David Foster marries for the fourth time

MANILA, Philippines—More than 30 celebrity guests witnessed the private wedding of 16-time Grammy-winning producer and songwriter David Foster to interior designer and former Ford model Yolanda Hadid, in civil rites held last week at the Beverly Hills estate of media mogul Haim Saban and his wife Cheryl.

Details of the wedding were provided to the Philippine Daily Inquirer by Grace Mendoza, Philippine manager of international Filipino pop star Charice, whom Foster took under his wing upon the recommendation of Oprah Winfrey.

A 40-piece orchestra provided the music to the ceremony, while a 50-piece gospel choir sang songs such as The Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love.”

The ceremony officially opened with one of Foster’s wards, 11-year-old “America’s Got Talent” second-placer Jackie Evancho, performing “Pie Jesu.” Andrea Bocelli sang “The Prayer” as the finale number.

Guests were also treated to several other performances during dinner by Michael Bublé, Natalie Cole, Donna Summer, Peter Cetera, Babyface, Kenny G, The Canadian Tenors and Neil Sedaka.  Later in the evening, Foster played the piano while Avril Lavigne and Kate Hudson did back up vocals to the Eric Clapton hit “Change the World.”

The 62-year-old Foster, who has previously been married and divorced three times, reportedly told his new bride: “You aren’t the first woman I’ve ever loved — that distinction goes to my mother — but you will for sure be the last woman I ever love.”

The bride’s “blush-colored beaded gown” was made by Los Angeles-based Filipino fashion designer Monique Lhuillier.

The wedding guests included Winfrey, Barbra Streisand, Muhammad Ali, Heidi Klum, Rob Lowe, Bo Derek, Suzanne Sommers, John Corbett, Dr. Phil and Robin, former Canadian Prime Minister Mr. and Mrs. Brian Mulroney, Steve Wynn, Wolfgang Puck, James Brolin, Gayle King, Wayne Gretzky, Diane Warren, Chris Botti, Eric Benét, Carol Bayer Sager, Brian Grazer, Sandy Gallin, Lara Fabian and Larry Ellison.

Meanwhile, the US-based Charice will be returning to the Philippines to perform in a Christmas concert on December 2, 8 p.m. at the Newport Theater of Resorts World Manila, according to Mendoza.

“We thought it would not push through, especially after the death of Charice’s dad,” Mendoza told the Philippine Daily Inquirer. “But Charice decided she wants to do it.”