Hollywood’s old guard came out in force Saturday to see their good friend Liza Minnelli get hitched for the fourth time.
The Tony- and Oscar-winning singer/actress and daughter of Judy Garland wed concert performer David Gest at the 147-year-old Marble Collegiate Church on New York’s Fifth Avenue. This is the first marriage for Gest, who is best known for organizing Michael Jackson‘s tribute concert at Madison Square Garden in September.
During the hour-long ceremony, Elizabeth Taylor and Marisa Berenson, who starred with Minnelli in the 1972 Cabaret, stood by the bride as maids of honor. Michael Jackson and his brother, Tito, who are childhood friends of Gest, acted as the groom’s best men. Minnelli was wearing a dress designed by Bob Mackie.
Others in the star-studded bridal party included actors Tony Franciosa and Robert Wagner, actresses Mia Farrow, Janet Leigh, Gina Lollobrigida, and singers Petula Clark and Michael McDonald.
“Everything was very delicate,” actor/singer Robert Goulet told Reuters. “She is very much in love and you can see it.”
Among the 200 guests were Diana Ross, Lauren Bacall, Luther Vandross, Carol Channing, Elton John and tycoon Donald Trump.
The event was hailed as one of the grandest New York social gatherings in recent years, but Reuters reported that local gossip writers made fun of the guest list, commenting that most of the celebrities attending the wedding had their heydays before pop princess Britney Spears was even born.
“At the party … it was like a night of 1,000 facelifts, every person from 50 years ago,” gossip writer Cindy Adams told CNN on Friday, poking fun at Minnelli‘s bridal shower.
Regardless, many friends are very happy for Minnelli, who has had a rough couple of years. Gest helped Minnelli shed 70 pounds and nursed her back to health after a painful hip replacement and back surgery, as well as helped her battle an addiction to painkillers.
“As long as she keeps trying, they will make it,” actor Mickey Rooney told Reuters as he made his way to the ceremony. “Happiness is very elusive and we wish them the best of luck.”
Minnelli and Gest will have a short honeymoon and then it’s back to work for the singer as she prepares for a European concert tour.
