A round-up of the preparations and wedding day of Liza Minnelli

(18 Mar 2002) LIZA MINNELLI TIES KNOT FOR FOURTH TIME
Celebrity guests at LIZA MINNELLI's fourth wedding heaped congratulations and good wishes on the star and her new husband, at the New York ceremony on Saturday (16 March 2002)
Friends in the star-studded group said the bride danced at the altar, as she and producer DAVID GEST celebrated their nuptials.
Leaving the wedding rehearsal the day before the service, Minnelli had insisted she was 'thrilled' rather than 'stressed'.
By the time guests were arriving for the ceremony at the 147-year-old Marble Collegiate Church on New York's Fifth Avenue, there was plenty of reassurance on hand in case nerves were starting to show.
Well wishers included singer Maya: "I wish to the couple much happiness together, many years"; Elaine Paige "I wish them much, much happiness. A bowl full of happiness that will last forever. I really do." and singer Gloria Gaynor: "I wish them long life and happiness throughout."
Elizabeth Taylor and actress Marisa Berenson were maids of honour. Jackson and his brother Tito, childhood friends of Gest, were best men. The bridal party also included actors Tony Franciosa and Robert Wagner, actresses Mia Farrow, Janet Leigh,and Gina Lollobrigida, and singers Petula Clark and Michael Mcdonald.
Photographers waited across the street with a crowd of fans, who screamed as the newlyweds reappeared after the service, leaving the church through a side door. The couple slipped into a limousine waiting to take them to a reception with an eclectic and glittering guest list.
It featured such A-list showbiz legends as actors Anthony Hopkins and MIichael Douglas, and singer Sir Elton John.
Others arriving in limos, Rolls-Royces and even yellow cabs included Joan Collins - recently remarried herself, Roberta Flack and Robert Goulet.
Curious New Yorkers watched from rooftops and apartment windows.
Once there, more guests added their thoughts on the day. Businessman Donald Trump said 'The wedding was beautiful and she looked very beautiful.'
Actress Sally Kirkland related what impressed her most: ' Michael Jackson was carrying her train for a while, and then he looked like he was feeling a little bit awkward, so Marisa Berenson came running in and took it away from him. Michael Jackson was great. He was great. He went and got the rings at the right time, and it turned out they were mixed up, so we unmixed them. And Liz Taylor and him did it, and then Liza and David did the most amazing vows, and then they kissed forever, and then Liza danced...and here we are!'
Tito Jackson added: 'It was a beautiful moment. It was a great thing to see two people so love, very sincere. The kiss was the highlight.'
Saturday's wedding extravaganza had promised more excess than Minnelli's first three combined.
The New York Post called it 'Liza's Nutty Nuptials" .
The bride and groom were introduced by Jackson last year when Minnelli appeared in Gest's television production of 'Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Special.'
Minnelli was wed previously to entertainer Peter Allen (1967-72), producer Jack Haley Jr. (1974-79), and stage manager/sculptor Mark Gero (1979-92).
The marriage, was the first for 48 year old Gest.
Minnelli who turned 56 on Tuesday, will honeymoon in Thailand. Afterwards, the daughter of Judy Garland and
director Vincente Minnelli will launch a European tour that kicks off with five shows in London.
For Minnelli the wedding marks a personal comeback. Early last year, she nearly died after a battle with encephalitis. She was severely overweight and worried she might never sing again.
'We had a great time. Great wedding.'

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