Former rugby star Danny Cipriani and actress AnnaLynne McCord passionately kissed at a family pre-wedding dinner at Katana in West Hollywood on Wednesday evening.
The couple, who are set to tie the knot this weekend, appeared all smiles as they put on an affectionate display. Their romantic outing came shortly after public controversy surrounding their decision to set up a wedding crowdfunding page to help pay for their nuptials.
Any financial concerns appeared far from their minds during the evening. McCord, 39, looked bridal-ready in a white strapless minidress featuring a large dramatic bow that cascaded down her back. The American actress paired the dress with white sandals and wore her blonde hair styled in a high bun.
Cipriani, 38, opted for a more relaxed outfit for the occasion. The former England rugby international wore a black button-down shirt paired with loose dark striped trousers as the pair joined family members at the Japanese restaurant Katana in Southern California.
Crowdfunding controversy
It was revealed last month that the couple had set up an online registry asking family and friends to fund their big day. The registry requests contributions toward every aspect of the event, ranging from their marriage licence to their reception meal.
The unorthodox decision sparked criticism online and from industry observers, given the flash Hollywood lifestyle the two celebrities present publicly. Insiders branded the fundraising campaign tacky and distasteful, pointing out that both stars have enjoyed lucrative careers while attempting to raise around £10,000 for their nuptials.
An insider told The Sun: "It's extremely tacky and distasteful to ask guests to pay for your wedding - especially in this town. These are two celebrities who boast a lavish lifestyle."
The fundraising page was created on the Honeyfund platform, an online registry service that allows guests to contribute toward wedding costs and honeymoon experiences. A message posted on their page asked guests to "help us create our dream wedding and honeymoon experience."
On the site, guests can choose to donate amounts ranging from £75 ($100) to £450 ($600). The registry breaks down specific elements of the nuptials that guests can fund, including flowers, the wedding cake, and drinks for the evening reception.
The total sum requested across the registry items comes to £10,660, excluding a separate general cash donation section. For those who choose not to purchase specific registry items, the platform allows open cash contributions starting from £7.50 ($10).
While the overall total raised so far remains unclear, six donation slots priced at £225 ($300) each currently remain open within their photography fund.
Celebrity fortunes and careers
The decision to solicit wedding donations has raised eyebrows due to the estimated net worth of both stars. Cipriani is thought to have earned around £4 million during his high-profile career in professional rugby union.
During his sports career, the fly-half played for top clubs including Wasps, Sale Sharks, Gloucester, Bath, and the Melbourne Rebels in Australia. He also earned 16 caps representing the England national team.
McCord is believed to have accumulated a similar £4 million fortune from her long career in television. She rose to fame in the late 2000s with prominent roles on the hit drama series Nip/Tuck and the rebooted teen drama 90210. Her most recent acting role was announced in 2023, when she joined the cast of daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives.
Relationship history
The couple first met approximately ten years ago on Raya, an exclusive membership-based dating application popular among celebrities. They dated on and off for several years before splitting in 2020.
After four years apart, Cipriani and McCord reconnected in 2024. However, their relationship hit another rocky patch when they broke up again in January 2025.
Despite that split, the pair reconciled last summer. They publicly signaled their reunion in July when they were seen kissing at an Emmy nomination party hosted by The McCord List.
Cipriani confirmed they were back together last July when he posted a tribute to McCord on Instagram for her birthday. Sharing a photograph of the actress, he wrote: "Happy birthday to My Love. Your light shines so bright, as you see the light in everyone you meet. You give your heart so effortlessly. You are creating a world of unity and love with your star dust everywhere you go. Love you."
According to a report by People, McCord's engagement ring features a striking 15-carat, emerald-cut diamond. The centerpiece is flanked by seven round accent diamonds set into the band on each side, all crafted in yellow gold.
Before his relationship with McCord, Cipriani was previously married. He met ex-wife Victoria Rose in 2019, and the former couple became engaged in August 2020.
