Handsome Real Madrid footballer Luis Figo and 26-year-old model Helen Swedin have married in a religious ceremony in his native Portugal after a five-year courtship.

Although already married - they wed in a civil ceremony in Madrid in May - the couple took their vows once again last Saturday during a romantic beachfront wedding in Albufeira, 185 miles south of Lisbon. Present at the ceremony were friends and family, including the couple’s two-year-old daughter Daniela. The bride wore a white silk dress while Figo chose a formal grey suit, both by Giorgio Armani.

The designer has been a friend of the pair since they were invited to an Armani menswear show last January. “It has been a great honour for me that such a beautiful and talented couple chose my designs for such an important day,” he said. “I wish them the best.”

Over 200 people attended the lavish affair, including Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and star striker Raul Gonzalez. Guests were entertained by magicians and live music at the fairy-tale wedding, which concluded with a spectacular fireworks display.

Born in Sweden, Helen began modelling at the age of 16. Just five years later the Scandinavian beauty left her native land to pursue her modelling career. She eventually settled in the Spanish city of Barcelona, where she met Lisbon-born Figo during a flamenco concert. The pair have been inseparable ever since.

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