For the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s ninth wedding anniversary, I did a retrospective of their 2011 wedding and whether the event “held up” nine years later. I kind of thought that the biggest parts did hold up – Kate’s McQueen gown looks classic rather than dated, and the event had simplicity and tradition… and not that much modernity. In retrospect, I doubt they would have been allowed to modernize their wedding too much, which is good news because they had zero inclination to do so. Harry and Meghan on the other hand…
May 19th is the second wedding anniversary of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. They were married on a bright and sunny day at St. George’s Chapel on the greater Windsor Castle complex. From what I remember, the Queen did not offer them the chance to marry in London, and Harry and Meghan seemed happy with Windsor as their locale. It ended up working out well, especially with the long carriage procession back to Windsor Castle for their reception – there were thousands of people gathered along that route, waving and cheering for the Sussexes. It ended up being a very photogenic/scenic locale.
The wedding service itself was pretty “modern.” In the days leading up to the wedding, Meghan’s father had introduced himself to the world as one of the most toxic dirtbags ever. Toxic Tom didn’t go to the wedding, and Prince Charles stepped in at the last minute to walk Meghan part of the way down the aisle, although she took the final steps to Harry on her own. Charles also made the effort to ensure that Meghan’s mother was included, and he took Doria’s arm as they exited the chapel.
Meghan’s wedding gown was Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy – a British designer at a French house. The gown was instantly controversial because it wasn’t body-con or a princess-mermaid gown and it wasn’t cinched with a corset. I dug the simplicity of the design, although in retrospect… yeah, the fit could have been slightly better. My biggest peeve about Meghan’s wedding look is still her hair – that was back when Meghan preferred to look slightly “undone,” with loose strands of hair in an updo. That is fine for daily wear, but I have to think she kind of regrets those loose strands around the tiara now. The tiara is a whole different conversation – we learned, months later, that Meghan possibly chose a different tiara but the Queen yanked it. Or something. I’m still not entirely clear what happened there, just that the bitchy courtiers spent more than a year bitterly complaining about it.
I genuinely loved Meghan’s reception look too – this was bespoke Stella McCartney, the most I’ve ever liked a McCartney gown. It’s gorgeous. And Meghan wore an aquamarine ring once owned privately by Princess Diana (the ring was given to Meghan by Harry).
Photos courtesy of WENN, Avalon Red, Backgrid.
I so wish she had done more with her hair!!!!
Me too, colour and cut, it was looking kind of drab, she’s the type that can pull off anything.
Forget the hair do. That’s a detail and a personal choice. The deeper meaning of the wedding and their union brought joy to 2 billion people across the world who (got up early and) watched it, and to the public who visited Windsor that day. The magic of the day is what people will reminder, not weather they liked her hair do or not. The thought behind her veil nailed it for me.
I like her hair. But I am not a prim and proper person myself, so I enjoy the casualness of her hairdo.
I love all of it. I loved her hair, her dress, the second dress and the tiara. I hope the dress stands the test of time. Honestly I dislike most of what Meghan wears but her wedding dress was lovely.
I liked the second dress and their look leaving in the sports car. The main dress was just too stiff and ill fitted.
I thought Harry seemed super excited and in love, and was wearing his emotions on his sleeve. I got the vibe that Meghan was more self conscious and putting on kind of a serene expression. Somewhat understandable with so many eyes on you, but overall, I didn’t get the sense that she was as in love as he was.
@Diana, I agree, the tiara and sophisticated dress definitely called for a more polished hairdo. She still would’ve looked like herself. That is the only thing that wasn’t perfection, everything else was great. It felt like the most joyous royal wedding we’ve seen in quite a while.
If I ever get married (hahahah) I’m not having a stiff hair style.
I agree… but her hair looked like an afterthought! The dresses were gorgeous and the two of them were so happy and dreamy… just a shallow observation on my part. 😃
The story the press obsessed over was that Kate did her own makeup because she wanted William to recognize her as the girl he knew, I feel like Meghan’s hair was the same thing, she looked like the relaxed woman that Harry fell for.
The smiles on their happy faces says it all.
Exactly’. The looks between them could’ve set the place on fire! “Those looks” we’re ones even a blind man in New Jersey could see!
Happy (early) Anniversary H&M! 🥂🎊
When Harry said “you look amazing” and bit his lip……honestly surprised Archie wasn’t a honeymoon baby.
The best thing about the entire wedding was that gorgeous vintage car that had been re-engineered to be electric
Yes! That car is a work of art.
I actually loved her hair. The draped bangs and the tiara are beautiful. I love how natural her makeup looked that day too.
My biggest peeve will always be her dress. I love her dress! I just wish it was better fitted. That was always the issue. The dress itself is beautiful and she was beautiful in it, but the fitting was off. I had a lot of people tell me it was purposefully like that on one of the original posts but.. why?? It looks like she got it before it was ready. Whatever, its still gorgeous.
Aged very well, I would say!
I came here to make both of these points! I completely agree with you on dress and hair.
Agreed, re: her wedding dress. I also recall quite a number of people on the original post were saying that she probably lost some weight in the week before the wedding because of stress from her a-hole father…but that always just reinforced the fact to me that this wasn’t how it was meant to fit.
BUT her reception dress – amazing, loved it.
I don’t think the dress could have fit any better with the fabric that was chosen. It was too thick for the design and the designer should have known that.
Yes! That weirdly thick fabric was a mistake. You would think one of the best designers from one of the biggest fashion houses would know better.
I think the dress fit perfectly until Thomas started all his foolishness. You can lose weight overnight sometimes from stress. I am sure her appetite was gone and she probably was losing sleep as well. Can you imagine? The weeks leading up to her marrying the grandson of the Queen of England, your half siblings trash & scandalize your name and your dad, telling a GOSSIP WEBSITE he had a heart attack & would not be coming? That poison pen letter from Junior just took the cake! No wonder the dress was a little loose. She had gone through hell from the time the relationship was announced until the day of the wedding. I know I would have lost my appetite. Scammy caling her a fake humanitarian, news outlets world wide giving that poison family free reign to slander her. So glad Harry’s love for her is true love.
I suspect with everything going on with Toxic Tom and the stress, Meghan might have lost a bit of weight in the final lead up to the wedding.
I think that it appears to be rather a heavy fabric contributed to its ability to be fitted better?
I sew, and even with the sudden weight loss, the dress could have been tailored at the last minute. I’m sure Clare was on call. The fact that it wasn’t indicates to me that the fabric was too thick. I love the simple design though. And Meghan’s hair doesn’t fit the simplicity of the dress. I’m sure she was trying to “soften” the dress so it wasn’t too austere, but her hair just ended up looking messy. I can’t deny that she radiates happiness, but for me, the look does not hold up even two years later.
Same, I think her hair and tiara were perfect. The cut of the dress was a good idea in theory. I liked the minimalist clean lines but the fit was off. I also felt her shoe game could have been stronger.
I can’t help but think she missed a last minute fitting due to the stress around her father.
The evening dress was stellar, though.
Happy (almost) anniversary! Ah I remember when all the “psychics” were “predicting” they would be divorced in 9 months and look! 2 years and counting!
When I first saw Meghan’s wedding dress I was like “Oh. Is that it?!” but looking at it now, I think it’s ageing pretty well and I think it’s a lovely dress. A dress size down would have been better but I read that Meghan apparently lost some weight leading up to the wedding so that could explain it.
They have been together for about 4 years now, and haters still treat it like a ‘whirlwind romance’.
I loved both of her dresses so much. I think the main dress had fit issues because of unexpected weight loss due to stress.
I agree wholeheartedly. The claws and reptiles were out in full force for weeks before the wedding. And let’s not forget Lazy Katey giving her shit in the tabloids and the public cry of what Meghan wants Meghan gets for a tiara, which I think is all bullshit. They had it out for her as soon as they became engaged. And they looked so lovely during their vows and you can tell that they love each other dearly. I just wish TQ and Charles would have publicly supported both of them as they probably would have stayed. But Will wouldn’t have it, neither would Lazy Katey as she has to be the favorite. I would imagine that Wil has always been jealous of Harry since he is the favored prince and everyone loves him!! Plus Harry has a hot wife that is willing to put forth some good for the monarchy and proved herself in less than a year.
Didnt she first walk alone then Charles walked her all the way down.
Yes, it was about half and half
I wish that her mother had walked her down for the first bit.
Yes – I mean in sure she would have been fine walking herself the entire way, but if either parent were going to be there to do it, surely it should be Doria over the abusive trainwreck of a father.
Yes, Kaiser got it mixed up.
First she walked inside church with the (flower) kids behind her/holding her veil, then she start walking down the aisle by her self and at last part Charles gave her away to his son at the altar.
Theirs is easily my favorite royal wedding (followed by Victoria & Daniel of Sweden). It looked beautiful, there was so much love and happiness and best of all it wasn’t remotely snoozeworthy (the music was perfection). Screw the RF and their humorless pinched faces, this is the only royal wedding that’s warranted a rewatch imo. I absolutely loved Meghan’s dress, the modern simplicity is right up my street, and the epic veil gave it that romantic wow factor, the pictures of her coming down the aisle are amazing she looked like she was floating.
I agree completely starryfish29!! Like Victoria’s and Daniels’ wedding, Harry and Meghan’s wedding was so filled with love, joy and excitement! And imho, her wedding dress was perfection! I thought the fit was spot on and it reignited my love of the bateau neckline. And the veil!! Oh my goodness, the thought and love that went into it’s creation still makes me swoon. I think I might have to rewatch the wedding ceremony soon!!
I also love Mary and Frederik of Denmark’s wedding. He literally had tears in his eyes when she walked down the isle – and he gave a wonderful speech at the banquet. Not to mention the bridal waltz where they were slowly surrounded by the guests who were clapping in sync with the rhythm of the waltz (it is a Danish wedding tradition). There was a lot of visible happiness – not just from the couple but from the family and guests as well.
Victoria and Daniel’s wedding was just extra emotional because they really had to fight to get married.
The visible happiness between Harry and Meghan at their wedding is joyful to see but then antics of some of his family members mar the event somewhat. Their behaviour just struck a sad discord in an event that was very happy for the couple in question. Harry and Meghan were very happy but his family was visibly not.
Thanks for pointing that out ArtHistorian! I haven’t ever watched Mary and Frederik’s wedding but now I’ll make a point to.
I agree that the behavior of some members of Harry’s family left a lot to be desired. During Reverend Curry’s sermon, I was very embarrassed by the behavior exhibited. For all their money, “good” breeding and supposed class, they sure do have some bad manners.
@Harla,
I was absolutely gobsmacked at crass the behaviour of some were! They were so arrogant that they didn’t care that their classless behaviour was caught on camera (same as the CW service). Apparently, politeness is not a royal virtue.
You should look for videos of the christenings from the Danish and Swedish RFs as well. Even the small royal children attend these events (and often steal the show) – like Princess Isabella at the christening of her twin siblings.
@ArtHistorian, the Swedish royal christenings are my favorite to watch! Princess Lenore is such a cute little scamp!
Leonora is just a little spitfire (like Isabella) – there was one event when she was a toddler and was a bit unruly and I loved how she was passed around by the family until Daniel turned out to be the baby-whisperer who could get her to calm down.
Best British wedding in the past hundred years for me and I also loved Victoria & Daniel’s wedding. So. Much. Love. between the participants. Loved both dresses, LOVED the choir, the sermon, the whole kit and caboodle. I think those 2 weddings are timeless.
+1
Every word! Except I’ve never seen a nonBritish royal wedding to compare
My favorite part of her look was her veil. I am a veil person and always prefer a simple gown with a detailed veil. Hers was GORGEOUS.
I agree. The veil was perfection.
What I loved about Meghan’s hair and makeup is how much she looked like herself. So often for wedding looks brides end up looking…too done? too heavy with the makeup? Meghan looked like her, but….more glowy, lol. Her makeup artist did a great job.
I loved her dress, I loved how simple it was, I understand that people say it didn’t fit well but I loved it. Tiara, veil – everything worked IMO.
And I loved that it was at Windsor. They had gorgeous weather and it was so pretty to watch the guests arriving, the carriage drive, etc.
Her reception dress though….that just sealed the deal on the whole thing IMO. When she and Harry walked out to get in the car it was SUCH an iconic moment. the way Harry is clutching her hand – contrast that with Will not even bothering to walk to the car with Kate for their reception, ha.
So yeah, I think their wedding holds up. I’m a bit of a fan of it, lol.
Or when Harry whispered, “You look amazing. I’m so lucky” to her when she met him at the alter. Swoon…
@L84Tea My mother cried at that moment.
Must confess that my eyes were suspiciously damp, too.
I admit I rewatched that part A LOT because it was just so sweet and touching. I also liked when he said “thank you pa” to Charles. It was polite yes but I also think Harry knew how nervous Meghan was and how much stress there was about her father not being there and Charles was able to stand in, in a way that really made him look good (which was part of it I’m sure, but I also think Charles really loves Harry and likes Meghan a great deal, at least at the time.)
I don’t think the hair was too informal for the event, I think the event was probably too formal for Meghan. Her hair, makeup, and dress were really the only things she could control, so those ended up looking the most like herself. If left to her own devices, like her first wedding, I think she’d have wanted something much more lowkey and relaxed.
I kind of wished she had worn a bit more makeup. Not that it needed to be heavy, but this was less than she wears on a daily basis/for regular events….I thought it seemed a bit undone.
Her first wedding, as we learned, involved marijuana and cartwheels on a beach, so yeah.
For the longest time I thought the queen yanking the tiara must be bullshit. Because the queen went on a private train tour with Megan and all this stuff. But looking at it now….. I totally believe the queen pulled it. My gran was a lot like that. Mercurial. By one turn generous and loving. Another cold and mean and petty af.
My gran once walked through her sitting room with me – which was chuck full of incredible antiques. Asking me which I liked etc. I finally said that I though some vine style candle holder wall sconces were beautiful and she promised them to me. Even put a note on them.
This was on a Friday. On Sunday there was a family baptism. My gran pulled me aside in her cutesy kind familiar way to show me something. She led me into the dining room of her daughters house and there were the sconces. I felt her eyes on me waiting for the slightest glimmer of pain or hurt. She fed on that. I looked at them and made myself smile
huge. “Grammy they really do look perfect here! What a lovely spot for them!”
Should have seen the smirk melt right off her face.
She could be wonderful. But she was also a vampire for pain and suffering. Complicated woman.
And I could have given two f’s about the sconces. Her elaborate attempt to hurt me though ….. that’s what sucked. Just glad she got no satisfaction from it.
The queen reminds me of my gran.
Well ouch to your gran, she must have been deeply unhappy in herself and from what we know about the queen and her life it sounds like there are some definite similarities. It’s the whole “I can control you” thing as you manipulate people, making them happy and sad. Well done for managing your reactions.
Wow. Just a reminder that mean girls in school grow up to be mothers and then grandmothers. So sorry for that experience.
Dang, I always thought grannies were all nice and lovely. Guess I was wrong.
That is so twisted! I’m sorry for it. A dear friend’s grandmother had all of her grandchildren pick out a piece of furniture in her later years. There was a sticky note on the back of every piece.
A poster years back said her and her brother and sister lost their parents in their late teens, but they had a kind, generous and wealthy grandma who doted on them. Years passed and grandma made out her will. In it she asked her three grandchildren to participate in one last Easter egg hunt. The oldest sister thought it ridiculous, mocked it and refused to play. Grandma had a piece of paper with a different treasure or valuable inside each egg. Her way of dividing what she had fairly. Once revealed, the eldest sister flipped out and demanded her share. Grandma said sorry, but I never dreamed one of you would go against my last wishes. Eldest ended up with three eggs to the poster and the brother’s 12 or so eggs each.
Your gran sounds horrible. Massive props to you for being able to deal with that.
That’s my grandma Helen. She delighted in other
people’s misery. My mother was an only child and my grandmother was a really angry and unhappy woman that made my mother’s life a misery until she got away from her. That would be the kind of stuff Grandma would pull.
Her reception outfit is stunning. I don’t get the hate towards her from the brits. She is so elegant and classy. Gorgeous woman, from what it seems inside and out.
From what Brits? How often can it be said, that most Brits are not that into the Royal family.
Exactly.
And those people, without knowing much of the detail of the whole story, ARE broadly supportive of the Sussexes, especially Meghan, because they distrust the tabloids and are disgusted that Prince Andrew gets a free pass.
Yoyo, from the tabloid media and some of the regular media as well. They have large readerships and wouldn’t print that if it didn’t sell.
I loved everything about the wedding. The dress was perfection to me. Simplistic in design, but complex in execution. No seams visible?! Mind blowing. Gorgeous. I didn’t need to see her caked up in makeup. Her natural beauty came through the minimalist application. The location was perfect. It was easy to see why Harry & Meghan loved Windsor. The ceremony was lovely and current. Charles walking her to Harry was so sweet and inclusive. The way H&M looked at each other. Swoons. The reception dress was amazing. One of the few Stella designs that I’ve liked. Didn’t know she had it in her. Most of all…the love on that day overshadowed the bad behaviors of the BRF and Thomas Markle.
Can you believe that that dress only had 6 seams?? I’m amazed at the craftsmanship!
Charles walking her to him now has greater significance to me since they have left
As if he was giving his baby boy, the one who shows him respect, into the care of this woman who makes him happy
I LOVED her hair! It looked classic and effortless, it really fit the tiara she wore imo. I will never understand why everyone made such a big deal about it. I also loved the wedding gown too. Simple and classic. However, the reception look was my absolute favorite. The whole scene with her, Harry and that amazing car….ugh. Sleek, modern and sexy. Their genuine love for each other was the icing on top of the entire day. They’re smitten with each other and you could tell.
The choir
Yes, the choir and all the other musicians were fantastic.
The day dress was beautiful but that evening look was spectacular.
I loved her wedding dress, it was something that Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy would have worn.
The McCartney gown was so great, I’m still hoping that Meghan will wear it again in the future.
When the bride’s already beautiful and glowing, there’s no need for froufrou. She was radiant. The gown, the tiara, everything, just showed how gorgeous she was. None of it was wearing her.
My theory on the dress fit is that the stress with her dad caused her to lose too much wait. I love the softness of her wedding and reception gowns.
While I liked the idea of the Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding dress, the bodice was way too stiff and hard-looking. Like armor. But I also love Princess Diana’s dress so I love soft peaks and meringue.
My favorite royal wedding gown is the one Crown Princess Mette-Marit wore. It is utterly simple in its lines and the fabric just looks like it was made by fairies from spidersilk. it is gorgeous.
Omg! yes, yes, yes!! Mette-Marit’s wedding dress is my all time favorite. Your description of it is perfect, thanks for putting the words to my thoughts!
I do love CP Mary’s and Queen Margrethe’s wedding gowns as well.
That is such a perfect description of Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s dress. It is gorgeous. And so soft and delicate and yet regal.
The veil was perfection, the dress was beautiful but needed better fit.
The real star was the reception dress. I feel like if she wasn’t married to a Royal this would have been the gown she chose. Her style icon for weddings was Carolyn Bisset and it’s so much more along those lines than the dress she chose to walk down the aisle. Relaxed, cool, modern! Royals gotta royal i suppose so no way she could have gotten out of a bigger and more elaborate dress.
I think she looks great, but I’m not picky. I could do without the flaps on Harry’s lapels though.
The best thing about the BRF is jewelry!
Fabulous, over the top, outrageously gorgeous jewelry.
IRL, I am a very practical person.
But, their jewelry does makes me feel like a happy six year old!
Faberge eggs, tiaras, the crown jewels, the history of the pieces, gotta give Wallis credit she had some real whopping good pieces made.
Liz Taylor also has many, many fabulous jewels.
I love looking at it all, until very quickly, my practical mind jumps in and I think WTH?
How many poor people could have been helped instead.
Wallis Simpson did have impeccable taste when it came to clothes and jewellery. She was actually quite avantgarde, owning among other things jewels by Suzanne Belperron and it was Wallis that proposed the idea behind the iconic Van Cleef & Arpels zipper necklace.
Liz Taylor did have an amazing collection though I don’t like all of the pieces. However, she did own some storied gems that once belonged to royalty, such as the Peregrina Pearl and the Taj Mahal Diamond.
While the Peregrina Pearl is spectacular I’m not that fond of the necklace created for it. IMO, the Bulgari Sapphire Sautoir is the most exquisite piece of Taylor’s enormous collection.
Have you watched W.E.? It was directed by Madonna, but was suprisingly good; Andrea Riseborough was brilliant as Wallis. The film is set in modern times, about Sotheby’s auction of Wallis’ items (including jewellery) and then flashbacks to her romance with Edward. I watched it ages ago, but remember it being visually very stunning to watch with lots of close-ups of her jewelerry and fashion.
There is also a documentary about an auction of Elizabeth Taylor’s items and jewellery:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMHq5UKv-7Y
I’ve watched W.E. a couple of times – mostly for Oscar Isaac though. But the casting of both Wallis and Edward was really good – I’ve seen Riseborough in several productions and she is always good, as is James D’Arcy. I have several documentaries about the big jewellery houses and I did watch one where the curator of the Bulgari collection was sent to the Taylor auction to buy back the Bulgari Emerald Parure and the Bulgari Sapphire Sautoir.
I did watch a documentary about the brand Verdura (started by a Sicilian count who went bankrupt because he threw extravagant parties and then started designing jewellery for Chanel to survive). The current director of Verdura used to work for the auction house that sold the Peregrina to Richard Burton – and he had the job to deliver the pearl to Burton and Taylor at their hotel in Vegas. That was during their “soaked” period. He delivered the pearl and was invited to cocktails. The he relates how Liz suddenly discovered that the pearl (that was on a thin chain which she had put on) was missing! Everybody got down on their knees and searched the big shag carpet but eventually found that her lap dog had gotten hold of the pearl and was gnawing on it! Yep, a dog gnawed on a 400-year old famous pearl (the largest drop pearl in the world) that was once owned by a famous King of Spain (Philip II) and worn by Mary I Tudor.
If you had told me that Stella McCartney would come out with a better fitting gown than freaking Givenchy, I would have laughed myself out of this planet… and yet.
The ceremony dress was ill-fited for sure. I have two theories. Either, Meg lost weight in the leadup to the wedding because of her sperm donor’s incessant drama and pathological need for attention. Or, the material used for the dress was too thick and stiff, hence the ill-fitted dress as a result. A shame truly. But she looked beautiful and incredibly happy.
My fave royal wedding- Windsor was a great setting, weather was great and Harry was so emotional 😭 . Some really award winning photos from the day too.
Funny on the fit of the wedding dress as in photos of them sitting on the step- it looks very close. But Claire Waight Keller shared recently that final fittings were on 23 April so if fit was off could guess pre wedding shenanigans might have caused slight weight loss.
Was looking at some photos and mostly thought wtf is wrong with Kate. I don’t care if the dress is light yellow- it photographs as white.
Oh but she made her cry, don’t cha know?
I’ll always love looking at pictures of the Sussex wedding b/c I just loved her neckline and tiara, also Windsor was so beautiful and green that day.
But also also (and I know this is off topic) because that weekend I made the decision to go sober and it changed my life. I started living that day and I wouldn’t trade the last two years for anything.
That’s amazing Murphy! So proud of you!
Good for you Murphy! And a happy anniversary to you. 😁
Go Murphy, good for you!
I loved her wedding dress in motion. When she was standing at the alter it looked like it didn’t fit. But I really love her gown and it will definitely hold up over time.
Their wedding is my favorite. I loved how it seemed like a regular wedding not so much a royal wedding. I also loved how they looked at each other saying their vows and exchanging rings. The looks were fire! I had to look away at some points, it was intimate.
I really loved her dress and honestly the fit looked fine to me. I think like others have said she may have lost some weight due to all of the back and forth before the wedding. Not to mention the fact that millions around the world were watching. The reception dress was so pretty! I liked that people called it the “James Bond” look.
Meghan looked stunning. Her makeup was perfection; both she and Harry radiated happiness.
I think her gown was a little loose but I preferred it to Kate’s. Kate’s gown was lovely but spoilt by the bodice which imo was weird. Madonna like boob cones. Kate had also lost so much weight that her head looked bigger than her body.
Still I am sure each bride loved her look and that is all that matters.
Her hair was her. And Im glad she didnt subjugate her own style. She was classic and clean while still being herself. I don’t see her regretting that at all. Especially considering how everything went down after the wedding.
I loved this wedding, at first wasn’t sure on what to expect but have to say I was wonderfully surprised, loved Meghan’s whole outfit especially when she stood on those steps before walking in, the way the sun just shone on her was breathtaking. And don’t get me started on that face, she looked so radiant you would never believe the crap she was going through leading up to the wedding. Loved how Harry looked at her as though he wasn’t worthy but so in love.
The only thing that spoiled it was the actions of the ‘royal’ family, they were so rude throughout the ceremony, not even looking at the bride as she walked up the aisle and then refusing to look at the couple whilst they exchanged vows, the difference between the way they looked for Harry and Meghan compared to how they looked for Eugenie and Jack was saddening, it almost feels as though there was a conference call between family members to not look pleased at Harry and Meghan’s wedding to show the media and Brits we are not happy with the union. I felt so sorry for them.
Harry’s expressions were more indicative of idealization than love, to my eye.
One tends to last longer than the other.
Ok, crack theory:
In one of these articles talking about what a ‘diva’ Meghan was at her wedding, one of the things that they complained about along with air fresheners and whatever else was that Meghan wanted to wear a sleeveless/strapless dress- gasp, what a gauche American. Which I initially thought was just made up, but now I actually believe is true. I think she probably initially wanted to wear something more along the lines of the Stella McCartney dress, modern and chic, but wasn’t allowed to. The dress she wore at the wedding was a second choice (I don’t think Givenchy was a second choice though) and I think she wore the Stella McCartney dress so that she could still wear the type of dress she originally invisioned for her wedding.
The reason this has become my crack theory is that although I love the wedding dress, the second dress was so much more of a moment, the fit was better, the styling was better.
I really don’t think that any thoughtful woman having that kind of wedding would ever think of wearing some kind of revealing dress to the church ceremony.
Just browse most of royal weddings. How many of those were airy, fresh halter, strapless? No way.
I think it was always planned this way. a formal dress (drab- ish as not to overshadow anyone), and a lighter dress for the ceremony. Of course the second one was lovelier, but it is wat it is)
Arms have to be covered in COE ceremonies. Her reception dress would have never been approved for the ceremony.
@originalmia, I thought that was only in cathedrals and not churches?
@originalmia, haha, I think we can put to rest that notion that bare arms are not allowed at a CoE wedding. I just checked the Church of England’s online wedding website and not only is there no dress code listed but on the page for bridesmaids there is a photo of a row of bridesmaids at a CoE wedding and, guess what, they are all wearing sleeveless dresses!
These are the royals. So, I don’t think any of them Windsors have ever married in short sleeves.
I recall some European royals marrying in shorts Sleeves, I think Charlene, (Let me go check) , Victoria of Sweden, her sister Madeleine. Not many more.
Back in their day, Sofia of Greece and someone else more modern, wore sleeves to the elbow. Probably summer weddings.
@ennie, I was responding to her blanket statement, CoE = covered arms. You referred to royal weddings, I know that my eyes were scarred by those horrible sleeveless bridesmaids dresses at Autumn and Peters wedding, the one showing Zara’s oozing, tan-lined flesh. Or, was that wedding not “royal” enough for you?
Pippa wore short sleeves and was maid of honor at her sister’s wedding, of course I am referring to the brides, duh.
Modern style, it was kind of like Disney Cinderella’s style, the more I see it the more I like it, she could have softened it a little more with an actual hairstyle, her hair looked like an after thought, however the dress looked much better than Kate’s which looked very ancient and stuffy, even the Queen said it was horrible, lolololol.
“even the Queen said it was horrible,”
No she didn’t, she didn’t like the way the tiara placed above the dress at the Buckingham Palace exhibition. She didn’t say that she didn’t like Kate’s dress.
Petty Betty was referring to the “presentation” of the gown, for the public showing, specifically to the headpiece/veil seeming to “float” above the dress, making it look like a headless bride. NOT the actual dress/style.
The reception dress & hair was one of the best looks she’s ever had, just stunning. I didn’t like her hair for the wedding – might’ve been the centre part but it just looked too pulled back and sloppy at the same time. Her make up was beautiful though.
Their love shone out through the ceremony, it was beautiful. And Meghan looked stunning, whatever gripes anyone may have about her dress or hair, she was glowing.
The other thing that stood out to me was the music. From the lone soprano as she walked down the aisle, to the incredible cellist, to Stand By Me… It was all wonderful.
When you look at Doria, you can see where Meghan get her strength from, Doria kept her dreadlocks (twist) and her nose ring, Queen or no Queen she was not changing her style for anyone.
Scammy tweeted one time that there was not going to be enough room in Meghan’s bed for Harry, because Doria will be in the bed, I think it was sour grapes about close Meghan and her mother are, and toxic Tom was not given information to sell.
I still remember how she looked at him when she reached the alter. So much genuine love and happiness in her expression, it was so lovely to see. She looked like a Disney Princess that day, absolutely glowing. I loved both dresses, and loved the music featured throughout the ceremony.
i loved the simplicity of her dress and hair and minimalist makeup. as we all know, the story was all in the veil, so that’s what people will be speaking about 50 years from now. how simply thoughtful and brilliant of her to commission the veil with all the flowers of the commonwealth.
the most memorable part of the day for me was the music. the choir was amazing and i will never forget them singing ‘lean on me’, ‘this little light of mine’ and ‘amen’. the cellist was also brilliant as was the lively american preacher. i loved that Harry picked the flowers himself, and who can forget that kiss outside the church? Doria’s silent tears and Harry’s look of concern towards her as well and his huge support of Meghan on the day lingers on. this was my favorite windsor wedding.
I loved their reception look. They both looked gorgeous driving away in that cool car. The wedding dress was nice because it was different and I loved her hair as well.
I loved her wedding dress, and thought it looked beautiful on her, but I’m not into lace or much embellishment. My gown was a plain satin with some waist detailing so get the vibe of her dress. Also, the embroidered veil was the statement piece. Also the tiara was a perfect choice. The whole tiara story is just petty and stupid. The reception dress was gorgeous and sexy. She looked great. I’m kind of neutral on the hair but would have liked a wee bit more lipstick. Harry looked really good as well. I’m sure this anniversary is a bit bittersweet. The last two years have been a lot for the couple.
I love seeing these pictures. H&M were glowing then and continue to glow when they look at each other. You can just feel the love between the two of them. I was a little disappointed in Meghan’s dress at first, mainly because, up until then, we had seen ornate heavily-decorated dresses with lots of bling jewelry. But I think Meghan’s wedding outfits was very her: a daylook of simple outfits that look good on her, casual hair, letting accessories be seen and a nightlook of sleek hair, simple jewelry with a statement piece or two, and more elegant dress.
I enjoyed every aspect of this wedding, Kelly says admitting bias. 🙂 The simplicity of Meghan’s dresses, flowers, diverse ceremony, H&M so obviously in love.
My first reaction to Meghan’s gown and hair was that it wasn’t what I expected. Felt like that about Harry’s black uniform as well. I especially didn’t care for the center part of her hair. But by the time the trumpets were sounding and Meghan was starting her walk down the aisle, I was all in. Everything gelled with the full camera-view of the setting and the music and this couple that was so HAPPY. It was visually fabulous.
Likewise, I was so unimpressed when Kate got out of the car on her wedding day, and the rest of the ceremony was so stiff and cold and distant. Did Kate and Will have any interest in the music or the readings chosen for their ceremony? Didn’t feel like it. Felt to me like they left it all up to the choir director or to Prince Charles–a man who knows his choral music. It’s plain to see now that the Cambridges’ ceremony was a sign of things to come …. unimaginative, copy-cat-ish, going through the motions.
There are some stunning photos from Harry and Meghan’s wedding with the sun streaming down on the chapel as she walks up the aisle. I like to think that Providence was shining down on her that day—she was not alone. But that crappy Royal family that didn’t even look up from their programs when they were saying their vows! Anyone who says Kate was supportive only has to watch her behavior during the wedding to gauge her real feelings.
I loved everything about the wedding itself, the ceremony, the American Reverend, the Black choir, the carriage ride, and the pure happiness of Harry and Meghan. You can tell Meghan is an actress (not that she was acting fake but that she kept a lid on her facial expressions) because she didn’t betray any hint of fear or nervousness but she just seemed serene and happy. Harry is not as good of an actor and you could tell he was pure nerves waiting with William before the ceremony. But once Meghan was next to him, he did much better.
I like the idea behind Meghan’s wedding dress–the simplicity and minimalism which is the same as Meghan’s regular fashion choices. As others have said, the fit wasn’t right and she might have lost weight with all the drama surrounding her dad and sister in the lead up to the wedding. But I really didn’t like the fabric, it was too heavy on her small frame and overwhelmed her. As for her hair, I think she was going for a romantic loose style updo but probably didn’t count on so much hair getting loose during the actual ceremony. I really did like her tiara though even if wasn’t the original one she planned on wearing.
But she hit it out of the park with the reception dress, it was sexy, modern, and sophisticated, she and Harry looked liked James Bond and Bond Girl going off to a fancy party.
As for royal wedding dress faves, I just googled briefly and I really liked Princess Sofia’s dress (Prince Carl Philip’s wife), she was my favorite of all the Swedish royal weddings. And out of the recent BRF weddings, Princess Eugenie’s is my favorite. I wasn’t expecting to love her dress so much but her beautiful tiara, her figure flattering dress, her minimalist jewelry and hair, and the fact she decided to opt out of a veil, it was so modern yet classic looking.
The wedding got more views than the cambridges got. Proof is how much views they have in the RF YouTube channel. Sure it’s a recent one but this is 2years after which should get it less traffic but nope theirs is the still the most talked about and watched. The Sussexs have 34 MILLION views whilst the keenbridges are at a meagre 12mil!
The cambridges leaning publications like people mag and hello! like to dismiss that fact even when hello! admitted that their Sussexs special covers got the most attention they lie and claim the cambridges wedding cover is their most popular issue ever in that peopletv report before the start of the decade🙄🤦♀️
I love Meghan’s dress because its simple yet elegant and the veil is the best part. People like to claim its similar to sophie’s but in reality they have a different neckl opening and Meghan’s has a flowy style down to the back to fit in with the long veil. Kate’s on the other hand is just a modern replica of Grace Kelly’s wedding dress except Kate’s doesnt have the buttons part and chose to have a corset like design.
I still don’t buy the theory that the Queen offered Meghan a tiara than yanked it. Betty may be petty but she’s not that obvious. Harry and Meghan recorded a guided audio tour for the exhibit that displayed their wedding outfits. When talking about the tiara, Meghan and Harry said that that they walked into a room where I think 3 tiaras were laid out and together they agreed on Queen Mary’s bandeau. My theory is that the Greville Emerald tiara (Eugenies wedding tiara) was put out as an option and that’s where that story about Meghan demanding emeralds came from.
Also, the audio tour was recorded right after the wedding and before any of the gossip about Meghan being an emerald tiara demanding diva started. That makes it pretty obvious to me that that story was nothing but a lie.
@missm, one story does not exclude the other. I understood it to be that Meghan initially picked an offered tiara that was later yanked and that Harry went along on the second choosing. For all we, or you, know, the Sussexes were just describing the second viewing with the Queen and simply omitted reference to the first viewing by Meghan (with Angela Kelly?).
I liken it to Meghan’s not bad-mouthing her father in her TIG blog. People would point to her blog, and the very few stories she had therein of Thomas being nice, to say, “see, Thomas was a great father!” I think Megan, just chose to only mention and focus on the good things in her life in her blog. Just because she did not mention her father’s controlling, abusive behaviour does not mean it did not happen.
Similarly, I think the wedding exhibit audio only discussed the positive parts of any tiara choice; and, if you note, the Sussexes conversation does not preclude a prior viewing having happened.
The story may be true, but if so it only confirms that Angela Kelly made a mistake in displaying a tiara that couldn’t be chosen. Meghan is not to blame for thinking that tiara put in front of her for display would actually be available for use. Instead of blaming Meghan the real story is whether Angela Kelly or the Queen screwed up.
@nic919, in just what part of my comment did I blame Meghan? Sheeesh, you may want to read a comment before criticizing it.
I referenced an offered tiara that was later “yanked.” Not Meghan’s fault. Any embroidering of the story negative to Meghan (“what Meghan wants….”), I think happened to detract from the Queen’s petty move of denying a tiara that had been selected from several previously offered tiaras.
Also, my comment was not made to assign fault; rather, I was replying specifically to missm’s contention that the audio portion of the Sussexes wedding exhibit shows that Tiaragate did not happen .
But you just be you and go ahead and twist what people say….
I imagine her dress didn’t fit because she dropped pounds worrying about Toxic Markle. Stress can make weight melt like water.
I got up early to watch this wedding–was staying out of town with family and my MIL and my then-2-year-old daughter watched with me. We really enjoyed it. Parts of it brought tears to my eyes. Perfection. My favorite part was the recessional with the music!
What I liked about the wedding gown: the brilliant white colour and the 3 quarter length sleeves. What I didn’t like: the neckline and the thick material. Its so thick the hem doesn’t have a crisp press, it just sort of looks folded. I LOVED the veil and the tiara and everything about the reception gown.
Honestly, the dress looked like the muslin mock-up of the actual dress…It needed something more to elevate the design. I also wish she had a better veil and more jewelry. I like the hair though. It suits Meghan, but then again a lot of hairstyles do.
I am sorry, but I still don’t like dress. It’s I’ll-fitting and bland.
The bride loved it, so that is what matters.
Happy anniversary! Harry and Meghan.
I always wondered if it was the stress of her fathers fake heart attack and his selling stories that might have led her to suddenly drop weight and cause the slightly ill fitting look of the dress. The Stella McCartney reception dress was perfection though!
The dress still disappoints me, she wanted carolyn bessette but she married in a castle so a thrown together look with a slip dress wouldnt cut it
The bad behavior of the Royal Family towards PHarry and Meghan always showed in the sacredness of the church : on their wedding day and their last Commonwealth service as royals. British royals don’t have class.
I love everything about Meghan on her wedding day. She’ s a bride who exuded so much love, confidence and sexiness. PHarry was the groom to die for. Happy 2nd anniversary! More power!
Holds up? 2 years later?
I’m sure Diana’s 1981 dress still looked great
to eyes in 1983, too.
Meghan’s choice was unfussy & relatively timeless. I suspect it will age well, but we can’t judge from here.