Nicole Kidman And Keith Urban Marry
Newlyweds Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are thanking their fans for their warm wishes on their marriage.
The actress and the country star were married Sunday in a fairytale wedding at a Roman Catholic church in the bride's hometown of Sydney, Australia, surrounded by family and friends.
The beaming Oscar-winning actress arrived at the cliff-top church in a flowing white Balenciaga gown and veil, clutching a bouquet of white roses. Church bells pealed 90 minutes later, indicating the service was over.
A crowd of cheering people swarmed into the street leading to the church compound as Kidman's Rolls Royce limousine passed, forced it to slow down. Police moved in to clear a path.
Helicopters buzzed overhead and hundreds of people - including a throng of media cameras - lined the streets near the church in Sydney's beachside suburb of Manly as guests arrived in luxury sedans and minibuses.
Some people climbed trees and the stone wall outside the compound trying to catch a glimpse of activity inside. Police, black-suited private security guards and a high wire fence kept out unwanted guests. Details were closely guarded, and no general media coverage was allowed.
Kidman, accompanied by father Antony, arrived in a cream limousine after driving from her harborside mansion in another part of the city — followed all the way by media helicopters.
The couple later released a photograph of the marriage showing them smiling and holding hands. Kidman is wearing the white gown and Urban is in a black suit and tie with a white rose in his lapel.
In a brief statement accompanying the photo the couple said, "we just want to thank everyone in Australia and around the world who have sent us their warm wishes."
The ceremony was performed by the Kidman family priest, who said beforehand that Kidman and Urban are "totally focused on their commitment." But there are reports that the couple signed a prenuptial agreement that allegedly includes an escape clause for Kidman should Urban revert to excessive drug or alcohol abuse. Urban has admitted to a cocaine addiction in the past.
Bride and groom were both raised in Australia, and the bulk of the 230 or so guests were reportedly Australian family and friends, including some from Hollywood. Hugh Jackman was seen arriving, and Naomi Watts and Russell Crowe were expected.
This wedding was in stark contrast to Kidman's first wedding. She and actor Tom Cruise were married in private according to the rites of the Church of Scientology to which Cruise belongs. This is Urban's first marriage.