‘Mark Zuckerberg “Married Priscilla Chan”’ – it was a status update from the founder of Facebook that has already gained well over one million ‘likes’.And the announcement was a complete surprise – even to most of the couple’s close friends.
Fewer than 100 guests arrived at the pair’s modest house in Palo Allto, California, on Saturday, thinking they were to celebrate Priscilla’s graduation.
And she was every inch the blushing bride on her big day, wearing a beautiful gown labelled ‘Sky Between the Branches’ by designer Claire.
The simple creation featured an ivory laser-cut with floral lace overlay adorned with matte sequins lined in silk. A jewelled neckline added to the intricate beauty, as did the chapel-length train and sheer back, as shown by this runway photograph below.
At £4,700, the dress – which is currently advertised on the designer's website – also has a modest price tag considering Mark’s net worth is over $19.1 billion.
But Mark – who the day before went public with his wildly successful company – had been planning the wedding with his love for four months.
Los Angeles-based designer Claire told People magazine that Priscilla “wore it with such grace.“Her gown seems to perfectly capture her personality – understated and elegant with a touch of sparkle,” she said.“It’s a perfect blend of femininity and fashion.”Claire has also created wedding gowns for stars including Mad Men’s Elisabeth Moss, and once designed a bridesmaid dress for Cameron Diaz.The menu for the special occasion included sushi from the couple’s favourite restaurant and mouse-shaped chocolates in a nod to a snack the pair ate on their first date nine years ago.And despite the intimate, low-key nuptials, there was at least one famous name on the guest list – Mark's pal Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong gave a performance.“They’ve been friends for some time,” a source close to the musician told People magazine.“He wasn’t paid. It was a total impromptu wedding present for a friend.”As for the ring, Mark is said to have presented his wife with a custom-designed 'simple ruby sparkler'.The couple met as undergraduates at Harvard University in 2004.Mark dropped out of college to work on Facebook, while Priscilla, a pediatrician, stayed to earn her undergraduate degree in 2007.Her work led to Facebook creating an organ donation page.