Liza Minelli and David Gest who later battled it out in court over theft and beating in a divorce that lasted longer than the marriage

Celebrity guests at the wedding ceremony of producer David Gest and entertainer Liza Minnelli in New York City paid tribute to the pair’s marriage.

The Oscar-winning daughter of Judy Garland, Minnelli said her vows before a pack of superstars including Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor.

Supermodel Helena Christensen told journalists the couple exchanged rings before making beautiful speeches to each other. They had also kissed, kissed and kissed.

In a white dress designed by Bob Mackie, 56 year old Minnelli showed no sign of the hardship she had endured in the last couple of years through hip and back surgery, viral encephalitis and a desperate fight against a pain killers addiction.

Hundreds of fans had filled Fifth Avenue to witness fleets of black and white limousines take honourable guests to New York’s Marble Collegiate Church.

On 16th March 2002, The fourth walk down the aisle for Judy Garland’s daughter provided a surreal spectacle for the 850 invited to the evening ceremony at Marble Collegiate Church. Witnesses ranging from Hollywood legends Kirk Douglas and Lauren Bacall to Baywatch actor David Hasselhoff sat in the mahogany pews, watching as thirteen bridesmaids dressed in black

Designer Bob Mackie’s signature look was evident in the bride’s gown, an off the shoulder,
off-white concoction festooned with intricate bead work, crystals and pearls. Making the dress the main focal piont, Liza’s jewellery consisted of a diamond cross pendant on a simple gold chain and drop earrings encrusted with small diamonds. The bride’s 3.5- carat engagement ring sparkled as she held a small bouquet of pale yellow roses, a contrast to the deep red rose nosegays carried by her many bridesmaids.

At the Regent Wall Street Hotel the consummate entertainer conjured up the spirit of her Cabaret character Sally Bowles with a low cut, red- spangled dress and red ostrich feather coat created by Bob Mackie. Guests dined on roasted halibut and porcini-crusted beef before tasting the twelve-layer wedding cake– a culinary masterpiece of chocolate cream and black and white frosting which was adorned with red, pink and purple roses.