Our ancestors were lucky if they had a single photograph of their wedding day, if they had any at all. That’s nothing compared to the brides and grooms of today who have thousands of pics (and changed facebook statuses) to prove to the world they are married, are important and indeed exist. My favorite story about a modern day bride is an old school friend of mine who had three photographers document every single moment…she even had a separate photo album of her make-up and hair sessions. It’s like everyone thinks they’re a celebrity posing in some magazine.
Did you know white did not become a popular option for wedding dresses until 1840, when Queen Victoria got married? She wore a white gown because she was really into lace and everyone likes to follow a queen’s lead. So think of that next time you go on about traditions and shit, especially when the color red is most popular in Eastern cultures. What’s right and what’s wrong?
Speaking of Victoria (and Albert)…at their little museum in London you can see the above dress, and believe it or not, it’s from an actual 18th century wedding. This mantua, a type of court dress, is associated with the wedding of Isabella Courtenay to Dr. John Andrew in Exeter Cathedral on 14 May 1744. She might not have worn it during the ceremony, we will never for sure (remember no photographs, people) but it was most likely part of the reception, you know where everyone double fists during the open bar.
