The Princess Bride - What a beautiful dress - Look at the embroider

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 12:23 AM on 3rd July 2011
A day after the civil wedding that transformed one-time Olympic swimmer Charlene Wittstock into the Princess of Monaco, the South African and her prince, Albert II exchanged vows in the religious ceremony yesterday.
The happy both couple both answered 'oui' (yes) to the Archbishop of Monaco, Bernard Barsi, who conducted the service in front of 850 guests.
Wearing an off-the-shoulder Armani dress, the new Princess Charlene on Monaco looked serene and beautiful as she wed Prince Albert in the courtyard of the Prince's Palace.

تكبير الصورةتصغير الصورة تم تعديل ابعاد هذه الصورة. انقر هنا لمعاينتها بأبعادها الأصلية.

Just married: Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene of Monaco leave the Prince's Palace in Monaco after their religious wedding ceremony



With this ring, I thee wed: Charlene places a 18-carat white gold platinum rings by Cartier on the Prince's finger
The palace said the stunning gown took Armani's team 2,500 hours to prepare, of which 700 hours was spent on the embroidery alone, using 'kilometres' of platinum-coated thread sewn into 130 metres of off-white silk.
The gown would have been heavy for the new Princess, as she would have had to carry the weight of 40,000 Swarovski crystals, 20,000 mother of pearl tear drops and 30,000 'stones in gold shades'.
The dress's crowning glory was the five-metre long train made from 20 metres of silk tulle, which took 100 hours to make.

تكبير الصورةتصغير الصورة تم تعديل ابعاد هذه الصورة. انقر هنا لمعاينتها بأبعادها الأصلية.

Let us pray: The couple kneel at the altar during their service

Intimate: The couple share a private word with each other during the ceremony

Striking: Charlene's bridesmaid carries her long train as the couple leave the wedding mass

تكبير الصورةتصغير الصورة تم تعديل ابعاد هذه الصورة. انقر هنا لمعاينتها بأبعادها الأصلية.

Craftmanship: Danish designer Isabell Kristensen and maid-of-honour Donatella Knecht de Massy hold the Princess' train, made from 20 metres of silk tulle
The groom looked smart in a cream summer uniform of Monaco’s palace guards, with his sleeves embroidered with oak and olive leave.
Accompanying the bride was her maid-of-honour Donatella Knecht de Massy and seven young bridesmaids from around Monaco and neighbouring French districts wearing traditional taffeta red and white outfits and straw hats.
During the service, the couple exchanged 18-carat white gold platinum rings by Cartier, with Princess Charlene laughing as she placed the ring on her husband's finger.

Religious ceremony: The Roman-Catholic ceremony follows the civil wedding which was held in the Throne Room of the Prince's Palace of Monaco yesterday

Spectacular, spectacular: The VIPs, royals and dignitaries crowed into the main courtyard for the lavish wedding mass

تكبير الصورةتصغير الصورة تم تعديل ابعاد هذه الصورة. انقر هنا لمعاينتها بأبعادها الأصلية.

Jubilation: Monaco locals looked thrilled to be able to share the day with the newlyweds

Wedding mania: Thousands of Monaco residents were invited to join in the ceremony
During the service, Prince Albert's nieces Alexander - daughter of his sister Princess Caroline of Handover - and Pauline - eldest daughter of his other sister Princess Stephanie - both performed readings.
After the mass, the couple went to the nearby Sainte Devote Church to lay down her bridal bouquet in the tradition in honour of the Patroness of Monaco.
As the couple left the church, Princess Charlene was seen wiping away a tear as a choir sang.

تكبير الصورةتصغير الصورة تم تعديل ابعاد هذه الصورة. انقر هنا لمعاينتها بأبعادها الأصلية.

Emotional: Princess Charlene wipes away a tear as she leaves the Sainte Devote Church after placing her bouquet inside

Moved: Princess Charlene sheds a tear as she listens to a song as she leaves the Saint Devote Church

All eyes on you: Monegasque citizens watch the couple kiss inside the Sainte Devote church

We did it! The couple laugh as well-wishers throw confetti and rose petals at them
The bride was given away by her father, Michael Wittstock, who wore a black and grey suit.
Also in attendance was her mother Lynette and her brothers Gareth and Sean.