I love weddings. I mean, really, who doesn't? I know I'm not the only one who got up early that day in April just to watch the Royal wedding. What I love more than the actual nuptials is to be able to look at all the trappings and accessories that make for the perfect bridal ensemble. I personally think that Katherine was a regal vision.
A recent article in The Daily Mail (UK), which I hate to admit I read every day (without fail) showcased a new exhibit that will feature a number of items (actual or recreated) so that the Royal subjects can view Katherine's wedding attire "up close".
I hadn't noticed the details on the back of the wedding gown (the veil obscured the waistline area), and love the tucks that create a bustled effect on the back of the dress. And, can you even imagine how long it took just to button up the back of her dress?
Queen Elizabeth II actually said that this display of Katherine's gown "sans head" was "sort of disturbing". I think I agree with her.
I like the fact that Katherine's veil wasn't floor-length. I think it's less formal, but again, really enhanced her elegant gown.
Are you a shoe hound? I am. (In fact, Handsome used to call me "Imelda" - as in, Imelda Marcos, which you need to be old enough to understand.) Although I don't wear high heels as much as I used to, I sure feel more special when I do. Katherine's wedding shoes, with their lace trim, are "my kind of shoe". (gushing here)
What little girl didn't dream of wearing a crown on her special day? Katherine wore the Cartier Halo Tiara, created in 1936. It was purchased by the Duke of York (later King George VI) for the Queen Mother (Elizabeth I). The Queen Mother gave it to Queen Elizabeth II (then Princess Elizabeth) for her 18th birthday. Don't you just love items steeped in tradition?
I think it's a stunning piece, and understated when compared to some of the other crowns she might have been able to choose instead.
The wedding bouquet.
There is also a duplicate of the wedding cake that will be on display in all it's monochromatic glory. I especially like that it has the wedding couple's combined monogram in the third tier from the top. I don't know what kind of cake was inside, but if it was the traditional British fruitcake, I
think I might know I would have passed. White cake with raspberry filling would have been more to my liking. (Or perhaps cheesecake!)
Of all of the items on display, you have to know that Katherine's earrings would be my personal favorite. They were a gift from her parents, and incorporate acorns from the Middleton family crest.
The earrings are totally encrusted with diamonds. Acorns totally encrusted with diamonds. Pardon me while I swoon. Do you think someone is going to duplicate these like they did Princess Diana's engagement ring all those years ago? I'm just wondering.
Thank you to everyone who sent get well wishes. I can announce that my back feels so much better now, and I'm hoping to put together an interesting Taggart story for you for tomorrow.
All of it definitely swoon worthy. Ya just can't beat a good wedding. Have you seen the pics of the latest royal wedding? Very nice too.
ReplyDeleteHi Donna, small correction to your post. Eizabeth I 1533 until 1603. The correct title for King George VI wife was Queen Consort, then Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother on his death. Hope you don't mind me pointing this out
ReplyDeleteloved this post and glad it caught my eye. so hard to keep up when in Romania but this was worthwhile. you showed me the back of the gown, fabulous!
ReplyDeleteHey Pretty Lady,
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear you are recovering and getting back into the swing of things. Thanks for revisiting the wedding, such lovely features in every image.
Have a great day,
Hugs,
Meri
Hi Donna, I also read that the Queen thought the wedding dress display sans head looked creepy. As for the wedding, I watched every second of it, as I did when Charles and Diana married, although I think Diana's choice of dress was unfortunate as it crushed so easily.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to Tag's story tomorrow, and so pleased that you are on the mend! :)
Such a lovely post. I think you should definitely have those acorn earrings...or at least a fine facsimile. Glad to hear you are feeling better. Let Tag jump the rope and you merely turn it for him. :o) Monday Smiles dear...
ReplyDeleteDonna, this is a lovely post. Thanks for sharing all this.
ReplyDeleteI've been away from my computer of late and didn't know you were ill. Glad to hear you are feeling better.
Wouldn't those earrings be just perfect for you!?!
ReplyDeleteI love all the royal stuff too - always have and will enjoy seeing them as they grow into their marriage.
I laughed about the Imelda comment - that's our daughter too! We have called her that since she was three and had fun trying to explain it as she got older. She still loves her shoes to this day!
And, I'm glad to hear you are on the mend!!