From Queen Elizabeth’s post-war wedding gown or Yoko Ono’sixties attire to Priyanka Chopra’s stunning Mandarin-collared gown, each gown served as a symbol of love, culture and history. If you are looking for a wedding dress for your big day that will be inspired by some of the most iconic leading ladies in fashion history, we are here for you!

We have researched and chosen some of the most historical and iconic wedding gowns for inspiration and a hot look back at fashion’s biggest moments.

10. Bianca Jagger

We are starting the list with the iconic Bianca Jagger, who decided to go against the stereotypical white wedding dress and opted for a more fashionable and rebellious attire. The former Mrs Jagger wore a white skirt with a buttoned-up suit by Yves Saint Laurent, the designer had made a shirt for Bianca but it ended up not fitting as she was 4 months pregnant on her wedding day with the Rolling Stones Legend, Mick Jagger.

9. Elizabeth tailor

Although Elizabeth Tailor got married eight times (twice with Richard Burton), Elizabeth was not a huge fan of weddings. For her first wedding with Richard Burton in 1967, the legendary actress chose to go against the traditional white wedding gown and wore a yellow chiffon babydoll dress with sheer long sleeves. She added lilies of the valley into her hair for a bridal look.

8. Serena Williams

The Tennis Legend married her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian in a fairytale-themed wedding in New Orleans back in 2017. Serena stunned everyone as she walked down the aisle in a caped Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen gown, along with millions of dollars worth of diamonds that complimented her entire outfit.

7. Audrey Hepburn

One of the greatest actresses in history, Audrey Hepburn, married actor Mel Ferrer in Switzerland in 1954 and left everyone amazed with her wedding dress. Ms Hepburn wore a typically full-skirt ‘50s ballerina-length dress which was designed by Pierre Balmain. The dress looked romantic and elegant and featured a high neck, along with leg-o-mutton sleeves and a cinched waist and a lovely bow at the back. The actress chose to ditch the veil and wore roses in her hair instead.

6. Marilyn Monroe

Everyone’s sweetheart, Marilyn Monroe, has a series of draw-dropping timeless fashion moments that everyone is still talking about. One of those moments was the wedding dress that she wore for her wedding with Arthur Miller. Monroe chose to wear a mid-length gown which oozed glamour and sophistication. The dress hugged her hourglass figure beautifully and featured sheer, gathered sleeves and a low scooped neck. She also wore wrist-length gloves that complimented the outfit.

5. Priyanka Chopra

The Indian Actress went all out when it came to designing her wedding dress and has set the level high for any future ionic dresses. Priyanka married her now-husband, Nick Jonas, in Mumbai back in 2018. The wedding ceremonies lasted over a week-long and it was surely a wedding that no one will forget especially the bride’s gown. Although Priyanka wore multiple outfits during the week-long celebrations, the most noticeable dress is of course the Ralf Lauren custom gown that she wore during her Christian Ceremony. The gown featured a multitude of pearls, crystal beading and Swarovski crystal embellishment. The extraordinary dress had a magnificent tuille veil measuring an outstanding 75ft. LB. Altogether it took 1,826 hours of work to put together the lovely custom gown and the draw-dropping veil.

4. Grace Kelly

Grace Kelly went from being a Hollywood actress to marrying a prince! In 1956 the Rear Window actress married the love of her life, the Prince of Monaco, Rainer III at the Saint Nicholas Cathedral. Her dress served as one of the most iconic wedding dresses of all time and Is still a major inspiration for future brides to this day. Grace wore a silk taffeta and antique Brussels lace gown made by the MGM costume designer, Helen Rose. For the dress, Helen used 25 yards of silk taffeta, 100 yards of silk net and hundreds of pearls and it took the designer and three dozen seamstresses six weeks to finalize the dress, and may we say it looked amazing.

3. Princess Diana

The worlds Princess married Prince Charles at St Paul’s Cathedral in 1981 in front of the world. Diana wore a stunning ivory silk taffeta dress which was designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel. The gown was decorated with lace, sequins, hand embroidery and 10,000 pears, along with a 25-foot train that is the longest train in the history of royal weddings.

2. Kate Middleton, The Duchess of Cambridge

Kate married the love of her life, Prince William, at Westminister Abby on 29^th April 2011 in front of the entire world. Middleton wowed everyone in her custom-made Alexader McQueen gown which was an ivory and white satin gazar dress with long sleeves and a bodice covered in couture lace. The dress was worn with a veil made from layers of ivory tulle and the Cartier Halo Tiara, which was borrowed from Queen Elizabeth.

1. Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II was 21 years old when he married Prince Philip at Westminister Abby in 1947. The Queen famously decided to save up ration cards to purchase the material needed for her wedding dress. Her gown was made out of ivory duchess satin which was decorated with 10,000 white pearls that were imported especially for the Queen, silver threads and tulle embroidery. Her bridal look also included a 15-foot patterned full-court train attached to the shoulders and a silk tulle veil. The look was completed with Queen Mary’s Fringe Tiara which was lent to her by her mother.

Each and every wedding dress has a story to tell and a moment to shine. It is a part of your present and history that will be passed on to each generation that passes as a symbol of love from a moment that will remain in your hearts forever.

Comment below which wedding dress is your favourite!

Hair Highs: Long Hair Trends

“The low chignon is an understated trend which always works beautifully at red carpet events. Jennifer Lawrence, the Hollywood ‘it’ girl of the moment got it right with this beautiful updo. It’s slightly dishevelled but the overall finish is fresh, simple and not overdone. Amy Adams also worked this look. She sported a beautiful hair up which looked both sophisticated and simple but not too perfect. The use of the centre parting and tendrils helps to keep this look fresh and current.

Up do’s like these work best on day old hair, as the natural oils in hair give the style extra grip and hold. If you’re looking to recreate a look similar to Jennifer’s or Amy’s, then prepare your hair the night before by washing it with just a shampoo and treatment masque. No conditioner. For glossy, hydrated tresses, try my Couture Hair Clay Mineral Masque (£23) and leave for five minutes before rinsing. When styling, try to limit the amount of product used to avoid a ‘heavy’ finish. My Couture Hair Memoriser Holding Serum (£17) smoothes hair, whilst providing hold, and protection from frizz, humidity and heat – perfect!”

“Nicole Kidman’s style looked simple, youthful and fresh. With a dress like this, the hair needn’t be a statement so she’s really got this look spot on. The use of a centre parting and soft tendrils really helps to frame her face and create a done, yet undone style. Naomi Watts also followed this rule; her style has a relaxed quality to it, without conflicting with her dress.

Soft, effortless-looking styles like these need to have a product-free appearance, to avoid a stiff, ridge finish. My Couture Hair Argan Oil Mist (£24) is perfect for leaving hair nourished, with a soft, high-shine finish. Simply spritz onto damp hair before styling to protect from heat damage and add instant nourishment, or mist over styled tresses as a finishing shine spray.”

Short Hair Trends

“You can’t mention 2013 without talking about the most famous haircut on film! Anne Hathaway is clearly growing out her crop, but her new longer tresses look glorious. She’s keeping her style in shape and tucking it behind her ears as it grows, whilst also taking her style a shade darker to define her look it as it fully grows out. Charlize Theron is another great example of short hair that just looks stunning. These two ladies really are flying the flag for shorter hair, and are great examples of just how versatile and beautiful it can look.

For those of you which have hair slightly longer hair, like Anne’s, then the finish really is all in the blow-dry. The importance of having the correct styling tools really is paramount, as there is less hair to hide behind. A good radial bristle brush like my Couture Hair Wooden Radial Styling Brush (from £15) will be your best friend, preventing static, and smoothing the hair shaft, leaving hair smooth and glossy. Once dry, simply tame the hair with a little of my Couture Hair Tri-Active Serum (£26) to increase colour vibrancy and leave tresses glossy.”

Hair Lows;

“Jennifer Aniston, what a shame! It seems that Jen’s trademark hair is stopping her from being experimental. The OSCARS are the most glamorous awards ceremony in the film industry calendar, so it’s a great excuse to be a little bit playful. I would have loved to seen her wear her hair up or do something a little different. She’s a hair icon so it’s also not great to see her hair so overly highlighted without her usual lovely caramel lights.”

“For me, Catherine Zeta-Jones’ waves are a bit ‘old hat’. They’re far too structured and there’s no movement or softness to the ends which give the overall style a very rigid feel. It looks too far too overdone; I think she needs to take note of the younger stars who’s styles look more ‘undone’ and had a natural quality to it.”

What did you think of these celebrities hair styles? if you have a favourite do let me know!

Like most turtle breeds, the Hawksbill turtle is critically endangered due to previous hunting and now, some belief, global warming. Howeverbeliefhe lucky guests who visit Vilu Reef at the right time, the hatchlings’ annual pilgrimage to the ocean at night, led by the reflection of the moon on the water is an amazing natural spectacle.

Located in South Nilandhe Atoll in the far south of the Maldives, Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort is a tiny, remote island with a thriving turtle population due to its narrow, gently shelving beach. Hawksbill turtles return year after year in February and March to lay hundreds of eggs on the sand. The attentive staff ensure the nests are protected from predators before the waiting game begins. Incubation takes just under two months and any nature-loving guests who happen to visit at the right time are welcome to watch the hatchlings run to the sea in the moonlight.

Purely Maldives is offering seven nights at Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort from £2,068 per person. Available for departure on 29 March, the price includes return flights from Heathrow with Emirates, accommodation in a garden villa on a half-board basis, resort seaplane transfers, taxes and surcharges.

Vilu Reef is located in the South Nilandhe Atoll and surrounded by lush green vegetation, tall coconut palms and white sandy beaches, with a beautiful lagoon one side and a reef the other – ideal for snorkelling and diving. In addition to excellent watersports, facilities include an infinity pool, gym, Sun Spa, table tennis, volleyball court, a selection of restaurants and bars and a children’s playground.

Hosted at one of my new favourite hotspots in Chelsea Belgraves London, the hotel is in a central location, cleverly positioned close to fashionable designer shops on nearby Sloane Street, trendy bars and elegant dining choices on the famous Kings Road and neighbouring roads. The boutique hotel blends superb traditional British hospitality with an American bohemian attitude.

If you are not already familiar with Mark he is one of the UK’s go-to high-end wedding planners. Mark has arranged some amazing weddings from premiership football players to many high society couples, so after working with Mark on a few collaborations at 5 Star Weddings it was fantastic to finally meet him. He is easily the epitome of charm, wit and a true guru on all things luxury weddings.

On entrance to the hotel, we were greeted by three gorgeous male models (a Mark Niemierko special touch!) serving a delightful selection from the Belgraves brunch menu. Champagne cocktails and bloody Mary’s were ready on chill as well as I Heart M.N cupcakes to get us into the Valentines day spirit.

A personal tour around the luxurious rooms at the London Belgraves hotel provided us with an exclusive insight into a perfect bridal suite for a newlywed couple.

The 8th-floor suite showcased amazing panoramic views overlooking London. We also noticed the perfect little touches Mark dotted around the room, such as a romantic wedding DVD collection, hand tied and placed next to the personalised bag of popcorn and some much-needed champagne and strawberries for a perfect romantic night in!

He also had a few beauty essentials from Oscar de la Renta collection, as well as a beautiful designer wedding dress and accessories all ready to get into.

We spent a lovely morning with the Wedding Guru and fellow bloggers and learnt a few fun stories and tales from the man himself.

Loved the goody bag with all kinds of wonderful treats, including a DVD that I look forward to watching later on to see some of Marks amazing weddings

Tanya and Chris, are beautiful and charming and cool couple who wanted a romantic and memorable wedding in Montalcino, the famous Tuscan village where you can drink the famous Brunello wine. A memorable setting, Castello di Velona for ceremony and reception!

The day before they went to Venice for an exceptional engagement photo-shooting…..an unrivalled experience with a helicopter from Montalcino to Venice.

They travelled to Montalcino with a group of 40 people from Canada to enjoy a great experience with families and friends. For ceremony and reception, all pink-white and crystal-themed décor was rouge that together with the wedding planner and events designer Sara Mazzei they declined from pale pink to fuxia passing trough candy pink. The pink was quite the symbol of this wedding…to express the bridal style….young, sweet and romantic.

The castle’s terrace was the perfect setting for a romantic outdoor ceremony made unparalleled by the breeze that all the afternoons are at the castle.
The two gazebos were covered by a light, precious French floating organza…a romantic frame for this romantic ceremony with Tuscan vineyards and rolling hills as background.

10 Silver tall vases with white and pink flower composition with English roses, hydrangeas, roses and peonies made the aisle so romantic that the wedding planner said “we knew that Chris would have seen Tanya walking down from the castle….but she could not see her tears, her face so happy…but during the last meters between them he would have been able to see her love…and her love is worth a beautiful frame…the frame of the last minutes before coming husband and wife”

This aisle covered with pink petals, the breeze and the romantic music of the string quartet was for Tanya the most romantic distance from Chris.
The scenery was incredible….the bridesmaids with their bright pink dresses…the groomsmen with their elegant tuxedo seem to protect the couple……

And after the ceremony a great photo shooting setting in Montalcino…a tribute to this famous part of Tuscany!

The cocktail reception with the string quartet performed contemporary songs by artists as Coldplay, Dire Straits, Elton John, the unrivalled moment of the day was the dinner with a U-shaped table with 200 votives and candles, and 150 vases with roses, peonies and gladiolus. The table setting was the tribute to elegance and it interpreted perfectly what they bride and groom wanted….romantic and modern. The charger was a squared mirror, a printed menu wrapped around with pink organza ribbon….and around candles and lanterns.

When the sun went down, the smiles and the happy period was embraced by the soft and warm candle-lights……it is difficult to describe the emotion of the families and friends after each speech…

Till now everything was romantic and the perfect interpretation of the elegance…but the night was close and the guests needed of the unexpected wow factor! Nothing better than a cut of the wedding cake with great fireworks show…a breathtaking show with music ….the songs were “Capriccio Italiano” by Tchaikowsky, “ Barbiere di Siviglia” and “Gazza Ladra” by Rossini.

The show was in the valley so the fireworks were so close to the guests…all the noses up …surprised for such spectacular moment!
The show was the right beginning of a special dancing party along the pool with lounge areas with sofas, lighting cubes changing colours during the nights, columns with RAMI of orchids and 20 spheres that framed the pool…the first dance, the dance with the father, and the dance of the groom with his mother…something that all the guests cannot forget!

This is Tuscany, a medieval scenery and country landscape who become the setting for a sophisticated wedding that maybe people is used to seeing at Hollywood!
Ceremony and reception venue: ehc.it
Photographer: Tammy Fiegehen – tammyfiegehen.com
Wedding planner and coordinator: Sara Mazzei – Infinity Weddings and Events® infinity-weddingsandevents.com