_edited.png)
Once upon a time... there was a fairytale Wedding in Venice
On September 21, 1955, the fifteen-year-old princess Ira von und zu Fürstenberg and the thirty-year-old prince Alfonso von und zu Hohenlohe got married in Venice (how times change!). The ceremony took place at the church of San Sebastiano, gracing the cover of Life magazine. The celebration was lavish, with three hundred guests, almost all holding titles.
💡 Did you know
Ira was the daughter of Prince Tassilo Fürstenberg and Clara Agnelli (sister of Gianni, extremely famous president of Fiat and the king of Italian Jet-set, one of the most stylish and charismatic men in the world). She married twice. From her first marriage, celebrated when she was only 15 years old, to the Spaniard Alfonso di Hohenlohe-Langenburg, she had Christoph (1956-2006) and Hubertus. From the second marriage, to Francesco "Baby" Pignatari, she had no children.
A noted socialite and jewelry designer, she also pursued a career in cinema, appearing in around thirty films between the 1960s and 1970s. She was directed by Lattuada (Matchless, 1967), Bolognini (Capriccio all'italiana, 1968), and Bava (5 bambole per la luna d'agosto, 1970).
The Love Story
When she was just 14 years old, she encountered the charismatic Prince Alfonso di Hohenlohe-Langenburg, who was nearly 17 years her senior, and was immediately smitten. Alfonso, a sophisticated 30-year-old scion of a family that had experienced financial setbacks, had been raised between his grandmother's Spanish castle, where she held the title of Marchioness of Belvís de las Navas, and the family estate in Bohemia. Well-educated and fluent in four languages, he was also known for his charming demeanor and penchant for romance. Refusing to succumb to adversity, he set out to rebuild the family fortune by astutely buying and selling land to influential families like the Rothschilds and Thyssens. Later, he pioneered Marbella's luxury hospitality scene by establishing the region's premier upscale hotel, thus revolutionizing its tourism industry.
The Location of Ira von Furstenberg's Wedding in Venice
The Church choosen to celebrate Ira von Füstenberg wedding in Venice was the Church of San Sebastiano, located in the heart of the city.
The church of San Sebastiano dates back to the 14th century, although the current building is the result of a Baroque reconstruction in the 17th century. Its façade, featuring an elegant marble portal, is notable for its understated beauty. Inside, the church has a single nave adorned with frescoes and artworks that create an atmosphere of spirituality and artistic splendor, making it a true haven for visitors seeking solace and cultural enrichment.
Ira von Furstenberg's celebrations of the wedding in Venice lasted for about 16 days (!) featuring all the crowned heads of Europe and the most famous jet-set personalities.
The bride getting her hair done on the Wedding Day
This picture shows the young and beautiful Ira von Fünstenberg getting ready on the day of the wedding with the help of her hairdresser.
Take time to watch this video to have a glimpse of 1950s charm
This is a historic news video that resumes the celebration with live footage from the day.
The wedding dress
The wedding dress was made from the famous french designer Jaques Griffe, a former student of Madeleine Vionnet. The hairdo was curated by Alexandre de Paris.
Did you know that focused on giving the final touches to the bride's dress while she was already in the gondola, the hairdresser stumbled and fell clumsily into the canal. Being unable to swim, he was at risk of drowning. The sudden situation caused a moment of panic, but fortunately, he was promptly rescued and pulled to safety before the situation could worsen.
The Party
The party was hosted in Villa Papadopoli, decorated for the occasion with floral garlands and flowers.
The Decor
Villa Papadopoli was decorated with flower and greenery garlands and ribbons covering the building facade.
Dress Change
The bride delighted guests with a changing of the dress for the party, she also wore two roses in her hair, recalling the one featured on her second dress. She also wore elegant white gloves above the elbow, so classy.
Image from Alamy
Image from Alamy
💡 Did you know
Venice in the 50s, epitomized the jet-set glamour and sophistication, drawing in an elite crowd of socialites, aristocrats, and Hollywood celebrities. The city's allure extended far beyond its romantic canals and historic architecture; it became a playground for the rich and famous, where opulent parties, lavish events, and high-stakes gambling were the norm.
Venice's famed annual Carnival provided the perfect backdrop for extravagant masquerade balls and lavish soirées, where guests donned elaborate costumes and masks to revel in the festivities. The city's iconic landmarks, such as St. Mark's Square and the Grand Canal, served as glamorous settings for glamorous gatherings and elegant affairs.
Luxurious palazzos along the Grand Canal were transformed into exclusive venues for elite social events, with gondolas ferrying guests to and from soirées under the moonlit skies. Celebrities like Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn, and Grace Kelly were frequently spotted savoring the city's romantic ambiance and indulging in its culinary delights at renowned restaurants and cafés.
Venice in the 1950s was a place where dreams were lived, and fantasies came to life amidst the backdrop of timeless beauty and unparalleled elegance. It was a world where luxury knew no bounds, and every moment was infused with the magic of La Serenissima, making it a destination unlike any other for the jet-set elite of the era.
In this golden age of glamour, Venice exuded an air of enchantment and allure, captivating the hearts and imaginations of all who ventured into its labyrinthine streets. With its timeless beauty and captivating ambiance, the city became a symbol of opulence and refinement, attracting the crème de la crème of society.
コメント