Weddings have always marked more than a legal bond—they are moments that echo through art, fashion, and cultural memory. From the gilded halls of the Medicis in 1584 to today’s riverfront photo shoots, ceremonies have shaped what entire generations imagine romance looks like.
Each era stitches its own dreams and anxieties into wedding attire: velvet robes for royal alliances, hand-sewn ruffles for the respectable 1900s, or dramatic crinolines fit for a Southern summer. Throughout centuries, photographers and painters have frozen these rituals—offering us glimpses into shifting priorities, political alliances, and the heartbeats of ordinary couples too.
This visual journey spans 25 moments—sometimes opulent, sometimes intimately familiar—that together sketch a timeline from Jacopo da Empoli’s Italian pageantry straight through to the Chicago Riverwalk. Whether ornate or understated, each image offers a thread in the evolving tapestry of how humanity marks its most hopeful day.
Opulent Beginnings: The Renaissance Splendor of Eleonora and Vincenzo
In 1584, Eleonora de Medici’s union with Vincenzo Gonzaga boasted lavish textiles and Italian Renaissance elegance, forever immortalized by Jacopo da Empoli’s brush.
Baroque Betrothal: Mary Stuart Marries William II (1641)
Anthony van Dyck captured regal grandeur in this 1641 wedding portrait, showcasing opulent Baroque details and the splendor of Anglo-Dutch union.
Presidential Escort: Washington Attends Nelly Custis’s Ceremony (1799)
George Washington prepares to escort Nelly Custis in 1799, the bride pictured descending Mount Vernon’s stairs—a stately scene of early American nuptials.
Royal Whites: Queen Victoria Sets Bridal Trends (1847)
Queen Victoria’s iconic 1847 gown was so influential that white wedding dresses quickly became the norm for brides around the world.
Portrait of a 19th-Century Bride (ca. 1851–1854)
Daguerreotype photography preserves this mid-century bride—her calm dignity and simple floral adornments exemplify early Victorian wedding ideals.
Beatrice’s Bookplate: A Princess’s 1885 Wedding Remembered
This colored bookplate commemorates Princess Beatrice’s 1885 wedding, blending Victorian style with royal nostalgia and pastel illustration.
Pinned Ruffles & Tradition: 1900s Classic Wedding Gown Style
High-necked ruffles and floral adornments mark this 1900s couple, exemplifying Edwardian elegance and the growing prominence of wedding day photography.
The Gatsby Era: Mrs. George Peppard’s Vintage 1926 Dress
Mrs. George Matthew Peppard’s 1926 gown embodies Roaring Twenties flair, complete with beads, dropped waist, and Art Deco inspiration.
Art Deco Love: Bride of 1938
A 1938 bride displays streamlined elegance—high fashion meets the economic cautions of pre-war era design in this classic portrait.
Royalty Returns: The Official Portrait of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip (1947)
This elegant 1947 portrait captures the future Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, shining with postwar optimism and regal glamour.
Postwar Grace: The Bride of 1952
1952’s bride mixes classic postwar fashions with the dreamy tulle and tailored silhouettes that defined the early years of mid-century celebrations.
Camelot in White: JFK and Jacqueline Bouvier’s 1953 Portrait
Jackie and JFK, radiant outdoors in 1953—her iconic dress and veil set new American trends for generations of brides.
Modern Dutch Royalty: Princess Margriet’s 1967 Wedding
Princess Margriet’s 1967 wedding radiates royal sophistication—strikingly minimalist lines and a subtle embrace of contemporary Dutch style.
White House Lace: Tricia Nixon’s 1971 Gown
White House weddings shine through the decades. Tricia Nixon’s 1971 gown is a perfect blend of tradition and early-70s romance.
Boho Beginnings: John David Nissley Bride, 70s
The relaxed spirit of the 1970s shines through John David Nissley’s wedding—a moment of personal style and gentle rebellion.
Royalty on Parade: Diana and Charles Tie the Knot
The 1981 royal wedding of Diana and Charles—broadcast worldwide—defined fairy-tale fashion with extravagant sleeves and a legendary train.
Bride in Soviet Moldova: A Balti Wedding
A candid 1985 wedding from Balti, Moldova, reflects both local tradition and universal joy—bridal fashion adapting behind the Iron Curtain.
Jazz, Cathedrals, Limousines: New Orleans, 80s
A 1988 bride sparkles before St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans—white satin, big bows, and a classic limousine for a Southern celebration.
Polaroid to Proof: A Snapshot of 1990 Nuptials
Neon colors may reign at the reception, but the 1990 wedding photo preserves timeless vows and fun, lively 90s style details.
Full Skirts and Fanciful Trains: 1994 Wedding Gown Magic
The 1994 bride wears a voluminous gown with a swooping train, pulling together opulent fabrics and classic 90s chic.
Tulle for Two: Wedding Gowns, 90s
A duo of 1996 gowns brings matching veils and gentle sparkle—reflecting trends from fashion runways to neighborhood chapels.
Belles of the Bayou: Crinolines Return in 2005 New Orleans
A 2005 bride in New Orleans dons a dramatic crinoline skirt, bold and billowing, perfect for a city known for pageantry.
Modern Glam: A Berta Wedding Dress
Luxury meets contemporary fashion in this 2013 Berta dress—illusion lace, contour-hugging fit, and sheer panels steal the spotlight.
Garden Romance: Arboretum Bride
A North Carolina Arboretum bride, surrounded by floral splendor in 2016, fuses natural beauty with classic elegance.
Riverwalk Reverie: Chicago Bride in the City’s Heart
The modern Chicago Riverwalk bride in 2022 shows how wedding style reflects city chic—tailored and urban yet deeply personal.
