Russian Billionaire Hires Elton John and Mariah Carey to Perform at London Wedding

When you’re one of the wealthiest men in Russia, you can spoil your offspring in the most elaborate of ways. Valery Kogan, a Russian billionaire, proved that by hiring two of the world’s most celebrated recording artists — Mariah Carey and Elton John — to perform at the wedding of his granddaughter, 19-year-old Irene Kogan, on Saturday.

Unsurprisingly, Kogan paid a small fortune to have the celebrities appear at the young woman’s nuptials, according to the Daily Mail. Carey is said to have fetched a healthy $3 million. It’s not known what John commanded, but according to the publication, he doesn’t perform for less than $1.2 million these days. So we’re guessing he was feeling the love that night.

That said, the price tags were small potatoes for Kogan, who is rumored to be worth $2 billion — a fortune he acquired in part by investing in Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport, says the Daily Mail. And with that pocket change, he was able to gift his granddaughter with a live performance of Carey’s hit “We Belong Together” — while the teen stood onstage and held the singer’s hand. He also paid for a 12-song set by John, who dedicated the tune “Tiny Dancer” to the blond bride, according to the publication. The living legend reportedly said, “This is for Irene. She’s not that tiny, but I know she’s a really good dancer because I can see her down there,” leaving the bride in tears.

The DJ for the evening was none other than Mark Ronson, who’s also a Grammy Award-winning producer who’s worked with major artists including Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, and the late Amy Winehouse. In a photo published in the Daily Mail, Ronson is posing with his arms slung over the shoulders of the bride and her groom, Daniel Kevey. Actor Antonio Banderas, who has relocated to London, was also on hand to toast the couple.

Of course, the celeb factor was just one element of the over-the-top glitz and glamour that defined the evening. The bride’s gown was a princesslike confection to behold, a strapless number designed by Ralph & Russo, “Britain’s most exclusive fashion brand, which has been worn by princesses from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and Beyonce,” says the Daily Mail, which confirms that dresses by the designer can cost upwards of $500,000.

Even the canopy beneath which the pair wed was extraordinary: a sky-high rose-and-chiffon-embellished scene-stealer. The menu featured delicacies such as “tartare of yellow fin tuna, chilli, picked cucumber and lemon dill” and “roasted fillet of dry-aged beef, gratin potato, smoked shallot puree, tenderstem broccoli, chantenay carrots, hermitage sauce,” according to a photo printed in the Daily Mail. Not your run-of-the-mill fare, to say the least. And the cake — the cake! — towered over the couple at an estimated 10 feet high.

Meanwhile, like any true diva, Carey was busy making costume changes throughout the night, according to the Daily Mail, including a stunning metallic gown with a dangerously high leg slit and a figure-hugging outfit that appeared to be made partially of black vinyl and an even higher leg slit that practically reached her waist. The woman knows how to work it. John — now a far cry from his days of outrageous stage attire — appears to have performed in a tuxedo with a black, jewel-encrusted blazer.

But none could show up the bride’s fairy-tale gown (nor should they). A shot of the back of the bride’s dress shows an elongated train that stretched far behind the altar and even past a pair of stairs. She wore her locks in a classic updo for the ceremony but let her hair down when it was time to party with her famous guests — which, in addition to celebrities, included some of Russia’s most prominent socialites, according to the Daily Mail.

And if that’s not enough, guests posted pictures to social media of dancers in “Brazilian-style dress with massive feather costumes and Russian models posing as though it is a red carpet.”

We can only imagine where these newlyweds are off to honeymoon, but we’re guessing the actual moon wouldn’t be too far off base.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.