The Royal Wedding {Retrospective}

Happy May!  What a weekend of new-breaking events we have had!  We wanted to take a look back at the Royal “Wedding of the Century” and some of our favorite fashion and scene-stealing moments, and some lovely royal traditions and fashion that we can predict will become part of weddings trends in the coming year {think lace details, sleeves, and hats!}. Princess Catherine and Prince William {also given titles: the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge} made their way into Royal history with their elegantly classic ceremony at the historic Westminster Abbey on April 29th; it was the 16th Royal Wedding to be held there. There were lots of lovely Royal fashion with amazing millinery style {notable millinery designer: Philip Treacy, created over 30 of the couture hats worn by VIP’s and Royal family & Stephen Jones crafted many couture designs worn by Royals as well} among the Royal Wedding guests; the most notable of course was the Princess herself in her couture gown make by the now household name, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. From the gorgeous elegant all-lace, detailed bodice with v-neck and high collar top; to the tailored corseting that cinched her petit waist; the dress was simply exquisite, romantic and elegant.  The bodice and skirt, made of ivory satin gazer, featured hand done lace applique of individual flowers that were hand crafted onto ivory silk tulle {needlework done by the Royal School of Needlework, Hampton Court Palace}.  The pleated skirt, with it’s 9 foot train, was designed to evoke the look of a blossoming flower. Princess Catherine had gorgeous diamond jewelry to accent her couture gown, most notable was the vintage 1936 Cartier Halo Tiara, loaned to her for this occasion by The Queen; who herself had received it on her 18th Birthday as a gift  from her mother, Queen Elizabeth I. She also wore a pair of beautiful diamond earrings, given to her by her parents as a reminder of her family.  The earrings were customized with an oak leaf and acorn design {both a part of the Middleton family crest}, designer: Robinson Pelham.  Her sister Pippa was quite the femme-fetal in her own custom creation, also by Sarah Burton, with a beautiful form-fitting silhouette and cowl neck {which we definitely predict make a fashionable come-back!}.  From the gorgeous trees in Westminster Abbey {which will all be replanted at the Royal countryside estate, Highgrove}, to the wonderful personalized musical selections and prayer; it was truly a beautiful and timeless event. A fun sidenote after all the guests had left the Abbey, did you see the Verger who was so elated he did cartwheels down the Royal red-carpeted aisle?!  Definitely a funny moment to watch: Royal Wedding cartwheels .  The Prince & Princess had a fanfare of millions throughout London who watched them as the paraded in their open top carriage from Westminster Abbey to St. James Palace where they famously kissed not once, but twice as jets roared overhead. We {loved} when they took off in Prince Charles’ vintage blue Asten Marten Volante, covered with balloons and ‘in training’ on the front of the car for their ‘get away’, in reality a short drive over to St. James Palace, but the crowd loved it!  Very reminescent of how we often decorate the newlyweds ‘get-away car’ with all sorts of things from tin cans to ‘Just Married’ signs. It’s just fun to see even the Royals take after some of these fun kitschy traditions.

This kiss was lovely and millions cheered them on, but the scene stealer was one adorable, but scowling 3-year old bridesmaid, Miss Grace van Cutsem {goddaughter of Prince William}.  This pint-sized princess, now dubbed the ‘Frowning Flowergirl’,  is now quite famous for the pictures captured of her covering her ears and looking quite displeased with the roar of the overhead jets & general crowd noise, we still think she is {ADORABLE}! Fashion note, the precious bridesmaids gowns were designed by U.K. designer: Nicki Macfarlane

The Princess & Prince celebrated with not just one but two formal receptions held at Buckingham Palace; the latter being capped off with a nightclub like celebration {orchestrated largely by Master of ceremonies, Prince Harry} in the Royal Ballroom and Throne room served as a lounge where singer Ellie Goulding performed and then DJ’s kept all 300+ guests on the dance floor until 3am.  Princess Catherine changed into a second gown for the evening dinner reception, hosted by Prince Charles.  She swore a more dance-friendly, but equally stunningly elegant satin gown {also by Sarah Burton }featuring a gorgeous diamonte belt.  She chose to go with a more natural look for the second round of celebrations, and took off the tiara to let her hair flow totally naturally.  Pippa definitely was a scene-stealer in an eye-catching emerald green gown by Temperley of London. The party end early in the morning the next day after  Prince Harry arranged a grand finale of a fireworks display for his brother and his new Princess outside of the Palace.  The Royal newlyweds are now back to their ‘normal’ work life in Anglesey, and will reportedly take a honeymoon later this month {possibly in the Seychelles}.  Royal fashion sidenote, Princess Catherine has decided to put her ceremony wedding gown on display for the public to look at and enjoy, they have not yet determined which location {Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and the Victoria & Albert Museum are possible options}.  On the dress copycat note, Brides, you too could find your own Princess Catherine “inspired” creation for fraction of the cost in just about 8 weeks.  Designers from both Faviana {whom collaborates on a line with David Tutera}, A.B.S.-Alan Schwartz and David’s Bridal have all completed sketches and patterns for their versions {although of course we are talking mass production quality, so much cheaper fabrics and machine lace} of the now famous Sarah Burton original gown.  There are already knock off version’s of both Pippa’s ceremony and reception gowns being made as well. Nothing of course will compare to the hours and hours of hand-sewn chantilly lace and intricately place lace flowers from the Royal School of Needlework~Hampton Court Palace; the exquisite corset fitted bodice with the beautiful v-cut neckline and gorgeous lace sleeves, and all the detailing on the skirt and 9 foot long train.  We are still swooning from it’s simple, clean lines but ample amount of sheer classic romance! Hat’s off to Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen {who finally made a public appearance in NYC  today, for the Met’s Alexander McQueen exhibition} and her now legendary creations, and of course a Royal congratulations to Princess Catherine & Prince William!

Fashion note, many compared Princess Catherine’s gown and overall elegant look to that of the lovely Grace Kelly {as shown in a comparison below}.  Their wedding cake was an 8-tiered beautiful floral creation, made up of 27 different types of fruitcake {which is traditional for English wedding cake}; designed by British baker: Fiona Cairns.

Photography: Courtesy of Getty Images | Official Royal Wedding Images courtesy of official Royal Wedding photographer: Hugo Burnand|Clarence House