Ellen DeGeneres is going to marry Portia de Rossi, her long-time partner. She announced her wedding plans on her show, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” which was taped on May 15, the day the California Supreme Court made same sex marriage legal in California. The program aired on May 16, 2008.

Citing the court’s ruling, DeGeneres said she and girlfriend de Rossi (”Ally McBeal,” “Nip/Tuck”) would be getting married.

De Rossi, 35, who was in the studio, and DeGeneres, 50, were applauded by audience members, the person close to the production said.

[…]

DeGeneres has boldly used TV before to make a stand for gay rights.

In 1997, she brought her character on the ABC sitcom “Ellen” out of the closet, making the show the first on prime-time network TV to have an openly gay lead. The move drew cheers from gay civil rights organizations but was condemned by some religious groups.

A month before, DeGeneres had proclaimed from the cover of Time magazine that she was a lesbian.

DeGeneres and the glamorous de Rossi have been a familiar couple at Hollywood events, including the Academy Awards. Previously, DeGeneres had a high-profile relationship with actress Anne Heche.

In a 2005 interview with Allure magazine, the comedian said she hoped she and de Rossi are “together the rest of our lives.”

“I never would have thought my life would have turned out this way,” DeGeneres told the magazine. “To have money. Or to have a gorgeous girlfriend. I just feel so lucky with everything in my life right now.”

Source: DeGeneres, de Rossi plan to marry, AP is told

Video: Ellen DeGeneres Portia De Rossi Wedding Announcement - “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” 5-16-08

Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon were among the attendees at the 5th Annual Operation Smile Gala at Skylight Studio in New York City on May 15, 2008.

The gala is in benefit of the non-profit organization, Operation Smile whose volunteers repair the facial deformities of impoverished children around the world. Dr. William P. Magee Jr., a plastic surgeon, and his wife, Kathleen S. Magee, a nurse and clinical social worker, founded the Norfolk, Virginia based organization in 1982.

Other attendees at the Operation Smile Gala 2008 included Donald Trump and Vanessa Trump, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Alexandra Richards, Maggie Rizer and Olivia Palermo.

Photo credit: WireImages

Photos: Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon - 5th Annual Operation Smile Gala 2008

Six Flags Magic Mountain is quite a setting for a wedding party.

After getting Mariah Carey a 17-carat engagement ring, Nick Cannon was hard pressed to top himself, but a surprise post-wedding theme park party delighted his new wife.

Nick rented out Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, CA for a lavish party catering to 100 of their family and friends, which included Cannon’s mother, brother and manager Michael Golman, People reported.

The cost of taking over the park for the evening reportedly runs in the six figures.

“This is wonderful,” Carey told Magic Mountain employees as she entered the park. “The best surprise ever!”

After having a glass of Chardonnay, the happy couple reportedly took a ride on the roller coaster Tatsu, which has five inversions and zooms along at 62 miles per hour.

“When they got off the ride, Mariah wanted gum so Nick unwrapped a piece and fed it to her,” a guest told People. “He is head over heels.”

Source: Nick Cannon Surprises Mariah Carey With Theme Park Wedding Party

See also previous posts:

• Nick Cannon Mariah Carey Wedding Photos and Oprah Video Confirm Marriage
• Video: Mariah Carey on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” 5-13-08

Photos: Mariah Carey Nick Cannon Six Flags Magic Mountain Wedding Party