My marriage to Joseph was the happiest day of my life. You can see my joy in my face and eyes. Joseph arranged for such a lovely wedding for me. He wanted me to have it. We had a long-distance courtship, with Joseph living in Los Angeles and I in London.

I picked out my clothing and accessories in London, with the help of dear friends, Josephine and Peter, who owned a clothing store in Knightsbridge, London called A la Mode. http://london.unchainedguide.com/shop/a-la-mode/

My dress was made by Antony Price, a dress designer, who currently designs for Camilla Parker-Bowles, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles’ wife. (http://www.antonyprice.com) He had some exquisite lace which I fell in love with. He took all my measurements and fitted a linen pattern for my dress. Antony gave me a sample of this beautiful lace for my headdress which was made by Philip Treacy. When I went to Philip’s beautiful studio in Belgravia, his Jack Russell called Piggy because of his pinkish skin and black spots kept a watchful eye on the planning. Phillip still designs fantastic hats in London. http://www.philiptreacy.co.uk/

I went to Jimmy Choo for my shoes, which were custom made. We chose an off-white grosgrain with pointed toes, a curved back, and kitten heels. I still have these beautiful shoes. Jimmy has also become very famous. His designs were often featured in the Sex and the City television show and movies and are worn by actresses and socialites all over the world. http://www.jimmychoo.com

There is nothing like the couture experience Everything was made especially for me, to my specific measurements, and fabric choices. It was so wonderful. All three designers have gone on to be very famous. Many years later, my daughter, Chantel, wore my head dress for her wedding. All she had to do was add a new veil

My son Jamie walked me down the aisle. He wanted to race, I wanted to walk slowly to take everything in, to observe everyone, and keep these visions in my memory forever. I didn’t want to miss even a moment of that day. I was myself, the bride, and yet there was also a part of me that was an observer. As I walked down the aisle, I heard Dusty Fleming, a flamboyant friend of mine, say “Oh my goodness, she’s poured herself into that dress.”

The dress was close-fitted, as you can see, but not in a vulgar way. The funny thing was that three days before the wedding, I tried the dress on and couldn’t zip it up! Panic! Horror! I lived on Saltines and bouillon until the wedding and it zipped up. Halleluiah!

A quartet played lovely music. The Bel-Air is the most romantic hotel ever; the grounds are simply spectacular. We loved the lake and the symbolism of the swans, which mate for life. As you can see from the pictures, there were masses of white roses surrounding us. I am so happy now that I was determined to remember every aspect of my wedding. It was an idyllic, beautiful day which I shall remember forever.