By On July 24, 2021, a breathtaking 17th-century Italian villa overlooking the city of Rome set the scene for the society wedding of the year.
Today marks the third wedding anniversary of Lady Kitty Spencer and Michael Lewis, who secretly welcomed a baby daughter last year.
Kitty, daughter of the late Princess Diana‘s brother, Earl Spencer, married South African businessman Michael in the enchanting gardens of Villa Aldobrandini in Frascati.
Her father was notably absent, as were her cousins Prince William and Prince Harry, whose weddings she attended in 2011 and 2018.
As a global ambassador for Dolce & Gabbana, Kitty’s wedding wardrobe – featuring five haute couture gowns – was designed by the Italian fashion house.
At the time, Domenico Dolce said: ‘She told us she had thought of us immediately, and we were very happy with that!’
Lady Kitty Spencer married Michael Lewis at Villa Aldobrandini, in Frascati, near Rome, on July 24, 2021
Kitty made her grand entrance in a Victorian-inspired ivory lace gown, incorporating a high neck, bustier-style bodice and puffed shoulders.
Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda division dedicated around six months to create the dress at their embroidery factory and Milan atelier, with just four fittings to perfect it.
‘They’ve been beautiful and emotional moments,’ Dolce noted. ‘One of the inspirations is definitely her love for Italy. Kitty is in love with our beautiful country and its rich history, art and culture.’
‘But she is also a girl who is very attached to her origins, to England; to her heritage of the great Victorian era. And like all the English people, she has a great passion for all kinds of flowers,’ Stefano Gabbana added.
Paying homage to her aristocratic lineage, Kitty’s gown was reminiscent of the Tomasz Starzewski creation worn by her mother, Victoria Lockwood, on her wedding day in 1989.
Crafted from French antique lace, Victoria’s dress also featured a high neck, padded shoulders and elaborate button detailing down the front.
However, unlike her mother and aunt Princess Diana, Kitty eschewed the Spencer Tiara.
She was escorted down the aisle by her brother Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp, and half-brother Samuel Aitken.
Paying homage to her aristocratic lineage, Kitty’s Dolce & Gabbana gown was reminiscent of the Tomasz Starzewski creation worn by her mother on her wedding day in 1989
Kitty swept her golden locks into a chignon and wore glamorous make-up
Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda division dedicated around six months to create the dress at their embroidery factory and Milan atelier, with just four fittings to perfect it
The bride was escorted down the aisle by her brother Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp, and half-brother Samuel Aitken
Kitty made her grand entrance in a Victorian-inspired ivory lace gown and Cathedral-style veil
The bride and groom held hands at the altar
South African businessman, Michael, complemented his wife’s outfit in a double-breasted white suit
A breathtaking 17th-century Italian villa, overlooking the city of Rome, set the scene for the society wedding of 2021
The tables were set with personalised serviettes, embroidered with the couple’s initials
The celebration included a sumptuous dinner, dancing, and a spectacular fireworks display
The newlyweds watched the fireworks from the balcony of Villa Aldobrandini
The evening before the main event, Kitty captivated guests in a blue tulle dress, featuring a corseted bodice, full skirt and floor-length cape embroidered with blooms
Kitty swept her hair into a chignon, adorned with flowers, and accessorised with an exquisite suite of jewels
Following the nuptials, the bride changed into a stunning silk ballgown, hand-painted with intricate florals
Kitty danced the night away in a sparkling beaded cocktail dress by Dolce & Gabbana
However, Kitty’s sisters Amelia and Eliza were present, along with Laura Pettman, the daughter of her aunt Lady Jane Fellowes, Viscountess Weymouth and designer Jade Holland Cooper.
The groom’s three grown-up children from his marriage to ex-wife Leola are also believed to have attended.
The celebration included a sumptuous dinner, dancing, and a spectacular fireworks display.
Over the lavish weekend, Kitty showcased a total of five exclusive dresses, each exuding glamour and sophistication.
The evening before the main event, she captivated guests in a blue tulle dress, featuring a corseted bodice, full skirt and floor-length cape embroidered with flowers.
She swept her golden locks into a chignon and accessorised with an exquisite suite of jewels.
Following the nuptials, the bride changed into a stunning silk ballgown, hand-painted with intricate blooms, and later danced the night away in a sparkling beaded cocktail dress.
On the third and final day of festivities, Kitty chose refined elegance, wearing an emerald silk dress embellished with sequins, ribbons and floral embroideries.
Lady Kitty and Michael met through mutual friends in 2018. He is the chairman of the Foschini Group, which owns British high street chains Whistles and Phase Eight.
The tycoon is believed to be worth £80million, with a £19million property in London and another home in his native South Africa – where Lady Kitty grew up after her father and mother divorced.
At the end of June this year, Kitty shared a photo of her daughter on Instagram, and revealed the child’s name is Athena.
