfriend of two years.

The Canadian has also been involved with actor Ryan Reynolds, who is now married to actress Scarlett Johansson.

Souleye, who is currently working on an album, has played around the world, including at South By South West and Coachella.

Kym Marsh postpones wedding plans

Work commitments have led Coronation Street star Kym Marsh to postpone her plans of marrying Jamie Lomas.

The couple had planned to wed in December, but Corrie’s 50th birthday celebrations seem to have come in the way of their big day.

The former Hear’Say singer said: “The wedding was going to taking place during the same week as Coronation Street’s 50th birthday celebrations, which would have meant I’d have been very busy.

“I didn’t want to be distracted from either the preparations for our big day or from work related to Corrie’s 50th.”

Former Hollyoaks star Jamie is also busy around New Year time, Kym said.

“Jamie has got the chance to fly out to LA in January for pilot season, where TV execs are trying out new shows.

“It’s a great opportunity for him but it would have meant that if we did get married in December, we wouldn’t have a chance for a honeymoon.”

The couple plan to decide on a wedding date after Jamie is back from his US trip.

Kym added: “All we know is we’re very much in love and are looking forward to the day when we finally do get married.”

Former Blue Peter host Huq engaged

TV presenter Konnie Huq has a ring on her finger, courtesy of Screenwipe creator and writer Charlie Brooker.

The couple have been dating for several months and the relationship is said to have grown deeper since Konnie appeared on Charlie’s BBC4 series last year.

Her spokeswoman said: “I can confirm they are engaged.”

The former Blue Peter host is currently filming for ITV2’s The Xtra Factor, which she will host this year.

Amongst other projects, Charlie also presents Channel 4 series You Have Been Watching.

Earlier this year, Konnie hinted at a long-term relationship during an interview, revealing she was seeing a TV screenwriter named Charlie.

“He’s definitely a keeper and I’m very happy,” she said. “Is he ‘the one?’ Yes, but then I say that about everyone I date. Two weeks later, I’ve changed my mind.

“I do want to get married and have at least three babies, but I know I need to get a move on. While I was in Blue Peter, my life was on hold and suddenly I’m in my 30s.

“But I will get married. To Charlie? Maybe. We mustn’t jinx things though,” she added.

The Cambridge-educated 34-year-old dated Radio 5 Live presenter Richard Bacon for many years.

Gemma Arteton’s Spanish wedding

Bond girl Gemma Arteton has tied the knot with fiance Stefano Catelli in Spain, it has been reported.

The wedding is said to have taken place at the idyllic setting of Zuheros village in Andalucia.

Gemma’s publicist has not yet confirmed the marriage.

The Quantum of Solace star looked stunning in a cream wedding gown, with her hair tied behind in a chignon with a long veil pinned to the back.

The couple looked happy and were pictured embracing and kissing after the ceremony.

Gemma and Stefano, an Italian sales manager, became engaged last year after he proposed at the Download music festival in the UK.

Marriage law reform ‘too expensive’

Marriage laws which record the details of the fathers of the bride and groom but not the mothers will remain in place due to the estimated £1.5 million cost of reform.

Although the current arrangement “does not meet present-day needs”, the bill for changing it and issuing new marriage registers would be too high, Home Office Minister Baroness Neville-Jones said.

In a written reply to Liberal Democrat peer Lord Lester of Herne Hill, she said the cost would be “expenditure not justified in the current circumstances” while the Government attempts to reduce the UK’s record £156 billion annual deficit.

Party spokesman for women and equality Lord Lester had asked why the names and occupations of fathers but not mothers were included in a marriage licence application.

Baroness Neville-Jones replied: “The requirement to include the fathers’ details is historic. We would accept that the provision does not meet present-day needs; however, to amend the present situation would require legislative change.

“In addition, any change in the format of marriage registers would necessitate the closure of those currently in use and the issue of new registers, not only to registrars but also to the clergy of the Church of England and Church in Wales, to authorised persons of other religious buildings registered for marriages, registering officers of the Society of Friends and secretaries of synagogues.

“This is an exercise that would amount to some 55,000 registers being replaced at an estimated cost of £1.5 million, expenditure not justified in current circumstances.”

Lopez and Anthony ‘renew vows’

In front of friends including Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, celebrity couple Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony renewed their marital vows during a house-warming party, it has been reported.

On their sixth wedding anniversary on Saturday, the couple renewed their nuptials at their new home in the Hidden Hills, California.

A celebrity source said: “They wanted to celebrate their new home and their sixth anniversary by renewing their vows. They’re excited about their new life together as a family in California and wanted to kick it off with a great party.”

As well as Brad and Angelina, the 200 guests included Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.

The source added: “Jen is very excited about sharing her special night with her family and friends. The party will be spectacular. Guests will enjoy dancing until the morning hours.”

Singer and actor Anthony, 41, recently joked: “We realised the bets in Vegas on whether we’d make it stopped at five years, so we’re really looking forward to this one. This is a big anniversary.”

Corrie star to wed long-term love

Coronation Street actress Beverley Callard has announced she is now engaged to long-term partner Jon McEwan.

The star, better known as Liz McDonald, said McEwan had brought her back from the brink of despair when she was battling depression.

She told the Mirror: “I can’t keep it secret any longer. Jon and I are getting married.”

“I am so in love, and so ecstatic to be engaged. Jon and I just fit. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him. It sounds dramatic but, but he definitely saved my life.”

Callard, who has had three previous marriages, said the latest one would be “massive”, with 18 bridesmaids, including Denise Welch, Coleen Nolan, Kym Marsh and Katherine Kelly, planned.

“They’re going to wear little black dresses and look stunning,” she said.

“I might even wear white. There will be nothing subtle about our do. We’ll have the party of all parties.”

Jon, 45, proposed to Bev, 53, on a beach in southern Spain last month.

Glee actress beaming after wedding

Glee actress Jane Lynch was beaming with joy as she enjoyed a stroll in the New York sun after tying the knot with her long-term partner at a ceremony in Massachusetts.

Lynch, 49, who plays cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester in the hit US TV show, married Dr Lara Embry in front of 18 of their closest friends and relatives at the Blue Heron restaurant in Sunderland.

The couple chose Massachusetts to exchange their vows as it was the first US state to legalise lesbian marriage and psychologist Dr Embry was a student at the nearby Smith college.

Deborah Snow, who owns the Blue Heron restaurant with her wife Barbara White, said Lynch was much nicer than her TV persona.

She said: “Jane, with all her star power these days, is probably one of the pleasantest stars I’ve met, she’s just really sweet.”

The restaurateur, who has accommodated 30 or 40 lesbian weddings, watched the ceremony, along with the couple’s friends and family.

“It was just sweet and very touching,” she said. “They’re both extremely warm-hearted, down-to-earth women.”

The wedding took the newlyweds just two months to organise and they dined on duck, sea bass and a three-tiered vanilla cake with chocolate mousse filling.

With this Ford Capri I thee wed

Celebrity couple Russell Brand and Katy Perry could well be driving off into the sunset in a bright red Ford Capri after they tie the knot.

The I Kissed A Girl singer is reported to be splashing out on one of the iconic cars as a wedding present for her finance, who is a big fan of the 1970s motors.

The 34-year-old comedian is still learning to drive and has been taking lessons from his wife-to-be so he can get behind the wheel of his new toy. Well-restored versions of cult-classic cars go for more than £20,000.

A friend of the couple told the Daily Star: “Russell thinks the Capri is a really cool retro car.

“He thinks it’d be a laugh going around LA in a dynamite red Ford Capri. He can’t drive but Katy’s giving him lessons. He even joked he’s going to blast out only 70s tunes in the car.”

The couple are also thought to be taking lessons to perform a Brazilian samba routine as the first dance following their wedding ceremony.

A friend of Katy’s said: “They want to wow their families and friends with a really extravagant first dance. Something sexy and passionate.”

Pop star Minogue in marriage hint

Australian pop star Dannii Minogue has hinted she is ready to tie the knot with former rugby player boyfriend Kris Smith, according to The Sun.

Minogue and Smith have been seeing each other for two years and she is pregnant with their first child. The X Factor judge told a radio station Down Under that Smith was always keen to talk about wedding bells, claiming he is “happy to talk about marriage all day long”.

The star’s “over-protective” father has also been quizzing Kris about his intentions, she admitted.

Dannii said: “Dad’s pretty protective and all of that. On Christmas Day, Kris was holding our little nephew James and Dad was like ‘so, do you like kids?’

“I thought ‘oh my god!’ I was so embarrassed I ran in the other direction.”

Lopez to renew wedding vows again

The sixth wedding anniversary of Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony will include a renewal of vows for the couple.

They married in 2004 and already renewed their vows in 2008 but Anthony apparently wants to prove critics wrong, who have said the marriage would not last.

He told the magazine US Weekly: “We realised the bets in Vegas (on whether the marriage would last) stopped at five years, so we’re really looking forward to this one. This is a big anniversary.”

The renewal of wedding vows is becoming more common among celebrities: Heidi Klum and Seal renew vows every year, as do Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon.

The ceremony for Lopez and Anthony will take place on June 5 in Hidden Hills, California.

Brand bows out of wedding planning

Russell Brand says he is happy to let fiancee Katy Perry do all the wedding planning.

The comedian insisted he was not involved in any of the preparations for the upcoming nuptials and his job was simply “looking out the window” while Katy made the arrangements.

“If you’re getting married, the girl does it,” he told People magazine.

Russell and pop star Katy, who got engaged while on a holiday in India, are said to be planning an October wedding but have not yet announced a venue for their big day.

The 34-year-old joked he would be quite content having a quick Las Vegas ceremony carried out by an Elvis Presley impersonator.

He said: “Now we’re talking, the drive-through chapel. A Vegas wedding, married by Elvis Presley, or even better, Aaron Presley in his unnourished form.”

Welsh theme for Ricketts wedding

Wales international footballer Sam Ricketts brought a little bit of his home country to England as he married his businesswoman fiancee in Berkshire.

Ricketts, 28, tied the knot with model Kimberley Stanworth, 27, with dragon flags galore flying at the Lambourn venue. Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, regarded traditionally as the Welsh national anthem, was playing as the couple walked back down the aisle.

To make the £50,000 wedding even more authentic, everything at the event was sourced from Wales. This included the dress, food, music, stationery and transport.

The couple were married at the village church before National Hunt champion jockey John Francome - the Bolton footballer’s uncle - hosted a reception at his house. BBC Three filmed the event for a forthcoming documentary.

Kimberley said: “Because we weren’t getting married in Wales we wanted to bring what we could to England. It’s an important part of who we are, so we did everything we could to give it a Welsh theme without it being tacky.”

Couple marry in Star Wars style

The Force was with a couple from Surrey as they tied the knot in a Star Wars-themed ceremony, complete with Darth Vader, Stormtroopers and a Jedi priest.

The day was dominated by the iconic line “may the Force be with you”, which was engraved on the rings and replaced the traditional “I do” at the end of the vows.

The couple, Richard and Clare Stephenson, from Epsom, also chose the May 4 date of the wedding because of the amusing similarity between “May the 4th be with you” and the movie phrase.

The groom, 31, said: “We got in touch with 501 Garrison and found out they actually did weddings so we asked if we could have some stormtroopers and Darth Vader.

“It was all a surprise - the guests knew we were going to have a Star Wars theme, but they didn’t know how ‘Star Warsy’ it was going to be.

“The company told us we could have the stormtroopers, but Darth Vader wasn’t available. Then on the day, he surprised us at the reception. It was very, very good.”

Even the couple’s two-year-old daughter Amy enjoyed the day, and wasn’t scared of Dath Vader.

“She has a Darth Vader rubber duck which she loves, so when she saw him at the wedding she kept calling him ‘duck duck’,” Mr Stephenson said. “Then the stormtroppers started calling him Lord Duck Duck. Amy loved it.”

Portugal approves same-sex marriage

Portugal is to become the sixth country in Europe to legalise marriage for same-sex couples, the country’s conservative president has said.

Anibal Cavaco Silva said he will not veto the proposed legislation because opposition politicians will only reverse it anyway.

A bigger priority for the country is dealing with the effects of the global recession, which has seen unemployment and poverty increase, Mr Cavaco Silva said.

“Given that fact, I feel I should not contribute to a pointless extension of this debate, which would only serve to deepen the divisions between the Portuguese and divert the attention of politicians away from the grave problems affecting us.”

His “personal convictions” have been put to the side, the president added.

The government-backed bill was passed by the Portuguese parliament in January. The more left-wing parties, who form a majority, supported the legislation, while the right-wing parties, who want a referendum on the issue, opposed it.

Portugal now joins Belgium, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Sweden as European countries where gay people are allowed to marry. Canada and South Africa have also legalised it, as have Washington DC and five states of the US.

Tessa Sanderson marries in secret

Former Olympic and Commonwealth javelin champion Tessa Sanderson has secretly tied the knot with her long-term boyfriend Densign White.

A host of gold medal winners cheered the Olympic couple as they said “I do” at St Paul’s Cathedral, Hello! magazine photographs reveal. Densign represented Britain at the 1984, 1988 and 1992 Olympics at judo.

The current 400 metres Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu, Dame Kelly Holmes and former swimming star Sharron Davies were present at the wedding and were among the 10 bridesmaids.

Tessa told Hello! she had initially thought of having an Olympic theme for the bridesmaids’ dresses.

She said: “Kelly, who I have known since she was 12, Sharron and I had originally thought about gold dresses for the bridesmaids, to keep up the theme of going for gold. But the red complemented all of them so well.”

The 54-year-old javelin legend has the right to marry at St Paul’s as she has won three British Empire Medals.

Speaking about her wedding venue, she said: “Dens and I had talked about it a while back and I said, ‘It’s such a tremendous honour, so let’s exercise our right and do it’. He agreed totally, so we never considered doing it anywhere else.

“We had the most magical, wonderful day and the setting just made it all the more perfect.”

Star-studded wedding for Walliams

David Walliams and Lara Stone have tied the knot in the presence of a host of celebrities.

The Sunday ceremony at Claridge’s hotel in central London saw the couple, who got engaged in January, exchange vows with broad smiles.

New parents Lee Mead and Denise Van Outen were among the stars who attended the wedding. Van Outen gave birth to daughter Betsy just 15 days ago and looked relaxed in a floral black dress.

Artist and film-maker Sam Taylor-Wood and fiance Aaron Johnson also came to share the newly-weds’ joy. The couple are expecting their first child later this year.

Comedian Ronnie Corbett and wife Anne Hart as well as Walliams’ mother Kathleen, actress Barbara Windsor, actor James Corden and fashion designer-turned film director Tom Ford were also present.

The 26-year-old bride was dressed in a sparkling mini-dress when the couple showed up outside the hotel for the waiting photographers.

The 38-year-old Little Britain star has been dating the Dutch model for around a year.

Helping men ‘preserve marriages’

Husbands who help with housework, shopping and childcare after the birth of their first child reduce the chances of a couple getting divorced, research has found.

Economists had linked the rising divorce rates with steady increases in the numbers of married woman working, which began in the 1960s, but the study of 3,500 British couples after the birth of their first child found the more husbands got involved with the chores, the lower the incidence of divorce.

The theory that marriages are most stable when men are the breadwinners and women do the housework has been blown apart by the London School of Economics and Political Science study. It found the mother’s employment status was unimportant, but the father’s contribution to childcare and housework was influential and stabilised marriages.

Wendy Sigle-Rushton’s research, “Men’s Unpaid Work and Divorce: Reassessing Specialisation and Trade”, is published in Feminist Economics. The data is sourced from the British Cohort Study, which examined the lives of 16,000 children born in one week in 1970.

The research found, relative to families where women are homemakers and men do little housework and childcare, the risk of divorce is 97% higher when the mother works outside the home and her husband makes a minimal contribution to housework and childcare.

However there is no increased risk of divorce when the mother works and her husband’s contribution to housework and childcare is at the highest level.

The lowest-risk situation is one where the mother does not work and the father gets involved in the highest level of housework and childcare, the study showed.

Simon Cowell ‘planning a makeover’

Music mogul Simon Cowell is reportedly planning to spend a fortune on a makeover, to ensure he is looking his best when he ties the knot with his fiancé Mezhgan Hussainy.

The 50-year-old Britain’s Got Talent judge is ready to splash out a sum of £100,000 to look “youthful” on his big day, according to reports.

Known for his vanity, Cowell is opting for Botox injections and dental enhancements, as well as working with a personal trainer to get his body into shape.

A source told Star magazine: “Simon has booked in for the works. He’s spending a fortune on Botox and fillers to try to keep a youthful look, and he’s going back to the dentist in LA to get costly teeth enhancements.

“The way Simon sees it is that if he’s gone through all these treatments in the past for a TV show, he can certainly do it for his wedding day.”

He will also have “weekly microdermabrasion facials” to make him look younger.

The source added: “He keeps saying he’s dating a woman 14 years younger than him, so he needs to keep on his toes and look the part.”

Brand and Perry go large in LA

Engaged couple Russell Brand and Katy Perry have embraced a healthy lifestyle since relocating to Los Angeles.

While she spends hours at the gym, the comedian also appears to be making an effort to add a few muscles to his skinny frame before for the couple’s wedding later this year.

Brand has started taking lessons in Krav Maga, a hand-to-hand combat martial art with origins in Israel and the former Czechoslovakia.

The 34-year-old showed off a surprisingly muscular physique in a white T-shirt and a fetching pair of burgundy shorts while he took part in a private lesson in Hollywood Hills.

Perry and Brand are planning to tie the knot later this year after getting engaged in India on New Year’s Eve.

In the meantime, Perry has been busy recording her new album - a follow-up to her 2008 breakthrough hit One Of The Boys.

Newlywed couple win ultimate job

A newly couple from London have emerged as the winners of the Ultimate Job in Ireland.

As part of the job, Mark, 26, and Denise Duffield-Thomas, 30, will visit some of the most romantic wedding and honeymoon destinations across the globe, including Zanzibar, Mauritius and Kenya, over the next six months.

Denise, originally from Sydney, and Mark, from Cheshire, are expected to start their trip at the end of the month and will be paid a 20,000 euro (£17,362) salary.

The couple said: “We have had the most amazing weekend in Kinsale and we hope to make you all proud as ambassadors for Ireland around the globe in the next six months.”

The competition, organised by Runaway Bride and Groom, received 30,000 applications from more than 90 countries since its launch in February.

The top 10 couples were from Australia, US, Canada, South Africa, Brazil, UK, Galway, Wexford, Sligo, Dublin and Cork.

Mariah Carey renews wedding vows

Singer Mariah Carey and her husband actor Nick Cannon have exchanged their marriage vows again as part of their second wedding anniversary celebration, it has been revealed.

During the ceremony at their Beverly Hills home, the 40-year-old songwriter “wore a veil and a lacy white dress, while Cannon sported a dove-white suit”, according to sources.

It has been said that the couple exchanged rings to the sound of a string quartet.

Nick, 29, also gifted his wife a new designer ring covered in diamonds and pink sapphires. The ring was created by Jason of Beverly Hills Jewellers.

Meanwhile, Mariah also received a diamond-studded iPad from cosmetics firm Elizabeth Arden on her wedding anniversary.

David Walliams names wedding date

Reports are pointing to Little Britain star David Walliams and Dutch fiancee Lara Stone getting married at Claridges in London on May 15.

A grand wedding can be expected for the couple, who got engaged in January after dating for over seven months.

More than 200 celebrity guests and family members, including David’s Little Britain co-star Matt Lucas, James Corden, Alan Carr and Robbie Williams, are likely to attend the nuptials.

David, who has worked on many films in the past few years, including the upcoming flick Dinner for Schmucks, has previously been in relationships with Lisa Snowdon and Abi Titmuss.

Lara has done the ramp role for top designers across the world, such as Dolce & Gabbanna, Louis Vuitton and Stella McCartney, and was named among the top 30 models of the last decade by Vogue Paris.

Wedding couples ‘prefer cash gifts’

Traditional wedding lists are becoming more uncommon with couples preferring to be given cash, a survey has shown.

Some 45% of couples would prefer a cash gift from their guests compared to 29% who would like presents from a wedding list, the Wedding magazine’s yearly poll found.

In other untraditional trends, more than half (55%) said the cost of the wedding would be coming out of their own pocket, with just around a quarter of parents covering the expense.

The majority of those polled (68%) said they expected to spend £15,000 on their big day, while 16% had budgeted for between £15,000 and £20,000. However the average actual spend was more than £20,000.

Church or religious ceremony were also less common, with 10% less planning a service of this kind compared to 53% in 2009, and 40% opting for a civil wedding at a licensed venue.

In the bid for the perfect day, 70% of brides said they would curb they amount of alcohol they drank and 60% also wanted their fiancé to drink responsibly.

Other concerns for the brides included: bad weather (48%), followed by the chance of a family row (28%) and not fully enjoying the day (28%).

Dannii reveals plans to wed Kris

Dannii Minogue has revealed she is ready to walk down the aisle with rugby star boyfriend Kris Smith after their baby is born.

The singer and X-Factor judge, who is expecting the couple’s first child, said Kris would make the “perfect husband”.

However, she ruled out a 2010 wedding saying she’s likely to be focused on the baby when it arrives in July.

Dannii told the Daily Mirror: “He’ll be the perfect husband. I couldn’t complain. Most girls will (say), ‘Right, nail him down.’

“We have talked about it, but this year is just hectic, it’s crazy. So there’s nothing planned. I’ll just be concentrating on being a mum.

“I never thought this would happen to me. It’s going to be such a shock and a change.”

The Australian had previously said she was too “scared” to tie the knot again after her first marriage to actor Julian McMahon ended in less than two years.

Carey and husband ‘to renew vows’

Mariah Carey and husband Nick Cannon are believed to be celebrating their second wedding anniversary by renewing their wedding vows.

As they prepare to recite their nuptials again, TV actor Canon has revealed he does not mind the changes to his life that have come with marrying “the most famous woman in the world”.

He told Us Weekly that he does not get offended by being referred to as “Mr Carey” and welcomes the jokes about who wears the trousers in their relationship.

He said: “It doesn’t bother me at all. I love [the jokes], I welcome it. It’s fun… You take it with a grain of salt.

“She is, to me, the most famous woman in the world. I knew [my life] was going to change, and I was up for it. Considering everything, I was like, ‘hey, it doesn’t matter’.”

Cowell “too busy” to get married

Media mogul and X-Factor stalwart Simon Cowell has told his Mum he is “too busy” to organise his wedding to Mezhgan Hussainy.

The pop svengali explained to Reveal magazine that signing a deal on the latest series of the singing show - due to be finalised “within weeks” - had taken up all his time of late.

His 84-year-old mother has long pestered the millionaire to set a date, but he has resisted so far.

He also rejected claims he was going to host four ceremonies as “crazy”, blaming his brother Tony for starting the rumour.

“There was a story that the wedding was going to be at four venues,” he said. “That was a crazy story. It’s not true.”

Cowell announced his engagement to Ms Hussainy, a 36-year-old Afghan-born make-up artist, in February this year.

The pair met on American Idol.

Cameron attends sister’s wedding

Taking a break from his hectic General Election campaign, David Cameron attended his younger sister Clare’s wedding in Berkshire this weekend.

The Conservative leader and his pregnant wife Samantha travelled to the village of Peasemore where his sister Clare tied the knot with market research executive, Jeremy Fawcus, in a private ceremony at St Barnabas Church.

Samantha’s tiny baby bump was visible under the red knee-length dress she wore with a vintage coat and LK Bennett shoes.

The couple’s six-year-old daughter Nancy was a bridesmaid and four-year-old son Elwen a page-boy.

The youngest of Mr Cameron’s three siblings, Clare was the one who introduced him to Samantha when they went on a holiday to Italy.

She works as a literacy and numeracy tutor for unemployed young people, while her new husband - known to friends as Jem - is the chief executive of market research agency Firefish.

Jeremy is the son of Major-General Graham Fawcus, a former chief of staff at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe.

The church ceremony was followed by a reception in the village where the Tory leader’s parents, Ian and Mary, still reside.

William wedding rumours continue

Despite not yet being engaged, Prince William already seems to be playing son-in-law with the parents of girlfriend Kate Middleton.

The couple were seen sharing a very friendly meal with her parents during a recent lunch at a ski resort in the French Alps.

The onlooker revealed: “William was clearly very close to Kate’s father, and every time he spoke to him, William replied, ‘Yes, Dad.’ ” So, when will an engagement happen?”

According to rumours, the engagement announcement is due from Buckingham Palace at the beginning of June, with the wedding itself to happen at the end of 2010.

Bookmakers are offering odds of 1 to 2 that Prince William will pop the question soon. “We’ve seen quite a bit of money, suggesting an engagement is imminent,” says Nick Weinberg, a spokesman for the betting house Ladbrokes.

Ash-hit bridegroom back for wedding

A Manchester bride has spoken of her relief after her fiance fought his way through travel chaos caused by the volcanic ash to return home in time for their wedding.

Ann-Marie Richards, 31, said she feared her fiance Stuart Forrest, 33, would be unable to make it to the church ceremony scheduled for Saturday after he was stranded 4,500 miles away in Mumbai.

Stuart, a business consultant, was on an official trip to India and due to fly back to Manchester last weekend when all flights into the UK were cancelled following the volcanic eruption in Iceland.

Sports firm manager Ann-Marie said she was on the verge of cancelling the wedding in Dunsop Bridge, Lancashire, when Stuart managed to find a way to return.

He got a flight to Tel Aviv in Israel and from there to Spanish capital Madrid, where he got on a coach to Gatwick.

Ann-Marie said: “He will definitely make it back now and I am so happy. I can’t wait to see him. But we have still got big problems getting the rest of the wedding party back.”

Her brother, Mike, who is an usher at the wedding, is stuck in Dubai, while her fiance’s brother, Craig, who is also an usher, is in Los Angeles.

Ms Richards, who has been with Mr Forrest for seven years, said she is “praying” they will make it.

Olympian Sir Chris Huoy is married

Olympics triple gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy has married his fiancee Sarra Kemp in a private ceremony in his home city of Edinburgh.

The couple exchanged vows at an afternoon service at St Giles’ Cathedral on the historic Royal Mile.

The 34-year-old cyclist wore a grey kilt with sporran and grey jacket while his wife wore a white wedding dress with veil.

Sir Chris had been engaged to Miss Kemp, who is a lawyer, for about a year.

Olympic swimming double gold medallist Rebecca Adlington was among the guests at the ceremony, which was kept secret by the couple until the last minute.

Dust cloud forces virtual wedding

The volcanic ash paralysing flights in and out of the UK may have caused disruption for many travellers, but spare a thought for the wedding guests forced to watch a couple take their vows over the internet because of the dust cloud.

Sean Murtagh, 24, and his new wife Natalie, a 30-year-old Australian, got married in Brisbane three weeks ago and had planned to hold a humanist service for family and friends in the UK. But their hopes of celebrating the day seemed to be dashed when they found themselves stranded in Dubai on Thursday after the UK’s airspace was closed.

Clutching at straws, the pair asked employees at the Millennium Airport Hotel if they could use a laptop in their room to broadcast the event over Skype, but staff instead became the couple’s wedding planners.

“They have decorated the lobby of the hotel. They made us a three tier wedding cake, set up a laptop with Skype and a projector,” said Mr Murtagh.

“It’s spellbinding the amount they have done for us.

“It’s been an incredible day. We were never going to forget it anyway but we certainly won’t forget it now.”

Charlotte Church reveals engagement

Singer Charlotte Church has revealed that she is engaged to Welsh rugby star Gavin Henson.

Gavin, 28, popped the question to Charlotte after the couple celebrated her 24th birthday six weeks ago at a seafront restaurant in Truro, Cornwall.

He flew his girlfriend to Truro by a helicopter which she assumed was a birthday treat until they went for a walk and he went down on one knee.

The Voice of An Angel star told OK! magazine that she was “absolutely joyous” and “really emotional” and the proposal was “awesome”.

She added: “We were always like, ‘Yeah, yeah, we’ll do it one day,’ but I was beginning to think I was going to be girlfriend for the rest of my life.”

Gavin had secretly bought her a two-carat heart-shaped diamond engagement ring while they were on holiday in Dubai in January.

The rugby player said that he proposed to Charlotte when she was feeling a bit “sketchy” because she is a lot more “lovey, so I thought she’s definitely going to say yes then”.

The couple, who have been together for five years, are reportedly planning to marry later this year.

They have two children together, two-year-old Ruby and Dexter born 15 months ago.

Liz Taylor denies wedding claims

Dame Elizabeth Taylor has denied rumours that she is planning to tie the knot with her manager Jason Winters.

Refuting claims that she is getting married for the ninth time, the Oscar winner posted a message on the micro-blogging site Twitter, saying: “The rumours regarding my engagement simply aren’t true. Jason is my manager and dearest friend. I love him with all my heart.”

The English-born actress has walked down the aisle eight times and married Richard Burton twice.

She separated from her last husband, construction worker Larry Fortensky, in 1996.

The 78-year-old screen legend, whose roles include playing Cleopatra in the 1963 classic, suffers from a painful curvature of the spine.

Winters, 49, runs a show business agency. His clients included Janet Jackson, sister to the late pop star Michael Jackson.

Women “keen to get married young”

According to the Marriage and Wedding Survey, women are even more keen to get hitched at a younger age than their parents.

The poll, of 2,000 young women, found the majority with divorced or separated parents still dream of getting married, with most wanting to have a ring on their finger in their mid-20s.

However, four out of 10 women over 26, who have already loved and lost, fear they will be labelled a “Bridget Jones”.

Despite more marriages now ending in divorce, 78% still view marriage as the “ultimate commitment” beyond having a baby or buying a house with a partner.

There appears to have been a switch in attitudes in the last decade, with women today hoping to be married at 26 and have their first child at 27, although nearly all those surveyed thought under 21 was too young to get married.

A spokeswoman for the survey said: “Times are changing fast. Just 10 years ago, young women were saying the opposite.”

Brides in London and the South East spend the most on their weddings (£9,168) while those in Wales spend the least (£4,898), according to the poll commissioned by More magazine,

Stars’ wedding gown on display

A Dumfries museum is displaying wedding dresses worn by stars including Meryl Streep and Keira Knightley.

Glamorous gowns featured in films and TV productions are being exhibited at the National Museum of Costume Scotland to demonstrate the change and development in wedding fashion since the 18th century.

The main attractions of the show are Keira Knightley’s gown from The Duchess and Joely Richardson’s dress in the TV role of Wallis Simpson.

Wedding gowns sported by actresses such as Meryl Streep, Nastassja Kinski and Helena Bonham Carter also feature in the expo that will run until October 31.

The museum is also showcasing artefacts related to nuptials such as wedding favours and gloves, invitations, cards and accessories. It also aims to explores Scotland’s marriage traditions and costume designing for films.

Maureen Barrie, exhibitions officer at National Museums Scotland, said: “The wedding dress is probably the most special item of clothing that women will wear in their lifetime.”

The museum is giving free entry to anyone who visits the exhibition in their wedding dress.

Ms Barrie added: “We thought our new exhibition would be the perfect opportunity for women across the country to get dressed up once more and mingle with the beautiful wedding dresses worn by the stars.”

Russell is ‘bridezilla’, says Katy

Russell Brand has transformed into a “bridezilla”, according to his fiancee Katy Perry.

The 34-year-old comedian and television presenter is said to obsessing about their upcoming wedding.

A photograph posted by Katy on Twitter shows Russell posing in a white puff-sleeve lace gown with a veil to match.

The 25-year-old singer said: “He’s like a freak, man. You should see - he’s always, like, buying bride magazines. Every time we go out for breakfast he’s like, ‘Can we just stop and get a bride magazine?’”

“He wants everything monogrammed.”

The I Kissed A Girl singer revealed her own approach to the big day is much more subdued. “I’m preparing a little bit here and there,” she said.

The couple, who got engaged in India earlier this year, have not yet set a date for the wedding as Katy is currently busy working on her new album.

Simon Cowell ‘plans 2011 wedding’

Simon Cowell may tie the knot with his fiancee Mezghan Hussainy in 2011, coinciding with the launch of The X Factor in the US, it has been revealed.

Earlier, it was claimed that the 50-year-old entertainment mogul would exchange wedding vows with the make-up artist later this year.

But according to a source Simon is now planning a 2011 wedding, in an attempt to get maximum publicity for the new show in the US.

The insider told CBS news: “Expect no wedding this year at all - 2011 is the year of Simon in the US, and he will pull out all the stops needed to become an even bigger success.

“Cowell is the king of spin and knows that a great love story will help sell the US version of X Factor.”

The source also confirmed that Simon will resign from his post of head judge on American Idol to focus on the launch of US version of The X Factor.

The insider added: “It has to be bigger than even Idol and with his magic touch on shows, he is taking no chances.”

Matt Lucas to be Walliams’ best man

Matt Lucas will be the best man at comedy partner David Walliams’ wedding, the comedian has confirmed.

Matt said that rumours of a rift between him and his Little Britain co-star were unfounded, adding that David helped him when his ex-husband Kevin McGee died last October.

He also told the News of the World: “David is my soulmate. He is my brother, honestly.

“He’s been there every step of the way. He’s never, ever let me down and I hope I’ve never him.”

He added: “This isn’t public knowledge but I’m going to be his best man at his wedding. This extends beyond being someone’s professional partner. We’ve known each other 20 years this year.”

David, 38, proposed to his Dutch girlfriend Lara Stone in January this year with a vintage engagement ring after seeking the permission from the model’s parents.

He and the 25-year-old beauty have been together since May 2009.

Dali theme for Simon Cowell wedding

A surreal, Salvador Dali-inspired setting is what Simon Cowell wants when he ties the knot with make-up artist fiancee Mezhgan Hussainy, it has been revealed.

And according to his ex-girlfriend and chief wedding planner Sinitta, “what Simon wants, Simon gets”.

The 50-year-old music mogul has reportedly asked Sinitta to organise a lavish bash after the nuptials.

The Mirror quoted her as saying: “The theme of the wedding is Miracles Do Happen, Simon getting married just goes to prove it!

“Its beautiful, it really is. It will be a pretty surreal do Salvador Dali-inspired. There’ll be angels and all sorts everywhere. It will be amazing.”

Simon and Mezhgan have still not announced a date or venue for the wedding, but it is expected take place in early September close to where the the X Factor judge’s mother lives in west Sussex.

For the party afterwards, Sinitta is planning a decor with melted clocks in a reference to Dali’s famous painting, The Persistence of Memory.

Waiters will be dressed in oriental clothes that the Spanish surrealist favoured, while melting candlework angels and demons will represent Simon’s persona on TV.

Gary Lucy vows to marry this year

There will be a wedding in the Gary Lucy household this year, the Dancing on Ice star has promised.

Lucy and girlfriend Natasha Gray have been dating for six years and the 28-year-old said the engagement will be “sooner rather than later”.

“Natasha is the woman I’m going to marry in 2010,” he told The People, but added that no details had been planned yet.

Although Lucy is hoping for a sunny beach wedding, Gary would be the last word on plans for their big day, he said.

“It’s up to the lady to decide. If Natasha wants a big white wedding, then that’s what she will have.

“We haven’t made a plan yet and I’m not going to propose on the ice like some people have suggested, but we will get engaged sooner rather than later,” the former Footballers’ Wives actor said.

The couple, who have a four-year-old daughter called India together, are also putting plans for another baby on hold as Lucy trains for Dancing on Ice.

“Let’s just say there are whole parts of my body that are off limits since rehearsals kicked in. A second child isn’t going to happen until I’m back to normal,” he explained.

Earl Spencer to tie the knot again

Earl Spencer is likely to tie the knot with Lady Bianca Eliot in September this year, it has been revealed.

According to the couple’s spokeswoman, the brother of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, is engaged to Lady Eliot, 33, and both are said to be very happy about it. They have been dating for the past 18 months.

The spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that Earl Spencer and Lady Eliot are indeed engaged and that they are both very happy. They are possibly setting a date in September.”

Earl, 45, is getting married for the third time. He exchanged wedding vows with Victoria Lockwood in 1989, however they separated in 1997. In 2001 he married Caroline Freud, but their marriage ended in 2009.

Lady Eliot’s husband Jago died in 2006, after he suffered an epileptic fit while taking a bath. She is the mother of three children.

Jago Eliot, who died at the age of 40, was heir to Earl St Germans. His 6,000-acre Port Eliot estate in Cornwall will now be inherited by their five-year-old son, Albie.

Heidi Range in pyjamas for proposal

Singer-songwriter Heidi Range has revealed that she was in her pyjamas and slippers when her boyfriend, TV presenter Dave Berry, proposed to her on New Year’s Eve.

The 26-year-old Sugababe said that she was taken by surprise as she had no clue about the proposal.

She told OK! magazine: “We decided to have a relaxed evening drinking champagne… I was in my pyjamas putting the washing on while watching Love Actually and at five to midnight, I went to get my slippers to go on the roof terrace.”

Adding to this Dave saying: “I ran into the kitchen, quickly got the ring out of my pocket, opened the box and got down on one knee.”

He said that he was not prepared for Heidi being so long, because of which he “had to keep changing knees because of the cramp!”

Meanwhile, the couple have also announced that they are planning to tie the knot in October next year. They have been dating for seven years.

The singer also revealed that she intends to wear a Vera Wang gown for the big day, adding that she “always dreamt of a Vera Wang wedding dress!”

Talking about the wedding venue, Dave said: “It’ll be in London, it’s the best city in the world and it’s where all our friends are. Everyone can have a great time and just get a taxi home.”

Afghan frontline couple set to wed

A couple who met while serving on the frontline in Afghanistan are planning to tie the knot this summer.

L Cpl Anna Harris first met Cpl Mark Ingram, a sniper, at Camp Bastion in southern Afghanistan in June 2007.

Anna, a dog trainer with he Royal Army Veterinary Corps, and her black Labrador Sparky were responsible for searching vehicles and roads for IEDs and weapons.

The 22-year-old, who is now back in her barracks in Melton Mowbray, Leics, recalled: “I first met Mark at Lashkar Gah and I don’t think he liked me much. He told me he thought I was pretty but a bit arrogant.”

She continued: “I wasn’t one of the lads he could order about. Yes, I liked Mark, but I let him know I wasn’t going to be pushed around just because he was a sniper and section commander.”

Anna, from Basildon, Essex, had her first date with 29-year-old Mark over a mug of Army ration coffee.

Mark, from Nottingham, who popped the question earlier this year, said: “We just got on really well from the start.”

He added: “We used to talk for hours in the evenings in the cookhouse. I know it’s a strange place to meet - but it’s worked out brilliantly.”

Same-sex weddings in Mexico City

Judith Vazquez and Lol Kin Castaneda have become the first same-sex pair to tie the knot in Mexico City, after a law allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry came into effect.

The two women were dressed in matching white gowns when they exchanged wedding vows together with four other same-sex couples in a city building, with Mayor Marcelo Ebrard as a guest of honour.

Small business owner Ms Vazquez, 45, and Ms Castaneda, a 33-year-old psychologist, signed and put their thumb print on the official documents to seal their union. They have been together since six years.

Raising her thumb Ms Vazquez said: “This is the mark of freedom. This is a victory for all. For us this is a day of celebration.”

With this, Mexico City became one of the first capitals in Latin America to give gay marriages the legal status. Same-sex marriage was approved in the city despite criticisms from the Roman Catholic Church as well as other protests against it.

The law, which was passed by Mexico City’s legislature in December, gives same-sex couples explicit rights to marry as well as adopt children.

Judge Hegel Cortes, who officiated at the weddings, said: “Today is a historic day in Mexico City. With the signing of these marriage certificates, we leave behind the traditional idea of a family and we allow for two people, regardless of sexual orientation, to get married.”

Katie Price says wedding is ‘legal’

Katie Price and Alex Reid have insisted their marriage is genuine and legal, after reports have claimed that the minister who conducted the wedding was not qualified to do so.

The couple married in a private ceremony at the Wynn Casino in Las Vegas on February 2, after dating for only a few months.

A report in the News Of The World claimed that the official who married them did not have the authority to perform such a ceremony.

But the 31-year-old model countered the claims in a statement issued on her behalf saying they had confirmation that the marriage was legally sound.

It read: “Following the revelations in the press over the past couple of days regarding the validity of Katie and Alex’s wedding, we would like to state that the marriage is 100% legitimate and legal.

“The Wynn, where they married, and the Office of the County Clerk Marriage Services Division have both confirmed that Reverend Mose Henney, who conducted the wedding ceremony, is legally authorised to perform marriage ceremonies.”

Katie and Alex, 34, tied the knot only days after the cage-fighter’s victory on Celebrity Big Brother.

Cigarette cash pays cost of wedding

A couple who saved £1,600 by quitting smoking have said the money will pay for their wedding.

Maggie Loftus, 49, and Malcolm Page, 55, managed to kick their 70-a-day habit, which saw them each smoke 25,000 cigarettes and spend around £5,000 a year.

The couple said their success can be attributed to the love they have for one another.

Ms Loftus, who lives in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, smoked for 33 years. She said: “We are happy and we want to stay alive. I’m so excited about the wedding.”

She said she gave up her job recently which left the couple short of cash and unable to afford to get married, so they decided to give up the cigarettes. They have since paid £650 for their deposit out of the savings they made and are still putting away £15 a week.

They are to marry next month at Chesterfield’s Sandpiper Hotel.

Ms Loftus said: “We decided we didn’t want to get married in a register office because I’ve got a large family and we couldn’t fit everyone in. That was one of the reasons we had to quit, so we could afford a bigger venue.

“The bottom line is if we start smoking again, there won’t be a wedding because we can’t afford it, and we deserve to have a nice day.”

Jedward plan for Simon’s wedding

X Factor twins John and Edward Grimes have expressed desire to be part of Simon Cowell’s nuptials.

The 18-year-olds are hoping to be the ring bearers when the 50-year-old music mogul walks down the aisle with make-up artist Mezhgan Hussainy.

The Irish duo told Now magazine: “We should be the ring bearers and look after the rings. We would love to go to his wedding, we think it will be a really special moment and really cool.”

X Factor winner Joe McElderry supported John and Edward’s plan for Simon’s wedding, saying: “It would be entertaining.”

Simon was not too impressed by the Irish twins when they appeared on The X Factor, but he now agrees that he can appreciate their entertainment value.

Having offered to perform a few songs at Simon’s wedding breakfast, Jedward elaborated: “We should perform his favourite songs.”

Corrie stars to marry in December

Coronation Street is set to screen the first ever transsexual wedding in a soap, as Roy and Hayley Cropper plan to walk down the aisle together later this year.

The Weatherfield wedding will be aired as part of the classic ITV show’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

Roy, played by David Neilson, will finally tie the knot with transsexual Hayley, portrayed by Julie Hesmondhalgh, making their long-term partnership official.

Although the couple had their relationship blessed in 1999, they could not marry as the laws of the country forbade them from doing so. Hayley was born as a man named Harold and could not wed in her new gender.

However, the legal restrictions were removed in 2004 and the Croppers are now set to exchange wedding vows in December.

According to reports, Roy is in favour of a low-budget ceremony at a registry office, while Hayley wants to splash out for the occasion.

A source told The Sun: “Thankfully, Roy relents after Hayley puts the pressure on and it’s a day for all the street’s residents to celebrate.”

It is said that Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) and Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) will also marry as part of the soap’s anniversary celebrations.

Wedding elephant goes on rampage

A domesticated elephant hired for a lavish Hindu wedding in India tore through the streets and smashed cars as it tried to reach a female in heat.

The animal went on a rampage for nearly 15 hours in the Indian capital New Delhi and caused more than £200,000 in damage before it was brought under control with tranquillisers.

The elephant bolted through a lawn full of wedding guests while attempting to reach a female in a sugar cane field close to the venue.

At a nearby parking lot, the animal flipped over around 20 vehicles, and then mounted and tried to mate with a truck. It also crashed into a police van carrying two officers who narrowly escaped being hurt, and burst into a shopping mall where it caused some damage, local media reported.

Wildlife experts, who finally managed to sedate the animal, said it was probably in ‘mast’ or rutting stage - an annual period when elephants experience a surge of hormones and become extremely aggressive.

Registrar costs to be standardised

The Registrar General has announced changes to the way fees are charged to people ordering birth, marriage and death certificates.

Eight separate fees charged for certificates will turn into just two: one standard fee and one fee for a priority service.

The changes will take effect from April 6, 2010 and are designed to ensure service costs are recovered from the fees being paid and not from the taxpayer.

Registrar General James Hall said: “The General Register Office receives more than two million certificate orders every year, the vast majority of which, over 90%, are ordered online.

“This is our first change to fees since 2003 and we believe that the new fee structure will be simpler to use for our customers.”

Ordering certificates over the internet at the standard rate will cost £9.25, an increase of £2.25. This new rate supersedes several other charges, such as for when customers do not know the reference number.

Three of the four priority overnight service charges will will become a flat £23.40.

Faye to appear on wedding show

Former Steps singer Faye Tozer will be seen exchanging vows with her new husband Michael Smith in an upcoming Living TV Four Weddings show.

The 34-year-old singer is one of the four celebrities going to appear in the TV show.

Faye, who gave birth to her son Benjamin in 2009, will be featured saying “I do” at Beamish Hall in County Durham.

A spokesperson for the show said: “Faye’s was a fairytale wedding. She was certainly a princess for the day.”

The show will also feature glamour model Michelle Marsh, former EastEnders actress Carol Harrison renewing her vows, and Big Brother winner Pete Bennett getting married to his best friend Cherry Costin.

The four celebrity couples will attend each others’ weddings and score their dress, ceremony, food and the day as a whole during the show to win a luxury honeymoon.

Lara picks wedding dress designer

Dutch model Lara Stone admitted she has barely done any planning for her wedding to comedian David Walliams - apart from choosing her wedding dress designer.

Italian fashion designer Riccardo Tisci will design a bespoke gown for the 5ft 10in beauty, who is a close friend.

During a cover photoshoot for Interview magazine, Lara revealed her jet-set lifestyle was hindering nuptial plans, saying she had not had time to organise the big day because “I haven’t been home since we got engaged.”

It would seem absence truly makes the heart grow fonder, as the model could not stop praising her fiancé. “He’s wonderful. He’s amazing. He makes me laugh. He’s a proper gentleman,” she said.

“He’s a bit mean but in a good way,” she added, when asked if David believed in the ‘treat them mean, keep them keen’ adage. “I’m happy.”

Although the raunchy photoshoot saw Lara donning S&M-inspired accessories, her wedding dress is likely to be more subdued, as she said this did not reflect her real personality.

She said: “I’m definitely not the person you see in pictures. I mean, in pictures, you look like something you’re not. In real life, I’m very shy.”

Lewis reunited with Pussycat Nicole

Singer Katy Perry has said that she likes her fiancé Russell Brand being “the boss” in their relationship.

The 25-year-old singer declared that she is happy that the comedian is able to stand up to her, according to Marie Claire.

Delighted Katy said: “He’s good for me, he’s the boss, he calls the shots. But I like that. I’ve been waiting for someone I couldn’t steamroll.”

She continued: “His look is Jim Morrison meets Charles Manson meets Jesus meets a little bit of Elvis Presley.”

Further praising her scandalous fiancé, she added: “He’s a walking genius. Just standing next to him makes me smarter.”

However, the I Kissed A Girl singer agreed that she has a tough time keeping pace with Brand’s notorious sexual appetite, saying: “Can you imagine the kind of responsibility I have with his reputation? I’m bedridden most of the week.”

Last month, Katy revealed that she is engaged to Russell, who proposed to her on New Year’s Eve in India.

Hilary Duff engaged to Oilers’ star

Hilary Duff and boyfriend Mike Comrie have become engaged, the singer and actress has announced.

The couple, who have been dating for over two years, were on a holiday with friends in Hawaii when the 29-year-old Edmonton Oilers player proposed.

Hilary, 22, was seen sporting a sparkling rock on her left hand.

The actress’s representative told Us magazine: “After having been together for over two years, they are very excited to share this happy news. They are thankful for all of your warm wishes.”

The former child star, who has been acting from the age of six, had told the magazine last year: “I’ve never met anyone who could say a bad word about him.

“He’s generous, caring, funny. We just laugh our heads off, which I need in my life … He’s unique. I wouldn’t want to be with someone who wasn’t unique.”

The singer’s announcement follows that of Nicole Richie who revealed her engagement to Hilary’s ex-boyfriend Joel Madden.

Leona keen to sing at Simon wedding

Leona Lewis has expressed her desire to sing at Simon Cowell’s nuptials, according to reports.

The X Factor winner told a national newspaper that she would “love” to sing when Simon and his girlfriend Mezhgan Hussainy tie the knot.

Though Simon has denied claims of being engaged, Leona told reporters she thought Simon and Mezhgan were “a nice couple”.

The 24-year-old singer released her new single ‘I Got You’ on Sunday.

She said: “I’d love to sing at his wedding if he wanted me to.

“I performed at his birthday party so he may ask me again. I can’t wait to speak to him, I’m shocked. I really didn’t think it was true. But Mezhgan is absolutely lovely.

“I’ve met her a few times when we’ve been in LA and they’re a really nice couple.”

The 50-year-old entertainment king denied his £250,000 Valentine’s Day diamond ring reports, saying: “No, no! I’m not engaged!”

Simon’s publicist Max Clifford also confirmed that he spoke to the TV mogul about the engagement and said that the news was untrue.