Princess Sofia's wedding dress
"I was on my way to meet my future father-in-law to ask for Sofia's hand in marriage. It was the most significant journey of my life."
This is a quotation from Prince Carl Philip's speech to Princess Sofia during the wedding banquet in the Vita Havet Assembly Rooms at the Royal Palace, which was broadcast on TV. Miss Sofia Hellqvist became engaged to Prince Carl Philip in June 2014. The marriage ceremony took place in the Royal Chapel at the Royal Palace on 13 June 2015.
THE WEDDING DRESS
Princess Sofia's wedding dress, in three shades of white, was created by the Swedish designer Ida Sjöstedt. The material is full-silk crêpe, lined with Italian silk organza. The dress features lengthwise appliquéd couture lace made by José María Ruiz. This also appears on the train, and was hand-cut and then hand-stitched at Ida Sjöstedt's studio in Stockholm. The dress ends with a long train, and has a lace bodice with a deep V-cut and long, narrow arms with cut-out lace.
THE VEIL
The newly made veil, which was also created by Ida Sjöstedt's studio, is made from thin bridal tulle and hand-embroidered with appliquéd sheer cotton lace. The Princess wore her own tiara featuring brilliants and emeralds, which was a gift from The King and Queen.
THE EVENING DRESS
Later on the evening of the wedding, Princess Sofia wore an evening dress in silk habotai and lace, also created by Ida Sjöstedt.
THE TRADITIONAL MYRTLE
The traditional myrtle was included in both her hair arrangement and her bouquet. Princess Margareta, who married Gustaf (VI) Adolf in 1905, brought a myrtle bush to Sweden with her. The bush grew and was originally tended at Sofiero Palace. It is now at Ulriksdal Palace. Since 1935, a sprig from this bush has traditionally been used in royal bridal bouquets or worn in the hair in some form. Princess Ingrid, who married the Danish heir to the throne in 1935, took a cutting from the bush to her new home country. Since then, the Danish Royal Family has upheld the same tradition, using myrtle from Princess Margareta's original bush.
Images: The Prince Couple during their wedding in the Royal Chapel in 2015. Photo: Alexis Daflos/Royalpalaces.se. Other photos: Sanna Argus Tirén/Royalpalaces.se