It’s one hell of a Love Story.
Page Six reports that Stevie Nicks and Tim McGraw are set to perform at what some insiders are calling Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s “Wedding Palooza” at Madison Square Garden. The bride’s first Billboard hit, when she was just 16 years old, was called “Tim McGraw.”
Swift, who is known for giving fans Easter egg clues ahead of her album release, dropped a major hint when she wore a “Stevie Nicks” shirt to Game 4 of the NBA Finals on June 10 at MSG.
Stevie Nicks is set to perform at Swift and Kelsey’s wedding celebration. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Taylor Swift sang with married Nashville stars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill during a Nashville stop on her 2018 Reputation Stadium Tour. McGraw is set to perform at the wedding, and one of Swift’s early hits was called “Tim McGraw.” Getty Images for TAS
“I heard Taylor invited so many people that it will be bigger than the Met Gala,” said one industry insider.
City Hall confirmed this week that MSG has permission to host Friday’s party for more than 1,000 people, as an industry insider told us guests were invited via text and email.
Page Six also confirmed that permission is in place for a more intimate event for 100 people on Thursday, with a source saying it was a rehearsal dinner.
And many around the singer have long believed that real vows will take place before this moment. “I think it may have already happened,” said an industry insider.
In Nashville, where Swift moved when she was just 14 years old to begin her music career, everyone is excited about the celebration.
Swift even wore a “Stevie Nicks” T-shirt during Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelsey will get married in New York next week, sources say. AI image created by Adobe Firefly
Tennesseans Kenny Chesney and Kesha have canceled tour dates around their wedding days, and rumor has it that this is so they can attend with Dierks Bentley and members of Little Big Town and Sugarland.
“Kelsea Ballerini is definitely going,” one music source said.
Sources in Nashville have heard that there will be “multiple performances” at Friday’s event at MSG – rumored to include Paul McCartney, who famously took the stage with Swift at Saturday Night Live’s 40th anniversary celebration back in 2015. However, we’re told the former Beatle is currently in the UK.
Kenny Chesney, who was seen with Swift in 2007, has canceled his upcoming appearances at The Sphere in Las Vegas, and Nashville insiders say it may be so he can attend Swift and Kelsey’s wedding. WireImage
But his fashion designer daughter, Stella McCartney, is one of Swift’s friends and is believed to have been invited – and may have had a hand in creating one of the bride’s looks. Indeed, Swift was recently spotted wearing a white wedding dress from McCartney.
While Vogue has undoubtedly asked to feature Swift and her dress, we’re told she won’t be posing for the fashion bible.
Invited guests include Swift’s high school friend Abigail Anderson, who will be a bridesmaid; Este, Daniel and Alana Haim; Zoe Kravitz (whose fiancé Harry Styles, Swift’s ex, is on tour); Ed Sheeran; Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley; Mariska Hargitay; and Cara Delevingne. Suki Waterhouse, Gigi Hadid and boyfriend Bradley Cooper, as well as Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco.
Ed Sheeran (left, pictured with Swift and producer Aaron Dessner) will be a guest at the wedding – and rumor has it he might perform too. Getty Images for the Recording Academy
As Page Six previously reported, Blake Lively is not on the guest list after she and her ex-girlfriend Swift had a falling out during the actress’ legal battle with Justin Baldoni.
Meanwhile, Kelce has teammates and staff members on the Kansas City Chiefs, including Patrick Mahomes, George Kittle and coach Andy Reid. The list includes San Francisco 49ers quarterback Kyle Juszczyk and his fashion designer wife Christine.
An industry source said various “SNL” cast members have been invited; Swift has appeared as musical guest on the show five times, hosted once and made several cameos, and her fiancé has hosted and made a cameo once.
Emma Stone, who is said to be featured in Swift’s song “When Emma Falls in Love,” is expected with her husband, “SNL” writer Dave McCary.
There were rumors that Paul McCartney would be performing at the wedding, but we’re told he’s in the UK. WireImage
While Kelsey and Swift are set to throw a party to end all parties, those in Swift’s orbit are wondering whether they’ll tie the knot before Friday.
Even those who know Swift say the couple’s choice of venue surprised them.
“Something this big and luxurious is kind of counter to what those closest to her envisioned for her wedding,” a source close to the singer told Page Six. “And that’s why many people believe that the MSG event will be a celebration of a marriage that has already taken place.”
Stella McCartney will attend the wedding, the source said, and may also design one of the bride’s dresses. @stellamccartney/Instagram
Security insiders at the Manhattan city clerk’s office, where a $35 wedding license is required to get married in New York state, insisted this week that there was no sign of Swift’s license in recent days, adding: “We would have known.”
A New York State marriage license is valid for 60 days, with a 24-hour waiting period before the ceremony can legally be performed – although it is possible to obtain a court waiver to get around this.
Gigi Hadid is on the guest list with boyfriend Bradley Cooper. Getty Images for the Met/Vogue Museum
The mayor’s office confirmed to The Post that the permit application was submitted to the Street Permits Office from July 2 to July 4, with 33rd Street closed.
A source who worked at MSG told Page Six that it was easy to seal off the venue and ensure that everyone’s comings and goings were top secret.
“When you go down 33rd Street and turn left from the east, you see what looks like a parking garage. Then you go up a ramp that takes you straight to the stage,” the source said. “No one will see the car entering or the person being dropped off – this is maximum privacy.”
Kelsea Ballerini will be a guest. Getty Images for the Recording Academy
According to the source, there are dressing rooms at the stage level that Swift could use for herself and her bridal party.
And rumors continue to swirl that Swift has staged a real-life Easter egg hunt – suggesting that guests will be picked up at MSG on Thursday and taken to another location for the ceremony, before being brought back for the big party.
“I keep hearing that the MSG rumors are fake,” said one music insider.
Swift is known to be firmly in charge of everything she does, from buying out her record masters to the most profitable tour in history.
Swift and Lainie Wilson performed a duet at Kelsea’s annual boot camp last week, and the country singer may be at Swift and Kelsea’s wedding. NFL and te_university // Instagram
“I’ve learned not to ask questions. Taylor is in charge – I do what I’m told!” said one person who worked closely with the Love Story star.
Swift revealed she was the boss in her Disney docuseries “End of an Era,” which gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at her latest tour, which earned $2.2 billion.
However, there were also moments that shed light on how difficult it is to live under the bright spotlight.
In a powerful scene, Swift told singer and good friend Ed Sheeran that she plans to go away for two months after dating in London, adding: “I just don’t want to be followed like an animal. I’ve been feeling very hunted lately.”
Swift’s best friend Selena Gomez will attend her wedding to husband Benny Blanco. CBS via Getty Images
Everyone who might have been involved in the wedding has remained silent, including Swift’s wedding planner Mark Seed.
“We haven’t heard anything definitive,” said Michael Wexelblatt, president of IATSE Local One, a union representing stagehands, carpenters and technicians in the entertainment industry throughout New York. “We have complete jurisdiction (at MSG)… If something happens, we’re there.”
As San Francisco 49ers punter George Kittle shared this week, “I asked Travis last night (about the MSG reports) and he laughed at me…”