1 NOVEMBER 2001
Captain Corelli’s Mandolin actor Nicolas Cage and girlfriend Lisa Marie Presley recently enjoyed a day shopping in Venice, California. And as these photographs show, they certainly make a striking showbiz match.

Their relaxed and intimate behaviour in the West Coast resort may have something to do with reports that the path is now clear for them to tie the knot, as Nicolas’ divorce settlement from actress Patricia Arquette has just been finalised. And Nic, known for his spot-on Elvis impersonations, could hardly have chosen a more appropriate wife-to-be than the King’s own daughter.

Spurred on by the September 11 attacks in America, the Leaving Las Vegas star and Lisa Marie had decided to move on from being lovebirds to man and wife. “The tragedy in New York and Washington made them both realise there are no guarantees in life,” said Elvis Presley’s cousin, the Reverand Rick Stanley. “Lisa told me directly: ‘Nic and I don’t want to wait another minute. We’re going to get married right away’.” And with the paperwork preventing them from naming a date resolved, wedding bells may ring any day now.

The pair first met last October at a get-together hosted by Ramones guitarist Johnny Ramone. Nicolas – recently awarded the 16th annual American Cinematheque Award – was in the throes of divorce proceedings while Lisa Marie was engaged to musician John Osajca. The following May they went public as a couple.