Arizona Tribune - Global frenzy over Swift, Kelce's glittering 'royal wedding'

Outshining national celebrations for America's 250th birthday on July Fourth, the wedding of the year is happening amid a record-breaking heat wave, an almost total news blackout and a security lockdown normally reserved for heads of state.

"She is the biggest thing in America -- like she is our royalty, she is our queen, she is everything," said Alyssa Heinen, 24, from Manhattan.

"We are just so happy that she found the love of her life and he happens to also be such a big deal. It feels like a royal wedding to us."

Frenzied reporting around the wedding included unidentified sources telling New York Post gossip column Page Six that the billionaire singer and three-time Super Bowl champion had already tied the knot in front of "a tiny group of loved ones."

Nevertheless, celebrity pals of the world's favorite English teacher and gym teacher were descending on New York for the celebration, which kicked off Thursday with a rehearsal dinner for 100 guests at the Garden.

Security fences have been placed all around the venue, and a large white tent erected at the VIP entrance to block incoming guests from view, while workers were seen adjusting giant curtains across the stadium's windows.

Singer Selena Gomez, reportedly a bridesmaid, shared a photo of herself in evening finery with her 405 million Instagram followers. "Girls" creator Lena Dunham, producer Jack Antonoff and actors Bradley Cooper and Adam Sandler were photographed near the Garden, which was ringed by barricades and police.

- Lobster and donuts -

For Friday's main event, the 1,000 guests are reportedly banned from having phones and have signed non-disclosure agreements.

US media said those with coveted invites include actress Zoe Kravitz, and models Gigi Hadid and Cara Delevingne.

Stevie Nicks and Tim McGraw will perform, while Ed Sheeran is also rumored to be among those taking the stage, according to Page Six.

The party will reportedly kick off with mid-afternoon cocktails, before a reception going into the night.

For more than a week, journalists have been staking out the Garden, sniffing around for clues. The US newspaper of record, The New York Times, has dedicated two dozen reporters to covering the wedding.

Photographers have captured delivery trucks unloading large boxes labeled "Garden Party," while up-to-the-minute updates included the arrival of trucks with deliveries of donuts and lobster.

- Fairy-tale wedding -

Meanwhile, Swifties -- as the megastar's fans are known -- have flocked to Big Apple locations mentioned in their idol's lyrics, including the Bus Stop Cafe in the West Village.

Ahead of the big day, Swift's spokesperson said the couple were donating $26 million to various US charities, including in New York and Kansas City.

Swift's marriage to Kelce comes after a string of high-profile failed relationships -- including with British actor Joe Alwyn, and singers John Mayer and Harry Styles -- which became fodder for her songs.

Swift revealed her engagement last August in an Instagram post announcing that "Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married." Fans swooned over the idea of a fairy-tale wedding with the musician -- who built her career on songs about romance and heartbreak -- saying "I do" to the hulking, bearded Kelce.

The 14-time Grammy winner is coming off a banner year with the success of her album "The Life of a Showgirl," induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and a new song on the "Toy Story 5" soundtrack.

Kelce, a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, has signed on for a 14th season in the National Football League. He is also a co-host of the popular "New Heights" podcast alongside his brother Jason, which on Friday will host Britain's Prince William as its guest.

The royal was not expected to attend the wedding.

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A.Moore--AT