It’s truly a “love story”.
Page Six reports that Stevie Nicks and Tim McGraw are scheduled to perform at Madison Square Garden, which some sources are calling Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s “weddingpalooza.” The first hit song that appeared on Billboard when the bride was only 16 years old was called “Tim McGraw.”
Swift, who is known for giving fans “Easter egg” hints ahead of album releases, dropped a big hint when she wore a shirt that read “Stevie Nicks” during Game 4 of the NBA Finals at MSG on June 10.
According to a source, Swift and Kelsea’s wedding will be “bigger than the Met Gala” and feature a huge guest list of stars.
And many of the singer’s fans have long believed that the real marriage will take place before July 3. “I think it may already be happening,” the source said.
Industry officials said guests had been invited via text message or email, and City Hall confirmed this week that there was a permit for Friday’s party for more than 1,000 people at MSG.
“I’ve heard that Taylor has invited so many people that it looks like it’s going to be bigger than the Met Gala,” said an industry source.
Page Six also confirmed Thursday that it has permission for more intimate events of 100 people. Sources said it was a rehearsal dinner.
In Nashville, where Swift moved to start her music career at age 14, everyone is excited to celebrate.
Tennessee native Kenny Chesney and Kesha have canceled tour dates around their wedding, sparking rumors that they may be attending with Dierks Bentley, members of Little Big Town and Sugarland.
One music source said, “Kelsea Ballerini will definitely go.”
Sources in Nashville say they’ve heard there will be “multiple performances” at MSG’s Friday event, with rumors that Paul McCartney, who famously shared the stage with Swift at Saturday Night Live’s 40th anniversary celebration in 2015, will perform. However, the former Beatle is reportedly currently in England.
However, his fashion designer daughter Stella McCartney is one of Swift’s friends and is thought to have been invited, potentially having a hand in designing the bride’s look. In fact, Swift was recently spotted wearing McCartney’s white wedding outfit.
No doubt Vogue called about featuring Swift and her dress, but we’re told she won’t be featured in the fashion bible.
Invited guests include Swift’s high school best friend Abigail Anderson, who will be the maid of honor. Este, Daniel, and Alana Heim. Zoe Kravitz (her fiancé, ex-Swift Harry Styles, is on tour). ed sheeran. Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley. Mariska Hargitay. And Cara Delevingne. Suki Waterhouse, Gigi Hadid and boyfriend Bradley Cooper, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco.
As Page Six previously reported, Blake Lively is not on the guest list due to her falling out with her former best friend Swift amid her legal battle with Justin Baldoni.
Kelce, on the other hand, has teammates and staff from the Kansas City Chiefs, including Patrick Mahomes, George Kittle and coach Andy Reid. San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk and his wife, fashion designer Christine, are on the list.
A variety of “SNL” performers will be invited, according to industry sources. Swift has appeared on the show as a musical guest five times, hosted once and made several cameo appearances, and her fiancé has also hosted once and made a cameo appearance on the show.
Emma Stone, whose song is said to be based on Swift’s song “When Emma Falls in Love,” is expected to appear alongside her husband, SNL writer Dave McCully.
Kelce and Swift are planning to throw a party to end all parties, but Swift’s insiders are questioning whether they will get married ahead of Friday.
Some people who know Swift said they were surprised by the couple’s choice of venue.
“Something this big and extravagant is somewhat of a contrast to what those closest to her imagined her wedding to be,” a source for the singer told Page Six. “That’s why so many people feel that MSG events are a celebration of a marriage that has already taken place.”
Security insiders at Manhattan’s City Clerk’s Office (where getting married in New York state requires a $35 marriage license) claimed this week that there was no sign that Swift had obtained a license in recent days, adding, “We would know.”
Marriage licenses in New York state are valid for 60 days, and there is a 24-hour waiting period before a marriage can legally take place, but it is possible to obtain a judicial exemption to avoid that.
City Hall confirmed to the Post that an application for a permit to close off 33rd Street from July 2 to July 4 has been submitted to the Street Activities Permits Office.
Sources who worked inside MSG told Page Six that it would be easy to lock down the venue and keep access secret.
“If you come down 33rd Street and turn left from the east side, you’ll see what looks like a garage. From there, you can go up a ramp and get straight to stage level,” the person said. “No one can see cars coming in or anyone getting out. This is the ultimate in privacy.”
There is a dressing room on the stage level that can be used by Swift herself and her bridal party, sources said.
And rumors are flying that Swift has organized the ultimate Easter egg hunt, with speculation that guests will be picked up at MSG on Thursday, taken elsewhere for a ceremony, and then brought back to the big party.
A music source said, “I keep hearing that all the rumors about MSG are bullshit.”
Swift is well known for being firmly in charge of everything she does, from buying back recording masters to embarking on the highest-grossing tour of all time.
“I’ve learned not to ask questions. Taylor is in charge. I do as I’m told!” said one person who has worked closely with the “Love Story” star.
Swift showed she’s the boss in Disney’s documentary series End of an Era, which took fans behind the scenes of her last tour, which grossed $2.2 billion.
But there were also moments that highlighted how difficult it is to live in the glare of the spotlight.
In an upbeat scene, Swift told singer and best friend Ed Sheeran that she was planning to take a couple of months off after their date in London, adding: “I don’t want to be followed like an animal. I’ve been feeling so chased lately.”
All parties potentially involved in the wedding, including Swift’s wedding planner Marc Seed, are keeping quiet.
“I haven’t heard anything definitive,” said Michael Wexelblatt, president of IATSE Local One, a union representing stagehands, carpenters and technicians in the entertainment industry across New York City. “We have full jurisdiction (at MSG)…If something happens, we’ll be there.”
As San Francisco 49ers player George Kittle revealed this week, “I actually asked Travis last night (about the MSG report) and he laughed…”
