With all the current news being absolutely terrible, we've decided to take a look back to when times were simpler. Oh, the times of 2000. Twenty years ago today, on December 22, one of the most anticipated weddings all time happened when Madonna married film director Guy Ritchie - in what was a very Scottish affair.
The event was incredibly private, with journalists and the couple's fans being kept away from the ceremony, which took place at the heavily guarded Skibo Castle near Dornoch in the Scottish Highlands. (In fact, the only glimpse of the couple was when their son, Rocco, was christened the day before at Dornoch Cathedral - the same minister, Rev Susan Brown, presided over their wedding service, too.) Guests included Sting and his wife Trudie Styler, who introduced the couple, and Gwyneth Paltrow was maid of honour. It was a also a big fashion event, with designers Stella McCartney - who designed M's dress - and Donatella Versace in attendance.
And it really was a traditionally Scottish wedding in a nod to Guy's heritage, the director wore a kilt - and the American singer opted for a sash of the same tartan on her Stella McCartney gothic-style gown (along with a tiara rumoured to be worth £170,000). Impressively, for an A-list wedding, pictures of the gown were never leaked to the press. After the ceremony, guests were treated to a haggis and smoked salmon at a champagne reception followed by a ceilidh - a traditional party with singing, dancing and Scottish music.
Unfortunately, as we all know, it wasn't to last. Ritchie directed romantic comedy Swept Away in 2002 - starring his then-wife - which was panned in reviews and at the box office, now considered to be one of the worst films of all time. Madonna filed for divorce in October 2008, citing irreconcilable differences.
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READ MORE: More Photos From Guy Ritchie And Jacqui Ainsley's Festival-Themed Wedding