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You've seen the dress, but you haven't seen these special moments.
Years before Meghan Markle stole Prince Harry's heart, Grace Kelly was the world's biggest actress-turned-royal. Her lavish April 1956 wedding to the Prince of Monaco was filled with the allure and public speculation you'd expect—but there were also quieter, intimate moments under all the glitz and glam. From the first sketch of her handcrafted, lace-embroidered gown to sweet shots of the couple on their honeymoon, get a rare glimpse into what the wedding festivities were really like.
Meeting the Parents
Grace Kelly and her fiancé give her parents an up-close look at her engagement ring in January 1956. Her first Cartier ring (shown here) was an eternity band with rubies and diamonds, meant to symbolize the colors of the flag of Monaco.
You're Cordially Invited
Lucky guests show the camera a peek at what Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III's wedding invitations look like a few weeks before the big day.
Designing the Dress
The royal-to-be selected MGM designer Helen Rose to create her custom wedding dress. They worked together on the wardrobe for one of Kelly's biggest (and last) films, 1956's High Society.
A Sketch of the Dress
As for what Helen Rose came up with, the masterpiece speaks for itself. Every detail of Kelly's dress was well thought out from the ivory color to the rose point lace.
Bridal Party Looks
Neiman Marcus designer, Joe Hong, created the dresses for Kelly's bridesmaids and flower girls. He went with a yellow organdy and silk gown with puffed sleeves and a matching hat.
Royal Stamps
The Monaco Stamp Office released a stamp in honor of the wedding.
Setting Sail
The actress and her family traveled by sea from New York to Monaco for the wedding. She was snapped taking in the view aboard the SS Constitution en route.
Arriving in Monaco
The starlet is greeted by Prince Rainier III after arriving in Monaco days before the big ceremony.
Puppy Love
That same day, the couple chats aboard the princely yacht Deo Juvante II. Kelly's adorable French Poodle, Oliver, was a wedding present from her close friend, Cary Grant.
The First Dress
The wedding that people remember most was actually Kelly's second wedding to Prince Rainier III—they had to follow Monaco law and hold a smaller civil ceremony the day before their lavish religious one. This is the sketch for her civil ceremony look, also designed by Helen Rose. The lace was hand-embroidered on taffeta with silk thread to create a three-dimensional effect.
The Civil Ceremony
Here's the sketch come to life. Kelly looked gorgeous in the lace suit and matching headpiece.
The Venue
While the civil ceremony might have been smaller, it was just as glamorous. It took place inside the Throne Room of the palace in Monaco.
Last-Minute Prep
The actress, papers in hand, clutches her belted suit at her wedding rehearsal at the Monaco Cathedral. She opted for a low-key look, including sunglasses, white gloves, and a matching cloche hat.
Continue viewing Rare Photos From Grace Kelly's Iconic Royal Wedding via Town and Country Magazine.
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