Angelina Jolie Make Surprise Stop at Sarajevo Film Festival

Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie was close to tears as she received a special award during an unannounced visit to Sarajevo's film festival Saturday with partner Brad Pitt.


"I will start crying if you don't stop," Oscar-awarded Jolie told the audience who gave her a standing ovation at the city's National Theater.


Jolie chose Bosnia's 1992-95 war as the setting for her first film as a director. "In the Land of Blood and Honey" is due to be released in December.


She has also visited Bosnia as a goodwill ambassador for the U.N.'s refugee agency UNHCR and funded the construction of several houses for returnees in eastern Bosnia.


Festival director Mirsad Purivatra presented Jolie with a heart-shaped award when she appeared at the closing ceremony.


"Tonight we are giving the honorary Heart of Sarajevo to a great artist, not only for the great impact she has in the world of cinema but also for persisting and her active engagement in the complexities of the real world we live in," Purivatra said.


Jolie, dressed in a long peach dress, stood on stage with eyes full of tears waiting for the clapping to die down.


Brad played it cool in a suit and crisp white shirt with no tie, while Angie wore a long, flowing peach gown.


The couple made an unscheduled appearance at the Sarajevo Film Festival, where the actress almost shed some tears when she was called up to the stage a the city’s National Theater.


Her eyes watered up when she was given a standing ovation while accepting the honorary Heart of Sarajevo award. The heart-shaped award recognized her contributions to the entertainment world and humanitarian efforts.


“I will start crying if you don’t stop,” she told the crowd.


Angie’s first stab at directing focuses on Bosnia’s 1992-1995 war. In the Land of Blood and Honey is set for release in December.

Stocks bounce around as the debt debate

Here's an overview of how various markets are reacting to the impasse in Washington over raising the U.S. borrowing limit. The Treasury Department says the government won't have enough money to cover all its bills after next Tuesday if the limit isn't raised.


— Stocks: The Dow Jones industrial average had a sixth straight day of losses. On Friday it closed down 97 points at 12,143. In addition to anxiety over a possible U.S. default, the government also reported that U.S. economy slowed in the first half of the year to its weakest pace since the recession ended two years ago. The S&P 500 index had its worst week in a year. Small company stocks fared worse than the rest of the market as investors shed what they consider to be riskier assets. The Russell 2000 index of small company stocks fell 5.3 percent this week, worse than the 3.9 percent decline in the S&P 500.


U.S. Government Debt: Yields on short-term government debt rose as investors anticipated that the government might have trouble paying its debts as early as next week. The yield on the Treasury bill coming due Aug. 4 jumped to 0.24 percent. Yields on the benchmark three-month T-bills have been as low as 0.01 percent as recently as July 15. Yields on longer-dated Treasury securities fell as investors looked for relatively safe places to park money. Even with the threat of a default or a downgrade of the government's triple-A credit rating, most investors still consider Treasurys one of the safest investments around. If big investors start to doubt the creditworthiness of the U.S., you'll see a sharp rise in yields, especially in the widely held 10-year Treasury note. That hasn't happened yet. On Friday the yield on the 10-year note fell to 2.80 percent, its lowest level of the year, from 2.95 percent late Thursday.


Bond insurance: The cost to protect against a U.S. default within one year has reached a record high this week. Traders have to pay 54 percent more to insure Treasurys for one year than they did last Friday.


Stocks plunged early Friday after the government said that the economy grew at its weakest pace since the recession ended.


Traders already were on edge about a stalemate between lawmakers that threatens to push the nation into default for the first time. The Treasury says it might run out of cash after Aug. 2.


Major indexes recovered some losses by midday as a debt deal appeared more likely.


Just before noon, the S&P 500 index is down a point, or 0.1 percent, at 1,300. The Dow Jones industrial average is down 33, or 0.3 percent, at 12,207. The Nasdaq composite index is up 5, or 0.2 percent, at 2,771.

Mixed Economic Data Again

Cutbacks by cash-strapped state and local governments helped restrict economic growth to anemic levels, according to fresh data Friday, signaling a weakening recovery as lawmakers continue to wrangle over the nation’s spending.


The report from the Commerce Department showed the economy grew at a snail’s pace of 1.3 percent in the spring, sapping hopes that the recovery would pick up later this year. Perhaps even more alarming was that the agency said the economy in the first three months of the year was far worse than it had been initially estimated, with growth at a near-standstill.


Economists said the trajectory of the recovery could hinge on the outcome of the debate over the amount the nation can borrow. And the data inflamed the partisan debate about the government’s role in stimulating the economy.


Liberals said the weak gross domestic product figures showed that massive government cutbacks were unwise, while conservatives said that lowering the budget deficit should be the priority.


President Barack Obama seized on the report to urge lawmakers to reach a compromise on raising the federal borrowing limit.


“The power to solve this is in our hands,” Obama said at the White House. “And on a day when we’ve been reminded how fragile the economy already is, this is one burden we can lift ourselves.”


The bad economic news and the uncertainty over the debt ceiling helped drag stocks to another losing session Friday, leaving the markets with their worst week in a year.


The Dow Jones Industrial Average, an index of blue-chip stocks, fell 537.92 points this week, or 4.24 percent — its largest weekly drop since July 2010. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index and tech-heavy Nasdaq were both down about 4 percent this week.


The second quarter’s gross domestic product growth rate, the broadest measure of economic activity, is far lower than the 1.8 percent rate many economists estimated.


On the economic front, home prices increased for a second month and unemployment claims made a huge one-week bounce that is probably too good to be true. Pending home sales looked better, boding well for the upcoming existing home sales reports. Meanwhile, new home sales remained deep in recession. Durable goods orders were disappointing even as shipments remained remarkably robust. While the GDP report for the June quarter disappointed some with 1.3% real growth, it actually did slightly better than I expected. Other than another month or two of high car prices, which will boost the inflation rate, the last of the negative effects of the Japanese supply issues should have washed through most of the economic statistics.
Despite relatively benign second-quarter numbers, the statisticians threw us all a huge curve ball, reducing the first-quarter GDP growth rate to 0.4% from 1.9%, based largely on adjustments to inventories and a downward revision to exports. Given that consumption numbers and investment numbers were largely untouched, I am not terribly concerned. However, the data now perversely show that the economy picked up steam between the first and second quarters; this doesn't seem to square with other data including the employment report and company data that are showing a deceleration. The revision will make it more difficult to reach my 2.5% growth rate for the full year, but I still believe it is possible. The need for me to make a downward adjustment will depend on the next two months of employment data.


BEA also took the opportunity to revise the last five or more years of GDP data with this report. As I suspected, the recession now looks worse and the recovery looks slower. I was surprised at the magnitude of the reduction in the first-quarter 2011 GDP growth rate--down to a mere 0.4% from 1.9%. The majority of the adjustment was related to inventories, with net exports also contributing to the large revision. Consumption and business spending--the key drivers of economic activity--remained virtually unchanged from the previous GDP report. While the reduction looks scary and creates headlines, I am not reading much into the unusually large revision. Next week I will update readers with a table detailing the key contributors to this economic recovery.
Initial unemployment claims dipped to 398,000 from 422,000 in the latest week. While I will take good news any time I can get it, I suspect that a return of auto workers after the auto industry's summer shutdowns, the end of the Minnesota furloughs, and processing issues in California all contributed to the improvement. Whether a number this low is sustainable is an open question, but I wouldn't panic if the number backs up again for a couple of weeks. On a sad note, I am afraid the improved layoff results are coming too late to aid the July employment report; this week's data came after the July 15 date used for the employment report (the initial claims data was for the week ending July 22, and most U.S. auto plants reopened after their normal summer shutdown on July 18).

Zara Phillips ties the knot with 'The Fridge' Mike Tindall

Zara Phillips, Prince William's cousin who is 13th in line to the throne, and Mike Tindall, captain of England's rugby team, were married on a glorious, sunny day in historic Edinburgh Saturday.


The 3 p.m. ceremony took place at Canongate Kirk, a small Church of Scotland venue where the Queen worships when she stays in Edinburgh. The modest church dates back to 1688.


The bride made her arrival at a fashionably late six minutes past the hour in an ivory silk and duchess satin gown by Stewart Parvin – the personal couturier to the Queen – and a silk tulle cathedral veil. She carried a huge bouquet of cream-colored flowers and accessorized with Jimmy Choo shoes and a tiara on loan from Princess Anne. Tindall wore a suit adorned with coattails and a light grey stripe on the trouser legs.


Mike Tindall OBE, 33, is a Yorkshire lad, educated at a grammar school in Wakefield.
His parents — Philip, 64, a retired bank official, and Linda, 63, a social worker — are resolutely middle class.
Philip, who has since been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, didn’t enjoy retirement and he went back to work part-time in the finance department of Newhall Prison, near Wakefield.
Oh, to be a fly on the wall when Philip meets Philip and Linda meets Liz at the wedding reception.
Their son, Mike, once sold fish and chips from a van — which he hated, describing it as ‘just a lot of rowdy northerners complaining about the size of the fish’ — and is now captain of the England rugby union team.
A man of many nicknames, most of which revolve around his size, he is known as ‘the Fridge’, ‘the Lord’ and ‘Tins’. But don’t judge him by his appearance — off the pitch he describes himself as a ‘mummy’s boy’.
Given that his father and five uncles played rugby before him, it was natural young Mike’s future lay on the pitch.
When Mike was five, the seatbelt came loose on a dodgem car and he head-butted the steering wheel, breaking his nose.
He’s since broken it eight more times and doesn’t want to do anything else to it, since the last repair job collapsed in the middle of a game and metal plates fell on the pitch.
His future mother-in-law — who has a particularly imperious conk — suggested a nose job before the wedding.
He refused, saying: ‘It’s now part of me.’


Prince Harry introduced Mike and Zara in a Sydney bar during the 2003 rugby World Cup. Zara was on her gap year.
Rather ungallantly, Mike revealed that Zara had insisted a friend passed her phone number to him, saying: ‘She wants you to text her.’
The following year she asked him to the North Cotswold Ball as ‘mates’. Still, it worked. Would you say no to Princess Anne’s daughter?


Zara's cousin William may have flown Kate to the slopes of Mount Kenya, but Wakefield Mike was a little more laidback. He came downstairs one Saturday night while Zara was glued to The X-Men on the telly. ‘She was on the sofa, which helped,’ he told an interviewer.
Then he bent down, no easy feat for a man of his bulk, and popped the question. She laughed; luckily, she said yes.
No controversial Mummy’s ring is being recycled here: Mike had a brand new, though bespoke, diamond job waiting. There is no evidence of a matching tongue stud.

Senate debt vote delayed in quest for elusive compromise

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell is in active negotiation with the White House on a debt ceiling deal, and Democrats agreed late Saturday night to postpone a partisan-tinged cloture vote to give time for both sides to find a compromise.


“There are many elements to be finalized, and there is still a distance to go before any arrangement can be completed,” said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. “But I believe we should give everyone as much room as possible to do their work.”


“I’m glad to see this move toward cooperation and compromise. I hope it bears fruit.”


Just hours before Reid had sparred on the floor with McConnell over the seriousness of his efforts, and Reid’s change of tone — and tactics — suggested that real progress had been made. “We’re getting close,” said one GOP leadership aide, with knowledge of the discussions.


“In the category of getting serious, I have spoken to both the president and the vice president within the last hour,” McConnell had told reporters earlier in day in a joint appearance with Speaker John Boehner. “We are now fully engaged, the speaker and I, with the one person in America out of 307 billion people who can sign a bill into law. I’m confident and optimistic that we’re going to get an agreement in the very near future and resolve this crisis in the best interests of the American people.”


Boehner echoed McConnell’s statement, saying he believed that “we are going to be able to come to some sort of agreement.” But the speaker appears to have had no contact himself with President Barack Obama Saturday, while McConnell spoke to the president and reached out to Biden, after which the two men engaged in at least four back-and-forth phone calls through the day.


All day Saturday, Senate leaders tried to cobble together a coalition in a divided Congress. The aim was to reach the kind of agreement most economists, investors and foreign governments all along have believed would emerge before the world's biggest economy was subjected to an unprecedented risk.


The potential deal that was in the works late Saturday would include an agreement to raise the debt ceiling by at least the $2.4 trillion that President Obama had requested without requiring a second round of congressional approval Republicans had sought, according to a Democratic official familiar with the talks who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the negotiations.


The deal would cut long-term federal spending in two phases. A first phase would cut about $1.2 trillion over the next decade from federal agency budgets. A second would create a bipartisan panel to propose a further $1.6 trillion in deficit-reduction measures later this year.


If that committee deadlocked, or if its recommendations were not approved, further automatic cuts would be triggered on long-term spending for both domestic and defense programs. An automatic cut in Medicare spending might also be imposed, the official said. Democrats appear to have given up a quest for a trigger that would impose revenue increases, deferring the tax debate until after the 2012 election. Republicans appear to have given up the idea of tying the debt increase to a vote on a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.


Vice President Joe Biden was the main go-between in talks involving the White House and congressional leaders, including Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.


Another Democratic official expressed the increased optimism at the White House. "Clearly everyone agrees we need to find consensus," the official said. "While we're not there yet, we're closer than we were 24 hours ago."


The optimism over progress in the talks remained fragile, however, and came only after a stalemate that has left many in and outside of Congress frustrated.


"We've all talked about the need to see compromise here, and then we go on to say why we can't compromise," Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said in a floor speech Saturday. "The one thing we have managed to do on a bipartisan basis here in this Congress is to incite fear in the American public."


"Somewhere there's a silver bullet," said Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), another potential deal maker. "The Lone Ranger had it.... Why can't the U.S. Congress find it?"


Those sorts of lawmakers long have served as a bridge between the parties, making them the key to forging agreements on highly contentious issues.


Democrats are trying to protect both Obama and their threatened Senate majority. Restless liberals are frustrated by what they see as Obama's repeated capitulation to Republicans.
Republicans are still reeling from the grass-roots uprising of the "tea party" movement that helped send dozens of hard-line conservatives to Congress in November's election. Onetime deal makers of the Senate — Richard G. Lugar (R-Ind.) and Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah), for example — have shifted to the right, fearing primary challenges.


When McConnell floated a compromise this month, freshmen in the House dubbed it the "Pontius Pilate" plan.


One veteran Republican lawmaker, talking about the debate with reporters, stopped himself when he let one word escape: "I'm not supposed to say 'deal,'" he said.


Political dynamics aside, former lawmakers say something fundamental has changed. The days of bipartisan socializing and interaction are gone. Many members make a point of spending as little time in Washington as possible, sleeping in their offices and leaving most weekends.


The result is a shortage of the personal relationships and political understandings that ease compromise. Former Rep. Robert Borski, a centrist Democrat from Pennsylvania who left office in 2003 after 20 years in the House, said that by the end of his tenure partisanship had increased to the point where Republicans would "avert their eyes" when he passed them in the Capitol corridors.


Votes to raise the debt ceiling "were routine," Borski added. "The opposition would make it uncomfortable for you, but … nothing like this.

Kate turns up to Zara's wedding wore in 2006

Zara Phillips, the statuesque blond cousin of Prince William and eldest granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, is the latest royal to marry.

Phillips wed Mike Tindall, captain of England's rugby team, on Saturday in Edinburgh, Scotland. Guests at the private ceremony included Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip; Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge; Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall; Prince Harry, and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

The modest ceremony took place at Canongate Kirk, against the lush green of Scotland's countryside. Hundreds of locals came to celebrate the couple as the newlyweds departed the service to a chorus of bagpipes.

The reception will be held at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the queen's residence and site of many childhood visits from the often publicity-shy Phillips.

The bride's dress, designed by Stewart Parvin, was finished off with Jimmy Choo shoes and a Greek Key tiara on loan from Princess Anne, mother of the bride. Phillips does not have a royal title.

William and Catherine caused quite a stir to revelers along Edinburgh's Royal Mile, a famous stretch of cobblestone, as they departed the service in a car with Harry. Kate wore a beige day coat, which she'd worn previously in 2006, and a matching fascinator with floral detail.

Prince Harry introduced Zara and Mike in 2003 at a World Cup celebration in Australia. Tindall proposed to Philips, who is 13th in line for the throne, with a platinum ring decked out with pave diamonds.

Duchess of Cambridge, the wife of the future King of England, Kate has the world at her feet.

After establishing herself as a fashion icon, designers are constantly falling over themselves in a bid to dress the world's most famous royal.

But as she arrived at Canonbury Kirk for Zara Phillips' wedding this afternoon wearing a dress that has rested in her wardrobe for more than five years, it sent out the clear message that Kate has no desire to act as Royal clothes horse - nor did she wish to turn Zara's big day into a fashion parade.

Eschewing expensive new couture, Catherine dipped into her closet to find an old favourite, a chic embroidered coat she last wore in 2006 at the wedding of Laura Parker Bowles. It was a simple look, perhaps chosen deliberately so as to avoid any possibility of upstaging the bride.

She gave the pale gold outfit an update with an oversized tilted hat, lined on the underside with a bow and giant bloom. On her feet, her trademark nude pumps.

Five years ago when she wore the outfit last, Catherine chose a beige and black feathered hat and nude kitten heels.

Earlier this year, she was seen wearing the same blue jacquard coat dress to the Duke of Edinburgh's 90th birthday party, after previously breaking it out back in 2009.

Kate also wore the same black and white dress she had previously worn to a nightclub back in 2007 as she attended a friend's wedding in June.

And, as she began her royal tour of Canada with William earlier this month, Kate made the decision to wear the white Reiss dress she had donned for one of her official engagement photographs ahead of the pair's wedding in April.

It was reported earlier this year that the Duchess had told a friend she didn't want to be a 'clothes horse', and was intending to wear her outfits more than once.

She was quoted as telling a friend: 'Times are tough; I cannot be expected to wear a new outfit for every royal engagement. I am not a fashion model.'

The friend also apparently said: 'The Duchess is aware that people are struggling in the current economic climate.

'Changing outfits for every engagement is simply not practical nor affordable and would send out the wrong message.

Ilene Hamann

Ilene Hamann, born June 9, 1984 is an actress and model from South Africa.

Ilene Hamann was born in Jeffreys Bay, where she lived until she moved to Cape Town, South Africa. Her mother is of Portuguese descent and her father of Dutch descent. Hamann started her career with photography, which earned her several modeling offers, which she pursued.

Hamann attended Nico Malan High School, and Matriculated with a B aggregate.After her matriculation, she went to Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography, where she completed her first year in photography but had to give up her studies due to the amount of modeling work she was receiving.

Career,Modelling

Hamann kicked her career off in 2003 by traveling off to India, Dubai, and Australia for modeling jobs. In South Africa, she was booked for advertisement job in such places as Truworths, Foschini, and American Swiss. In India, her job highlights included editorials for Elle and L'Officiel (including a cover). During her seasons in Cape Town, she was booked for British designer Stewart Parvin's print advertising campaign, the bauknecht catalogue, Stihl power tools, and various others. Hamann is represented by Faith Models in South Africa and managed internationally by Star Born Talent.

Film

Hamann began her film career in Bollywood with Rog, making her the first South African model to be cast in such a leading role.

Zara Phillips wears the Meander Tiara to her wedding

Fashioned by designer Stewart Parvin, one of her grandmother the Queen’s favourite couturiers, it was a stunning creation.

The young royal selected the gown from bridal shop The White Room, very near to where she lives with her rugby beau in Gloustershire.

Simple yet sculpted, the shape of the graceful gown accentuated her enviable silhouette and gave centre stage to Zara's natural charm.

The dropped-waist bustier was a nod to her youthful and fashion-forward style, while the gently curving organza straps lent a sophistication to the simple dress.

Boasting extravagant layers of silk tulle, the veil cascaded over her pleated full skirt and modest train to form a perfect teardrop.

And it was held gently in place by the Greek ‘Key’ tiara, lent to Zara by her mother, Princess Anne. It was once owned by Princess Alice, the mother of Prince Philip.

The dazzling creation consists of a brilliant cut diamond surrounded by a diamond wreath, and sat perfectly upon the bride’s hair, which had been swept up into a chic chignon.

She was accompanied by her proud father, Captain Mark Phillips, who escorted her from the car to the church.

Seconds before she entered, Zara turned and waved to the several thousand who have been patiently waiting in the streets for her arrival.

Her groom arrived over an hour before the wedding - to the pleasant surprise of guests and media alike.

Meander Tiara is a crown that her mother Princess Anne wore many times. It has a strong modern feel and clean lines. It lays low on the head and although encrusted with many diamonds set in platinun, it has a rather understated look.

The design features a center brilliant cut stone and a 'Greek Key' motif. The central diamond is flanked with a wreath detail.

The Queen gifted the tiara to Princess Anne in the early 1970s. Princess Anne wore the tiara many times including on her 50th birthday. The Queen who originally had the tiara, never wore it in public. The Queen alway seems to opt for very ornate pieces.

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The public was surely excited to see the tiara. The inclusion of the sparkling jewel added to the fairytale quality of the royal wedding.

Zara wore a silk cathedral length veil to accent the tiara. She selected designer Stewart Parvin to design the silk faille and duchess satin gown. Her shoes were designed by Jimmy Choo. What a glorious look.

Zara Phillips - the young joker who revs up the Royals

The florist had spent the morning arranging a garland of hydrangeas and roses across the lintel of Edinburgh's Canongate Kirk.

The couple are believed to be delaying their honeymoon

He crossed the road and handed a pale yellow rose to Margaret Kittle, 76, from Canada.

She had been camped out overnight and it was her reward for her patience.

Margaret was just one of the 6.500 people who turned out to catch a glimpse of Zara Phillips' wedding.

Spirits were high in the crowd - as they waited for hours with not very much happening.

A coach then came into view, heading down the Royal Mile carrying the first set of guests.

Famous faces started to step off the buses, including Sir Jackie Stewart, the Scottish motor racing legend, Martin Johnston, who coaches the England rugby team and - for the crowd at least - the star attraction, England rugby star Johnny Wilkinson.

At 17, she set out to shock her elders when she flaunted her tongue piercing at Charles’ 50th ­birthday party. She succeeded.

There is nothing stuffy or politically correct about Zara. Unburdened by title, she is a professional sportswoman first, a royal second.

Her new husband may be a force to reckon with on the pitch but at home it is Zara – again, just like her mother – who wears the trousers.”

Tindall’s friend, England rugby captain Lewis Moody, agrees, saying: “The missus is in charge.”

But Zara’s close friend, Kirsty Gallacher, says: “Mike and Zara are brilliant together. She’s so good for him. Obviously, she’s really into sport and he loves the life they lead ­together with the horses and dogs.”

Quiet ceremony in Edinburgh, followed by a reception at Holyroodhouse, mirrors Anne’s second wedding in Scotland 19 years ago.

Dickie says: “I have no doubt that influenced Zara’s decision. She ­really wanted a different wedding to that of Catherine and William. But then she wants – and will lead – a very different life.”

Royal expert Hugo Vickers said: “It was more a celebrity sporting occasion than a royal wedding. It’s not so much that he’s marrying into the Royal Family, than she’s ­marrying out of it.

Murdoch pie-thrower due in court

British protester who threw a plate of foam at Rupert Murdoch during a parliamentary hearing into the phone hacking scandal pleaded guilty to assault on Friday. The protester, Jonathan May-Bowles, 26, left, a comedian who uses the stage name Jonnie Marbles, will be sentenced on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters outside the London court, Mr. May-Bowles said, “I would just like to say this has been the most humble day of my life,” parroting almost verbatim Mr. Murdoch’s words to the parliamentary committee last week.

A man who had been sitting at the back of the Wilson Room in Portcullis House in Westminster, listening to Murdoch and his son James give evidence, was seen to get up and walk around the left side of the packed room to get to where the 80-year-old was sitting.

The man threw a paper plate with white foam piled on top at Murdoch's face, leaving him soaking.

Murdoch's wife, Wendi Deng, leapt to her husband's defence, first slapping the attacker and then throwing the plate at him as he was led away by police.

The incident was condemned by audience members and MPs including commons speaker John Bercow.

May-Bowles, who goes by the name Jonnie Marbles, was charged by police with a public order offence and will appear at City of Westminster magistrates' court.

Newlyweds Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall mark their marriage with a tender moment

Groom arrived with his rugby mates and chewed gum outside the church.

The bride wore an off-the-peg dress, said she would keep her maiden name and promised to honour, not to obey.

As the Queen's grand-daughter, Zara Phillips, married Mike Tindall, the England rugby captain in Edinburgh yesterday, there was none of the high pomp and ceremony that marked the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton in Westminster Abbey in April.

And there was not a politician in sight.

This was a relaxed, modern affair in glorious sunshine, a private wedding for friends at the Canongate Kirk on Edinburgh's Royal Mile.

30 year-old Miss Phillips, once known as the "royal rebel", sprang a surprise when it emerged that she would not take Mr Tindall's name following their marriage.

The decision to keep her maiden name was taken because of her success as a world champion equestrian - and was very much in the spirit of the day.

Miss Phillips, who is 13th in line to the throne, had spent her final night as a single woman partying on the Royal Yacht Britannia with younger guests and stayed at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official Scottish residence.

She arrived at the 17th century kirk shortly after 3pm and just five minutes late, in a black Bentley, looking happy and relaxed, and accompanied by her father, Captain Mark Phillips.

As she stepped from the car and waved, smiling, to cheers and warm applause from the crowd of 6,000 who had gathered outside the kirk, the secret of another Royal wedding dress was unveiled.

Miss Phillips had chosen an off-the-peg ivory silk faille and silk duchesse satin gown by Stewart Parvin, a couturier to both the Queen and the Princess Royal.

The dress featured a chevron-pleated bodice, a dropped waist, and a "cathedral-length" train, and was designed to create a "bell-shaped" silhouette.

The dress had a chevron pleated bodice, ending in inverted pleats on a dropped waist, creating a bell-shaped silhouette, and also included a concealed structured corset as well as silk tulle straps that fell into a V-shape at the back.

Zara accessorised the dress with The Meander Tiara, lent to her by mother Princess Anne.

Following the wedding ceremony, Zara and Tindall posed up for photographers outside the church, kissing to the cheers from the excited well-wishers.

The crowd on Edinburgh's Royal Mile had been waiting hours for the bride to arrive, and spontaneously cheered as her car arrived.

Zara's father, Captain Mark Phillips stepped out first and walked round the limousine to meet his daughter who was facing the church.

Her elder brother Peter had earlier been stationed at the entrance of the Kirk, greeting guests in his role as usher. His wife Autumn was also in attendance, wearing an eggshell skirt suit.

Zara briefly waved back to the crowd who were still shouting and cheering at her, before the bride and her father were greeted by the Reverend Neil Gardner. and made their way inside.

Earlier in the day, rugby player Tindall looked the picture of calm as he arrived at the church for his wedding.

The 32-year-old sportsman looked smart in a black jacket, grey pinstriped trousers, a grey waistcoat, white shirt and grey tie, teamed with an ivory buttonhole flower.

Showing no signs of nerves, Tindall smiled and waved as he posed for photographers before making his way into the venue.

Zara's mother Princess Anne was among the first of the royal family members to arrive, and made her way in wearing a floral jacket, red on-trend pleated skirt with her hair swept up in a chic up 'do.

The bride and groom were married by the Reverend Neil Gardner in the 17th Century place of worship that is the official kirk of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The Queen was the last member of the royal family to arrive before the bride, wearing a smart peach coloured outfit.

Other guests for the nuptials included Coronation Street actress Katherine Kelly, who cut a stunning appearance in a blush coloured dress, orange hat and matching accessories.

Talking recently about how she knows Tindall, Kelly said: 'I went to school in Wakefield with Mike. Our parents live in the same village and we’ve stayed really good mates.'

The Saturdays singer Una Healy, who knows the couple thanks to her partner, rugby player Ben Foden, donned a strapless black and turquoise dress, which she paired with a cream hat and sky-high heels.

Radio and TV presenter Natalie Pinkham wore a pretty red backless dress with a beige hat, while sports presenter Kirsty Gallacher opted for a colourful number with nude shoes.

Sports names including Tindall's teammate Ben Youngs, former rugby union coach Clive Woodward, former rugby player Austin Healey and England manager Martin Johnson were also among the guests, with racing driver Jackie Stewart and Irish jockey AP McCoy also putting in an appearance.

The spectacle had a party atmosphere as the crowd waiting opposite the church cheered and clapped whenever a face they recognised walked into the 17th century church.

And when their view of the guest arriving was obscured by the coaches they jokingly shouted at the drivers to back up.

Another couple who had planned to wed in the Royal Mile church today had to be persuaded to change venues to allow Mike and Zara to use the kirk

Graphic designer Cherith Harrison and her lifeguard fiance Gregg Walter were asked by royal officials if they would move to another setting and agreed.

The event is a major boost for the Scottish capital already full with tourists who have travelled to the city for its world famous arts festival which starts in a few days.

But royal officials stressed the nuptials are a low-key family affair for close relatives and friends of the couple.

Zara Phillips is believed to be setting a royal precedent by not taking the surname of the man she is marrying.

Royal brides have always adopted the name of their spouses following the exchange of wedding vows.

Even when they marry commoners, members of the monarchy adopt the moniker of their partners.

Lady Helen Windsor, daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Kent, took on the name of her husband Timothy Taylor when the pair married in 1992.

And when Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones, daughter of Princess Margaret and the Earl of Snowdon, wed Daniel Chatto in 1994 she took on his name.

Zara's decision appears to be based on the fact she wants to preserve her sporting persona and her business interests.

The royal is a former equestrian world champion who is known throughout her chosen sport as Zara Phillips.

In 2003 she became the first royal to accept a sponsorship deal with spread betting company Cantor Index.

She has gone on to sign a number of deals with other businesses which help fund her sporting interests so she also has to maintain a recognisable name for commercial reasons.

Miliband 'went to News International parties

Former foreign secretary is to embark on his first major task for Labour by meeting university students.

After talks between the brothers, whose relationship was put under intense pressure by the battle last year, David Miliband has agreed to tour universities across Britain to meet students.

He will hold question and answer sessions at more than 20 campuses over the next 12 months in a move that will be widely viewed as the first steps to an eventual return to frontline politics.

David Miliband said: "I am looking forward to helping Ed build the foundations for success at the next general election by listening to students and encouraging them to see Labour as the voice for Britain's future in these tough times.

"By getting involved in Labour Students' Living Wage campaign I know we can make a real difference on the campuses of Britain.

The events will be hosted by politics and international relations departments and will cover domestic and global issues.

Mr Miliband will also promote Labour Students' national campaign for a "living wage" for employees at higher and further education institutions across the country.

His own venture, The Movement for Change, which aims to train future leaders, will also support the campaign.

Labour leader Ed Miliband said: "I am delighted David is taking on this role. He is a big asset to the Labour Party and I am confident he can bring our message to campuses up and down Britain.

"This builds on work which he was already doing with universities and I know that in this role David will help our party as we look outwards to engage people - particularly the next generation - so that we can face the future with hope.

The party was hosted by Rupert Murdoch's daughter Elisabeth and her husband Matthew Freud in Burford on Saturday, July 2.

Mr Alexander also met the couple in London at a "social" event on December 20, the document reveals.

Shadow Northern Ireland secretary Shaun Woodward met Mrs Brooks on Boxing Day. It emerged earlier this month that Prime Minister David Cameron, who succeed Mr Woodward as MP for Witney after he quit the Tories and defected to Labour, also had a social engagement with Mrs Brooks on December 26.

Mr Woodward also met up with Mrs Brooks in France on June 11 this year and visited Mr Hinton on October 9 in the United States of America.

Tessa Jowell, shadow Olympics minister, also attended the party although she declared the date as July 3. The bash, held at Burford Priory, reportedly started on Saturday evening and continued until noon the next day.

Ms Jowell also met the couple at social events in London and Oxfordshire on December 1, Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.

Ed Miliband had previously released a list of the meetings he had held since taking the top job last September but today's records date back to May and cover all the party's senior politicians.

They show Mr Miliband has attended more than 50 meetings or receptions with proprietors, editors and senior media executives, including senior figures from the BBC, ITV, the Daily Mirror, the Daily Telegraph, The Independent, The Observer, The Times and The Guardian.

It follows the release by Government of all ministerial contacts with senior media executives. That showed Chancellor George Osborne had met executives of News Corporation companies on 16 occasions since the coalition Government took power.

Edinburgh set to benefit from Royal nuptials

Marriage of Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall at Canongate Kirk today is expected to provide a £10 million boost for Edinburgh's economy.

Experts at The Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce predict the royal windfall could be even higher as VIP guests travel from around the world to watch the Queen's granddaughter and her England rugby star fiance tie the knot.

Hoteliers have reported a rise in occupancy levels on previous years, according to Marketing Edinburgh, while VisitScotland has announced a boom for regal attractions, including the Palace of Holyrood House, Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Yacht Britannia.

The national tourism body has flown in media representatives from China, Australia and the United States, with around 150 journalists believed to be covering the occasion.

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce spokesman Graham Bell said: "This again bares out that Edinburgh is just a fantastic venue for public events.

"Few cities in Britain can challenge it for streetscapes and views. It is not over-supplied with quality hotels, but this is improving and occupancy levels are second only to London.

"These are the things, alongside efficient transport connections, that attracts people to Edinburgh and keeps them coming back after a great first-time experience."

The wedding celebrations started last night when VIP guests - including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - joined the happy couple for a private party on the Royal Yacht.

Prince Harry was also among the guests, and was cheered by the party as as he went inside.

Earlier in the day, they were greeted by a small crowd of well-wishers as they arrived at the church for a rehearsal, spending about 50 minutes inside before emerging with family and friends to cheers.

Tourist bosses expect the wedding to bring benefits to the capital and the country, according to reports.

Mike Cantlay, chairman of VisitScotland, said: “The wedding between Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall is wonderful news for Edinburgh and the whole of Scotland.

“It’s a great opportunity for tourism in this country and we would urge businesses to take advantage of this great occasion.”

According to reports, people were camping out with sleeping bags to ensure a good view of the event which will take place at the city’s Canongate Kirk.

Second royal wedding, but which unusual places can you get married

LONDON — Britain will celebrate its second royal wedding of the season Saturday, with equestrian star Zara Phillips — eldest granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II — taking center stage as she marries England rugby stalwart Mike Tindall.

A regal supporting cast is expected as the queen leads her extended brood to Edinburgh, Scotland for the private festivities. Prince William and Kate Middleton, now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, are expected, along with Prince Harry (still single) and bright lights from Britain's sports and show business worlds.

The nuptials of Phillips, 30, and Tindall, 32, are expected to be far more low-key than William's wedding in late April, which was watched live on television throughout much of the world. Phillips — who does not carry a royal title — and Tindall prefer to stay out of the limelight when they are not competing, and the wedding has been organized to reflect their desires.

The Queen's granddaughter Zara Phillips and England rugby star Mike Tindall will be married in the beautiful Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, with their reception in the Palace of Holyroodhouse - the official Scottish residence of the Queen.

But not all of us can afford a castle wedding, so what unusual alternatives are there and can you afford them?

Because the prices for all the venues vary so much according to the size of your party and the type of reception you have, I've put them in price ranges as a guide. Most have various options so if you have a smaller party you can hire out a section of the venue, cutting your costs slightly.

On a ship

HMS Belfast: Right on the Thames and with spectacular views of Tower Bridge and London Bridge, a wedding on this now famous London landmark could be something very special and unique. Voted the eighth most popular wedding location in the world, you can have both your ceremony and reception on board, with a maximum of 450 guests in total.

By the seaside

For something really different, you can get married on Brighton Pier - serve your guests fish and chips, have your wedding photos on the Carousel - there are endless options for your big day here.

At a classic sporting venue

Mad about cricket? Then Lord's cricket ground is a perfect option for you. An iconic ground and a Grade II listed Pavillion, there are various options for different sized receptions and services - the largest being the famous Long Room which can hold up to 230 guests. £££

On an island

No, not a tropical island, an island on the Thames. Temple Island in Henley to be exact. The location for the start of the Henley Royal Regatta this is a beautiful and very intimate location better suited to smaller parties. The ultimate novelty for the bride and groom ? Arriving at their reception by boat.