UMVA has learned that pop sensation Dua Lipa and her fiancé, actor Callum Turner, have embarked on an extravagant three-day wedding celebration in Palermo, Sicily, sparking both excitement and outrage among locals.
The Grammy-winning singer, 30, and her partner, 36, who have been making headlines with their whirlwind romance, married in a low-key ceremony at Old Marylebone Town Hall in London last weekend, surrounded by select family and friends.
As they kicked off their Sicilian festivities, Dua Lipa stunned in a feathered gown designed by Donatella Versace, while Callum Turner cut a dashing figure in a tan suit. The couple's joy was palpable as they danced, posed for photos, and shared romantic kisses on the first day of their luxurious celebration.
However, not everyone is thrilled about the A-list couple's presence in Palermo. Locals have taken to plastering posters and graffiti on walls and monuments, proclaiming "Our city is not for rent" and "Palermo is not for sale." The backlash centers on the perceived disruption to daily life, with some residents forced to park miles away and walk to work due to road closures.
The city's historic center has been transformed into a private event space, with two town squares closed to the public and nearby residents required to sign non-disclosure agreements to maintain secrecy. A heavy police presence and no-drone fly zones have been enforced to ensure the couple's privacy.
Despite the controversy, Dua Lipa and Callum Turner's wedding bash has drawn a star-studded guest list, including Charli XCX, Tame Impala, Mark Ronson, and Sir Elton John. The couple's lavish celebration is expected to cost a staggering £1.5 million, with guests staying at the luxurious £6,000-per-night Villa Igiea Hotel.
As the wedding festivities continue, Italian media have dubbed the event the "wedding of the year," with fans defending the couple's decision to host their celebration in Palermo, arguing it will boost the local economy. Meanwhile, anti-tourist protesters have encouraged residents to display their own welcome posters on their balconies, highlighting the complex emotions surrounding the event.
With approximately 200 guests in attendance, Dua Lipa and Callum Turner's Sicilian wedding celebration promises to be a "true fairytale" affair, with no expense spared. The couple, who got engaged last July, have been meticulous in their planning, with Dua Lipa shuttling back and forth to Italy for dress fittings to ensure every detail is perfect.
