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Puppy love: Our pawfect wedding!

Puppy love: Our pawfect wedding!

Lola the terrier definitely wasn’t barking up the wrong tree when she wed her ideal mate Mugly.

Guests murmured with excitement as the harpist struck up the wedding march. And as the bride appeared at the top of the aisle, they were awestruck by her beautiful white dress. Adorned with some 1800 Swarovski crystals, the glamorous gown was worth about $1500. She looked radiant.

However, this was no ordinary wedding. The extravagant affair was to celebrate the wedding of Lola, a six-year-old Yorkshire terrier, and Mugly, a Chinese crested dog!

The doggie duo met when Lola’s owner, Louise Harris, 32, ran an online competition to find her pooch a partner, because she suspected her pet was lonely. Louise received hundreds of responses, but following a series of dates with a shortlist of mutts, it was clear Lola and Mugly were meant for each other.

“They do say opposites attract and they played happily together all day,” Louise says. “I thought he was the perfect husband for Lola.”

The wedding took three months to plan and was set in the lavish grounds of a mansion, while the reception was held in a marquee embellished with balloons, decorations and flowers costing more than $6000. Lola’s siblings, Lulu, 4, and Larry, 2, were bridesmaid and page boy, dressed in a dazzling dress and tuxedo. The groom wore a simple black tuxedo bought on eBay by his owner, Bev Nicholson, 47.

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MasterChef’s Matt Moran is a country boy!

MasterChef's Matt Moran is a country boy!

As he hits our screens as the hottest MasterChef sensation, the new judge takes us home to his beloved farm to meet the family.

Matt Moran might be the newest judge on MasterChef, but away from the TV studio he is still a country boy – happiest at home tending to the family farm with his father, and passing a bucketload of Moran family wisdom down to his own son.

Matt started out as a celebrity chef on the original MasterChef, but since then his skyrocketing popularity has made him a fan favourite and ultimately led producers to add him to the new series as a permanent judge, alongside Matt Preston, George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan.

“I thought I would be the Mr Nice Guy judge,” the unassuming foodie laughs, ahead of the third instalment of the program. “But I’ve found I can be pretty harsh! We have high standards because the skill level has gone up this season and the contestants are much more serious about the show. They’re better cooks than last season and the season before.”

Matt says his down-to-earth nature, honesty and high standards are a direct result of the lessons he learned from his dad growing up on family farms – the latest of which is Green Hills where Woman’s Day visits Matt ahead of him hitting our TV screens.

“Country boys tend to be good workers,” Matt laughs when we catch him in the garden picking beans for us to taste. “There’s been farming in my family for five generations so to me this farm is something special.”

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Kate Middleton’s dress revealed!

The wait is over, Kate Middleton has arrived at Westminster Abbey wearing a stunning gown designed by Sarah Burton head of fashion label Alexander McQueen.

The beautifully simple dress had an intricately designed lace bodice with a delicately detailed V-neckline and long lace sleeves.

Kate’s hair was worn down, softly pushed away from her face with drop diamond earrings. A tiara with lace veil attached completed her elegant princess bride look.

Kate’s shoes were hand made by Alexander McQueen from ivory duchesse satin.

Kate’s sister Pippa Middleton and maid of honor wore a figure hugging white dress with scoop neckline and button detail on the back.

Don’t miss the special Woman’s Day royal issue on sale Sunday May 1, 2011!

Kate Middleton.

Kate Middleton.

Kate Middleton.

Kate Middleton.

Kate Middleton.

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Royal Wedding guests arrive

Wedding guests have begun to take their seats at Westminster Abbey as the long awaited wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton gets under way.

The guest list includes 1600 of fellow royals, dignitaries and the couple’s closest friends including Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe, David and Victoria Beckham and Elton John.

Prince William is set to arrive at 10.10am (7.10pm AEST) with Kate arriving 11am (8pm AEST).

Ian Thorpe arrives at the Royal Wedding.

Tara Palmer Tomkinson, is a friend of The Prince of Wales and his family.

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

Elton John and his partner David Furnish.

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Catherine Middleton channels Grace Kelly

Catherine Middleton channels Grace Kelly

Catherine Middleton and Grace Kelly on their wedding days

Catherine Middleton’s Alexander McQueen wedding dress bears a striking resemblance to the dress Grace Kelly wore on her wedding day in 1956 to Rainier III, Prince of Monaco.

The lace decorated upper bodice and high neck of Princess Grace’s wedding gown was a modest choice for an actress who could no longer have any doubt cast on her suitability as a royal bride and princess.

In pictures: The Weekly’s favourite royal wedding covers

Princess Catherine worked closely with Alexander McQueen designer Sarah Burton in formulating the design of her dress, and may have used Princess Grace as reference for her choice of a similar long sleeved, lace dress with an ivory satin bodice, narrowed at the waist and padded at the hips.

Catherine’s dress is, like that of the late Grace Kelly, the epitome of timeless elegance and will cement her style icon status.

Related: Get the latest royal wedding news here

The special royal wedding commemorative issue of the magazine will be on sale Wednesday, May 4, featuring all the photos and unrivalled coverage.

Your say: What do you think about Kate’s dress?

Video: Guests arrive at Westminster Abbey

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Catherine Middleton’s Alexander McQueen dress

Catherine Middleton wears Alexander McQueen dress

Catherine Middleton arrives at Westminster Abbey

The world thought they had Catherine Middleton figured out. Sensible Catherine, the pretty girl next door, usually accused of being demure, boring and mumsy, with little interest in fashion, was going to wear Alexander McQueen and give the world a little bit of that untouchable royal glamour we all secretly crave.

And as she stepped out of the Rolls Royce, there was a collective gasp from the one- million people crowded around Westminster Abbey. Squeals and spontaneous applause erupted in the Weekly office.

In pictures: The Weekly’s favourite royal wedding covers

Her glossy signature blow-dried hair is half up, half down, and set in luscious curls. The much anticipated dress is a long sleeved, delicate French Chantilly lace dress, designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen, with a plunging neckline and full skirt. Her veil, held by a simple Cartier tiara, is made of layers of soft, ivory silk tulle. She looks like a modern day Grace Kelly.

In an era when every outfit of the famous is forensically analysed, her wedding gown sends a thousand messages about who Catherine Middleton is, and what kind of princess she will become. It both mirrors and set the trends of today. Elegant, sleek, modern. Absolutely timeless.

If the blue Issa dress she wore to announce her engagement (a world-wide sell out in 24 hours, sparking an online stampede when the Tesco knock-off was released) is anything to go by, every bride-to-be will be soon want the ‘Catherine Middleton’. A modern day princess from humble beginnings — the stuff of fairytales.

Related: Get the latest royal wedding news here

The special royal wedding commemorative issue of the magazine will be on sale Wednesday, May 4, featuring all the photos and unrivalled coverage.

Your say: Who do you think is best dressed so far?

Video: Guests arrive at Westminster Abbey

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Best dressed royal wedding guests

Best dressed royal wedding guests

David and Victoria Beckham arrive at the royal wedding

As the world waits for Catherine Middleton to step out of the State Landau carriage, our eyes are fixed firmly on the red carpet arrivals of the leading-lady guests, giddy with questions like, “Which royal will wear the most eccentric outfit? Will anyone break tradition and avoid a hat? What will the mother-of-the-bride-choose? Will Julia Gillard do us proud?”

Guests are gathering in an orderly queue compiled of smart suits, pretty pastels and fabulous head gear. Thankfully, colourful splashes of teal, fuchsia and yellow far outweigh a few beige smatterings.

In pictures: The Weekly’s favourite royal wedding covers

Prince Harry’s girlfriend Chelsy Davy is wearing one of her two custom-made Alberta Ferretti dresses for the occasion, an aqua green classic boat-necked dress, teamed with am understated beige hat.

Victoria Beckham glided in wearing a classic little navy dress from her own label, along with a matching pillbox Philip Treacy hat and a slick ponytail, while David looked dashingly handsome in Ralph Lauren. Simple and chic. Best dressed of the day perhaps?

Elton John added his own twist on a formal tailed tuxedo — a purple tie and yellow vest. Just the right amount of quirk.

Our own Julia Gillard turned up in one of her signature jackets (Carla Zampatti, of course) over a navy shift dress. Her hair is pulled back, her make-up fresh and she’s added a nice touch of sparkle in her ears. Even her matching navy mesh hat is a lovely understated touch.

Samantha Cameron, Britain’s own political fashionista, was supposed to be wearing Christopher Kane. Instead she’s opted for a teal green (much like Chelsy’s) cap sleeved shift dress by English fashion house Burberry. Her statement necklace in contrasting orange turned the dress from dowdy to elegantly modern.

Mother-of-the-bride, Carole Middleton, looks lovely in an oyster coloured knee-length dress with a matching clean-lined, soft overcoat, and wide-brimmed hat. While she was supposed to be dressed in the family’s favoured designer Alice Temperley, this Catherine Walker design is minimalism at its best.

The queen arrived to Beatle-mania screams from the crowd, looking utterly divine in canary yellow, her Philip Treacy top hat decorated with a posy of delicate yellow flowers , while Camilla Parker Bowles is wearing Anna Valentine, the same designer who made her wedding dress.

Pippa Middleton, Catherine’s sister and maid-of-honour arrived just before the bride in a dress also designed and created by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen. In a white, simple, slender, ivory satin dress, she looked nearly as breathtaking as the bride.

Related: Get the latest royal wedding news here

The special royal wedding commemorative issue of the magazine will be on sale Wednesday, May 4, featuring all the photos and unrivalled coverage.

Your say: Who do you think is best dressed so far?

Video: Guests arrive at Westminster Abbey

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The Weekly’s live royal wedding blog

The making of Kate Middleton's wedding dress

Prince William and Catherine Middleton travel from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace

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The Weekly will be live blogging all the action from the wedding Prince William and Catherine Middleton. Keep refreshing this page to get all the latest updates.

10.30pm: Two kisses! And they both blushed afterwards! William and Catherine have gone inside Buckingham Palace now. They will enjoy their wedding breakfast, then return to St James’ Palace for some private time. Later tonight, 300 friends will join them for dinner and dancing. The disco is expected to last until 6am! The Weekly wishes the new duke and duchess the best!

10.23pm: Cameras are zooming in on the balcony! It’s almost time!!

9.51pm: William and Catherine will now have one hour for photographs before coming out onto the balcony at Buckingham Palace for that much-anticipated kiss.

9.24pm: Prince William and Catherine have arrived at Buckingham Palace for their wedding breakfast.

9.19pm: William and Kate are holding hands as they ride in their carriage to the wedding breakfast.

9.10pm: The new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have just got into their open carriage. They look so happy!

9.05pm: William and Kate are walking back up the aisle. They can’t stop smiling!

9.04pm: Kate and William are signing the wedding register.

8.27pm: Kate and William have exchanged their vows. Kate’s younger brother James has given a reading.

8.12pm: Kate is wearing a Cartier tiara. It has been loaned to her by the queen, who received it as an 18th birthday present. Pippa’s dress is also Alexander McQueen.

8.08pm: Kate has met William at the altar. His first words were “You look incredible”.

8.01pm: The bride is walking up the aisle on her father Michael’s arm.

8.01pm: Catherine has arrived at the abbey. She is wearing Alexander McQueen.

7.56pm: Pippa Middleton has arrived. She is wearing a cowl-neck fish-tail white lace gown.

7.52pm: Catherine and her father have left the Goring Hotel. Kate is wearing a white lace dress with long sleeves and a deep v-neck. The dress has a long train, but not much of it is on display.

7.49pm: The queen has arrived at Westminster Abbey to wild cheers. She walked straight inside and is chatting to Prince Charles and Camilla.

7.47pm: Pippa Middleton, Catherine’s sister and maid of honour, is on her way to the abbey. She appears to be wearing a white lace dress.

7.44pm: Camilla is wearing a champagne dress and jacket by Anna Valentine, the same designer who created her wedding dress when she married Prince Charles.

7.44pm: The page boys and flower girls are getting into their car to head to the abbey.

7.43pm: Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip have left Buckingham Palace. The queen is wearing canary yellow.

7.38pm: Prince Charles and Camilla have left Buckingham Palace.

7.35pm: Carole Middleton and her son James have arrived at Westminster Abbey.

7.30pm: Foreign royals and members of the British royal family have left Buckingham Palace in a series of coaches.

7.21pm: Catherine’s mother Carole and brother James have left the Goring Hotel.

7.21pm: William is greeting guests as her walks up the aisle.

7.17pm: Prince William and Prince Harry are walking into the abbey. William can’t stop fidgeting – nerves?

7.15pm: Prince William and Prince Harry have arrived at the abbey.

7.13pm: The princes are waving to screaming crowds as they make their way to the abbey, where William will spend time in seclusion chatting to Harry before Catherine arrives.

7.13pm: Prince William and Prince Harry have left Clarence House on their way to the abbey.

7.05pm: Clarence House has announced what Kate’s mother Carole Middleton is wearing. She will don: “a sky blue wool crepe coatdress with matching satin piping and passementerie at the waist and cuff over a sky blue silk shantung ‘Sydney’ day dress with short pleated sleeves and pleated pockets.” The dress and coatdress are by Catherine Walker. Carole’s hat is by Berkshire-based Jane Corbett.

6.58pm: Prince William and Prince Harry are due to arrive at the abbey in the next 15 minutes.

6.55pm: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has arrived with her partner Tim Mathieson. She is wearing a blue dress and a silvery grey jacket by Australian designer Carla Zampatti, accessorised with a blue hat.

6.48pm: Elton John and his partner David Furnish have arrived. The pop singer is wearing a purple tie and a yellow vest with tails.

6.48pm: British film director (and Madonna’s ex-husband) has arrived with an unknown woman in a leopard print dress.

6.45pm: British Prime Minister David Cameron has arrived. He is tails. His wife Samantha Cameron is a tight green Burberry dress.

6.43pm: Catherine Middleton’s brother has arrived at the Goring Hotel, where Catherine, her sister Pippa and her mother Carole spent last night.

6.37pm: British comedian Rowan Atkinson has arrived, as has Princess Diana’s brother Earl Spencer.

6.20pm: Soccer player David Beckham is wearing a navy Ralph Lauren suit (but he has his medal on the wrong side of his jacket!). His wife Victoria is wearing a flowing navy dress of her own design and a pillbox Philip Treacy hat.

6.18pm: David and Victoria Beckham and Ian Thorpe have just arrived at Westminster Abbey.

6.10pm: A lot of guests seem to have ignored the rules about wearing white. Several women have donned white or cream numbers, which were strictly banned in the royal wedding rule booklet that was sent out earlier this month.

6.05pm: Prince Harry’s on/off girlfriend Chelsy Davy has just arrived. She looks stunning in a green boat-neck Alberta Ferretti jacket and skirt. She is wearing her blonde hair in an elegant up-do with a biege hat.

5.56pm: Prince William and Prince Harry will leave their home Clarence House to head to the abbey in just over an hour.

5.55pm: The trees in Westminster Abbey look amazing. They were a specific request of Kate, who wanted the abbey to resemble an English country garden. The trees are from Prince Charles’ Gloucestershire estate Highgrove.

5.45pm: Julia Gillard and Quentin Bryce will arrive in about one hour. Elton John and David and Victoria Beckham are expected to arrive soon. David is tipped to wear Armani, while Victoria is expected to don one of her own designs.

5.40pm: Ladies so far seem to be favouring teals and pinks. Lots of big hats and gloves of course.

5.39pm: It has been confirmed that Prince William has chosen to wear the uniform of Colonel of the Irish Guards to his wedding. His brother and best man Prince Harry will wear the uniform of a Captain of the Household Cavalry (Blues and Royals).

5.35pm: The first of the 1900 guests are starting to arrive at Westminster Abbey.

5.25pm: Choral music is blasting from Westminster Abbey into the streets of London as crowds await the arrival of the first guests.

4.50pm: The Palace has announced that Prince William and Catherine Middleton will receive the titles of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge when they marry.

The special royal wedding commemorative issue of the magazine will be on sale Wednesday, May 4, featuring all the photos and unrivalled coverage.

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The recreation of Kate’s royal wedding dress

The recreation

Leading dress maker Karen Willis Holmes goes over images of Kate Middleton’s dress.

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The recreation

Slowly more and more images begin to come through of Kate’s dress which Karen will base her pattern on.

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The recreation

She discusses the design with her team of experts over dinner on Friday ngiht as the wedding is taking place.

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The recreation

Karen begins by putting together the patterns of the dress.

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The recreation

Karen talks over the design with some members of her team.

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The recreation

Altogether Karen’s team put in 130 man hours into recreating the dress over just one weekend.

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The recreation

Delicate French Chantilly lace was carefully cut to create the bodice of Kate’s dress.

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The recreation

Karen uses herself as the model for the lace bodice part of the dress.

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The recreation

Parts of the recreated dress are sewn by hand…

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The recreation

…while other parts are sewn by machine.

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The recreation

The skirt of the dress is put together in parts on a mannequin and it takes four team members to assemble it.

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The recreation

Karen puts the finishing touches on the skirt which has a lot of intricate detail and lace.

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The recreation

After 130 hours the satin and French Chantilly lace replica of Kate Middleton’s wedding dress is complete!

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Most shocking and stunning royal wedding hats

We take a look at the most stunning and shocking hats at the royal wedding!

Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II wore a bright yellow hat with flower detail to compliment her yellow suit.

Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice

The royal cousins of Prince William certainly made a statement with their head pieces!

Chelsy Davy

Chelsy Davy opted for a simple a delicate head piece.

Zara Phillips

Zara Phillips wears a sophisticated black hat with side detail.

Carole Middleton

New to the royal fashion scene, Carole Middleton successfully pulls off this pale blue number!

Lady Frederick Windsor

Lady Frederick Windsor wears a wide brimmed hat with her hair tightly pulled back.

Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham wears her head pieces on the front of her forehead with her hair slickly pulled back into a ponytail.

Sophie, Countess of Wessex

Sophie, Countess of Wessex wears a beige hat with flower detail.

Princess Anne

She seems to follow the lead of Princess Anne, who wears a purple hat with floral detail.

Princess Victoria of Sweden

Princess Victoria of Sweden kept her look sophisticated and simple with this bright orange wide brimmed hat.

Tara Palmer Tomkinson

Tara Palmer Tomkinson dresses in bright blue from head to toe, topping her look off with a flower detailed hat.

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