Island wedding for Take That star

TAKE That star Robbie Williams was due to marry his long-term American girlfriend Ayda Field last night in an intimate ceremony on an island off the coast of California.

The couple had tried to keep their plans secret and only told friends and family the truth after reports emerged.

Guests were reportedly told to meet at a small port yesterday morning, from where they would be taken to the island of Santa Catalina by boat.

They included the 36-year-old's parents, Jan and Pete, and friend Jonathan Wilkes, 32, who was to be the best man.

A friend of the couple said: "Jonathan's been practising his best man's speech. He's really pleased with it and thinks Robbie and Ayda will find it hilarious."

After the wedding the celebrations were planned to continue at the singer's 12 million Beverley Hills home.

Williams was seen playing football on the pitch at his home with friends who had flown in for the wedding.

However, the other members of Take That, the band he rejoined last month, were not expected to be able to make it because of prior commitments. They did, however, send a video message in which they spoke of how much they love Williams and how happy they were to be reunited as a band.

Williams and Field, 31, have been together for more than three years since meeting through friends.

It is understood the wedding venue was to be decorated in silver and white, and the couple would make their vows under a bower made of tree branches and driftwood and decorated with white lilies and hand-painted orchids.

After dark, candles would be lit in the trees for the reception.

The singer has been romantically linked with a string of celebrities, including actresses Joely Richardson and Anna Friel, Irish singer Andrea Corr, TV presenter Tania Strecker, former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, New Zealand supermodel Rachel Hunter, and Hollywood beauties Cameron Diaz and Valerie Cruz. He was introduced to Field by a friend in 2006.