Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge
At long last, the Royal Wedding arrived on April 29 and the world watched as Kate Middleton married her Prince and became Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. I was so excited to watch this real-life fairytale come to life with my two favorite girls – my twin sister Wendie and her 5-year-old daughter Lilly. The day before the wedding, Lilly called me and asked if I would come over and watch the wedding with her, assuring me that she would be getting up REALLY early to watch. ;o) Lilly and I wore tiaras and Wendie wore a fancy hat for the festivities. We had such a special time together and created a memory that we will never forget.
I was so excited when Kate first stepped out of the vintage car to reveal her breathtaking Alexander McQueen dress, designed by Sarah Burton. Sarah put together the dress by hand. The bodice is made of ivory satin and narrows at the waist. Individual flowers were hand cut from lace and hand-engineered onto the ivory silk tulle dress to create the design, which features rose, thistle, daffodil, and shamrocks on it, a nod to national flowers of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Kate’s Cartier ‘Halo’ tiara was made in 1936 and it was lent to her by Queen Elizabeth II.
The veil is made of layers of ivory silk tulle. It is trimmed with hand-embroidered flowers, sewn on by the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace.
It was reported that Kate wished for her dress to combine tradition and modernity and I think she got her wish. The shape and feminine detail on this gown were absolutely made for her classic beauty and style.
Kate's sister, Philippa “Pippa” Middleton, carried her train and escorted the young bridesmaids throughout the ceremony.
Pippa (the spitting image of her big sister) wore an ivory satin gown, also designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen.
The dress incorporated the same lace trim and button detail as the bridal gown.
Prince William wore an official British Army uniform for his nuptials and looked dashing. Harry (I admit I’m a little sweet on him) looked handsome in his uniform too. I loved watching their brotherly banter during the ceremony.
I couldn’t resist sharing this adorable picture of little bridesmaid, Grace van Cutsem’s (Prince William’s goddaughter) sour face as the couple shared their first kiss. While the world was cheering, this one was not quite as thrilled. I’m sure she was reacting to the thunderous crowd, but its pretty darn funny. (*Thanks to Emily Moran for showing me this one)
Royal Wedding guests also gave us lots of wows!
Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece is a regal beauty that is always on the best-dressed list. I thought she looked amazing in this pale blue Philip Treacy hat adorned with beautiful flowers.
I was disappointed that I couldn’t find a full photo of her dress because it was so pretty.
Spain’s Princess Letizia looked lovely in her pale pink, embellished dress with seven-eighth sleeves paired with gloves and a matching cloche-like hat with flowers and a veil.
This look received a lot of mixed reviews, but I loved it and think her makeup was well suited as well.
Always a beacon of style, Victoria Beckham didn’t disappoint wearing a dress of her own design. The classic silhouette was flattering on her cute baby bump.
The classic mini pillbox hat by Philip Treacy was the perfect topper with her sleek ponytail. I loved its whimsical detail which added a little flair to the otherwise serious look.
I will say that the 7-inch Louboutins were a little much though. These days heel heights are getting just a touch too high. Sure, they look fierce for photos, but when a gal can’t walk swiftly in her shoes, it loses the appeal.
Princess Anne’s daughter, Zara Phillips, looked a little futuristic in her gunmetal grey dress by Paul Costelloe and circular black topper by Philip Treacy.
As the next royal to get married, I imagine we will see an edgier, more modern look with her wedding gown.
Prince Edwards wife – Sophie, Countess of Wessex demonstrated her classic beauty in this fantastic Jane Taylor rosette spray hat, complementing her pretty blonde hair.
She paired the hat with a beige Bruce Oldfield dress and coat that was accented with beautiful embroidery.
Lady Frederick Windsor – a.k.a. Sophie Winkleman - looked smashing in a navy Armani Prive, diamond-patterned suit on the arm of her husband, Lord Freddie Windsor (son of the Duke and Duchess of Kent).
Philip Treacy shines again on Lady Windsor with this sculpted straw hat featuring festive twirls at the top.
Bring on the color! While most Royal Wedding guests chose to don subtle hues, a few stylish ladies stood out in the crowd with vibrant color.
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden was one of them in this gorgeous coral Elie Saab.
Her husband, Prince Daniel, always looks dapper with his “Clark Kent” style specs too.
Oh how I love Joss Stone! The British singer, who performed at Princess Diana's memorial concert in 2007, makes a bright and bold statement outside Westminster Abbey.
Her fresh, head-to-toe pink from High Street store Hobbs was delightful and the peep-toe shoes and straw cream hat with subtle pink flowers framed her face perfectly.
This picture doesn’t show it, but she also had free-spirited hair styled with a few tousled locks falling from the hat. She looks young and fresh, while still being appropriately elegant for her age.
Miriam Clegg, wife of Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, was stunning in a black netted suit by Miguel Palacio.
The Spanish beauty added colorful drama to her suit with a Carmen Miranda red rose head wrap. Her swept-back raven hair was the perfect contrast for the splash of color.
Absolutely one of my favorites.
Here we have a colorful hit and a colorful miss with sisters Santa Montefiore and Tara Palmer-Tomkinson. No doubt they turned a few heads with their vibrant and dramatic entrance at Westminster Abbey, although likely because folks needed a second to take it all in.
Montefiore (left) looked chic in a purple sheath dress and fur stole with a multi-color Stephen Jones fascinator. Her sister on the other hand, was a little bit TOO head-to-toe blue in her Deborah Milner dress and Philip Treacy hat. The dress was amazing on her, but the matching blue hat, shoes, gloves and clutch made her look like she was performing for the Blue Man Group. Sans the gloves, it would have been perfect.
How cute are the Spencer sisters – Ladies Amelia, Eliza and Kitty? They are William and Harry's first cousins and daughters of Charles, Earl of Spencer. They all are wearing cute hats and Kitty looked great in a sexy Victoria Beckham dress.
William and Harry’s other cousins didn't fare quite as well…oh dear girls, what were you thinking? Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice of York looked matronly in their dresses and the hats didn’t help.
Eugenie wore a peacock-hued Vivienne Westwood that had a cute poufy skirt, but an unflattering busy top.
Beatrice chose a blush Valentino Couture coat that while too old for her, would have been ok with a less outrageous hat. Philip Treacy didn’t win on this one. Yikes!
Harry’s 7-year on-again/off-again girlfriend, Chelsy Davy, was disappointing in this teal green Alberta Ferretti. The jacket was ill-fitting and the skirt was too tight, bunching up as she walked.
However, I did like the sweet Victoria Grant fascinator and her swept back hair.
Kate looked equally as stunning when she appeared in her second dress of the day and ready to have fun at the reception. The dress, also a McQueen/Burton creation, was a white satin strapless evening gown with a circle skirt and diamante detailing around the waist. She finished the look with a simple white fuzzy shrug. Once again, she looked regal and elegant.
Pippa looked amazing in her reception dress too – a sexy/chic emerald-green custom made dress by Temperley London.
Alice Temperley was quoted as feeling honored to have been asked to design a dress for Pippa and that she was a delight to work with as she knows just what she likes.
The dress was designed especially for her with a fantastic open back and a full skirt for dancing in.
What a beautiful wedding day the young Royals had. An experience we all will remember. They are a joy to watch – and I hope they will now get the chance to settle into a little less attention. I love the shot below of Kate and William departing the Palace for a private weekend. She is wearing a simple blue dress, sharp jacket and wedge platforms. He is cheery in his chinos, sportcoat and brown loafers. Enjoy married life, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Thanks for letting the world share.
