June 2005 Newsletter: The Princess Brides

[Alexandria]

Princess Sophia of Greece & Don Juan Carlos de Borbon

Princess Sophia of Greece & Don Juan Carlos de Borbon
May 14, 1962, the Roman Catholic Church of St. Denis, Athens


The Dress: A Jean Dessés designed white-silver lame gown encrusted with Brussels lace amd ancient brocade. The veil was 15-feet long, and used 25 years earlier by Princess Frederika of Hanover when she married Prince Paul of Greece, the bride’s parents.

The Attendants: Princess Irene of Greece (the bride’s sister), Infanta Pilar of Spain (the groom’s sister), Princess Irene of the Netherlands, Princess Alexandra of Kent, and Princesses Beneditke and Anne Marie of Denmark—the latter Danish princess who would eventually become the bride’s sister-in-law, Princess Anne of France, and Princess Tatiana Radziwill, acted on behalf of the bride. Prince Michael of Greece, the Duke of Aosta, and Infante Alfonso de Orleans acted on behalf of the groom.


The Procession: The couple traveled from the first ceremony to a second, at the Orthodox Cathedral, in a carriage drawn by six white horses.


The Flowers: The Orthodox Cathedral was decorated with 35,000 roses, Sophia’s favourite flower; carnations of red and yellow, the colours of Spain—whose throne Juan Carlos ascended in 1975, on the death of longtime dictator Francisco Franco—filled the Roman Catholic Church.

The Guests: The biggest gathering of royals in Europe since before 1914. More than 150 members of Europe’s royal families had been invited, including representatives from the royal houses of Greece, Spain, Great Britain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Hanover, Portugual France, Monaco, Luxembourg, Parma, Württemberg and Romania. Thousands of Spaniards also made the trek from Spain to Greece to witness the wedding of their future King and Queen. Prince Juan Carlos and Princess Sophia hosted a large garden party at the Hellenic Tennis Club to acknowledge their Spanish guests’ support and enthusiasm for the union.

Memorable Detail: Memorable Detail: The emotion of the day got to the bride when she reached the altar to her awaiting groom. Tears fell down her cheek and with much affection, her groom offered his handkerchief and held her arm to comfort her.


TRF Thread: http://www.theroyalforums.com/forum...hread.php?t=155

 

[Alexandria]

Infanta Elena of Spain & Jaime de Marichalar Saeñz y Tejada

Infanta Elena of Spain & Jaime de Marichalar Saeñz y Tejada
March 18, 1995, Seville Cathedral, Seville

The Dress: Designed by Petro Valverde, a square cut, double skirt with a 4 metre-long veil that was embroidered with silk.

The Jewellery: The Marichalar Diamond tiara, a neo-classical tiara with a laurel wreath topped by Greek keys, which belongs to the groom's family, was chosen for this occasion, as well as a bracelet and earrings, which were a gift from her paternal grandmother, the Countess of Barcelona.

The Bouquet: A small, half-cascading bouquet made with champagne roses among other smaller sprigs, was offered up at the El Salvador Church, where it was at her great-grandparents' tomb.

Memorable detail: This was Spain's first royal wedding in 89 years -- her parents had been married in Greece, while her grandparents had been married in Italy.

TRF Thread: http://www.theroyalforums.com/forum...thread.php?t=43

--Information courtesy of Anna R​

 

[Alexandria]

Infanta Cristina of Spain & Iñaki Urdangarín y Liebaert

Infanta Cristina of Spain & Iñaki Urdangarín y Liebaert
October 4, 1997, Barcelona Cathedral, Barcelona

The Dress: An off-the-shoulder princess-silhouette gown made of Valence silk by Spanish designer Lorenzo Caprile. Full length sleeves and a 3-metre long train completed the look. The dress arrived from Madrid to Barcelona via an armoured and disguised car. The veil was a family heirloom, belonging to Queen Maria Cristina, the second wife of King Alfonso XII.

The Diademe: The Diamond Floral Tiara, shaped as a floral wreath, which was a wedding gift from the people of Spain to the Infanta's mother, Queen Sofia, in 1962.

The Bouquet: A cascading bouquet of light pink roses and white lilies. As her sister Infanta Elena did before her, Infanta Cristina's bouquet was left at the altar of the Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy.

The Ceremony: A traditional Roman Catholic ceremony with three choirs performing. Two of the choirs sang in Spain's Catalan and Basque regional languages, which represented the unity of Spain's distinctive regions. Barcelona is also the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia.

Memorable detail: Iñaki was the protagonist of another unforgettable moment when he took a flower from Cristina's bouquet and saved it in his suit, as Cristina would offer it to Barcelona's patroness in a couple of minutes.

TRF Thread: http://www.theroyalforums.com/forum...php?t=45&page=1

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--With files from Anna R​

 

[Alexandria]

Prince Felipe of Spain & Letizia Ortiz- Rocasolano

Prince Felipe of Spain & Letizia Ortiz- Rocasolano
May 22, 2004, Cathedral de la Almudena, Madrid

The Dress: Designer Manuel Pertegaz’s ‘Princess Line’-inspired gown was made of natural silk woven three-fold with silver thread, which was exclusively made by the Valencian firm Rafael Catalá. The continuous shoulder-to-floor dress featured a train that was four and a half meters long with a v-neck and “corolla” neckline that was embroidered with silver and gold thread that was stitched on the front and back so that the dress would be attractive whether you were seeing the bride from the front or the back; the same detailing was applied to the open back and the sleeve. A pyramid of embroidery from the hem of the dress and around the edge of the gown featured a heraldic motif of fleur-de-lis flower, ears of wheat, clover and the fruit of the strawberry ensemble.

The Diademe: The imperial-style Prussian diademe, made of platinum and diamonds, was originally a gift to Princess Victoria of Prussia from her father, Kaiser William II. It was then passed down to Princess Victoria’s daughter, Queen Frederika of Greece, who passed it down to her daughter, Queen Sofia, the groom’s mother.

The Bouquet: Each of the flowers used in the bouquet held special symbolic meaning for Spain and the couple. Roses which are the flower of the month for May, irises which are a symbol for the Borbon kings, orange blossoms in honour of the Countess of Barcelona, apple blossoms in honour of the Principality of Asturias, and ears of wheat to symbolize fertility, hope and joy and a tribute to the Patron Saint of Madrid.

The Attendants: The dresses and suits of the pages, flower girls and bridesmaids were inspired by paintings from the Spanish 18th century, particularly the works of Goya. The suits worn by Pablo and Miguel Urdangarin y de Borbon were inspired by those worn by the children of the Duke and Duchess of Osuna in an Infante Francisco de Paula painting at the Prado Museum. The bridesmaids dresses were inspired by 18th-century ladies-in-waiting, with a decorated bodice of ribbons and pleats and an embroidered shawl and apron with hairnets.

Memorable Details: The famous kick of one of the pageboys, nephew of the groom, Felipe “Froilan” de Marichalar y de Borbon, caught on camera. The previous night's engagement, a pre-wedding dinner at El Pardo Palace, had the royal guests arriving in gala wear and umbrellas. The following morning began as a wet and grey day. The first glimpse of the bride was caught through a rain-streaked window of a black car. But as the couple were leaving the church, the sun came out and bathed the newly-wed couple in sunlight.

TRF Thread: http://www.theroyalforums.com/forum...p?t=2363&page=1

--With files from Anna R and Elsa M.​

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[Alexandria]

Other Spanish Weddings

Juan de Borbón, Prince of Asturias & Maria de las Mercedes de Borbón
October 12, 1935, Saint Mary of the Angels Church, Rome

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King Alfonso XIII & Princess Victoria Eugenia of Battenberg
May 31, 1906, San Jeronimo el Real, Madrid

Memorable Detail: The bride and groom suffered an attack when, just after the wedding, they were passing by the number 88 of the calle Mayor.

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King Alfonso XII & Maria Cristina of Hasburg
November 29, 1879, Atocha Basilica, Madrid

Memorable Detail: This was the groom's second wedding.

--Information courtesy of Anna R​

 

[Alexandria]

Prince Rainier of Monaco & Grace Kelly

Prince Rainier of Monaco & Grace Kelly
April 19, 1956, St. Nicholas Cathedral, Monte Carlo


The Dress: To make it, MGM costume designer Helen Rose used 25 yards of silk taffeta, 98 yards of silk tulle and 300 yards of Valenciennes lace.

The Ceremonies: There were two—a civil one (later re-created for the MGM cameras), followed by a garden party to which 3,000 citizens of Monaco were invited, and a religious one with a Catholic Mass the next day.


The Guests: Ava Gardner, Gloria Swanson, David Niven and Randolph Churchill were among the luminaries who attended, though not one European royal showed up.

The Flower Girls’ Attire: Dresses from Neiman Marcus; shoes from J.C. Penney.

The Gifts: They included a Rolls-Royce, a gold-and-bone hatchet (from the Speleological Club of Monaco), and a $224,000 set of diamond earrings, bracelet, necklace and clips (from the principality itself and the Monte Carlo Casino).

Memorable Detail: The engagement ring was the emerald-cut diamond solitaire Grace wore for her role in the 1956 musical High Society—her last film before her marriage.
TRF Thread: http://www.theroyalforums.com/forum....php?t=5&page=1

 

[Alexandria]

Princess Caroline of Monaco & Philipe Junot
June 28, 1978

The Dress: Christian Dior designed a long, sheer sleeves and a full-length skirt with lace scalloped edges. The collarless dress was slsightly cinched at the waist with an overlay of embroidered lace.

The Hair: In lieu of a tiara, the 21-year-old bride's hair was matted and parted in the middle of her head and pulled back. Ringlets of small white flowers formed a crown around both of her ears, where they fused with her veil.

The Guests: Six hundred guests attended former Hollywood actress Grace Kelly's eldest daughter's nuptials, including Frank Sinatra and Gregory Peck.

Princess Caroline of Monaco & Stefano Casiraghi
December 29, 1983

The Dress: A simple gold-coloured wrap dress with long sleeves.

The Hair: A simble gold-coloured ribbon around the crown of her head.

The Ceremony: A private, 15-minute civil ceremony.

Princess Caroline of Monaco & Prince Ernst August of Hanover
January 23, 1999

The Dress: A two piece, light blue suit previously worn to royal engagements with a double row of gold buttons down the front of the jacket.

The Ceremony: A ultra private service on the bride's 42nd birthday.

Memorable Detail: The groom sought permission from Queen Elizabeth II to marry his Catholic bride.

 

[Alexandria]

Princess Stephanie of Monaco & Daniel Ducruet
1995

The Dress: A knee-lenth lace slip dress with bunched, ruffled tulle in the back.

The Groom's Attire: The bride's former body guard wore a simple, light grey suit and tie.

Princess Stephanie of Monaco & Adans Lopez Peres
September 2003

The Ceremony: A private ceremony in Switzerland.

 

[Alexandria]

Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands & Claus von Amsberg

Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands & Claus von Amsberg
March 10, 1966, Amsterdam

The Dress: With input from the bride, as she could not find a dress to her liking, the dress was designed with the help of Caroline Berge-Farwick. Princess Beatrix's dress was made of silk and duchesse satin with a 5 meter long train attached at the waist. A bell-shaped skirt with a design inspired by the tiara was embroidered into the skirt.

The Diadem: The Ornate Diamond Pearl Tiara, which was a wedding present from the King of Württemberg to his daughter Sophie, the first wife of King Willem, Wilhelmina's father. The tiara is made of diamonds and pearls and the two rows of pearls on top are detachable.

The Attendants: Princess Christina, the bride's sister, Lady Elizabeth Anson and Joanna Elizabeth Roëll. The pageboys were Joachim Jencquel and Markus von Oeynhausen-Sierstorpff, while Daphne Stewart Clark and Carolijn Alting von Geusau served as flower girls.

Memorable Detail: The wedding of the future Dutch queen to the German diplomat as marred by opposition and controversy. Memories of WWII were still fresh in the minds of the Dutch people, and the idea of a German prince was unthinkable at the time. Protests took place on the day of their wedding day, including a sign that said "I want my bicycle back," a reference to the memory of occupying German soldiers confiscating Dutch bicycles. Prince Claus was eventually accepted and at the time of his death was one of the most loved and favourite members of the royal family.

TRF Thread: http://www.theroyalforums.com/forum...read.php?t=3885

--Information courtesy of Mandy​

 

[Alexandria]

Crown Prince Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands & Máxima Zorreguieta

Crown Prince Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands & Máxima Zorreguieta
February 2, 2002, Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), Amsterdam



The Dress: Italian design house Valentino Couture was behind the cowl-necked, long-sleeved gown made of ivory Mikado silk. The fitted gown flared at the waist with a five-metre train inset with panels of embroidered lace. A silk tulle veil was hand-embroidered with a floral motif.

The Jewellery: The diademe came from the jewellery collection of the Dutch royal family. The five diamond star tiara originally belonged to Queen Emma, while the diamond earrings originally belonged to Queen Wilhelmina.


The Flowers: The bride’s bouquet was created by the florists to Soestdijk Palace. The cascading bouquet was composed of white roses, gardenias, and lilies of the valley. The Beurs van Berlage, where the civil service took place, was decorated with 3,000 yellow orchids, 3,000 blue Hyacinths and 4,000 blue Delphiniums. The canopy outside of the Nieuwe Kerk was 13 metres wide, 6 meters deep and 4 metres high and was decorated with 6,500 assorted white flowers, including roses, hydrangeas and baby’s breath.

Memorable Detail: The couple’s wedding monogram, which appeared on the wedding program and the cake, was co-designed by the couple.

TRF Thread: http://www.theroyalforums.com/forum...p?t=4386&page=1

 

[Alexandria]

Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands & Laurentien Brinkhorst
May 17 & 19, 2001, Oude Raadzaal, Javastraat for the civil service and Grote of St Jacobskerk, The Hague

The Dress: For the civil ceremony, a knee-length shimmering blush-pink jacket with an upturned angular collar cinched at the waist with a matching belt. Paired with it, an upturned mauve raffia hat. For the religious ceremony, Belgian designer Edouard Vermeulen of Natan designed an ivory coloured dress of radzimir silk. A boat neckline that lined down the middle to the waist, which opened up and gave flow and movement to the dress. Bell sleeves and a three metre-long train and tulle veil completed the outfit.

The Diademe: Queen Beatrix loaned her new daughter-in-law, appropriately enough, the Laurel Wreath tiara, which was originally made for Princess Louise, sister of King Wilhelm I.

The Bouquet: For her civil service a predominantly green bouquet with cream-coloured roses and accents of pink and mauve to match her jacket. For her religious service, Fernanda Hora Siccama made a luscious-smelling bouquet of orange glossoms, gardenias, Emerald Green and Avalanche roses and lilies of the valley.

The Attendants: The bride's attendants included the groom's cousin Princess Carolina de Bourbon de Parme.

Memorable Detail: The attendance of Maxima Zorriegueta at an official function with the rest of the Dutch royal family.

TRF Thread: http://www.theroyalforums.com/forum...hread.php?t=125

 

[Alexandria]

Prince Johan Friso of the Netherlands & Mabel Wisse Smit

Prince Johan Friso of the Netherlands & Mabel Wisse Smit
April 24, 2004, Oude Kerk (Old Church), Delft

The Dress: Dutch couturiers Viktor & Rolf were behind the wedding dress, which took more than 600 hours to create. 248 handmade bows (128 on the skirt, 85 on the bodice, 35 on the train) covered the points where the checkered pattern of the dress met. Satin duchess from Lyon and silk georgette were used for the dress, including the nearly 3-metre long train. The bride’s shoes were handmade in Italy using the same satin as the dress, and were trimmed with bows to match the dress.

The Diademe: The diademe was originally made by French jewelers Mellerio dits Meller in 1881, which was originally a gift for Queen Emma. The sapphire cornet was re-worked and mounted with diamonds for this occasion.

The Bouquet: Touches of Queen Beatrix’s wedding bouquet were incorporated into this delicate spring bouquet of lilies of the valley, snowdrops and guelder roses. White roses formed in a star-shape echoed those used in then-Princess Beatrix’s bouquet to Claus von Amsberg.

Memorable Detail: The bride's dress! It's bows made it the most memorable part of the day.

TRF Thread: http://www.theroyalforums.com/forum...p?t=1965&page=1

 

[Alexandria]

Princess Margriet of the Netherlands & Pieter van Vollenhoven
January 10, 1967, The Hague

The Dress: A long-sleeved, slim, A-line white gown with an intricate floral pattern embroidered all over. A round neckline, elbow-length tulle veil and immaculate white gloves completed the bride's outfit.

The Diademe: Queen Sophie's tiara, which is made with a diamond base with five triangular diamond arches. Five pearl buttons surrounded by diamonds are at the top of each arch. The tiara was worn by the bride for her pre-wedding portrait, and was later worn when the bride's sister inaugurated in 1980 as Queen of the Netherlands.

Memorable Detail: A small, dainty bouquet of the bride's namesake flowers, white daisies.


TRF Thread: http://www.theroyalforums.com/forum...read.php?t=5561

 

[Alexandria]

Prince Maurits of the Netherlands & Marilène van den Broek

Prince Maurits of the Netherlands & Marilène van den Broek
May 29 & 30, 1998, Apeldoorn

The Dress: For the civil ceremony, a two-piece jacket and knee-length skirt made of metallic red silk with accents of orange around the wide-angled collar, paired with a raffia hat tied with matching ribbons. For the religious service, a long-sleeved white silk gown with two rounded collars and a round neckline. Silk-covered buttons adorned the front of the dress. A long, full pleated skirt hung from the fitted waist of the dress. The full length veil was made of tulle.

The Diademe: The Ears of Wheat tiara with all eight ears (there were originally 10 but two were sold off), which originally belonged to Queen Wilhelmina.
The Service: To accomodate the bride and groom's different religions -- he is Protestant, she is Catholic, -- the couple were married in a eucomenic service by Reverand Nico van Der Linden and Pastor Gerard Oostvogeli.

Memorable Detail: Following the relgious service, the bride and groom released dozens of orange, red, blue and white balloons into the air during their champagne kisses.

TRF Thread: http://www.theroyalforums.com/forum...hp?t=796&page=1

 

[Alexandria]

Prince Bernhard Jr. & Annette Sekrève

Prince Bernhard Jr. & Annette Sekrève
July 6 & 8, 2000, Paushuize, and Dom Church, Utrecht

The Dress: For the civil service, a Frans Molenaar-designed jacket and sheath dress in sky blue. For the church service, silk taft coat dress also made by Frans Molenaar, with small round collars and silk-covered buttons to the waistline, where it met a thick band at the waist and the dress opened up and revealed a full-length dress with a bell skirt underneath. The coat’s train was about two metres long.

The Diademe: The Ears of Wheat tiara, which can be worn with two, four, six or all eight ears of wheat. The bride wore the tiara with all eight. The tiara originally belonged to Queen Sophie and over the years has been worn by Queen Wilhelmina, Queen Juliana—the groom’s grandmother, Princess Margriet—the groom’s mother, and his sister-in-law, Princess Marilene. The full-length veil was made of tulle.

The Ceremony: The groom’s youngest brothers, Prince Pieter-Christiaan and Prince Floris read lectures and the groom’s aunt, Princess Christina, a mezzo soprano, sang Amarili of Caccini—it was the first time she had sang publicly. The berget Lewis gospel choir closed the service with a rousing and swinging rendition of You’ve Got a Friend.

Memorable Detail: The groom arrived with his older brother, Prince Maurits in an open Ford Landauer borrowed from his aunt, Queen Beatrix.


TRF Thread: http://www.theroyalforums.com/forum...read.php?t=5574

 

[Alexandria]

Princess Joséphine-Charlotte & Hereditary Grand Duke Jean

Princess Joséphine-Charlotte of Belgirum & Hereditary Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg
April 9, 1953

The Dress: A silk and lace dress with a ruffled lace high-collared neckline. A fitted waist with a full-length, flowing tulle skirt with a ruffled hemline.

The Veil: A tulle veil that was longer than her train with a scattering of embroidery and ruffles.

The Diademe: The bride wore two different tiaras on her wedding day, both of which were pictured in her official wedding portraits. One was the Belgian Diamond Tiara with itnricate scroll work that was a wedding gift from Belgian bankers. The second was the Congo Diamond Tiara, which was also a wedding gift by the then Belgian colony of Congo to the princess on her wedding day; this tiara was later worn by the bride's own daughters Princesses Margaretha and Marie-Astrid, as well as her daughter-in-law Maria-Teresa, on their own wedding days.

Memorable Detail: The bride is allegedly said to have cried the entire way down the aisle to meet her groom. She was in love with someone else and her wedding day was considered more of a day of mourning than a day of celebration.

 

[Alexandria]

Hereditary Grand Duke Henri & Maria Teresa Mestre

Hereditary Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg & Maria Teresa Mestre y Batista
February 14, 1981

The Dress: A white criss-crossing silk trimmed around the round neckline, cuffs and hem of the dress in an approximately three-inchy thick band of white fur. The centre of the dress was detailed by the criss-cross pattern, with the same pattern being repeated down the length of her sleeves.

The Veil: A staggered tulle veil, with various layers throughout.

The Diademe: The bride wore a tiara that was given to her mother-in-law Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte on her wedding day from the then-Belgian colony of Congo. The Congo Diamond tiara can also be worn as a necklace.

TRF Thread: http://www.theroyalforums.com/forum...read.php?t=3974

 

[Alexandria]

Princesses Margaretha and Marie-Astrid of Luxembourg

Princess Margaretha of Luxembourg & Prince Nicholas of Liechtenstein
March 20, 1982

The Dress: A floor-length satin gown with a high ruffled neck and staggering ruffled sleeves.

The Diademe: The Congo Diamond tiara that was given to her Belgian-born mother Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte on her wedding day from the then-Belgian colony of Congo, which she also wore on her wedding day, as did the bride's sister Princess Marie-Astrid.

The Bouquet: A small, dome-shaped bouquet of pink-coloured buds.

TRF Thread: http://www.theroyalforums.com/forum...read.php?t=3985


Princess Marie-Astrid of Luxembourg & Archduke Carl Christian of Austria
February 6, 1982

The Dress: A silk wrap-inspired dress. A thick band of ruffles edged the dress, sweeping from around the neck through to the waist and in two large bells to form the skirt of the dress. A light blue and white floral motif was embroidered into the swags of the dress's skirt.

The Veil: A tulle veil that was longer than the bride's train.

The Diademe: The Congo Diamond tiara that was given to her Belgian-born mother Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte on her wedding day from the then-Belgian colony of Congo, which she also wore on her wedding day, as would be worn by the bride's sister Princess Margaretha a month later at her wedding.

The Bouquet: A small, unstructured bouquet made of white and cream-coloured roses.

TRF Thread: http://www.theroyalforums.com/forum...read.php?t=3984

 

[Alexandria]

Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg & Sybilla Weiller
September 8, 1994, Alsace

The Dress: A wide-necked dress with the top portion made of lace and the skirt made of silk. Lace sleeves and two rows of silk-covered buttons adorned the front of the bride's dress, while a straight skirt of silk was finished with a "balloon" trim.

The Veil: The same lace used to make the top of the bride's dress was used to make the veil. The lace featured a leaf motif and extended the length of the bride's train. The veil was affixed to the bride's hair, as she opted to not wear a tiara.

The Bouquet: An abundant and cascading bouquet of chamapagned coloured roses. The largest and opened blooms formed a large circle with smaller blooms mixed wigh greens creating a slight waterfall effect.

TRF Thread: http://www.theroyalforums.com/forum...read.php?t=3996

 

[Alexandria]

Hans-Adam von und zu Liechtenstein and Countess Marie Kinsky von Wchinitz und Tettau
July 30, 1967, Vaduz Liechtenstein

The Dress: Countess Maria’s gown was made of silk with a round neckline, ¾ length sleeves and a high waist. From a small light-silver bow (at the high waist), the overskirt opened to reveal a white silk underskirt. The sleeve edges and the overskirt edges were embroidered with light silver thread to match the bow.

The Diademe: Countess Marie wore theHabsburg Fringe Tiara. This diamond fringe tiara was made in 1900 for Princess Maria Theresia of Braganca, infanta of Portugal (1855-1944), the grandmother of Prince Franz-Josef (mother’s side) when she married Archduke Charles Louis, brother of Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria. The piece is covered with diamonds and can be worn as a tiara or as a necklace.

The Veil: Made of tulle.

--Information and pictures courtesy of Mandy​

 

[Alexandria]

Prince Alois von und zu Liechtenstein and Sophie, Duchess in Bavaria

Prince Alois von und zu Liechtenstein and Sophie, Duchess in Bavaria
July 3rd 1993, the Cathedral of Vaduz, Liechtenstein

The Dress: Sophie wore a white silk gown that featured a V-shaped neckline, ¾ length sleeves and and a fitted bodice. The V-edged sleeves were accented with three small bows. The skirt fell into large pleats from the V-shaped bodice that was decorated with small bows. The beautiful 6-8 meter train, attached at the waist, was equipped with loop handles to so that the little train bearers could carry the train up the steep cathedral steps.

The Diademe: Sophie wore theBavarian or Bayern Floral Tiara, a diamond tiara of small flowers and leavesmade of gold and diamonds. The first owner was Queen Therese of Bavaria and later Sophie ‘s mother.

The Attendants: One of the page boys was Guillaume (or Felix) of Luxembourg

TRF Thread: http://www.theroyalforums.com/forum...read.php?t=5044

--Information and pictures courtesy of Mandy​

 

[Alexandria]

Princess Tatjana von und zu Liechtenstein and Philipp von Lattorff

Princess Tatjana von und zu Liechtenstein and Philipp von Lattorff
June 5, 1999, St.Florian Church, Vaduz, Liechtenstein

The Dress: The dress was designed by Armani. Princess Tatjana wore a simple gown of white silk with long sleeves and high round neckline.

The Diademe: Tatjana wore the Kinsky Diamond Tiara. It was first seen in the princely family worn by Princess Marie, Princess Tatjana's mother. It was possibly a gift from Prince Hans-Adam or a Kinsky family gift. The tiara is made of palmettes and spikes.

The Attendants: Witness for Tatjana was her brother, Constantin who was getting married the following month.

Memorable Detail: It was an intimate wedding. During the service Tatjana's brother Maximilian spoke, as well as Stephan von Lattorff, a brother of the groom.

TRF Thread: http://www.theroyalforums.com/forum...read.php?t=5558

--Information and pictures courtesy of Mandy​

 

[Alexandria]

Prince Maximilian von und zu Liechtenstein and Angela Brown
January 29, 2000, Saint Vincent Ferrer Church, Manhattan, New York

The Diademe: Angela wore the Kinsky Diamond Tiara which was first worn by Princess Marie. It is possibly a gift from Prince Hans-Adam or a Kinsky family gift. It was also worn by Princess Tatjana at her 1999 wedding. The tiara is made of palmettes and spikes.

Memorable Detail: There was a civil ceremony in Vaduz, Liechtenstein, a few days before the New York wedding.

TRF Thread: http://www.theroyalforums.com/forum...read.php?t=5558

--Information and pictures courtesy of Mandy​

 

[Alexandria]

nce George, Duke of York & Princess Victoria Mary of Teck

Prince George, Duke of York & Princess Victoria Mary of Teck​

July 6, 1893, Chapel Royal at St. James Palace, London

The Dress: Made by Mmes Linton and Curtis of Albemarle Street. The pattern of the wedding dress was selected by Princess Victoria Mary of Teck, composed of groups of Rose, Shamrock, Thistle, Lily of the Valley, and Orange Blossom, tied with ribbon, and the design was produced by white silk tissue and silver metal threads intermixed with terry effects on rich white satin ground. The dress was woven at the East London Silk Mills. The long train was perfectly plain, and the front of the dress was of white satin, with three tiny flounces edged with silver at the bottom. The fine old Honiton point lace in which her mother, Princess Mary, Duchess of Teck, was married, was arranged in three flounces just above, and long trails on either side of the flounced space. Two more trails were brought across from the sides at a short distance below the hips, lightly tied together in the centre, where there was a little droop, and then fell to the edge of the dress. The long-pointed bodice was made of the white and silver brocade, and some more of her mother’s Honiton trimmed the top of the bodice and the upper part of the sleeve. A small wreath of orange-blossom was carried all the way round the bust with a little bouquet on each shoulder, and a larger one in the centre, with which a little white heather was mingled.

The Veil: Princess Mary wore her mother's Honiton lace veil, floating backwards, and leaving her face full in view. It was secured with diamond pins, the largest of which was present from Queen Victoria, and a small wreath of orange blossom was placed on the hair.

The Bridesmaids: Princess Victoria and Princess Maud of Wales, sisters of the groom; Princess Victoria and Princess Alexandra of Edinburgh; Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein; Princess Beatrice of Edinburgh, Princess Margaret and Princess Patricia of Connaught; Princess Victoria Eugenie and Princess Alice of Battenberg.

The Jewellery: Princess Mary wore a diamond tiara, wedding gift from Queen Victoria; Diamond rivière necklace, wedding gift from the Prince and Princess of Wales. She also wore diamond earrings and a diamond anchor brooch, wedding gift from Prince George.

--Information and pictures courtesy of pdas1201​

 

[Alexandria]

Princess Alexandra of Kent & Angus Ogilvy

Princess Alexandra of Kent & Angus Ogilvy
April 24, 1963, Westminster Abbey, London

The Dress: Designed by John Cavanagh with the under-dress was of white tulle, embroidered with gold palliates which shimmered as the Princess moved. Round neck, long sleeves and a fitted bodice that flowed into the skirt in an unbroken line, straight at the front, full and trained at the back, over the top of this was a matching garment in lace, which had been dyed magnolia, with an acorn and oak leaf design. The lace was reputed to have belonged to Queen Charlotte.

The Veil: The bridal veil matched the material and make of the dress and had thick embroidery around the edges.

The Jewellery: Princess Alexandra wore the Hanover Fringe Tiara borrowed from her cousin, The Queen, who herself wore the tiara on her wedding day. The bride also wore pearl earrings.

The Attendants: Princess Anne; Emma Tennant; Doune Ogilvy, niece of the groom; Georgina Butters; Archduchess Elizabeth of Austria. The pages were David Ogilvy, nephew of the groom and Simon Hay.

Memorable Detail: The Queen had offered Angus Ogilvy an earldom at the wedding, which he turned down.

TRF Thread: http://www.theroyalforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4480

--Information and pictures courtesy of Pdas1201​

 

[Alexandria]

Lady Tamara Grosvenor & Edward van Cutsem
November 6, 2004, Chester Cathedral, London

The Dress: Designed by Bruce Oldfield, the bride wore an ivory silk georgette wedding dress embroidered with rows of tiny antique silk velvet rosebuds with a two-metre train.

The Jewellery: The bride wore a Myrtle Leaves and Berries tiara designed by Carl Faberge, which she borrowed from her mother. She wore diamond earrings to complete the look.

The Bouquet: Consisted of white and pale cream garden roses, white jasmine stephanotis and lily of the valley with myrtle leaves.

Guests: The 650 guests attended the wedding between Lady Tamara Grosvenor and Mr. Edward Van Cutsem, including The Queen and Prince Philip. The guests were ushered in by Princes William and Harry.

The Gifts: The couple has allegedly received a gift £10 million and a house in Belgravia.

The Attendants: The bridesmaids were Idina Moncreiffe; Lady Viola Grosvenor (sister of the bride); Laura Wills; Isabella van Vredenburch; Lady Henrietta Stanley and Jess Harrison. The pages were Lord Stanley of Bickerstaffe; Euan Moncreiffe and Count Raoul de Liederkerke.

Memorable Detail: Prince Charles, godfather of the groom, and his then girlfriend Camilla Parker Bowles refused to attend the wedding due to disagreement over the seating arrangements.

TRF Thread: http://www.theroyalforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3966&page=1&highlight=tamara

--Information and pictures courtesy of Pdas1201​

 

[Alexandria]

Queen Victoria of Great Britain and Prince Albert

Queen Victoria & Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha
February 10, 1840, Chapel Royal, St. James Palace

The Dress: Queen Victoria wore a creamy-white silk satin ball gown trimmed with Honiton lace and orange blossoms. The gown had a fitted, pointed bodice, full-skirt and a train attached at the waist. She wore flat shoes of white satin trimmed with bands of ribbon. Long ribbon ties fastened around the ankles held the shoes in place. They were made by Gundry and Son, Boot and Shoemakers to the Queen. Her wedding attire has been regarded as the ideal traditional wedding gown which has influenced brides since then and will for years to come.

The Diademe: She chose a wreath of orange blossoms to wear in her hair.

The Veil: She wore a handmade Honiton lace veil.

The Attendants: Her 12 bridesmaids were similarly attired in shades of white.

Memorable Details: Queen Victoria recorded in her journal on Monday, February 10, 1840, "I wore a satin gown with a very deep flounce of Honiton lace, imitation of old. I wore my Turkish diamond necklace
and earrings, and Albert's beautiful sapphire brooch." Queen Victoria married her cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in the Chapel Royal, St James’s.

--Information and pictures courtesy of Mandy​

 

[Alexandria]

Prince Pieter-Christiaan & Anita van Eijk
August 25 & 27, 2005, Apeldoorn and Noordwijk

The Dress: For the civil service, Anita donned a two-piece ensemble by Andrew Ng, who is originally from Singapore (where the bride spent some time) and is now based out of Paris. The three-quarter-length jacket and knee-length skirt was made of silk with coral-inspired print in emerald green with accent colours of turquoise and yellow. The sleeves and neckline were adorned with wide bands of jade stones. The bride wore a hairpiece of yellow silk flowers with leafs of green cinamay and yellow heels. Frans Hoogendoorn designed the bride's cream-coloured satin duchesse gown for the religious service. The off-the-shoulder gown featured a lace decollete and lace sleeves. The train was three-metres long.

The Diademe: The Ears of Wheat tiara, which can be worn with two, four, six or all eight ears of wheat. The tiara originally belonged to Queen Sophie and over the years has been worn by Queen Wilhelmina, the groom's grandmother, Queen Juliana, and his mother, Princess Margriet. The groom's sister-in-laws, Princess Mariléne and Princess Annette both wore this tiara on their wedding days.

The Ceremony: At the civil service, four friends stood in as witnesses for the couple: Floris Leewens en Eelco de Graaf for the groom and Sandra Chollet and Saskia Lahaye-Meulemans for the bride. The afternoon religious service took place at the Grote of St. Jeroenskerk in Noordwijk. The groom arrived in full military regalia, escorting his mother, Princess Margriet, radiant in fuschia pink. The music at the ceremony included a mix of classical music (Handel's A toi la Gloire and Schubert's Ave Maria) and contemporary pop music (German pop singer Katie Mulia's Nine Million Bicycles).



The Attendants: The groom's nieces, Anna van Lippe-Biesterfeld van Vollenhoven and Isabella van Vollenhoven and the bride's nephew Eric van der Toorn-van Eijk.


The Flowers: The bride carried a rounded bouquet in the Biedermeier style for the civil service. The bouquet's colours were inspired by the bride's suit: Yellow-centred roses with soft green petals, cream roses, and green hydrangeas. For the religious ceremony, the bride carried a small bouquet of green and cream roses with short dangling vines. Sixteen thousand flowers were used to decorate the church in Noordwijk.


Memorable Detail: The bride and groom used a Mercedes-Cabriolet 380 SEL on their wedding day, of which only 12 was made worldwide. The car had previously been used by the groom's grandmother, the late Queen Juliana, who used it on a trip through Italy. The men in the bride and groom's immediate families (fathers and brothers) donned satin yellow ties for the civil ceremony and apple green ties for the religious ceremony. The groom's cousin, Princess Mabel, wore a dress that her mother-in-law, then Crown Princess Beatrix, now Queen, wore at her engagement to her husband, the late Prince Claus.


TRF Thread: http://www.theroyalforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6508&page=1&pp=20