Geoffrey Edelsten and fiancee Brynne Groden. Picture by Jay Town
Nui Te Koha – HeraldSun
CELEBRITY doctor Geoffrey Edelsten has revealed details of a multi-million dollar wedding spectacular with bride-to-be Brynne Groden.
Dr Edelsten, 66, claims he and Ms Groden, 25, will marry at Crown casino with Seinfeld’s Jason Alexander and The Nanny star Fran Drescher officiating at the reception.
He says ’70s supergroup Fleetwood Mac is in talks to perform at the November ceremony.
“I’m somewhat modest, so I think the wedding will be for others to judge,” Dr Edelsten told the Sunday Herald Sun.
“But I don’t think Melbourne will have seen an event quite like this. I’ve got a good imagination and we have many surprises planned.”
Dr Edelsten said the wedding will also raise money for charity.
In a candid, wide-ranging interview:
Dr Edelsten said he does not notice the 41-year age difference between him and Ms Groden.
Ms Groden said she is not marrying for money.
He proposed with a 5.8-carat diamond ring and a box of doughnuts.
“Brynne has brought stability, fun and a new dimension to my life,” Dr Edelsten said.
“Instead of thinking about work and football, it’s Brynne, football and work in that order. I love her.”
A controversial figure, Dr Edelsten was sentenced to 12 months’ jail after being found guilty of soliciting hitman Christopher Flannery to assault a former patient he claimed had harassed him.
He was released in 1991.
“There are a number of regrets of certain events – some completely beyond my control,” he said.
“But it’s well and truly passed. I’m lucky to have succeeded despite those events. I am lucky I found Brynne.”
Ms Groden, a former fitness trainer and online music producer from West Hollywood, said: “Geoffrey has changed my entire life.
“I’ve never had anyone who makes me feel so special, every day, all through the day. He cares so much. I love him.”
Dr Edelsten and Ms Groden met through mutual friends in Los Angeles last October.
In November, Dr Edelsten called Ms Groden from London asking her to meet him in Las Vegas for their first date.
“I was very nervous,” he said. “I was like a teenager.”
They stayed, and shopped, at Caesars Palace, and saw the Cirque Du Soleil show, Love.
“We were standing in line to get candy and I found her demeanour so attractive,” Dr Edelsten said. “She was tactile, she touched me on the shoulder. I felt so lucky. I’ve never felt like that before. I was a goner.”
Ms Groden added: “He was charming, funny, kind and went out of his way to make me feel special.”
They had follow-up dates in Los Angeles and Melbourne. By December, Dr Edelsten was in love. Soon after, he proposed on bended knee.
But it wasn’t an act of tradition. He was fresh out of hospital after a knee operation and couldn’t stand.
They are inviting 500 guests, including family, friends and Carlton and Sydney football players.
Guests will be asked to donate money to four charities: Australian Indigenous Education Foundation, Australian Sports Foundation, Israeli Red Cross and Cancer Schmancer.
