On October 6, 1991, Elizabeth Taylor—already a Hollywood legend by then—entered into an unexpected wedding with Larry Fortensky, a construction worker. They had met a few years earlier (in 1988) while both were in treatment at the Betty Ford Center for substance abuse.

Their wedding was held at Neverland Ranch, owned by Michael Jackson. It became one of Taylor’s most publicized and lavish ceremonies—part fairy tale, part spectacle. The guest list included celebrities like Nancy Reagan, Eddie Murphy, Brooke Shields, Liza Minnelli, Diane von Fürstenberg, and many others. Paparazzi, helicopters, and even an unexpected parachutist made sure the event was memorable.

Taylor wore a striking pale yellow lace Valentino gown, off‑the‑shoulder with a sweetheart neckline and tiered skirt. The gown was a gift from Valentino and reportedly cost around $25,000.

Although their backgrounds and lifestyles were very different—Taylor a famed actress, Fortensky a regular working man—the two shared a genuine bond. Fortensky, 39, insisted on maintaining his independence, continuing to work rather than depending entirely on Taylor’s money. They enjoyed simple moments together—snow angels in Switzerland, rides, unposed moments which Taylor later fondly recalled.

However, the marriage faced strain. Taylor’s health issues, her public life, Fortensky’s own struggles (including with addiction), and their very different experiences and expectations contributed to growing difficulties. They divorced in 1996, amicably, with Taylor reportedly giving a generous settlement.

After their divorce, the two remained in contact. Their friendship endured beyond the end of the marriage. When Taylor died in 2011, Fortensky is said to have mourned deeply, and she left him a monetary gift in her will. Fortensky passed away in 2016