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

David & Stephanie

David and Stephanie were married last September at the Independence Seaport Museum on Penn’s Landing. This Philly themed wedding had as much notable local inclusions as it did the color purple, which matched effortlessly. With the weather miraculously cooperating, the outdoor ceremony pressed forward. The night continued into the ballroom and terrace decks where the combination of high centerpieces and submerged low orchids complemented the venue magnificently. Stephanie carried a bouquet filled with lavender and ivory roses, stock and by request, Picasso lilies and fiddle-head ferns, while her bridesmaids’ ivory bouquets were accented with pops of purple. David wore a matching Picasso lily boutonniere, while his groomsmen donned lavender roses. The night was absolutely magical, and we’re so thankful for the opportunity to have played a part in this couple’s special day. Congratulations again, Steph and Dave!

Venue: Independence Seaport Museum
Officiant: Journeys of the Heart
Ceremony Music: Philadelphia String Quartet
Photography: Werth Photography
Videography: Cinemacake
Hair: Duette Hair Design
Makeup: Victoria of Make Me Up Pretty
Stationery: April Lynn Designs
DJ: Kyle of Synergetic Sounds and Lighting
Dress: David Tutera for Mon Cheri

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All photos courtesy of Werth Photography. For more information, contact (215) 490-4853.

Rob & Laura

Taking it back a few years, Laura and Rob were married in a gorgeous September wedding at one of the most unique venues in the area, The Please Touch Museum. The bouquets we created were fun and colorful, just like this fun couple’s personalities. The carnival themed wedding was a favorite of ours to work on, and we wish these two all the happiness in the world! Congratulations, Rob and Laura!

Photographer: Jennifer Childress
Lighting / Entertainment: Synergetic Sound and Lighting
Planner: Proud to Plan
Hair: Gloss Salon
Makeup: Face the Occasion
Venue: Please Touch Museum

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All photos courtesy of Jennifer Childress Photography. For more information, contact (610) 306-5355 or jenn@jennchildress.com.

Trevor & Brianna

Come one, come all! It was such a joy seeing Trevor and Brianna’s circus theme wedding come to life on their big day. On a delightful afternoon in late September, this fun-loving couple exchanged their vows at the Phoenixville Foundry. While the beautiful bride’s bouquet was full of calla lillies, roses and anemone, the bridesmaids carried coordinating ivory bunches. The party continued in the ballroom, where there were surprises at every height and corner! Umbrellas were draped from the light strings, and stilt performers, jugglers and acrobats were engaging guests all evening. Every turn made had a different, personal detail considered so thoroughly by the bride and groom. The centerpieces were in accord with the bouquets: all ivory with green accents in a mix of high and low arrangements complimenting the overall gold and black decor. We were so honored to be a part of such a unique, entertaining event! Congratulations, Trevor & Brianna!

Venue: Phoenixville Foundry
Caterer: J. Scott Catering
Wedding Cake: Sweet Talk Custom Cakes
Photographer: Maria Mack Photography
Bride’s dress: Tara Keely by Lazaro via La Bella Moda
Bridesmaids Dresses: Jim Hjelm
Headpiece: Tessa Kim
Bridal Cuff: Dessa Lea
Planner: Liza LaMare of LovelyGirls Weddings + Events
Band: Barcelona of EBE
Entertainers: Amazing Moments Agency
Sideshow: Olde City Sideshow
Lighting: Omnivent
Champagne Chandelier: Airplay Entertainment by the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts
T-Shirt Favors: Shirt & Ink
Custom Made Ticket Booth and Table numbers: Groom, Trevor Walz
Sideshow Banners: Scott Brady
Photo Booth: Main Line Photo Booth
Stationery: Carol Brugger

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All photos courtesy of Maria Mack Photography. For more information, contact Maria at 215-407-1889.

Jeff & Sarah

Jeff and Sarah held an intimate wedding at the Loews Hotel in downtown Philadelphia, a staple venue for the area. This location also carries significance for the couple, as they enjoyed their first dates in the heart of the city when they were students at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business! A notable ceremony addition was their chuppah; it was quilted by Sarah’s aunt that incorporated personal messages from their loved ones. We constructed a frame, then added draped ribbon which contributed to the existing romantic ambiance of the room. Sarah’s bouquet was timelessly elegant with several types of flowers, including white roses and white calla lilies, while her bridesmaids carried different arrangements in the same ivory color scheme. In the ballroom of the Loews Hotel, we created unique centerpieces that featured a range of warm colors and lively textures, helping the reception glow spectacularly. We enjoyed seeing the love this beautiful couple shares and were so happy to be a part of their special day!

Photographer: JB Reed Weddings
Makeup: Face the Day NY
Venue and Caterer: Loews Hotel, Philadelphia
Entertainment: Tribeca Grand Entertainment

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All photos courtesy of JB Reed Weddings. For more information, contact (347) 443-6889 or jb@jbreed.com.

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