Beaming all over their faces, with confetti raining down and the cheers of fans ringing in their ear, Sir Paul McCartney and Nancy Shevell looked thrilled to be man and wife. "I feel absolutely wonderful. I feel terrific. I feel married," the former Beatle told the crowds, some of whom had been there since 9am to secure the best vantage point. Out of loyalty to his followers, Paul graciously spent a few minutes saluting wellwishers.
But he and his bride have largely shunned the limelight, preferring to be discreet about their love. And so having promised to love and honour each other in the low-key ceremony at London's Marylebone Town Hall, attended by just 30 guests, the newlyweds set out for home to throw a rocking party that went on behind closed doors until 3am. Once they thought themselves beyond the range of cameras, the real celebrations began.Sir Paul and the new Lady McCartney were seen throwing their arms into the air and dancing up and down for joy like teenagers.A mixture of music legends and top names from London's high society turned out to toast their happiness.
Loaded with gifts, Ringo Starr, his wife – actress Barbara Bach – and George Harrison's widow Olivia joined Twiggy, Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood and David Frost at Sir Paul's St John's Wood home.
The groom's younger brother Mike was the best man – just as he was at Paul's first wedding. Back then he managed to hold up proceedings, arriving an hour late when his train was delayed. This time he arrived without a hitch.
And he was very clear about what the best part of the evening was. "There was a lovely song that our kid did, and they had a lovely dance together," said the 67-year-old, speaking of the song Paul had specially written for his bride. "That was a nice little highlight of the evening." After the acrimony of his divorce from Heather Mills, the McCartney clan couldn't be happier with the contentment the pop patriarch has found in his new marriage. His daughter, fashion designer Stella created both the outfits worn by the bride and groom and helped choose the organic menu.
Guests were due to feast on rocket and basil salad, goat cheese polenta, savory tarts, and dumplings. Moments after the ceremony two wedding cakes were delivered – one traditional and one vegan – both baked by Posh Puds Patisserie.
This being a family affair, children's entertainers Sharky and George has also been hired.
Two of Paul's grown up daughters - Mary and Stella have children of their own.Photographer Mary has four sons - Arthur, 12, nine-year-old Elliot, Sam, three, one-month-old Sid.Meanwhile Stella has two sons Miller Alasdhair James, six, and three-year-old Beckett Robert Lee and her two daughters Bailey Linda Olwyn, four and one-year-old Reiley.Paul is also father to Beatrice, seven, from his marriage to Heather Mills.For fabulous pictures of Sir Paul's big day, see HELLO! magazine, issue 1196, on sale from Tuesday.Come together: Why Paul decided to give marriage another chance with NancyRain and rainbows as Paul McCartney wed Heather MillsHeather and Paul's divorce