Tom Cruise, 44, and Katie Holmes, 27, married Saturday at a medieval castle in Bracciano, a town about 30 kilometers north of Rome. The ceremony was conducted by a Scientology official, reflecting the faith shared by Cruise and fellow actor John Travolta.
Organizers sealed off the castle early Saturday to keep crowds at bay. An awning covered the central courtyard to block aerial photography by Italian media, and officials threatened to release balloons to interfere with news helicopters. Television broadcast rights to the wedding sold for 2 million dollars.
Guests included Jennifer Lopez, Jim Carrey, Will Smith, and Brooke Shields. Tenor Andrea Bocelli attended and was expected to perform Ave Maria. A fireworks display at the end of the ceremony was open for both guests and onlookers to enjoy.
In the days before the wedding, the couple and their families stayed at Rome's Hassler Hotel, near the Spanish Steps, where hundreds of fans had camped out. On Wednesday they attended a dinner hosted by Rome Mayor Walter Veltroni. Cruise, marrying for the third time, celebrated his bachelor party Friday night at a private Rome villa.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in November 2006, in its own words.