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.
