The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's world-famous nuptials were only the beginning. The excitement is far from over – as summer 2011 is shaping up to be full of star-studded weddings. Read on, and check back, to find out all the details – who's marrying who, what they'll wear, and who'll be there.
Part six: Paul and Nancy's fuss-free courthouse ceremony
The engagement: After his acrimonious divorce from Heather Mills, it seemed highly unlikely that Paul McCartney would be getting married again anytime soon. But if the former Beatle had been put off marriage, he changed his mind after beginning a relationship with glamorous American socialite and businesswoman Nancy Shevell. The couple have known each other for over 20 years – Nancy and her ex-husband were old friends of the former Beatle and his wife Linda – but began dating in 2007. Their romance quickly became serious. Then, in 2011 Paul popped the question – presenting his companion with a vintage 1925 Cartier solitaire diamond worth £400,000.
The dress: Whatever outfit Nancy chooses is sure to be simple and elegant – in keeping with her usual style. It's very possible she could ask her daughter-in-law Stella McCartney to design something – the 51-year-old New Yorker is often seen at her shows and champions her creations. She told a New York columnist that she didn't want anything fussy, saying: "Exactly how dressy do you get to stand before a Justice of the Peace in his chambers? Which is exactly what we're doing."
The ceremony: There'll be no big lavish do, the couple are instead opting for a small ceremony for family and close friends. After plighting their troth in front of the Justice of the Peace, the couple will hold a reception in the Hamptons. And since they're both vegetarians, the menu is bound to be meat-free. Guests will include both the couple's children. On Nancy's side, there is her 19-year-old son from her first marriage to her college sweetheart - lawyer Bruce Blakeman. And Paul will be joined by his grown-up children from his marriage to Linda - Heather, Stella, Mary and James as well as seven-year-old Beatrice, from his marriage to Heather Mills. The couple have not revealed the exact date for the nuptials, though Nancy said back in May it would be sometime this summer, and "soon".
