Coleen makes a big splash on wedding day

IT HAD almost all the elements of a modern fairy-tale wedding.

But unfortunately Wayne Rooney couldn't fix the weather for his bride Coleen McLoughlin when they married on the Italian Riviera yesterday.

With a ridiculous price tag, an army of security guards, a lucrative magazine deal and boy-band Westlife providing the music, the couple certainly weren't going for low-key.

But, as a downpour lashed the coast yesterday, the bride will no doubt have taken comfort in the Italian saying that translates as "a wet bride is a lucky bride".

With its spectacular views overlooking the Mediterranean, the 17th century palace, Villa Durazzo, was a far cry from the chip shop in Croxteth where the couple's love affair supposedly began.

The childhood sweethearts became Mr and Mrs Rooney beneath a Louis XVI chandelier in the Salone Degli Stucchi at the Villa Durazzo, in the resort of Santa Margherita Ligure, surrounded by about 15 of their closest family and friends.

The bride, forced to shelter under a large black umbrella for much of the morning, wore a short low-cut cream-white dress said to have cost £200,000. The Manchester United and England star sported a beige suit without a tie.

Gianni Costa, the deputy mayor of Santa Margherita who conducted the 20-minute ceremony, said: "The bride looked lovely in white, and the groom wore a brown suit with no tie. No rings were exchanged, and the ceremony was very simple yet very beautiful."

The couple and their wedding party had arrived in cars with tinted windows to prevent anyone ruining the exclusive magazine deal they had lined up.

The couple, both aged 22, were then given a police escort to La Cervara – a medieval abbey that has hosted three popes and imprisoned a French king in its 650-year history – for the reception, which was planned to climax with a spectacular fireworks display.

The reported £5 million cost of the wedding is being offset by a deal with OK! magazine that is said to be worth half that amount.

Unsurprisingly, burly security guards were on hand at the villa to keep out the media. As the couple left, about a dozen paparazzi took off after them on motorbikes.

About 20 reporters, cameramen and photographers gathered at the entrance to the narrow private lane leading up the steep hill towards La Cervara, hoping for a glimpse of guests arriving for the reception.

Some photographers are thought to have buried themselves in dense undergrowth surrounding the abbey, hoping to snap the celebration on long lenses. One was even seen wearing camouflage gear.

McLoughlin enjoyed a pre-wedding trip to Miami, a £50,000 lunch, dinner and pampering session at the five-star Lowry Hotel in Manchester for 24 guests, including the two mothers.

Rooney's £250,000 stag do took place in Ibiza, where he hired a luxury villa.

The couple, who live in a multi-million-pound Cheshire mansion, complete with swimming pool and gym, are said to be worth £35 million.

McLoughlin, who left school with ten GCSEs but no A-Levels, is the face of Asda, has released her own exercise video and perfume, has a magazine column, and a TV show and is worth £6 million in her own right.

IN NUMBERS

£2,500,000

The sum reportedly paid to the couple by OK! magazine for exclusive access to the wedding day. A proportion reportedly will be given to charity.

17

The number of guests on Rooney's four-day stag do in Ibiza last week. They were told to leave their wallets at home, according to reports, with the multi-millionaire groom picking up the tab.

£400,000

The amount paid to Westlife, McLoughlin's favourite band, to play live at the reception.

50

The number of guests at the celebration on the Italian Riviera. Another party is thought to be planned back in England for wider family and friends.

£115,000

Rooney's weekly wage at Manchester United.

£200,000

The cost of McLoughlin's wedding dress.