Royal wedding dresses

My first memory of royal wedding dresses takes me back to 1981 when I watched Lady Diana Spencer marry Prince Charles at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Now Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding is right around the corner and I for one have a spot reserved in front of the TV early Saturday morning. With Earl Grey in hand, I’ll be ready for the bride in an epic gown and her handsome Prince in uniform, parading through Windsor by horse and carriage. While Calgary is many miles from London and nuptials here may not include diamond tiaras and kisses from palace balconies, why not fulfill a few princess fantasies on your wedding day? Together with several other local wedding experts, we bring you “a touch of Windsor”. Each day this week we’ll be revealing little nuances to add pomp and ceremony to your own wedding.

Bride at Spruce Meadows captured by Calgary wedding photographer Tara Whittaker

Royal wedding dresses – inspiration for brides

First things first – the dress. Not unlike weddings here in Canada, royal wedding dresses also establish the look and feel of a wedding day. Like Harry and Megan themselves, I expect we’ll see modern blended with tradition. Maybe it’s because of those pencil skirts she wore so well on Suits, but I imagine Meghan in a figure-hugging silhouette with fine detail and dramatic train. One thing is for sure, her gown is sure to be jaw-dropping.

This exquisite Lazaro gown from Cameo & Cufflinks caught my eye for that “touch of Windsor”. With hand-detail embellishing the skirt and a full chapel train, our bride makes an entrance and a glamorous exit as well. The grand staircase at Spruce Meadows is the ideal spot for making such an entrance.

Inspiration from royal wedding dresses captured by Calgary wedding photographer Tara Whittaker Bride in Lazaro at Spruce Meadows captured by Calgary wedding photographer Tara Whittaker Bride in Lazaro gown at Spruce Meadows captured by Calgary wedding photographer Tara Whittaker