Until that moment, they were told only that the wedding was taking place in a tropical paradise, and to dress accordingly.

The internationally famous golfer, reportedly worth US$245 million, had visited Barbados last May ostensibly to meet with hotel officials about a formal opening ceremony for the golf club, at which he was expected to feature.

At that time, Woods, the 28-year-old former world No.1, travelled to Barbados with his fiancée, Elin, spending only 24 hours. It is believed that on that occasion the couple explored the sprawling five-star property and made initial arrangements for the event.

The ceremony itself was conducted by a local Anglican priest whose name has not been disclosed. It took place on a specially built wooden dais at the end of an aisle on the western end of the clubhouse.

This afforded the 120 guests a spectacular view from their hillside position on the eastern end of the course near to the 19th hole.

Only three photographers and one videographer were allowed at the wedding. International and local photographers who tried to get pictures of the bride and groom failed because when they took up their strategic positions on nearby rooftops, the couple had already made their way into the clubhouse.

The beaming bride, born January 1, 1980, was being prepared from late morning by her hairstylists and make-up artist, while the groom went there shortly after an adventurous scuba-diving trip on the West Coast.

During the ceremony, the groom’s father, Earl, gave an emotional speech and was moved to tears as he looked his son dead in the eyes and wished the couple a long, rich life together.

Entertainment for dancing was provided by the American band Hootie & The Blowfish, while the first ever American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkston, was the soloist.

A Barbadian steel pannist who works on the Sandy Lane circuit provided interlude music between the several speeches which were made on behalf of both the bride and groom.

The menu featured caviar and blackened Scottish salmon among other gourmet delights.

Fireworks, said to be the biggest display ever seen in Barbados, but lasting only ten minutes, went off from 9:45 p.m., lighting up the entire West Coast.

Dancing continued for two hours after the fireworks. Then guests made their way back to their villas by midnight.

Compliments of the Nation News

Tiger Woods (second right) and his wife Elin surfaced briefly yesterday and then disappeared from the public view for a while.

Tiger Woods (second right) and his wife Elin surfaced briefly yesterday and then disappeared from the public view for a while.
The celebrity couple, who were married Tuesday, came ashore from the yacht Privacy about 8:35 a.m. and slipped into the Sandy Lane Hotel.

They stayed out of sight until after 6 p.m. when they joined family and friends on shore. The relatives went on a sunset catamaran cruise while Tiger and his wife retreated to Privacy.

THE FACT that golfing superstar Eldrick “Tiger” Woods chose Barbados for his wedding with Swedish model Elin Nordegren must give a boost to tourism that is well beyond the island’s capacity to earn by direct commercial advertising.
This event has been reported on major international news networks, especially in North America where it enjoyed prime time coverage. < Read more >