NEW YORK, United States – Pop sensation Taylor Swift (36) and NFL star Travis Kelce (36) began their wedding celebrations on Thursday, with the main ceremony scheduled for Friday at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

The billionaire singer and three-time Super Bowl champion opened festivities with an exclusive rehearsal dinner for around 100 guests on Thursday evening.

Swift, who announced her engagement to Kelce last August, has kept details of the wedding private, with guests reportedly signing non-disclosure agreements.

The celebrations coincide with America’s 250th anniversary and are expected to be a major event befitting one of the world’s most famous couples.

A procession of black SUVs carrying guests pulled into a privacy tent outside Madison Square Garden on Thursday evening, while fans gathered nearby hoping to catch a glimpse of arrivals.

“She is the biggest thing in America – like she is our royalty, she is our queen, she is everything,” said Manhattan resident Alyssa Heinen (24).

“We are just so happy that she found the love of her life and he happens to also be such a big deal. It feels like a royal wedding to us.”

Friday’s ceremony is expected to host up to 1 000 guests, according to US media reports. The guest list reportedly includes models Gigi Hadid and Cara Delevingne, singer Selena Gomez and actress Zoe Kravitz, all known friends of Swift.

Kelce’s teammates from the Kansas City Chiefs are also expected to attend.

Reports suggest that Stevie Nicks and Tim McGraw, both close to Swift, will perform at the reception. British artists Ed Sheeran and Paul McCartney may also take to the stage.

Guests will reportedly be required to leave their phones before the main ceremony, which is expected to begin with mid-afternoon cocktails followed by an evening reception.

Fans flock to New York

Swift’s fans, known as Swifties, have gathered at locations across New York mentioned in the singer’s lyrics, including the Bus Stop Cafe in the West Village and nearby Cornelia Street, which shares its name with one of her songs.

“We are so excited to see Taylor,” said Lindsey Bongiorno (25) outside Madison Square Garden.

While there has been no official confirmation from the couple, Madison Square Garden has been busy with preparations over the past week.

Food delivery trucks carrying lobster and doughnuts have been spotted arriving at the venue, while police have announced road closures around the arena.

Swift’s private jet landed in New York on Tuesday and her car was seen in the city. Kelce was photographed jogging in Manhattan.

The couple announced they were donating $26 million to various US charities ahead of the wedding.

Madison Square Garden, which includes both an arena and a smaller theatre, is not a traditional wedding venue, but Swift would not be the first musician to marry there. Sly Stone married actress Kathy Silva at the venue in June 1974 during a concert by his band, Sly and the Family Stone. Stone died last year.

Swift, a 14-time Grammy winner, is coming off a successful year with her album “The Life of a Showgirl,” induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and a new song on the “Toy Story 5” soundtrack.

Kelce, a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, has signed on to play for a 14th season in the National Football League. He starred on three Super Bowl-winning teams with the Chiefs and co-hosts the popular “New Heights” podcast with his brother Jason.

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