Shock reason Elton John pulled out of singing at Beckhams’ wedding with just hours notice
When David Beckham and Victoria Adams tied the knot on 4 July 1999 at Luttrellstown Castle, a breathtaking location near Dublin, Ireland, it was a day for the history books.
The couple said 'I do' in front of 300 of their closest friends and family, and even gave the world the first public appearance of baby Brooklyn.
Following a stunning ceremony - that was set in a 560-acre estate with its own golf course and high stone wall - the footballer and former Spice Girls' singer invited guests to a huge marquee where the reception would be held and lots of dancing would take place.
However, Victoria and David had to make some last minute changes due to their entertainment - namely Sir Elton John, himself - falling ill with an ear infection.
The couple’s best friend was due to sing at the after party but sadly been struck down with an ear infection that morning and couldn’t attend. However, the high spirits continued and a four-minute firework display, accompanied by Björk’s It’s Oh So Quiet, was part of their celebrations.
Addressing the opulent nature of the wedding, Victoria told OK!, “Some people will say it’s over the top. But then if we’d had a small wedding they would have said, ‘Couldn’t they have done something bigger?’ A lot of the stuff is tongue in cheek.
"For example, we’ve got a flag on top of the castle with our initials, VDB, on it. We don’t care what people say – as long as we’re happy and our families are happy, that’s all that matters.”
Then a second marquee, decorated in the style of a lavish Moroccan boudoir, was soon full of guests ready to party on the sunken dance floor to the sounds of a live 70s band and disco. Guests, including David’s Manchester United team-mates, danced until the early hours.
Reflecting on their nuptials, the couple told OK! they just wanted their guests to feel “comfortable”. “We chose surroundings that weren’t intimidating, and we didn’t invite hundreds of guests,” said Victoria, adding, “I’ve seen a lot of weddings where there are all these famous, glamorous people walking around, but we didn’t want a wedding like that. People aren’t there because of who they are or what they do – they’re all there because they’re friends.”
