Today, we pay tribute to the life of Elizabeth Taylor (February 27, 1932 – March 23, 2011).  Married 8 times to 7 men, Ms. Taylor was not a stranger to weddings.  She may not have found her one true love but she will forever be an icon in the bridal fashion world.

Marriage One: Conrad “Nicky” Hilton (6 May 1950 – 29 January 1951) (divorced)

From Love Tripper: Hollywood tabloids had already breathlessly reported on the star’s four carat diamond engagement ring, and now thousands of fans flocked outside the church to catch a glimpse of the actress in her bridal attire. Elizabeth emerged from the limosine in a creation by MGM studio designer Helen Rose– a white satin confection embellished with seed pearls and beading which had taken a number of workers two months to complete. A sweetheart neckline was covered with a chiffon overlay to reveal just a hint of decolletage [cleavage!]. A three-quarter length veil was attached to a cap garnished with pearls combined with a pearl tiara. To complete the all-white motif, the bride carried a bouquet of white orchids.

Marriage Two: Michael Wilding (21 February 1952 – 26 January 1957) (divorced)

Elizabeth’s second trip down the aisle was not quite as traditional and far more subdued than the first go round.  Yet, she is just as stunning in her 3/4 length sleeves, low neckline, delicate gloves, pearl necklace  and a small spray of flowers.  In exchange for the veil, she has simple flowers in her hair still indicating that she is the bride!

Marriage Three: Michael Todd (2 February 1957 – 22 March 1958) (widowed)

Out of all of Elizabeth’s bridal looks, this one is my favorite.  Of course, I have SEARCHED high and low for the designer information and have yet to find it.  If anyone cares to share, please do so!

Liz married movie producer Mike Todd in February, 1957 in Acapulco only 3 days after her divorce from Michael Wilding. Todd was 24 years her senior, but Taylor acknowledges that of all her marriages, this, although tempestuous, was her happiest.  On 22 March 1958, Todd’s private plane, Lucky Liz, crashed near Grants, New Mexico. The marriage had lasted 418 days. (squidoo.com)

Marriage Four: Eddie Fisher (12 May 1959 – 6 March 1964) (divorced)

It wasn’t long before Elizabeth fell in love again, however, this time with entertainer Eddie Fisher. The pair were married just over a year after she became a widow. When it began the romance caused a scandal, as Eddie was wed to Singin’ In The Rain star Debbie Reynolds at the time, earning Elizabeth a reputation as a man-stealer. (Hello Magazine)

Elizabeth wore a sheer draped emerald green dress with cascading bouquet.

Marriage Five: Richard Burton (15 March 1964 – 26 June 1974) (divorced)

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton had a long, and somewhat torrid romance, which ended in divorce, not once but twice.  The wedding was just nine days after her marriage to Eddie Fisher ended.
For the first wedding, Elizabeth wore an empire-style chiffon gown in daffodil yellow for her wedding to Richard. She finished the look off with the emerald and diamond brooch presented to her by her husband. In her hair, the award-winning star wore lilies of the valley and white hyacinths.

Marriage Six: Richard Burton (10 October 1975 – 29 July 1976) (divorced)

The second marriage of Richard and Elizabeth took place on October 10, 1975 in the Chobe National Park in Kasane, Botswana, Africa. The officiant at their wedding was an African district Commissioner from the Tswana tribe.
Elizabeth wore green with lace frills and guinea fowl feathers, while her husband dressed in a red shirt, white trousers and red socks for the simple 20-minute ceremony held in the remote village of Kasane, Botswana.

Marriage Seven: John Warner (4 December 1976 – 7 November 1982) (divorced)

When they announced their wedding, the press mocked her, but friends (including his ex Barbara Walters) supported their union. Friends said he was dull, but just what she needed.  Apparently, being the wife of a public political figure. She was told to cut back on all the frank talk about her personal life, sexy dress, and ostentatious jewelry. At first she embraced the position, but eventually it became to restrictive to be the good, quiet wife of a politician. She cursed at photographers, drank, and spoke freely. (Blogger of the Bride)

I could not find a photograph from their wedding but I settled for this one.

Marriage Eight: Larry Fortensky (6 October 1991 – 31 October 1996) (divorced)

She met the construction worker while both were in rehab at Betty Ford and wed him despite skepticism that a love affair between a blue-collar guy and Hollywood royalty would last. It did — for several years. This was Taylor’s last try at wedded bliss.  She wore a custom Valentino gown for this 2 million dollar affair.  Michael Jackson walked her down the aisle at his Neverland Ranch.

RIP Dame Elizabeth Taylor

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