Rachel Stevens marries in lavish London ceremony

Former S Club 7 singer Rachel Stevens married her boyfriend of two years, Alex Bourne, in an extravagant ceremony at Claridges in London’s Mayfair. The couple exchanged vows under a white gazebo on Sunday afternoon whilst 184 guests looked on.

The loved-up pair began dating in May 2007 with Alex proposing a year later whilst on holiday in Italy. Last Friday the couple were seen out in London running last minute errands for their impending nuptials. They checked into a suite at Claridges on Saturday night in preparation for the ceremony.

Exclusive rights to the wedding have been sold to OK Magazine so no photos are yet available and reports surrounding the big day are sketchy. It is believed that none of Rachel’s former band mates from S Club 7 were invited as they are no longer in touch. However the bride is said to have walked down the aisle to one of their biggest hits, “Never had a dream come true.”

The venue is reported to have been festooned with white orchids and candles; ice sculptures were also seen being delivered. Speaking before the wedding Rachel insisted she’d gone “all out” in her preparations, and without giving anything away, described her gown as being a “meringue dress.”

Although the wedding seems to have gone without a hitch, the lead up to the big event was less smooth. In May of this year the 31-year old singer was mugged in broad daylight as she entered her £800,000 flat in North London. She was left “shaken” by the attack which saw 3 muggers threaten the terrified star, stealing her diamond engagement ring, Rolex watch and necklace.

Rachel insisted the wedding would be a family affair, however a few celebrities are rumoured to have attended. Last Christmas Rachel came second on the BBC1 show Strictly Come Dancing and is said to have invited her former dance partner Vince Simone and axed Judge Arlene Philips. Ex-Coronation Street actress Kate Ford was also spotted arriving at the luxury London hotel.