A Family Affair

Just last week Chelsea Clinton married Marc Mezvinsky in what was undoubtedly "The Wedding" of the summer. Newshounds flocked to Rhinebeck and the coverage was 24/7 as reporters tried to find anyone who knew anything about the wedding plans. Now, over a week later, the press and guests have departed and Rhinebeck is once again a peaceful, bucolic village—and we all know a bit more about the nuptials: We’ve seen Chelsea looking gorgeous in her strapless Vera Wang, her mom, Hillary, looking chic in her plum-colored Oscar de la Renta and dad, Bill, every bit the proud father-of-the-bride, appearing noticeably more svelte in his tux.

From what I’ve read it seems that Chelsea and Marc’s wedding was just as they had envisioned it and kudos to them for pulling it off. Considering their parents’ careers, wedding guests could have included anyone from the Queen of England to the Prime Minister of Japan, but this couple insisted that their wedding not become a political rally or fundraiser. The guests consisted of family and friends they truly cared about from classmates and co-workers to Chelsea’s spinning instructor, manicurist and family doctor.

I also love the fact that they incorporated elements from both their religions during the ceremony with both a Methodist minister and Jewish rabbi presiding. They married under an arch (huppah) of willow branches, white roses and hydrangeas and Marc broke a glass underfoot in keeping with Jewish tradition.

Afterward, Chelsea did as many other brides do and changed into another dress for the reception, a goddess-styled gown with a black grosgrain sash (probably great for dancing!). Her 12 bridesmaids wore lavender silk chiffon gowns with plum-colored ribbons at the waist. Chelsea was right on target in her color choice. BG’s fashion team picked up on the popularity of purple-hued dresses a while back and in our next issue (November/December) you’ll see an array of dresses and accessories in this pretty hue. Lavender shades are ideal for spring/summer weddings and deeper plums and purples for fall and winter months.

All in all, it was a fantastic celebration for the couple, their parents and their guests. They did it their way and they did it right. They’ll always treasure the memories of their wedding weekend because it was about family and friends and those they cared about most surrounded them with love.