• October 06, 2003
• Vol. 60
• No. 14

Fully Committed

As Celeb Pals Watch, Melissa Etheridge Takes a Bride

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From PEOPLE Magazine

One of the brides was a rocker, and the venue was the house of rock and roll granddaddy Dick Clark. So it made sense that guests entering Clark's oceanside Malibu estate for the commitment ceremony between Melissa Etheridge and Tammy Lynn Michaels were handed...rocks. "They wanted us to bless them," says a guest. "There was a water fountain where everyone put their rocks, and at the end of the evening Melissa and Tammy took them to put in a special vase. It was interesting and extremely romantic."

And interactive, as was much of the sunset event uniting musician Etheridge, 42, with Michaels, 28, of The WB's series Popular. The barefoot brides recited their vows under an arch of blue and pink hydrangeas. Meanwhile some 150 guests including Steven Spielberg, Sheryl Crow, Tom Hanks and both brides' mothers lit candles and took turns holding the pair's wedding bands right up until the moment the couple slipped on the rings and the Reverend Charles Hall declared them "beloved wives."

Then it was time for revelers to enjoy a Mexican buffet before hitting the dance floor. "Sally Field was still dancing when a lot of us left at midnight," one guest reported. An hour later the Etheridges—Michaels is changing her name, even though their marriage is not legally recognized—headed home to the L.A. house they share with Bailey, 6, and Beckett, 4, Etheridge's children with former partner Julie Cypher. "Melissa and Tammy are good together," says pal Ann Whatu. "Relaxed, happy, down-to-earth. And so in love."

More From This Article

Wedding Details

•Etheridge wore a beaded pantsuit, Michaels a gown and jacket, all by Badgley Mischka •Their platinum and diamond wedding bands were "simple and clean, so Melissa can play guitar in it," explains designer Ann Whatu of Rafinity.