posted by Katie on Real Weddings

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Zara Phillips, the Queen’s granddaughter has married England rugby player Mike Tindal at an elegant ceremony in Edinburgh after a strong seven year relationship. Thousands of well-wishers lined the narrow sides of the Royal Mile to witness Scotland’s first royal wedding in almost 20 years.

Zara’s dress was a stunning creation by the deisnger Stewart Parvin, royal couturier to both the Queen and Princess Anne. Stewarts Parvins trademark is simple, elegant bridalwear with few flounces and this was evident in the dress worn by Zara Phillips. The sleeveless frock of ivory silk faille was beautifully simple and complimented Zara’s athletic frame perfectly. The simple gown was finished off with a bouffant cathedral-length veil, a tiara and she was shoed in a pair of Jimmy Choos. Her father, Captain Mark Phillips was there to walk his daughter down the aisle with his happiness evident in his smile.

Zara’s something borrowed was a rather special tiara from her mother and in my opinion totally exquisite. The Greek tiara which was a wedding gift to Queen Elizabeth from her mother-in-law was given to Princess Anne in 1972 and made the perfect adornment for her daughters’ special day.

The bridesmaids and Maid of Honour, Dolly Maude, wore simple high-necked ivory dresses to match Zara’s. Dolly wore a creation by Stewart Parvin (like Zara) while the bridesmaids wore dresses by local designer Sue Palmer. The creamy  clutch bouquets by London Florist Paul Thomas were composed of small calla lilies with Scottish thistles.

It was rumoured that the well known make up artist Hannah Martin was recommended to Zara by the Duchess of Cambridge.  The senior artist at Bobbi Brown is renowned for her ability to enhance a women’s natural beauty with a feminine. light touch and I am sure you will all agree with me when I say Zara Phillips had the pretty pink flush of a delighted bride and looked truly beautiful.

The doors of the Canongate Kirk were closed to the press and public for the 45min service that was lead by Canongate Minister, the Rev Neil Gardner.  After the ceremony the couple emerged arm-in-arm, stood on the steps to the entrance to the 17th century Kirk and shared a passionate unashamed kiss.

The private afternoon ceremony will be followed by a reception at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the  Queens Edinburgh home. Zara Phillips also chose to spend the last night as a single women at the palace, who can blame her?

It is said that the couple are not to honeymoon right away with Mikes commitment to training for the 2011 Rugby World Cup later this year. Zara Phillips is to also keep her own name, so not to confuse the horses!

The quest list of the couple was inevitably made up of sporting heros, famous faces and of course several royalty with the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry among those at the wedding in Canongate Kirk.

It is evident in the pictures taken after the wedding in the ruins of the 12th centrury Holyrood Abbey that Mike can not keep his eyes off his new wife, a testament to their strong relationship since the couple met in 2003 at the Rugby World Cup in Australia.

♥