Old Hallows Eve + Business Award Postponed.

Prince Felix, his chest hair and his lady Claire attended the Old Hallows Eve party at the Gramercy Park Hotel in New York City on the 27th of October.

The other guests included the typical mix of models, socialites, business executives, and ordinary people. Among those who caught my eye were a very aged looking ex-girlfriend of Prince Albert of Monaco, an uncle of Andrea Casiraghi's fiancee, Amanda Hearst and the little sister of some of Prince Felix' best friends.

I'm not exactly sure what Felix and Claire were supposed to be. Are Halloween costumes still required to have a theme where you are something or someone? The most popular costumes at the party seemed to be Catwoman, Playboy bunny and generic prostitute. Unfortunately, there was even a man who came dressed as Adolf Hitler. He clearly isn't aware that it is still possible to be a classless buffoon on Halloween.

Prince Felix was in NYC to attend the Luxembourg American Chamber of Commerce's biennale business award. Given the disastrous conditions in New York and the surrounding states I think it is safe to assume that the business award gala was postponed. (Edit: It was postponed to the first half of next year.)

I sincerely hope that Prince Felix and Claire were able to leave the city or find safe shelter before Sandy sliced through the area.

The Order of Saint Isabel

Yesterday, The Duchess of Braganza awarded the Order of Saint Isabel to several royal ladies for their charitable work. The award is granted because these ladies engage in work that has a particular focus on Portugal and/or Portuguese persons.

The ladies who received the order are The Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, Princess Margaretha of Liechtenstein (nee Luxembourg), Crown Princess Margarita of Romania, The Princess of Ligne (nee Orleans-Braganza),  and Princess Christine of Orleans-Braganza (nee Ligne). These royal ladies were supported by the attendance of their husbands and relatives: The Grand Duke of Luxembourg, Prince Nikolaus of Liechtenstein, The Prince of Ligne, The Duke of Vendome, Prince Antonio of Orleans-Braganza, Prince Radu of Romania and several others.

The order was presented to the royal ladies in a ceremony held in Rome. A reception followed at the Portuguese diplomatic mission to the Holy See.

The Order of Saint Isabel was created in 1801 by Joao IV in honor of Queen Isabella of Aragon (consort of King Denis). Isabella was canonized in 1625 by Pope Urban III.

The order became a dynastic order of the royal family in 1901 when the Republic was established. The Duchess of Braganza became Grand Mistress of the order after her marriage to The Duke of Braganza in 1995.

Photos of the events are located on Prince Radu of Romania's blog.

Source: the blog of Prince Radu of Romania. 

Luxarazzi 101: The Grand Duchess Adelaide Tiara

Princess Tessy arrived at the dinner gala after The Hereditary Grand Duke's civil wedding wearing a diamond and sapphire tiara. This was the first time that she has worn this historic family jewel.

The tiara is made of diamonds with a large central sapphire. The cushion-cute sapphire can be removed but no one appears to have worn the sapphire separately in decades. Both the diamonds and the pale blue sapphire are set in white and yellow gold. The tiara is often listed as one of several floral tiaras that the family possesses. However, there are no flowers on the tiara. There are only leaves and berries made of brilliant and rose-cut diamonds. Two loops on the base of the tiara allow an additional element to be attached.

Little is known about the history of the tiara. The jewel was created between 1865 and 1870 by an unknown (to me) jeweler. It may have been part of the trousseau of Grand Duke Adolphe's second wife Princess Adelheid-Marie of Anhalt-Dessau (m. 1851). She is the first woman of the family recorded to have worn or owned the tiara. Many of the loveliest tiaras owned by the family are either part of the trousseau of a foreign princess or are wedding gifts.

In any case, Grand Duchess Adelaide is the first lady of the family who wore this tiara. It is fitting that the finely crafted tiara became a favorite of her granddaughter and namesake, Grand Duchess Marie-Adelaide. It is she that is most closely associated with the history of the tiara. During her brief and tragic reign it was this jewel that she decided to wear when she sat for photographs and paintings.

Later on the cold and foggy morning of January 28, 1919 Marie-Adelaide passed her jewels and finest possessions onto her sisters and her loyal lady-in-waiting. It is noted that she divided her jewelry among them based on who had made long forgotten compliments about different pieces, saving the tiara(s) for Charlotte. It was on this morning that Grand Duchess Charlotte likely took possession of this tiara. It was also the last day that Grand Duchess Marie-Adelaide ever spent inside the Grand Duchy.

Grand Duchess Charlotte, Grand Duchess Josephine-Charlotte and Grand Duchess Maria-Teresa

While the tiara is known almost exclusively by some variant of the name 'Grand Duchess Marie-Adelaide's Tiara' it could be better named the 'Grand Duchess Adelaide Tiara' given the history of the jewel. Thankfully, this tiara is now part of the family's jewelry trust and cannot be sold.

This is the first of a multi-part series on tiaras owned by the family beginning with those worn during the recent wedding events.


Photo: RTL, Cour grand-ducale

A Habsbourg in France

Archduke Carl-Christian of Austria, the husband of Princess Marie-Astrid, was in Troyes (France) at the Cours Saint-François-de-Sales to give a lecture about "The Christian Roots of Europe". On the occassion he gave an interview to a French newspaper (parts of it can be found online), in which he talks, among other things, about his grandfather Blessed Emperor Karl.

Source: l'est-éclair

Presenting: The Cousins in Uniform

When we had a look at the maternal and paternal cousins of Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume attending his wedding, there were a few that we've missed. So, we are very happy that one of our dear readers sent pictures of them in - thanks heaps Jason!

Prince Wenceslas of Nassau, the second son and third child of Prince Jean and his first wife Helene Vestur, together with his cousin Prince Leopold of Nassau, son of Prince Guillaume, and his sister Princess Marie-Gabrielle.

© Jason P. Kudrna

And Archduke Alexander, fourth child and third son of Princess Marie-Astrid and Archduke Carl-Christian of Austria, together with Maike Mestre, she is a maternal cousin of the Hereditary Grand Duke and looked très chic for the occassion. In fact, I think she wore the prettiest outfit of all the cousins.

 

© Jason P. Kudrna

© Jason P. Kudrna

Don't ask me why they are wearing their Irish Guards uniforms - possibly, they have chosen the military as a career path? - and not their Luxembourgish uniforms as they've been commissioned into the Luxembourgish forces by their uncle per decree a while ago - would have been a nice touch - but, anyways, great to see them so dashing in any uniform...

The Music at Religious Wedding

On request of one of our dear readers, here is a list of the music that was played during the religious wedding of the Hereditary Grand Duke and the Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie. Personally, I would say that whoever chose the music, has very good taste...

OEuvres de Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
"Sonate d’église en Ré" (KV 144)
"Fantaisie en Fa" (KV 608)
"Sonate d’église en Fa" (KV 224)
"Fantaisie en Fa" (KV 594)
"Sonate d’église en Do" (KV 278)
"Sonate d’église en Do" (KV 329)

Entry of the Grand Duke

Albert Leblanc
"Paraphrase of the « Wilhelmus »" (the Grand Ducal anthem)

Entry of the Hereditary Grand Duke
William Mathias
"Fanfare"

Entry of Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy
Eugène Gigout
"Grand choeur dialogué"

Opening

Ignaz Franz
"Großer Gott, wir loben Dich"

Gloria
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
“Messe de la Trinité” (KV 167)

Psalm (Ps 32)

"Bénis le Seigneur Ô mon âme, n’oublie aucun de ses bienfaits!
Bénis le Seigneur Ô mon âme, bénis le Seigneur à jamais!

Criez de joie pour le Seigneur, hommes justes!
Hommes droits, à vous la louange!
Rendez grâce au Seigneur sur la cithare,
jouez pour lui sur la harpe à dix cordes.
Oui, elle est droite, la parole du Seigneur;
il est fidèle en tout ce qu’il fait.
Il aime le bon droit et la justice;
la terre est remplie de son amour.

Le Seigneur a déjoué les plans des nations,
anéanti les projets des peuples.
Le plan du Seigneur demeure pour toujours,
les projets de son coeur subsistent d’âge en âge."

Gospel Acclamation
Marco Frisina
"Cantico dell’Agnello"

(Especially arranged for the day)

Hymn to the Holy Spirit
C. Blanchard
"Jésus, toi qui as promis"

Hymn of Praise and Thanksgiving
P. Jacques Sévin
"Chant de la promesse"

Prayer of the Faithful
Jacques Berthier
"Ubi Caritas"

Offertory
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy
Psalm 42, 1st movement

Sanctus
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
“Messe de la Trinité” (KV 167)

During the consecration

Fernand Mertens
"Sonnerie nationale"

Agnus Dei
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
“Messe de la Trinité” (KV 167)

During the communion

Marco Frisina
"Anima Christi"

Markus Wittal

"Pange lingua"

Homage to Our Lady of Luxembourg, Comforter of the Afflicted
Joseph Biwer
"Léif Mamm, ech weess et nët ze son"

National Anthem

Antoine Zinnen
"Ons Heemecht"

Signing of the Register
Georg Friedrich Händel
"Hallelujah" from Messiah (HWV 56)

Final Procession
Alexandre Guilmant
Symphonie No. 1, 3rd movement

The songs were sung by the choirs of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Luxembourg - La Maîtrise de la Cathédrale, La Chapelle de la Maîtrise and Le Petit Ensemble -  the music played by l’Orchestre de Chambre du Luxembourg under the direction of Mr. Antonio Grosu, La Musique Militaire Grand-Ducale under the direction of Lt Jean-Claude Braun as well as Mr. Paul Breisch and Laurent Felten at the organs. Additionally, there was a choir made up of friends of the bridal couple.

Source: Cour grand-ducale

Rounding Up the Wedding

© Cour Grand Ducale / Guy Wolff

That was it, the wedding of Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie. The two lovebirds are probably already on their way to their honeymoon destination. I hope that Stéphanie knows by now where they are  going...

In case you couldn't keep up with our posting or have just arrived here (hello you!), here is a bit of an event round up.

The whole thing started when Guillaume and Stéphanie met with representatives of different youth organisations as well as friends from school days and people who share their birthdays at the Grand Theatre on Friday morning. In the afternoon, they were married in a civil ceremony at the town hall. Later that day, a gala dinner with tiaras and gowns and dapper looking gentlemen was held at the palais, in the course of which the Grand Duke held a speech.

And so the big day finally arrived. Guillaume and Stéphanie got married at the Cathédrale de Notre-Dame de Luxembourg and afterwards appeared on the balcony to give each other a few smooches. Stéphanie wore the Lannoy family tiara and Guillaume's cousins were also among the guests. They had golden rings and witnesses, as well as a cute bridal party and many guests that weren't list on the official guest list. And because my continuous text isn't anything to particularly pleased about, just have a look here, here and here for the rest of the wedding and here for the fireworks.

In case you missed seeing anything about the wedding, we're also kinda servicey and we won't stop. So brace yourself for bits and pieces coming out in the days to come. Stéphanie and Guillaume might be on holiday, but we are not.

© Cour Grand Ducale / Guy Wolff

The Rings, Flowers and More

© Cour Grand Ducale / Guy Wolff

Because I have seen many people asking about them so here they are: the rings. Made of fairtrade gold, they look rather simple and minimalistic. (Well, you don't need a ring competing with that stunning engagement ring is Stéphanie's case.) In close up, you can see that both their names and the date is engraved.

The bridal bouquet, that was later offered to the statue of the Virgin Mary by the Hereditary Grand Duchess, was created by  Parisian Maison Lachaume, Maître Fleuriste since 1845.

The hair of new Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie was done by Tom Marcineau of Maison CARITA, Paris. He also created the hairstyles for the Grand Duchess, Princess Alexandra, the other bridesmaid Antonia Hamilton and the hair of the female flower children.
The hair of the other members of the Grand Ducal Family as well as other guests was done by Salons Alexandre de Paris, Decreton (Metz), as well as Luxembourg hairdresser Jeanne (Supplier of the Court) and Dessange.

The Make Up of the bride, her mother-in-law and the bridesmaids was done by Belgium “master make-up artist” BOUZOUK. Other family members and guests were styled by Decreton (Metz) and Dessange.


Source: Cour grand-ducale

Relive the Wedding

In case you've miss it or you simply can't get enough: both RTL and ZDF have uploaded their coverage of the wedding of Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie onto their websites. In case you don't have 195 minutes or even 240 minutes, just have a look at RTL's report in the evening news, the kiss or the footage from yesterday's gala dinner.

The Cousins at the Wedding

Those people who are following me on Twitter know that I've been obsessed to find pictures of the cousins of the Hereditary Grand Duke and other relatives to pick out my future husband just because it's nice to see them every once in a while. Let's face it, we only get to see them at weddings, when they decide to attend fancy parties or one (or two) of them just graduated from a world famous military school. And even though some of their clothing choices leave quite a bit to be desired, it's just great to see the extended family.

Photo: RTL

The lady on the left and the gentleman on the right are probably all too familiar to those of you who regularly follow royal events. If not, those are Princess Astrid of Belgium and her husband Prince Lorenz, Archduke of Austria-Este. In the middle you can spot an unfamiliar face at royal weddings: their son Prince Amedeo. Nice to see that even the young generation of Belgian and Luxembourgish royals are still close.

Photo: RTL

Thankfully the international press did not ignore the lovely lady waving and her husband next to her - Princess Marie-Astrid of Luxembourg and her husband Archduke Carl-Christian - like they ignored their kids. So there are lots of photos of the couple that has been married for more than 30 years now, quite a contrast to the young blonde you can spot in the background, their daughter Archduchess Gabriella.

Photo: RTL

Naturally, Gabriella's older sister Archduchess Marie-Christine and her husband Count Rodolphe de Limburg-Stirum were also among the guests. And yes, you're not the only ones to think that she looks as if she actually attended the after-wedding-party and not the religious ceremony. In the background you can also see a blurry Prince Josef of Liechtenstein, a cousin of Marie-Christine.

Photo: RTL

The next ones to marry: Archduke Christoph, brother of Marie-Christine and Gabriella, and his beautiful fiancée Adelaide Drape-Frisch, who once again looked très chic today. The two will tie the knot in December. Can't wait for the next wedding to come around. In the background you can also see Princess Maria-Anunciata, sister to aforementioned Josef.

Photo: RTL

From the soon-to-be-weds to the recently weds: Archduke Imre and Archduchess Kathleen in burgundy. Next to her one of Guillaume's maternal cousins, Natalia Esteve.

Photos: RTL

Completing the sibling act from Liechtenstein is Princess Marie-Astrid the middle child and thus younger sister to Anunciata and older sister to Josef.

Photo: RTL

Time to move on to another branch of the family, the children of Prince Jean. Above, Prince Carl, the youngest, and Princess Marie-Gabrielle, the oldest.

Photo: RTL

Their brother Prince Constantin is the frontrunner in this picture. Behind another look at Christoph, Adelaide and Josef.

Photo: RTL

Rounding up the cousin act are Katarina and Victoria Esteve, daughters of the Grand Duchess' sister Catalina and sister of Natalia. Happy to see them attending as well. (Not that I ever had a doubt.)

Photo: Luxemburger Wort/Wort.lu

The youngest of the bunch are (from left to right) Prince Léopold, Princess Charlotte, Prince Paul-Louis and Prince Jean, together with their parents Prince Guillaume and Princess Sibilla.

Photo: Luxemburger Wort/Wort.lu

The parents of Marie-Christine, Imre, Christoph, Alexander and Gabriella: Princess Marie-Astrid and Archduke Carl-Christian of Austria.

Photo: Luxemburger Wort/Wort.lu

The father of Marie-Gabrielle, Constantin, Wenceslas and Carl, Prince Jean, and his second wife Countess Diane of Nassau. His first wife and mother of his children Hélène Vestur was also present.

Photo: Luxemburger Wort/Wort.lu

Last but certainly not least, Princess Margaretha and Prince Nikolaus of Liechtenstein, parents of Maria-Anunciata, Marie-Astrid and Josef.

Adding all of them up, you realise them I'm missing some: one the one hand Prince Wenceslas and Archduke Alexander who looked very dapper in their Irish Guards uniforms, and Maike and Luis Mestre, the children of Grand Duchess Maria Teresa's brother Luis. I can happily confirm that there were all in attendance, I just haven't found good pictures of them yet.

The End Is Near

Photo: Luxemburger Wort / Wort.lu

Less than an hour until midnight which means that the wedding day of the Hereditary Grand Duke and the Hereditary Grand Duchess of Luxembourg will be over. To finish of the day, the newly weds made their way from the palais to watch the fireworks in their honour. I only watched them on a bad quality webcam stream but they already stunning, so I can hardly imagine what they must have looked like in person.

Photo: Luxemburger Wort / Wort.lu

Once again, the couple took their time to greet the crowds who were watching the fireworks display with them. Stephanie repeated her outfit from the civil wedding.

Afterwards, the couple returned to the palais, just to leave from there once again. This time in a car that looked like your typical newly weds car with stuff written on it and cans.

RTL says that they are currently having a private party at the Château de Berg tonight to celebrate with close friends and family.


Source: Wort, RTL

A Picture and More Guests

© Cour Grand Ducale / Christian Aschman

Meanwhile, I can happily report that I have found pictures of many members of the extended grand ducal family. If you go to Roland Miny Pressphoto and then to the end of the photo stream, you will find a couple of pictures of cousins and other close relatives of the Hereditary Grand Duke.

On the pictures I can spot the children of Princess Marie-Astrid of Luxembourg and Archduke Carl-Christian of Austria - Archduchess Marie-Christine and husband Count Rodolphe de Limburg-Stirum, Archduke Imre and wife Archduchess Kathleen, Archduke Christoph and his fiancée Adelaide Drape-Frisch, Archduke Alexander looking dapper in his Sandhurst uniform and the youngest, Archduchess Gabriella - as well as the children of Princess Margaretha of Luxembourg and Prince Nikolaus of Liechtenstein - Princess Maria-Anunciata, Princess Marie-Astrid and Prince Josef.

I could also spot the sons of Prince Jean: Prince Constantin, Prince Wenceslas, who was also rocking his uniform, and Prince Carl. I could not see Princess Marie-Gabrielle, Jean's oldest daughter, but I am pretty sure that she was actually hiding, probably not on purpose unless she was unhappy with her dress choice, behind one of her cousins in the pictures. Additionally, there were all of the maternal cousins of Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume. Also, Helene Vestur, first wife of Prince Jean, was in attendance.

I was also pleasant to catch a quick look at Prince Robert, a nephew of Grand Duke Jean, and his wife Princess Julie, as well as Princess Charlotte, Robert's sister who I hadn't seen in years, and her husband Marc Cunningham.

Other familiar faces I spotted was Michel, the 14th Prince of Ligne and his wife Eleonore and their daughter Princess Alix, who was named after her grandmother, née Princess Alix of Luxembourg, sister of Grand Duke Jean and seated with him today.

Another granddaughter of Princess Alix to attend was Baroness Elisabeth de Pelichy and her husband Baron Baudouin. I think I also saw Elisabeth's father Prince Wauthier and his wife.

Princess Alix's daughter Princess Christine and her husband Prince Antonio de Orléans e Bragança were also in attendance.

Also among the guests were a few Habsbourgs. I saw Archduchess Maria Beatrice, daughter of Archduke Robert and sister of Prince Lorenz of Belgium. She was accompanied by some of her daughters, they are countesses of Arco-Zinnerberg. Lorenz's brother Archduke Martin and his wife née Princess Katharina of Isenburg were also among the guests.

Additionally, there were at least two siblings of Archduke Carl-Christian, husband of Princess Marie-Astrid of Luxembourg, and his mother, née Princess Yolande de Ligne. His brother Archduke Rudolf was accompanied by his wife Helene and his cousin Archduchess Maria Anna by her husband Prince Piotr Galitzine. Maria Anna and Piotr's daughter Princess Xenia Galitzine and her husband Albert Matta Mayo were also among the guests.

I could also spot Archduchess Sophie, Princess of Windisch-Graetz.

Which brings me to Claire Lademacher. The girlfriend of Prince Félix was also among the guests and it seems that the next grand ducal wedding is lurking just around the corner.

Have you spotted more familiar faces that aren't mentioned here or on the guest list? Please let us know!

Official Picture of the Newly Weds

Does it need words?!... 

© Cour Grand Ducale / Christian Aschman

Thousands of Pictures

As you can imagine, there are hundred and thousands of pictures of the wedding today, I'm slowly wading through them to see whether one of the many photographers actually managed  to snap some of the lesser known royals such as the extended grand ducal family.

From the videos I can tell you that most if not all of Guillaume's cousin were there. Also Prince Robert and his wife Princess Julie and Princess Charlotte and her husband Marc Cunningham, cousins of Grand Duke Henri were present.

• RTL (Arrivals)
• RTL (Cathedral)
• RTL (Balcony)
• Belga #1
• Belga #2
• Belga #3
• PPE #1
• PPE #2
• Getty Images #1
• Getty Images #2
• Wort (Cathedral)
• Wort (The dress)
• Wort (Arrivals)
• Wort (Leaving the cathedral)
• AFP
• Tageblatt

Official Wedding Picture

The official wedding picture released by the cour.

© Cour Grand Ducale / Christian Aschman

First row (from left to right): Queen Fabiola of Belgium, Grand Duke Jean, The Grand Duchess, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, The Hereditary Grand Duchess, The Grand Duke, Count Philippe de Lannoy

Second row: The Prince of Liechtenstein, The Princess of Liechtenstein, The Queen of Sweden, The King of Norway,  The Queen of Norway, Prince Henrik of Denmark, The Queen of Denmark, The Queen of the Netherlands, The King of the Belgians, The Queen of the Belgians, Princess Lalla Salma of Maroccco

Third row: Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan, Princess Sarvath El Hassan, the Princess of Austrias, the Prince of Asturias, the Crown Prince of Japan, the Countess of Wessex, the Earl of Wessex, the Princess of Hanover, the Prince of Orange, Princess Maxima

Fourth row: Queen Anne-Marie of Greece, King Constantine II of Greece, the Crown Princess of Denmark, the Crown Prince of Denmark, the Duchess of Brabant, the Duke of Brabant, the Crown Princess of Norway, the Crown Prince of Norway, the Crown Princess of Sweden, Prince Daniel of Sweden, Queen Margarita of the Bulgarians, King Simeon II of the Bulgarians

Fifth row: Prince Radu of Romania, Crown Princess Margarita of Bulgaria, Princess Tessy, Prince Louis, Princess Alexandra, Prince Félix, Prince Sébastien

On the Balcony

After the religious wedding was over, the Hereditary Grand Duke and the Hereditary Grand Duchess made their way back to the palais in a blue Daimler. A few minutes later they stepped out on the balcony to greet the cheering masses.

© Cour Grand Ducale / Guy Wolff

To the delight of the crowd (and us watching on TV), they did not kiss once or twice but three times. It seemed that they couldn't get enough of each other.

© Cour Grand Ducale / Guy Wolff

Inbetween all the kisses, they managed to squeeze in lots of waving to the crowd. I have watched every royal wedding since 1999 when the Duke and Duchess of Brabant tied the knot and I have to say that I have never seen a royal couple that waved so extensively and enthusiasticly to the crowd like Guillaume and Stephanie did. It seemed like they wanted to greet every person standing in front of the palais personally, something they actually did yesterday.

© Cour Grand Ducale / Guy Wolff

They were later joined by Grand Duke Henri, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Prince Felix, Prince Louis, Princess Tessy, Princess Alexandra and Prince Sebastien.

The Religious Wedding in Detail

The much anticipated day has arrived and it was even better than expected as not only the dream of marrying a prince came true, but also seeing the girl that just became the Hereditary Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy, had decided to wear the most stunning wedding dress. But let's start at the beginning...

© Cour Grand Ducale / Vic Fischbach

Shortly before 11am this morning, Grand Duke Henri arrived at the Cathedrale de Notre-Dame in Luxembourg City. He was accompanied by Lydia de Schaetzen, the sister of the bride's late mother Countess Alix de Lannoy. Madame de Schaetzen opted for an outift designed by Natan, as many other wedding guests did.

© Cour Grand Ducale / Vic Fischbach

Just a few moments later the Hereditary Grand Duke arrived together with his mother, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa. The Grand Duchess wore a creation by Natan and a hat by Fabienne Delvigne. Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume wore the Grande Tenue, a dark blue uniform from the Maison grand-ducale with the following decorations: the grand cross of the Ordre du Lion d’Or de la Maison de Nassau and the Ordre de la Couronne de chaîne. As soon as they had made their way into the cathedral, the big waiting started...

© Cour Grand Ducale / Vic Fischbach

And then happened what so many of us had hoped for. Countess Stéphanie got out of the car and she wore the most amazing wedding dress, created by no other than Elie Saab, one of her new mother-in-law's favourite designer. (And mine.) The bridal party was dress in the traditional colours of the House of Nassau: Orange and blue. A nice touch. No matter what you think about it, they all look incredibly cute and were very well behaved.

© Cour Grand Ducale / Vic Fischbach

At the entrance of the cathedral Stéphanie, who was walked down the aisle by her oldest brother Count Jehan de Lannoy, was greated by the archbishop of Luxembourg, Jean-Claude Hollerich. Her bridesmaids, Princess Alexandra and Antonia Hamilton, a niece of Stéphanie, were also dressed by Natan. Not the most flattering cuts I must add.

© Cour Grand Ducale / Vic Fischbach

And then Countess Stéphanie made her much anticipated way down the aisle. The demure but stylish ivory dress and train, using the finest of lace and silver thread with its three-quarter length sleeves in lace and veil in silk tulle and a 4.5 metre train, was certainly fitting for a future Grand Duchess.

© Cour Grand Ducale / Guy Wolff

The dress itself was the result of 3,200 hours of embroidery work by 15 people and 700 hours by ten seamstresses. Among the fabrics used, the dress was made from 50 metres of Chantilly lace, 40 metres of Calais lace, 30 metres or satin organza, 70 metres of tulle and silk crepe for the lining and 15 metres of silk tulle for the veil. It was decorated with 200 pieces of transparent glitter, 80.000 transparent crystals, 50.000 beads and 10.000 metres of silver embroidery thread.

© Cour Grand Ducale / Vic Fischbach

She anchored her veil with the tradtional Lannoy family tiara, that had already adorned her sisters and sister-in-laws on their wedding days.

© Cour Grand Ducale / Vic Fischbach

Stéphanie walking down the aisle led by her oldest brother. I am sure that you can spot many familiar faces among the guests.

© Cour Grand Ducale / Raoul Somers

Her soon to be husband, the Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, smilingly awaited his bride at the altar.

© Cour Grand Ducale / Guy Wolff

But before Stéphanie actually greeted Guillaume, she walked over to her father, who got up from his wheelchair to give his daughter his blessing. A wonderful moment as he proudly gave the hand of his youngest daughter to the Hereditary Grand Duke.

© Cour Grand Ducale / Guy Wolff

The Grand Ducal Family was seated to the left of the couple. Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa were in the first row. Prince Sebastien, Princess Tessy, Prince Louis, Prince Felix and Princess Alexandra were seated in the second row. Behind them were the groom's paternal aunts and uncles: Princess Margaretha and her husband Prince Nikolaus of Liechtenstein, Princess Marie-Astrid and her husband Archduke Carl-Christian of Austria, Prince Guillaume and Princess Sibilla as well as Prince Jean and his wife Diane. Grand Duke Jean was seated to the right of the group together with Queen Fabiola of Belgium and The Dowager Princess of Ligne, who is his sister Alix.

© Cour Grand Ducale / Vic Fischbach

On the other side the Count de Lannoy and his family was seated. In the first row next to the Count are his sons Jehan and Christian as well as his daughters Nathalie and Gaelle. In the second row from left to right bridemaid Antonia Hamilton, Count Amaury, Count Olivier, Isabelle de le Court (Stepahnie's sister) and Lydia de Schaetzen.In the third row you can found Countess Luisa (wife of Christian), John Hamilton, Countess Alice (wife of Olivier) and Jean-Charles de le Court.

© Cour Grand Ducale / Vic Fischbach

The mass started with a minute of silence for the late Countess Alix de Lannoy. In honour of her mother Stéphanie also wore her engagement ring in addition to her own.

© Cour Grand Ducale / Vic Fischbach

The reading was given by Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume's godson Prince Paul-Louis, who is the son of Grand Duke Henri's brother Guillaume.

© Cour Grand Ducale / Vic Fischbach

After a few more songs and speechs by the archbishop, we finally arrived at the most important point of the day: the wedding vows. At the beginning of the service I noticed that Stéphanie was very nervous and would barely smile or look at her husband, thankfully that changed after they actually said "I do"

© Cour Grand Ducale / Vic Fischbach

In fact they didn't say "I do" but they read the wedding vows to each other, something I found to be much more personal than just answering the priest question.

© Cour Grand Ducale / Raoul Somers

Afterwards, intercessions were read by Prince Louis in Luxembourgish, Count Amaury de Lannoy in French, Princess Louise zu Stolberg-Stolberg in German, the Duchess of Braganza in Portuguese, Countess Alice de Lannoy (née van Havre) in Dutch and Prince Félix in English.

© Cour Grand Ducale / Vic Fischbach

After the wedding ceremony an actual Catholic mass was celebrated. At the end, the Nuncio to Luxembourg read a message by Pope Benedict XVI and after rougly one and a half hours, the whole thing was over. To the cheers of the wedding guests, the Hereditary Grand Duke and his new wife the Hereditary Grand Duchess left the cathedral.

© Cour Grand Ducale / Vic Fischbach