The wedding festivities for pop icon Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce have officially commenced. The couple, both 36, kicked off their highly anticipated wedding weekend on Thursday evening with an exclusive rehearsal dinner at Madison Square Garden in New York City .

The intimate gathering, held at the Infosys Theater inside the iconic arena, served as a prelude to the massive celebration expected on Friday. According to reports, the dinner ran from approximately 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., bringing together a curated guest list of around 100 of the couple's closest family members and friends .

An A-List Affair

Among those spotted arriving for the Thursday evening event were some of the biggest names in entertainment and sports. Guests included model Gigi Hadid and her boyfriend, actor Bradley Cooper, as well as Swift's longtime producer and collaborator, Jack Antonoff, who attended with his sister . Actor Lena Dunham, a close friend of the singer, was also in attendance .

The rehearsal dinner also featured many who have been integral to the couple's personal and professional lives. Swift's childhood best friend, Abigail Anderson Berard, and her longtime publicist, Tree Paine, were seen arriving for the celebration . On Kelce's side, his manager, Amanda Santa, and his childhood friend, Reggie "Regrunt" King, were among the attendees . Sports broadcaster Erin Andrews and her husband, former NHL player Jarret Stoll, were also spotted, adding a touch of sports world glamour to the evening .

Preparing for the Main Event

The star-studded gathering on Thursday sets the stage for what is being dubbed the "wedding of the year" on Friday . The couple is expected to host more than 1,000 guests at Madison Square Garden for the main ceremony and reception . The event has led to full street closures in the bustling Midtown Manhattan area as the city prepares for the massive celebration .

The guest list for the rehearsal dinner offered a glimpse into the exclusive circle of the superstar couple, blending high-profile celebrities with lifelong friends and family. As the world watches, Swift and Kelce are set to culminate their wedding weekend with a spectacular event that is already capturing global attention .