Giuliani ties the knot for third time

FORMER Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and his longtime companion tied the knot on Saturday night in a 15-minute ceremony before 400 guests gathered on the lawn outside Gracie Mansion.

Mr Giuliani and Judith Nathan recited traditional wedding vows before Mayor Michael Bloomberg under a chiffon-draped altar surrounded by yellow flowers and facing the East River, said Giuliani spokeswoman Sunny Mindel.

“I would like to introduce my wife, Mrs Giuliani,” Mr Giuliani said after the ceremony as the couple appeared in front of the mansion to kiss for the cameras. “What a lucky man I am to have such a beautiful lady, such a wonderful person.”

Ms Nathan said: “I feel fantastic!”

The bride wore a Vera Wang oyster-colored silk gown with a halter neck and a train, with a 19th-century diamond-and-pearl tiara on her head, Ms Mindel said. The 40-something nurse's father, Donald Stish Sr, gave her away, while Ms Nathan's daughter, Whitney, was maid of honour. Mr Giuliani's 17-year-old son, Andrew, was best man.

After the ceremony, guests dined on rack of lamb, striped bass, and an eight-tiered yellow butter wedding cake filled with fresh raspberries.

Mr Giuliani started seeing Ms Nathan more than three years ago while still married to Donna Hanover, who drove him out of Gracie Mansion after their 20-year marriage fell apart. He had spent the previous seven years living there while running the city. Their divorce became final last July, with Mr Giuliani agreeing to pay Ms Hanover over $6.8 million. Ms Hanover, too, has since found love. She is now engaged to her old high school sweetheart.