THE tranquillity of the picturesque Highland town of Cawdor was shattered yesterday as the world's media and hundreds of Take That fans converged to see Mark Owen take his wedding vows.
In an intimate ceremony, the 37-year-old singer married his fiancée Emma Ferguson at Cawdor Parish Church, near Nairn, yesterday afternoon.
Once the vows had been made the couple and 50 close friends and family enjoyed a lavish reception at the hi
storic Cawdor Castle.
Before the wedding there had been much speculation that former Take That member Robbie Williams would attend.
There were reports that he had arrived by private jet on Friday night and some spectators claimed they had seen him sneaking into the church.
However, last night there was no sign of the pop star – who was last seen performing in a concert in Germany on Saturday night.
Owen arrived at the church with fellow Take That members Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Jason Orange just after 4pm. The bandmates all wore black tuxedos with white ties and red roses in their buttonholes.
The band stopped to wave to fans outside the church who had waited up to six hours to see them.
The wedding has reportedly taken two years to plan. It is understood the couple chose the remote Scottish location as they have enjoyed happy holidays in the area.
As is traditional the bride arrived late along with her bridesmaids. Wearing a white V-neck fitted gown, embellished with crystals, Emma Ferguson walked up the aisle at Cawdor Parish Church 25 minutes late for her wedding to the pop star.
Encircled by a flurry of photographers, Ms Ferguson was assisted into the church by at least two bridesmaids who were also wearing white.
With an antique-style veil flowing past her shoulders, she smiled and waved as the crowd outside the church let out a roar of cheers and applause.
The wedding service began as darkness fell on the Highland town. It is understood the bride had requested a service by candlelight. Shortly before 6pm, the wedding guests emerged from the church, and the new Mr and Mrs Owen were showered with confetti as they walked out into the crisp November night.
The newlyweds, who have two children, toddler Elwood Jack and Willow Rose, born last November, walked through an archway made by the congregation, obscuring them from view, which led to shouts and boos from waiting fans.
The wedding party then walked through the church grounds to a rear exit, and the congregation walked to nearby Cawdor Castle for the wedding reception.
Earlier band members Barlow, Orange and Donald flew to Scotland on a 17-seater Lear jet.
Take That, who launched a comeback in 2006 with the release of Patience, have enjoyed yet another hugely successful year.
Their Circus tour became the fastest-selling in UK history.
