It was also the year of the having two wedding dresses, with Meghan Markle stepping out in a gorgeous Stella McCartney gown and Princess Eugenie in an outstanding Zac Posen blush gown for their evening receptions.

Both of Princess Eugenie’s wedding dresses have went on display in Windsor Castle, along with her accessories, including the Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara borrowed from the Queen. The exhibition’s official website, Windsor Castle, explains the tiara ‘is made of brilliant and rose cut diamonds pavé set in platinum with six emeralds on either side.’

The exhibition is running 1st March – 22 April 2019 and those lucky enough to attend will see not only the Princess’s wedding dresses but also the attire of bridesmaid Theodora, groom Jack Brooksbank’s and Maid of Honour Princess Beatrice. Visitors will also enjoy an audio from Princess Eugenie herself, giving unique details about her wedding.

One notable piece of information is about her second wedding dress, the beautiful Zac Posen blush gown. It actually was inspired by Grace Kelly’s movie To Catch A Thief where the royal actress wears fashion forward dresses. In the audio, Princess Eugenie is heard to describe Zac as ‘such a cool, fun, brilliant designer and friend.’

She adds ‘I wanted something reminiscent of Grace Kelly in To Catch A Thief  so I showed that for reference and Zac came up with this silk he had found in Manchester. Every single draping effect, every single detail, every button, it’s all painstakingly done by him and his team.’

Set Featured Image: @theroyalfamily / Instagram

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The autumnal inspired wedding arches and chapel decor were breathtaking, a fabulous alternative to Meghan Markle’s crisp white archway back in May, at the same church.

The ninth in line to the throne was given away by her father, Prince Andrew – watched by her grandmother, the Queen.

Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, perhaps got the loudest cheer as she pulled up to the church with her eldest child Beatrice.

Mr Brooksbank was visibly nervous; fighting back the tears behind his glasses. But as soon as Eugenie reached him, after the long walk up the aisle, he grinned and said “you’re perfect” and “oh, break my heart”.

Classical singer Andrea Bocelli performed two songs during the ceremony, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Who was she wearing?

Eugenie wanted a classic look, but with ‘a touch of fun’. Arriving with her father proudly by her side, wearing a white portrait-neckline gown by Peter Piloto and Christopher de Vos. She opted not to wear a wedding veil, instead wearing the Grenville Tiara, which was owned by the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth II’s mom. It’s reported the Queen was delighted to gift this diamond and emerald encrusted beauty to her granddaughter as her ‘something borrowed.’

The dress features a wide train, as the father of the bride leaked in an interview with ITV beforehand. It also has a V-neckline that folds around the shoulders and dips in the back, showing the scars from a surgery Eugenie had at age 12 for scoliosis.

It also included a number of symbols meaningful to the bride, including a thistle for Scotland, symbolising the couple’s fondness for Balmoral, a Shamrock for Ireland as a nod to the Ferguson family, and the York Rose and ivy for the couple’s home.

Wedding Gifts

Jack gave his longterm love a pair of stunning diamond and emerald drop earrings. Sarah Ferguson, Eugenie’s mother, proudly gave Jack a gift too, he wore a tie pin that features the white rose of York – a nod to Eugenie’s family – and the same pink padparadscha sapphire as Eugenie’s engagement ring.

Who took part?

Prince George and Princess Charlotte were among the adorable tribe of page boys and flower girls that followed Eugenie up the aisle.

The other bridesmaids were Mia Tindall – daughter of Zara and Mike Tindall – Mia’s cousins Savannah and Isla, Eugenie’s goddaughter Maud Windsor and Robbie Williams’ daughter, Theodora. The other pageboy is Louis de Givenchy, six, the son of friends.

Charlotte was waving to her adoring fans as soon as she stepped foot in their Royles Royce, meanwhile cheeky cousins George and Savannah were pulling funny faces and pretending to play trumpets, they are quite the double act.

Eugenie’s sister, Princess Beatrice, was maid of honour and played a special role in the wedding, reading an excerpt from The Great Gatsby.

Mr Brooksbank picked his brother Thomas to be his best man, he said it was special to them both to have their siblings by their sides, especially to help calm the nerves.

Who came to show them support?

Royal family members, celebrities, charitable workers and friends filled Windsor Chapel, sheltering from the remnants of Storm Callum.

Many a hat got swept up the hill towards the Castle and into the cheering crowd, much to their amusement, as crowds gathered together to catch a glimpse of the bride.

The Royals of course had priority seats. Kate and Meghan were channeling very different styles, but both effortlessly chic. Kate dressed in a cranberry tailored dress, with matching accessories. courtesy of her own bridal designer at Alexander McQueen. Meghan too made a nod to her wedding day by picking a midnight blue Givency piece, again with a headpiece and stiletto heel.

One celebrity who everyone is talking about is Cara Delevingne, she opted to go against the autumnal trends and wear a tailored suit and top hat. Doesn’t she look incredible.

Kate’s sister Pippa arrived with her new husband on one arm and her brother in the other. With a rapidly expanding bump, she dazzled in a forest green Emilia Wickstead dress and coordinating hat.

After the Ceremony

The happy couple took a horse-drawn carriage ride through the town, watched by around 1,200 members of the public in the castle grounds, and more well-wishers outside .

They will join the rest of their wedding guests and family, for an afternoon reception hosted by the Queen in St George’s Hall at the castle.

An evening party will take place at the York family home, the Royal Lodge, in Windsor Great Park.

Set Featured Image Credit – PA Wire

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While the Duke and Duchess of Sussex needed only a single day and night for the first royal wedding of the year in May, Eugenie and her husband to be Jack will stretch their celebrations into a second day after a Friday morning service on October 12^th.

After the 11am ceremony, the newlyweds will make a short carriage procession to St George’s Hall, where a traditional wedding breakfast attended by all the guests will be hosted by the Queen and Duke of York.

Then just 400 select guests will join them for a champagne evening party at the family home, the Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park. Among those invited are George and Amal Clooney, David and Victoria Beckham, with rumoured performances from Ellie Goulding and Robbie Williams.

Anyone still standing will be invited to return the next day for a ‘festival and funfair’ themed party.

This is the first time Prince Andrew and his former wife Sarah Ferguson have co-hosted something on such a scale. Sarah has attended most of the planning meetings in Windsor with her daughter, while Andrew has helped organise the service, reception and wedding party.

 

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Eugenie has called upon Peregrine Armstrong-Jones, the Irish celebrity party planner who created the exuberantly extravagant wedding for Posh and Becks back in 1999, at Luttrellstown Castle, Dublin.

Peregrine describes weddings as ‘the ultimate way to show your friends and family how much you value their friendship. Sharing drinks or dinner in fabulous surroundings which create lasting memories form a bond with your friends and family forever.’

We know that with Peregrine’s help, this is set to be another Royal wedding to remember.

Set Featured Image Credit: Getty Images

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In what was a day filled with glorious sunshine, Harry and Meghan captured the hearts of the nation as they said their vows at midday in an emotional ceremony in front of 600 guests including A-list celebrities and senior royals.

The wedding certainly lived up to the hype, and we’re still obsessing over her beautiful wedding dress, that tender moment at the altar and the incredible floral arch. We re-cap all the key points of this historic day…

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The Morning

Guests began arriving shortly after 9.30am, where we got to do some serious style spotting as well as getting to see some famous faces take their seats in St.George’s Chapel.

The bride and her mother – Doria Ragland – left Cliveden House Hotel at 11.10 where we got the first glimpse of Meghan in her breathtaking dress and Veil! Whilst on the 8 mile drive, the royal family along with Prince William and Harry arrived at 11.30am.

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Ms Markle and her mum were then driven up the Long Walk in a Rolls-Royce Phantom IV before they headed up the castle gates and towards the chapel. The bride was then accompanied by two page boys her held up her train as she made her way up the steps where she was greeted by Prince Charles who accompanied her down the aisle.

The Ceremony

In a highly emotive and beautiful ceremony, we saw the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex exchange vows and rings in front of their nearest and dearest.  As they met at the altar, Prince Harry told his bride ‘you look amazing, I’m so lucky’ before tenderly holding hands and exchanging smiles (Be still our beating hearts!).

The service was primarily conducted by the Dean of Windsor, and the marriage was solemnized by the Archbishop of Canterbury. However, from the colourful address by Reverend Michael Curry to the Gospel Kingdom Choir singing ‘Stand By Me’, it was clear that the couple had put immense thought and care into ensuring that the service represented them in equal parts, with elements paying tribute to Meghan’s African American heritage.

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An orchestra made up of instrumentalists from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the English Chamber Orchestra and the Philharmonia performed, as well as a performance from 19 year-old cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason.

The couple left the chapel before standing under the INCREDIBLE floral arch where we got to witness that kiss! They then proceeded to the carriage for their procession around Windsor town.

The Evening Reception

The celebrations came to an end in a black-tie wedding dinner staged at Frogmore House – which was hosted by Prince Charles- for 200 of the couple’s friends and family. It is reported that James Corden acted as compere.

We got a glimpse at Meghan & Harry’s second outfit choice of the day, as Harry donned a dapper tuxedo whilst Megan looked sensational in a simple crepe halter-neck dress by Stella McCartney.

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The Details

The Cake

The wedding cake was designed by Claire Ptak and features elderflower syrup made at The Queen’s residence in Sandringham from the estate’s own elderflower trees, as well as a light sponge cake uniquely formulated for the couple. A filling was made from Amalfi lemon curd and elderflower buttercream to tie all the elements together. The cake was decorated with Swiss meringue buttercream and 150 fresh flowers, mainly British, and in season, including peonies and roses.

The wedding cake is to be served at the Reception. It was designed by Claire Ptak and features elderflower syrup made at The Queen’s residence in Sandringham from the estate’s own elderflower trees, as well as a light sponge cake uniquely formulated for the couple. #royalwedding

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The Flowers

London-based florist Philippa Craddock worked with Harry and Meghan on the flower arrangements for their wedding, and she reportedly used “branches of beech, birch and hornbeam, along with white garden roses, peonies and foxgloves”.  The floral arch at St Georges Chapel was undoubtedly stunning and it was certainly a talking point of the day!

Harry’s mother princess Diana was honoured in a simple and thoughtful way in the ceremony by her favourite flower being included in Meghan’s bouquet. The bouquet included forget-me-nots in tribute to Diana, scented sweet peas, lily of the valley, astilbe, jasmine, astrantia and sprigs of myrtle. Prince Harry reportedly picked the flowers the day before the wedding in their private garden in Kensington Palace.

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The Bride

Meghan looked out-of-this-world in her hotly anticipated wedding dress, which was designed by British designer Clare Waight-Keller for Givenchy. Embodying everything that is pure, classic, regal and elegant, the dress featured a boat-neck style and three-quarter length sleeves. It was made from double bonded silk and was brilliant white in colour – bridal beauty and simplicity at its finest!

Ms Markle’s dramatic veil was 16ft long and was made from silk tulle, with a trim of 53 hand-embroidered flowers in silk threads to represent each of the 53 countries as part of the commonwealth.  Her hair was styled by Serge Normant, while her long-time friend and make-up artist Daniel Martin did her makeup.

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Her hair was styled in a chic messy bun up-do, and the look was completed by the glittering Queen Mary’s Diamond Bandeau tiara, loaned to her by the Queen.

The Groom

Prince William joined his younger brother at the altar as his best man, and they both looked handsome in their Blues and Royals. Before the wedding, Kensington Palace released a statement saying that on his wedding day Prince Harry would wear his military uniform, selecting to wear the frockcoat uniform of the Blues and Royals. It is understood the Queen gave her permission for Prince Harry to get married in his uniform.

The Blues and Royals is a cavalry regiment in the British Army that was formed in 1969m, and the frockcoats worn by the brothers were tailored at Dege & Skinner on Savile Row.

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The Guests

We saw a host of famous faces at the royal wedding, with Meghan’s former co-stars on the series ‘Suits’ in attendance including Patrick J. Adams, Sarah Rafferty, Rick Hoffman, Gabriel Macht and Gina Torres.  Kate’s sister Pippa also made her first appearance after her wedding, after announcing she was expecting her first child with her husband.

All senior members of the royal family were of course in attendance including HRH the Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince William, The Duchess of Cambridge and all of their extended royal family. Kate made her first public appearance following the birth of her third child Prince Louis last month and she looked sophisticated in a cream/off-yellow Alexander McQueen Coat dress with matching headpiece.

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Celebrity guests at the wedding included Amal and George Clooney, Victoria and David Beckham, Idris Elba, Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams, Carrie Mulligan and James Cordon.

The Little Ones

The palace made the announcement before the big day that there would be six bridesmaids and four page boys.

The bridal party is made up of Princess Charlotte, 3, Florence Van Custem, 3 (the goddaughter of Prince Harry, Meghan’s goddaughters Remi Litt 6, Ryland Litt 7, Prince Harry’s goddaughter Zalie Warren, 2, and the daughter of Meghan’s friend Jessica , Ivy, 4. Clare Waight Keller – who designed Meghan Markle’s wedding dress – also created the dresses for the six bridesmaids in the Givenchy Haute Couture Atelier in Paris.

Page boys included Brian and John Mulroney, 7, Prince George, 4 and Prince Harry’s godson Jasper Dyer, 6.

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Set Featured Image Credit: Flikr / hammou dakhil

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But for those of us not lucky enough to be on the guest list or among the 2,460 members of the public invited to Windsor Castle on the big day, the next best thing is to watch this momentous occasion live on television whilst having a little royal soiree!

We’ve rounded up a guide on how to celebrate the royal wedding, and all the party supplies you’ll need to plan your own British-inspired bash. Whether you want a cute keep-sake to mark the occasion, or you want to host your own party find out all you need to know here…

How to watch

As with previous royal weddings and milestone celebrations, there will be hours of coverage streamed live from the lawns of Windsor Castle and St George’s Chapel nave.  In the UK, the BBC, Sky News and ITV cover the big day with big-name presenters anchoring the coverage. Dermot O’Leary and Kirsty Young will be leading live coverage on the BBC from 9am until 2pm from around Winsdor Castle’s moat.

On ITV, Phillip Schofield and Julie Etchingham will be presenting from a specially constructed studio in Windsor which will begin at 9.25am running until 3pm.

We recommend starting early to catch a glimpse of the wedding guest style and any famous faces that arrive!

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The Decor

This is a momentous occasion for British history, so it’s only natural that you should follow suit with the country and purchase some patriotic party supplies!  Balloons, buntings, tablecloths, confetti, paper plates, cups, flags and cutlery have all gone on sale ahead of the big day and in true British form, the colours red, white and blue are key themes.

Some shops, such as partypacks.co.uk, partyrama.co.uk, theworks.co.uk, zazzle.co.uk are all selling royal wedding themed decorations as well as large chain supermarkets. But you don’t have to splash out – you can also make your own.

Memorabilia as favours

As well as party supplies, many shops are also selling some gorgeous memorabilia with photos of the royal couple. With everything from tea towels, playing cards, magnets, mugs and keyrings you name it and they’ll be a souvenir! put a little money aside to purchase some memorabilia for you to keep, and opt for cheaper goodies that guests can take home as a little souvenir of the big day.

The Food & Drink

If you’re hosting a little royal celebration, you’ll need to think about a menu. One option could be to host a sophisticated British afternoon tea with cucumber and coronation sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, sponge cake and delicious delicatessens! Weather permitting you could also have a BBQ for close family and friends to include some American favourites in honour of the bride: think mini hot dogs, beef burger sliders, cookies and cupcakes!

Not forgetting the drinks, consider elegant elderflower water, Pimms, tea and of course champagne to toast the happy couple!

What’s more,  following the wedding, football fans can delight in an afternoon watching the FA Cup Final, so what better day to have an excuse to make a day out if it, whip out the bunting and whisk-up some baked goods!

Or, if you prefer a chilled one with the girls but are still in those wedding spirits put on some wedding dresses and sip on some fizz like Phoebe, Monica and Rachel from friends! No better way to watch the royal wedding if you ask us…

Set Featured Image Credit: Ulster Weavers, Etsy. 

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It has been reported that the former actress will walk down the aisle in a £100,000 wedding dress designed by Ralph & Russo, the same designer she wore for her engagement photo shoot with Prince Harry. The gown, which was an elaborate black and gold dress with hand-stitching and intricate beading oozed elegance and sophistication – and going by this show-stopping dress-  we have no doubt that a bridal gown by this designer would be perfect for Meghan!

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A source told the Daily Mail newspaper that the Ralph & Russo dress will privately paid for by the Royal family, and it will be made my hand. They said “It sounds a lot but this is the wedding of the year and hundreds of hours of manpower have gone into making it, almost by hand”.

There have also been two other favourite designers of Meghan – Burberry and Erdem – who have been tipped to design her second dress of the day, to be worn at the evening reception hosted by Prince Charles at Frogmore House, on the grounds of Windsor Great Park. Whilst we can only guess what the design will be, we predict that it will be completely different to the gown Meghan wore as character Rachel Zane, in her role in hit US TV show Suits.

Meanwhile, Meghan’s close friends have been commenting in their excitement for the upcoming royal wedding, wishing their friend love and happiness. Priyanka Chopra – who has known Ms Markle for some time – said she believes the wedding is a “fairytale for our generation”.

Speaking on Barstool Sports’ Sirius radio show she said:  “I just feel like it’s gonna be such a life-changing thing not just for them, but for the world and for young girls out there because she is one of us, right? She’s that girl. She loves grocery shopping…She has always been someone who cares about the world that I think she will fit so well into this new role that she is going to get into to. I’m just really happy for her.”

Priyanka is also excited about her friend’s wedding dress, saying:

“She’s doing it so cool like she has her own perspective the way she dresses… she’s such a little fashionista, but at the same time she keeps it really real, which I really like about her style, it’s very relatable.”

We can’t wait until the big day- The countdown is ON!

Set Featured Image Credit: Kensington Palace / Alexi Lubomirski

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It is thought that Meghan WILL wear ‘something borrowed’ from the dazzling Jewellery collection of Princess Diana when she walks down the aisle to Harry at St George’s Chapel, in honour of her late mother-in-law and in keeping with royal tradition. And with two of the diamonds in Meghan’s engagement ring being from Diana’s personal collection of Jewellery, we predict there will be something extra special for the big day!

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Former royal butler and commentator, Grant Harold told the Mail Online:

“For Prince Harry, one of the most important and influential people of this life- his mother- will of course not be there to participate in his special day…This would be very poignant, and a very personal thing between the young couple, and it would symbolically allow his mother to be part of this magical day”

It has been speculated that Meghan may accessorize her bridal gown with Diana’s family Tiara- the Spencer Tiara- which hasn’t been worn in public since Diana’s tragic death in 1997. Diana wore the stunning headpiece at her wedding to Prince Charles in 1981, however many think that the star won’t choose this iconic tiara…

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Jewellery editorial writer Ella Kay spoke to Town & Country saying: “I think it’s unlikely because Meghan is marrying into the Windsor family, not the Spencer family, so if she borrows a tiara, I think it will reflect her new royal status”

Of course there are also a number of other pieces that former actress Meghan, 36, may choose to wear from Diana’s beautiful collection, including the Qatar Diamond and Pearl Earrings given to her as a wedding gift by the Emir of Qatar, for the royal wedding. There is also the option of her South-Sea Pearl earrings, or diamond and sapphire suite from the Sultan of Oman (which would also count as Meghan’s ‘something blue’ on the big day!).

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In addition to wearing one of these sentimental pieces of jewellery, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reported to have chosen flowers for their wedding that has a special significance to Princess Diana – white garden roses. According to the BBC, these beautiful white flowers will sit alongside Meghan’s favourite flower peonies and foxgloves.

With just under a month to go, we are certainly counting down the days until the royal wedding here at Wedding Journal HQ!

Set Featured Image Credit:  Diana @Flikr Goodwill GWC,

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The Duke and Duchess of York said their younger daughter and Mr Brooksbank became engaged while in Nicaragua earlier this month.

In a series of tweets, Sarah Ferguson congratulated her daughter and her fiancé. She said the couple ‘float with laughter and love’.

‘We love Jack and I am so excited to have a son, a brother and a best friend,’ the duchess added.

The wedding will take place at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in the autumn, after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle also tie the knot here in May.

The princess and her fiancé have dated for many years after meeting on a ski holiday.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said Princess Eugenie’s grandparents, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, were ‘very pleased and wish the couple all the best’.

Mr Brooksbank’s parents, Nicola and George Brooksbank, said they were ‘completely over the moon’ and ‘very excited’ for the couple. ‘We could not be more delighted with the news of the engagement,’ they commented.

In the official engagement photographs Princess Eugenie is wearing a dress by Erdem, shoes by Jimmy Choo and her engagement ring contains a padparadscha sapphire surrounded by diamonds.

The 27-year-old is the second daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York, and is eighth in line to the throne after her sister Princess Beatrice.

Princess Eugenie will keep her royal title when she marries Mr Brooksbank and will have the option to take his surname.

The princess works in the arts as a director at gallery Hauser and Wirth, she does not carry out any royal engagements, and she is patron of several organisations including the Teenage Cancer Trust.

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