Who could believe that it was only last year when the Duchess of Cambridge – who is now expecting her first child – married her Prince in one of the century's most iconic weddings. But royal fans weren't disappointed on the wedding front this year either. A truly fairytale ceremony took place only hours away in the lush lands of Luxembourg where thousands gathered to witness the union of Prince Guillaume and Stephanie de Lannoy.
Wearing a bespoke Eliie Saab gown the Princess looked simply enchanting as she walked down the aisle, leaving behind a simply breathtaking train that ran 13ft long. It's no wonder that the dress took a grand total of 3,900 hours to make, with a grand total of 50,000 pearls and a motif of silver leaves threaded through the length of the wedding dress.
This year has also made way for the spectacular weddings of Hollywood royalty. Actresses Jessical Biel and Anne Hathaway were among the many celebrities to take the big step, but these brides chose to be pretty in pink rather than opting for the traditional white wedding gown. Anne's friend and designer Valentino released a description of the custom-made design, accompanied by a hand drawn sketch. He said: "Anne's gown is a strapless ivory silk point d'esprit tulle dress, which included a beautiful pink hand-painted shaded train and embroidered with satin flowers."
And legendary couture creator Giambattista Valli – who was behind the fairytale dress worn by Jessica – was similarly no less than a "very good friend", helping her stun guests in the Italian resort of Borgo Egnazia with a pastel-pink hued tulle gown.No doubt that the bridal look lived up to everything that Jessica dreamed it would be: all about the "romance, romance, romance. Kind of whimsical and dramatic". And alongside its rose tint, the strapless gown, enhanced with layer upon layer of delicate silk for added volume, drama and luxe became the embodiment of romance Jessica had been longing for.
Whilst the 7th Heaven actress swept up her hair in classical style, many of this year's brides have topped off their locks with an array of stunning headpieces.
Some of Anne Hathaway's fans disputed that the actress may wait for her hair – which had taken the chop for her part in Les Miserables – to grow back to its former flowing length before she tied the knot. But the 30-year-old embraced her bold new do, complementing the pixie cut with a vintage floral headband and billowing lace veil.
And from the delicate daisy headwreath worn by socialite Peaches Geldof to the gothic-style tiara of fashion child, Margherita Missoni, brides this year have worn their veils with a personal touch. Following in the footsteps of her grandfather, the Missoni fashion house founder, 29-year-old Margherita led the way with one of the most original wedding themes of the year. A magical, gypsy-inspired ceremony featured flowing layers of lace with Missoni silk and organza in another Giambattista Valli design that paid tribute to the signature designs of the family's powerhouse.No less sensational were the beauty bridal trends running throughout the lavish ceremonies. Newlywed Holly Valance is renowned for her sun-kissed complexion and flawless makeup so it wasn't surprising to see her glowing with happiness on her special day as she said 'I do' to billionaire, Nick Candy
