Grace Kelly and Meghan Markle: The Royal American Bride

Before there was Meghan Markle, before there was Kate Middleton, before there was even Princess Diana…there was Grace Kelly:

 

Photo by Silver Screen Production

          

A Philadelphia born movie starlet, this American superstar became a European princess when, in 1956,  she wed Prince Rainier III of Monaco. Deemed by the press ‘The Wedding of the Century’, their nuptials were an international sensation. Demand for coverage was so high in fact that MGM studios broadcast the wedding live to more than 30 million European households… in 1956!  To say her wedding style influenced an entire generation of brides would be, well, the understatement of the century. 

 

Monochromatic, tailored, natural – these were the signature elements of Grace Kelly’s iconic style. Some sixty years later, as the world watched another American actress join the ranks of European royalty, we saw a return to these elements. From their fashion choices to their floral style, both Grace Kelly and Meghan Markle showed the world that minimalism can be every bit as elegant and beautiful as opulence.

 

So, what influence might the royal wedding(s) have on this season’s bridal trends?  Here are Petal’s Lane’s 4 predictions:

 

 

1. Less is More: Delicate Bouquets

 

Despite the enormous popularity of cascading bouquets in the mid 20th century, Kelly, chose to carry a delicate bouquet of lilies the valley. Markle also chose to carry a very understated bouquet; hers included not only lily of the valley but also also sweet peas, astilbe, astrantia, and Diana’s favorite flower, the Forget-Me-Not. Markle’s bouquet also incorporated a sprig of myrtle, a royal tradition which dates back to the wedding of Queen Victoria’s daughter, Princess Victoria. Myrtle is known as a symbol of love and of hope, and it has been included in every British monarch’s wedding since the 19th century.

 

Getty Images

 

Getty Images

 

 

2  Bringing the Outside In: Foliage

Rather than wanting perfectly symmetrical bouquets and arrangements, Markle opted for a more casual look that favored seasonal and natural elements – vines, leaves, branches, etc. London-based florist Philippa Craddock worked with both Harry and Meghan on all the flowers for their wedding celebration, and according to Town and Country, she used “branches of beech, birch and hornbeam, along with white garden roses, peonies and foxgloves,” in her arrangements. We predict more brides will be less interested in perfect symmetry and more interested in capturing a plant or flower’s natural shape and form.

 

                                                                                                     

 

3 The Arch

Steeped in tradition, the wedding arch symbolizes the future home of the bride and groom. As if we didn’t already know Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will share a pretty incredible abode (The two will reside at Kensington Palace), the archway at Saint George’s chapel would have been a great hint! The incredible archway atop the doors of Saint George’s was made using pollinator friendly plants and were harvested from the monarchy’s royal parks.  We expect these round archways to make big headway this season. 

 

Getty Images

 

 

4  All White Wedding Decor 

In the words of Billy Idol, it’s a nice day for a white wedding. While royal tradition dictates that flowers should be white, bold colors and multi-hued flowers have long been a popular choice for American brides. As with any pendulum, we are seeing a swing in the other direction. According to The Knot, even Baby’s Breath, that inexpensive stem of tiny white flowers, is making a return in big and small ways. It pairs perfectly with on-trend greenery and works well for flower crowns and other small hairpieces. It seems bouquets, centerpieces, even dance floors are getting a new look. 

 

Sarah DiCicco Photography
MK Photography
Rachel Pearlman Photography
Andrew Graham Todes Photography

Brian & Michelle

Brian and Michelle were married on a spectacular summer day last August. Their nuptials were spectacular, from the absolutely gorgeous weather to the magnificent ivory and white details. After their sweet ceremony at their family Parish, the party began at the Free Library of Philadelphia where the bride and groom and their enthusiastic guests danced by moonlight into the evening. Michelle’s love of white orchids was on full display, as the bouquets, centerpieces and boutonnieres all included the romantic flower. The beautiful bride shared a few highlights from her special day:

“We put some palms out on the terrace to warm up the heavy city look of the skyline. But one of my favorite pieces was the crystal curtain we placed inside. We draped one window inside the dinner room with a crystal curtain. Then Brittany hung a huge floral “H” made out of orchids in front with fishing wire. It was spectacular. Petals Lane was by far my favorite vendor to work with.. Brittany is just so amazing.. She really can see your vision and works with you to make sure all of your dreams come true.”

Michelle notes that her favorite floral element of the day was her bouquet, a cascading arrangement of white, delicate orchids. For a touching addition, we adorned the bouquet with her grandmother’s breathtaking rosary beads. Michelle said she carried it with her everywhere: from the church, to the reception, to the after party to the airport the next day on the way to Barcelona for their honeymoon!

It was an absolute pleasure working with this stunning and adorable couple. We wish you both many years full of happiness and love! Congratulations again, Michelle and Brian!

Photographer: Michael Kerr Photography
Ceremony: Family Parish
Reception: Free Library of Philadelphia
Caterer: Jimmy Duffy’s Catering
Music/Lighting: Norma Michaels Entertainment
Hotel: Sofitel

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All photos courtesy of Michael Kerr Photography. For more information, contact info@mkphoto.com.

Matt & Meaghan

Matt and Meaghan were married in August on a beautiful summer day. While their sweet ceremony took place at St. Joseph’s Church, the celebration continued at the Hyatt at the Bellevue for their jubilant reception. Soft, pastel pink and ivory roses with peonies were arranged for the bouquets and the centerpieces coordinated as well. Congratulations, Meaghan and Matt! It was a pleasure working with you, and we hope you have a lifetime filled with happiness together!

Photographer: Faith West
Ceremony: St. Joseph’s Church
Reception: Hyatt at the Bellevue
Entertainment: Swagg Band
Bridal Gown: Marisa via Country Way Bridal
Wedding Cake and Cookies: Classic Cake
Stationery: Little Women Design
Rehearsal Dinner: Davio’s
Tuxes: Men’s Warehouse
Transportation: Philadelphia Trolly Works

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All photos courtesy of Faith West Photography. For more information, contact Faith at ( 267)539-7841.

Justin & Marie

Justin and Marie were married this past August at The Kimmel Center. This gorgeous late summer wedding was featured in Philadelphia Wedding Magazine‘s current spring edition. The elegant simplicity was present in the stunning white orchids of Marie’s bouquet and the soft hints of pink in the bridesmaid bundles and centerpieces. For their intimate ceremony, we included additional orchids for an accent on the wire canopy. For their reception, hydrangea bunches were draped over the chairs. Marie and Justin were so pleasant to work with, and we truly enjoyed designing their floral arrangements on their special day. Congratulations to you both, and may you continue into countless years of happiness together!

Photographer: Asya Photography
Venue: The Kimmel Center
Event Planner: Chrissy of Truly You Events
Invitation Designer: Chick Invitations
Catering: Garces Catering
Hair Stylist: Amanda D’Andrea
Makeup Artist: Beke Beau
Videographer/Film Maker: Rosetree Films

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All photos courtesy of Asya Photography. For more information, contact Asya at 610-864-6363.

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