Nicole Richie's Perfect Wedding

The first gown Nicole Richie wore on her Dec. 11 wedding day to Good Charlotte rocker Joel Madden? A white silk dressing gown she slipped on when she woke up at her dad Lionel Richie's Beverly Hills estate, where the wedding was held, feeling as she tells WHO, "very calm."

She had her hair and nails done, looked after children Harlow, 2, and Sparrow, 15 months, then put on the first of her three Marchesa gowns for the day, an ivory lace-and-crystal confection with a silk organza skirt so big the bride, 29, "literally couldn't walk in it." Still, when she glided into the French garden-themed tent where the ceremony was held, "it was a breathtaking moment," says Madden, 31. "She was the perfect bride."

With definite ideas about what she wanted at her black-tie wedding, Nicole even included the elephant she'd dreamed of since she was little, who met guests at the door. It was a surprise to Madden, but if there's one time I want her have the craziest thing she wants, it's the day we marry. 155 guests including Gwen Stefani, Gavin Rossdale, Pete Wentz and Khloe Kardashian enjoyed a three-course feast, speeches, a red-velvet cake and a special serenade to Nicole from Lionel.

Then the gothic bohemian after-party kicked off with the bride in a black dress and DJ Samantha Ronson inspiring dancing on the black dance floor. Breakfast was served at 1.45, before the party wrapped up. The whole day, says the bride, "was magical."

For the rest of this year's best celebrity weddings as well as the headline-making celebrity splits, the meltdowns, the fashions, fads and stars of the year, see this week's special double issue - BEST & WORST OF 2010.