Five Things I Loved About the Royal Wedding Ceremony

History was made today when Prince William, Duke of Cambridge married Miss Kate Middleton who became the Duchess of Cambridge around 11:00am this morning. Below are my top five favorite items about their ceremony:

5. The Ceremony Music:  The Westminster Abbey Choir and Chapel Royal Choir along with the London Chamber Orchestra, and a fanfare team of the Central Band of the Royal Air Force provided the music for the ceremony that was selected by the Bride & Groom. The musical selections were a perfect fit for the mood of the much anticiapted Royal Wedding.

4. The Guests’ Attire: Although all eyes were on the Bride and Groom, it was hard not to notice the ornate outfits of some of their guests. The most noticeable accessories would be the customary gravity-defying hats typically worn for Royal Weddings. Princess Beatrice, 22, and 21-year-old Princess Eugenie, daughters of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Sarah, Duchess of York, made a fashion statement with their choice of unique hats. Below are a few of my favorites worn by the Princess' & Victoria Beckham.

3. The Bouquet: Kate chose to carry a modest bouquet made of lily-of-the-valley. According to the royal press release, "The bouquet is a shield-shaped wired bouquet of myrtle, lily-of-the-valley, sweet William and hyacinth. The bouquet was designed by Shane Connolly and draws on the traditions of flowers of significance for the Royal Family, the Middleton family and on the Language of Flowers." Simple, but classic.

2. Bridal Party: Although I love big grand family affairs, I am a fan of smaller more intimate bridal parties. Princess Catherine & Prince William opted to have their siblings (Prince Harry & Pippa Middelton) as their Best Man and Maid of Honor. Having a smaller bridal party cuts down on confusion and costs. If you are struggling with the decision on who to include on your wedding day, my advice is to keep it simple. You will thank me after your wedding!

1. The Dress: It's Sarah Burton! After months of speculation and rumors, it was revealed that Sarah Burton, The Alexander McQueen designer is the woman behind Kate Middleton's wedding dress. I love, love, love the timeless, elegant, and crisp gown that Kate chose. In this day and age, you don’t see long sleeved laced gowns; however the new Duchess of Cambridge undoubtedly made a fashion statement.

Tell us, did you watch the royal wedding? What were your thoughts?

Congratulations Prince William & Princess Catherine!

 

*Photos courtesy of the Associated Press

Monique Lhuillier Trunk Show

Mark your calendars for the Monique Lhuiller Trunk Show hosted by Carine’s Bridal Atlier, April 28th & April 30th. Monique Lhuiller, one of my favorite designers is the go to designer for celebrity wedding gowns. She has designed gowns for Ashley Simpson, Carrie Underwood, and most recently, Reese Witherspoon. Be sure to give Carine’s a call (202.965.4696) and schedule your appointment today! Carine's Bridal is located at: 1726 Wisconsin Ave. NW 2nd Floor Washington DC 20007

Carine's New Year Sample Sale

Carine's New Year Sample Sale Sunday, January 17th, 12pm to 3pm Gowns will be priced as low as $999 to $1,899, marked down from original retail prices ranging from $3,000 to $9,000. Up to 75% off retail prices - a fantastic savings for brides! Designer wedding gowns from today's premier designers: Angel Sanchez, Carolina Herrera, Junko Yoshioka, Karl Lagerfeld, Kenneth Pool, Melissa Sweet, Monique Lhuillier, Platinum Collection, Reem Acra, Rivini, Rosa Clara, St. Pucchi, and The Vineyard Collection. Sale is first come, first serve. No appointments needed. All gowns are sample size 8 or 10. Gowns can be altered to fit a smaller size. Preview a small selection of sample sale gowns at carinesbridal.com

Wedding Gown Designer Spotlight: Simone Carvalli

It’s no secret the ladies of Exceeding Expectations love fashion and design. One of my personal favorite bridal gown designers is Simone Carvalli. While shopping for a wedding gown for my Hollywood Red Carpet themed wedding, I was constantly drawn to the designs of Simone Carvalli. From the Simone Carvalli website: “Simone Carvalli brings you couture bridal gowns made of the best 100% silk fabrics and the finest of French lace. Add in our unique and amazing fit fabricated with a brilliant technique that gives every bride an hour-glass shape. Round that out with our authentic Swarovski crystals and an affordable price. Combine all this and you have…Simone Carvalli .” Listed below are a few of our favorite designs. Be sure to make an appointment at Jeanette's Bride N' Tux Boutique to view the latest collection.

All photos copyright Simone Carvalli