Karl Stefanovic gets emotional at rehearsal before getting married to Jasmine Yarbrough
The Mexican army is patrolling the exclusive Cabo resort where Karl Stefanovic is set to tie the knot to fiance Jasmine Yarbrough today before a string of celebrity guests.
Karl Stefanovic was visibly emotional at the rehearsal for his wedding, to be held at the exclusive One & Only Palmilla resort in Cabo, Mexico.
The intimate evening wedding run through was attended by Stefanovic and Yarbrough’s families and the wedding party — including Pete and Tom Stefanovic, motor legend Mick Doohan and Ben Tilley on his side.
While some of Yarbrough’s bridesmaids dressed up for the dry run, Yarbrough’s surf lifesaver dad, Bobby, lived up to his reputation as a true Queenslander when he rocked up wearing thongs and a pair of speedos that had a picture of his future son-in-law’s face.
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Stefanovic was visibly overcome with emotion as he shared the occasion with his three children, River, 12, Ava, 13, and Jackson, 19.
“Having his three kids here with him means the absolute world to Karl,” a friend said.
“He is overwhelmed by all the attention but most importantly wants to share this amazing celebration with them and Jasmine.”
The couple will be married this afternoon with Stefanovic’s sister Elisa Pointon acting as celebrant at the picturesque chapel on the One & Only property before a reception also on site.
Security has been stepped up ahead of today’s wedding, with the Mexican army providing patrols around the five-star resort where they are to tie the knot at midday (AEDT), or 6pm Saturday local time.
Marines have also been enlisted to keep media from filming the grounds of the One & Only Palmilla resort from the Sea of Cortez.
Local marinas were warned not to let any chartered vessels approach the area.
“The security chief was told the army and marines have restricted the water,” said a staff member at a Cabo marina.
“They said because of the wedding anyone who comes too close to the hotel will be told to stay away.”
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Earlier today, some press were ordered off the public beach next to the resort by heavily armed soldiers.
With no official events scheduled for day two of the four-day celebration, some of the 200 attendees spent Friday relaxing in the sprawling grounds of the beachfront resort.
They included the event’s most high profile guest, former Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, who hit the beach with her long-time partner, property developer David Panton, two hours after flying economy on an American Airlines flight from Los Angeles into the Mexican resort haven.
While Stefanovic and Yarbrough spent Friday out of sight, Ms Bishop and Mr Panton instead provided a rare insight into their close relationship as they frolicked in the sand at the resort.
Mr Panton, 57, showed off his ripped physique as he took a dip in the ocean while Ms Bishop, 62, watched on in a casual white ensemble.
As Mr Panton cooled off afterwards with a quick swim, Ms Bishop ran along the sand to grab a towel from a nearby attendant.
Ms Bishop is the biggest name set to attend the wedding today after Stefanovic’s close mate, billionaire James Packer, had to cancel his trip to spend time with his mother for her birthday.
Former athlete Grant Kenny, model Montana Cox, British fashionista Louise Roe, entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins, his son Christian and skateboarder Corbin Harris have also flown in for the wedding.
Alan Jones and Kyle Sandilands were not able to make the trip to Mexico.
On Friday night, around 130 guests attended a welcome party at the Agua restaurant on the property, imbibing to the point that all alcohol was consumed and more supplies were ordered for today’s wedding.