http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=366143Stella rumour sparks wedding watch
Ashford Castle is tipped as venue
By Maureen Coleman
CELEBRITY watchers were hoping today that an Irish location for the wedding of ex-Beatle Sir Paul McCartney's daughter will be revealed soon.
Mystery surrounds the wedding plans of fashion designer Stella McCartney, who is expected to marry her boyfriend Alasdhair Willis in a forthcoming ceremony.
The 30-year-old Gucci designer was rumoured to have travelled to Ireland earlier this week with her father Sir Paul McCartney and his wife Heather Mills.
The former Beatle wed Ms Mills at Castle Leslie in Co Monaghan last year, reportedly prompting his daughter to choose an Irish location for her own nuptials.
Celebrities poured through Belfast International Airport en route to Sir Paul's wedding to the delight of Ulster's celebrity watchers.
Reports earlier in the week suggested Ms McCartney had opted for the exclusive Ashford Castle in Co Mayo for the reception.
Last summer she was spotted trying out the food and meeting with the manager of the castle, which costs £12,000 to hire.
It was also rumoured that wedding guests were booked onto the Holyhead ferry to Dublin at the weekend and told to keep the rest of the week free, sparking speculation.
Ms McCartney's closest friends include Madonna, Kate Moss and Gwyneth Paltrow, all of whom are expected to attend.
However, a spokeswoman for Ashford Castle today said she was not aware of any such event having taken place at the hotel.
"I do not know of any special type of event taking place here this week," she said.
"It's just business as usual."
A family friend said: "The guests haven't been told what day the wedding is taking place.
"Just like when Paul married Heather earlier this year, no-one was told where the wedding was taking place until they got there."
The designer, who became engaged to Mr Willis last July, is said to have designed her own wedding dress.
Although she was opposed to her father's wedding to Ms Mills, it is understood she invited her step-mother to avoid a family row.
Ms McCartney rose to fame as a designer when she worked for the Paris fashion house Chloe. She later resigned, setting up her own label, partnered with Gucci.
