The main thing missing from the much-rumored wedding between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie was the bride and groom. Still, officials held out hope that the couple would show up this weekend to tie the knot in this Lake Como retreat, a favorite getaway for the rich and famous.


Cernobbio Mayor Simona Saladini said she was told Saturday to remain on standby for possible official functions into the evening.


Saladini also said police in the area were placed on alert and a private firm had increased security around a villa owned by George Clooney — a friend of the Hollywood couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.


Speculation about an impending wedding of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, at the lake was rife last year, but quickly fizzled after George Clooney denied his friends were scheduled to marry at his villa. It resurfaced this week, with Saturday mentioned as a possible date.


Angelina Jolie — who starred with Brad Pitt in the 2005 film "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" — is expecting his child this summer. Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston divorced last fall. Publicists for George Clooney and Brad Pitt have declined to comment on the wedding rumors.


Saladini declined to say who had told her to remain on standby or to identify the private security company.

"I have been mayor since 2003 and they would be the most famous couple" to be married here,

Saladini told The Associated Press as she had her hair done Saturday morning.


Saladini performed at least one wedding Saturday, the marriage of an older couple at city hall.


But by evening, with no wedding in view, the mayor and other town officials were calling it a very long day.

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