Stella Weds Among Stars

Updated:10:16, Sunday August 31, 2003

Stella McCartney has married fiance Alasdhair Willis in a dress similar to that which her mother wore when she wed Beatle Sir Paul.

Stella: Tearful tribute to mum

Tight security surrounded the lavish reception on the Scottish island of Bute, attended by showbiz celebrities such as Madonna and Coldplay's Chris Martin.

The bride's outfit was said to be like the fawn dress and yellow coat worn by her late mother, Linda, when she married Sir Paul at a London registry office in 1969.

Fashion queen Stella was said to have paid an emotional tribute to her mother, who died of cancer five years ago.

Guests, also including singer Chrissie Hynde, model Kate Moss, actress Liv Tyler and director Guy Ritchie, sipped on expensive champagne and dined on vegetarian dishes.

Sir Paul was said to have entertained guests with a five-minute set dedicated to the happy couple, both aged 31.

The News of the World said the former Beatle paid for the £1m, five-day celebration.

Guests travelled to by ferry from the Scottish mainland for the bash at the 300-acre Mount Stuart estate.

Up to 20 former SAS men stood guard at the event and guests were taken to and from the chapel by horse-drawn carriage.

Locals were said to have been bemused by the influx of stars.

Kate Moss was said to have been spotted downing gin and tonics at a local watering hole while eating crisps.

Sir Paul was said to have cheekily nicked a chip from a 12-year-old girl's plate at a pub while having a quick pint with Chris Martin.