It was a bizarre scene in Malibu as Barbra Streisand and television actor James Brolin married in a sunset ceremony at the singer's home.
In an attempt to thwart television cameras and helicopters and prevent sensitive microphones from hearing the couple's vows, the actress's security people stacked loudspeakers outside the mansion, blaring heavy metal music by the band White Zombie onto the news media gathered on Zumierez Drive.
In addition, Streisand's guards had high-powered spotlights aimed at television cameras that were attempting to record visitors arriving at the estate.
Some 200 guests attended the ceremony on Wednesday night, which took place in the living room of the Streisand mansion. Among the guest list were John Travolta and Tom Hanks. Other guests included designer Donna Karan and director Sydney Pollack.
Streisand's close friend, President Clinton, was in China, but Mr Clinton's brother Roger and his wife Molly attended.
Composer Marvin Hamlish conducted a 16-piece orchestra that included 10 violins.
Streisand was given away by her son Jason. Brolin's best man was his son Josh.
Streisand's sister, Rosalind Kind, was maid of honour in the ceremony conducted by Rabbi Leonard Bierman.
After the wedding, guests repaired to a white tent where a lavish buffet dinner was served.
The Streisand estate was awash with caterers and the floral arrangements included orchids in her swimming pool.
The couple were reported to be heading on Streisand's privat plane for a honeymoon in Barbados.
The day was the second anniversary of the couple's first date.
Hollywood's chronicler of celebrity events, Daily Variety's Army Archerd, said in yesterday's column that all those involved with the wedding had to sign confidentiality agreements. Guests received phoned invitations just a few days ago.
Rumours of the impending marriage took root on Monday when catering trucks began delivering tables and chairs to Streisand's mansion.
A media vigil soon began, prompting the Los Angeles Sheriff's department to set up a command post in an open field not far from the house.
Malibu has been the scene for many celebrity weddings and the attendant media circus. Perhaps most famous was Madonna's marriage to actor Sean Penn, a cliffside affair that was almost completely disrupted by photographers hanging from helicopters over the site.
Streisand (55) and Brolin, who starred on the television drama Marcus Welby MD, met two years ago. Brolin was married twice before and Streisand was married once before to actor Elliot Gould. That marriage ended in 1971.
Since then, she has had a string of high profile romances with hairdresser-turned-producer, Jon Peters, and ice cream heir, Richard Baskin.