Inside Kate and Rio Ferdinand’s spectacular wedding day with seven tier cake, emotional speeches from the children and a performance from Ashanti
KATE and Rio Ferdinand's lavish wedding included a stunning seven-tier cake, three 'emotional rollercoaster' speeches by Rio's kids and a surprise performance by American singer Ashanti.
Full details of the unforgettable day have emerged in , who covered the beautiful Turkish nuptials in this week's issue.
Rio, 40, told the magazine that he was in bits for the whole day, which took place at Turkey's 5-star D-Maris Bay hotel.
"I cried as soon as the day started," revealed the footballer, whose daughter Tia, 8, was Kate's maid of honour and sons Lorenz, 12, and Tate, 11 walked her halfway down the aisle.
"Seeing Tia walk up the aisle before Kate set me off," Rio, who said he knew Kate was special from "the moment I met her", recalled.
"It was so emotional. There was no going back on the emotion, that's why I kept my shades on."
Kate, 28, added: "Seeing Rio at the altar made me feel so happy, I couldn't wait to get to him.
"Especially as he was so emotional, I couldn't wait to get to him. It was everything that I imagined it to be, but I didn't cry at that moment. I cried all my tears in the morning."
Kate told how she was tearful before the ceremony after sharing some special time with Tia while reading a book Rio made her of all the things he loved about her.
She said: "We all read it together and we were all crying. Tia turned to me and said she never thought she'd be this happy and I was gone with emotion then.
The former TOWIE star wore a ivory fishtail Berta gown, which she revealed had to be made a week before the wedding after complications with her original gown.
"Kate looked unbelievable, just so beautiful," Rio, who donned a blue Clements and Church bespoke suit, said of his new bride.
"Seeing her in her dress was just so emotional."
The pair were determined that the kids played a big role in the day after the death of their mum Rebecca from breast cancer in 2015.
And when all three of them stood up to give a speech, there wasn't a dry eye in the house.
"The kids speeches were really emotional," Kate revealed. "Obviously I know how much they love me, and I love them madly.
"But just them telling me that in front of everyone was the most special thing. I can't explain how that felt."
As for the cake, the couple has a seven-tier treat made up of lemon drizzle and Victoria sponge.
For the reception, Kate changed into a white Grace Lane crop-top and matching long skirt.
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After a DJ and a saxophonist played, Rip surprised his wife with a performance by her favourite singer, Ashanti.
The American R&B star performed a medley of her hits, including Always on Time.
The following day, the celebrations continued with an all-white pool party and the happy couple reflected on the best day of their lives.
"I'm just so happy we're all as one," Rio said.
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