Throughout modern times, women have continued to make incredible contributions to society and have broken barriers in various fields. Many of these women have also had memorable weddings that reflected their individuality and the times they lived in. Here are the 10 most influential women in modern times and their weddings:
Meghan Markle
Meghan Markle is an actress and humanitarian who married Prince Harry of the British royal family in 2018. Their wedding was watched by millions worldwide and was celebrated for its inclusivity and diversity. Meghan's entrance into the royal family as a biracial woman and feminist has been seen as a symbol of progress and change.
Beyoncé
Beyoncé is a singer, songwriter, and actress who is known for her powerful voice and inspiring messages of female empowerment. She married Jay-Z, a rapper and entrepreneur, in a private ceremony in 2008. They had a no social media rule. It was only a decade later that Beyoncé and her loved ones unveiled never-before-images from the day… this time, on social media. Their marriage has been seen as a symbol of Black love and power in the entertainment industry.
Frida Kahlo
The Mexican artist Frida Kahlo was known for her colorful paintings and her unique sense of style. When she married Diego Rivera in 1929, she wore a traditional Mexican dress, which featured a long skirt and a colorful embroidered bodice. Kahlo also wore a floral headdress and a veil, which added a touch of whimsy to her wedding ensemble.
Malala Yousafzai
The Pakistani activist for girls' education, married her longtime boyfriend, Taek Ahmad, in 2020. Malala wore a traditional Pakistani dress, which was designed by Elan. The dress was made of ivory silk and featured intricate embroidery and beadwork. Malala's wedding was a private affair, but she shared photos on social media, where they quickly went viral.
Princess Diana
Princess Diana's wedding to Prince Charles in 1981 was watched by millions of people around the world. Diana's dress, which was designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, was made of ivory silk taffeta and featured a 25-foot train. The dress was also embellished with lace, sequins, and 10,000 pearls. Diana's wedding has been called the "wedding of the century," and her dress is still considered one of the most iconic wedding gowns of all time. Her train was also 25 feet long , Diana’s train was the longest in royal wedding history, and had to be attached to the dress with a specially-made mechanism. For luck, a gold horseshoe charm was concealed inside the waistband.
Michelle Obama
Former First Lady Michelle Obama married future President Barack Obama in 1992. Michelle wore a white dress designed by a Chicago-based designer named Maria Pinto. The dress was simple and elegant, and Michelle paired it with a long veil. The wedding was held in Chicago, and the couple exchanged vows in front of their family and friends.
Equal Rights Activists Tanya McCloskey and Marcia Kadish
Tanya McCloskey and Marcia Kadish became the first same sex couple to legally marry in the U.S. on May 17, 2004. Having been together for 20 years, the pair officially tied the knot at Cambridge City Hall in Massachusetts. “We wanted to lead by example, not that we were leaders of anything,” Kadish said to American University Radio WAMU. “We just wanted to make sure that the world saw the most positive side of being a gay couple.”
Mildred Loving
Mildred Loving fell in love with Richard Loving married in 1958 in Carline county, Virginia but marriage was against the law and punishable for 5 years for committing the act. They avoided prison by never returning to Virginia and moved to Washington D.C. instead , but they didn't have much money or options. Mildred wanted to take action. The Loving's case went to supreme court and on June 12th, 1967 they struck down centuries of racist laws against international marriage and relationships.
Grace Kelly
A bridal look synonymous with royalty and elegance, actress Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III of Monaco in a gown that would become one of the most memorable in history. The gown was designed by MGM designer Helen Rose, and the veil was specifically crafted not to show her face.
Serena Williams
Tennis player Serena Williams wore a princess- inspired gown via Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen for her New Orleans I-DO to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. Williams has revolutionized the game of tennis, winning more grand slams than any woman or man in the open era.
These women, and many others like them, have left an indelible mark on history. Their weddings, like their lives, have served as inspirations to people around the world. Whether it's through fashion, tradition, or acts of resistance, these women have shown that a wedding can be much more than just a celebration of love - it can be a reflection of who you are and what you stand for.
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