The Heiress's Wedding: Why Sofia Richie's Nuptials Are A Cultural Sensation

Sofia Richie's wedding to British music executive Elliot Grainge was a big deal for several reasons. Firstly, the couple's nuptials took place at the exclusive Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France, with a slew of A-list guests in attendance, including Cameron Diaz, Paris Hilton, and Nicole Richie. Secondly, the bride wore three custom Chanel gowns throughout the weekend, each with unique and sentimental details. Thirdly, the wedding incorporated several special touches, such as a surprise performance by singer Stephen Sanchez and a traditional Jewish ceremony, which paid homage to the couple's cultural background. Finally, Sofia's father, legendary singer Lionel Richie, walked her down the aisle and performed two of his hit songs during the newlyweds' first dance. With all these elements combined, it's no wonder that Sofia Richie's wedding generated so much buzz and became one of the most talked-about weddings of 2023.

Sofia Richie wore three custom Chanel gowns

Sofia Richie's wedding to Elliot Grainge in April 2023 was a highly anticipated event that soon became one of the most talked-about weddings of the year. Richie wore three custom Chanel gowns over the course of the wedding weekend, each one fit for a fairy-tale wedding and embodying the classic elegance and femininity that Chanel is known for.

The first gown was for the rehearsal dinner, held at a private estate the night before the wedding. This dress was long-sleeved and ankle-length, with a high neck and a fringed overlay skirt, and was covered in beautiful white beading. The dress was inspired by a gown worn by Stella Tennant for the Chanel couture fall 1997 show. Richie paired the dress with an updo to avoid her hair getting caught in the intricate beading. She also opted for a ""super simple and clean" makeup look.

The second gown was for the ceremony and was another beaded ensemble with a high neckline. This dress was inspired by a look from Chanel's Fall 2023 collection but was adapted with bridal details and special touches. It featured a criss-cross neckline, scalloped edges, and white and iridescent beading embellishments. The gown included a monogrammed "S&E" and the wedding date sewn into the inside as her "something blue", as well as a romantic hidden motif of two facing hearts symbolising the couple's union.

The third and final gown was for the after-party and was a fun, flirty, and short white dress with the iconic Chanel camellia flower in 3D in the middle. This dress was inspired by a Claudia Schiffer corset dress from the early '90s. Richie paired the dress with low-heeled white shoes, perfect for dancing the night away.

Richie's collaboration with Chanel on her wedding gowns was a dream come true for the bride, who gushed about the experience: "Working with Chanel was not only an honour but a true dream of mine... It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

The guest list included celebrities like Cameron Diaz and Paris Hilton

Sofia Richie's wedding to Elliot Grainge was a star-studded affair, with celebrities flying in from Los Angeles and London to Antibes, France, to celebrate the couple's nuptials. The guest list included A-listers like Cameron Diaz and her husband, Benji Madden, Paris Hilton and her husband, Carter Reum, and beauty influencer Marianna Hewitt.

Diaz attended the wedding with her husband, Benji Madden, who is the twin brother of Joel Madden, the husband of Richie's sister, Nicole Richie. Joel Madden is the lead vocalist of Good Charlotte, and both brothers are part of the rock band. Paris Hilton, a longtime friend of the Richie family, attended the wedding with her husband, Carter Reum. Hilton took to Instagram to share photos from the wedding, giving fans a glimpse into the lavish celebration.

Other notable guests included model Talita von Furstenberg, TikTok star Jake Shane, Princess Olympia of Greece, and Lionel Richie's longtime girlfriend, Lisa Parigi. Richie's parents, Lionel Richie and Diane Alexander, were also in attendance, with Lionel proudly walking his daughter down the aisle.

The presence of these celebrities at the wedding added to the glamour and excitement of the event, which was dubbed by some as the "wedding of the year." The guest list reflected the couple's prestigious social circle and further contributed to the viral popularity of the wedding, with photos and videos shared on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Her father, Lionel Richie, walked her down the aisle and performed at the reception

Sofia Richie's wedding was a big deal for several reasons, and one of the most heartwarming aspects was the involvement of her father, legendary singer Lionel Richie. The proud father not only walked his daughter down the aisle but also performed at the reception, making it a truly memorable family affair.

Lionel Richie, the "All Night Long" singer, escorted his youngest daughter, Sofia, down the aisle as she married music executive Elliot Grainge. The wedding took place at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France, and the father-daughter duo danced to "My Girl" at the reception as the crowd joined in. In a video posted to Sofia's TikTok, Lionel can be heard saying, "That's my kid," showcasing his love and pride for his daughter.

Lionel's performance at the reception included two of his daughter's favourite songs, "Hello" and "Stuck on You." Sofia shared that "Stuck on You" had always been her dream song for her first dance, and her father's surprise performance of "Hello" had the whole room singing along. The father of the bride's performance added a personal and sentimental touch to the celebration.

The wedding, which took place in April 2023, was a star-studded event with guests like Cameron Diaz, Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, and Joel Madden. The guest list included close friends and family, creating an intimate atmosphere despite the glamour and fame associated with the Richies.

Lionel Richie's involvement in his daughter's wedding extended beyond walking her down the aisle and performing at the reception. He also publicly gave his approval of the groom, Elliot Grainge, in an interview with Access Hollywood shortly after the couple's engagement was announced. Lionel shared that he had known Elliot since he was a child and expressed his happiness for the couple, saying, "they're deeply in love, so all I can say is, that's what you really want as a dad."

The bond between Sofia Richie and her father, Lionel Richie, was evident throughout the wedding festivities, and his performance at the reception will forever be cherished by the couple and their loved ones.

The wedding was held at the exclusive Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France

The wedding of Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge was held at the exclusive Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France. The luxurious hotel is renowned for its refined luxury, restaurants, and glittering settings overlooking the azure sea. The hotel boasts 117 rooms with views of the sea and the private parkland, with its swaying pines and Riviera palms. The magical setting and impeccable service provided by the staff make it a sought-after destination for weddings and special occasions.

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has a rich history, dating back to its opening as a grand hotel in 1870. It was built by the proprietor of Le Figaro, when it was the world's biggest-selling newspaper. The hotel is now part of Germany's Oetker Collection, which includes other prestigious properties such as Le Bristol in Paris and Brenners in Baden-Baden. The Eden-Roc wing was added in 1914 as a waterside tearoom, and during World War I, it served as a Red Cross hospital. The general manager envisioned a summer season for the hotel and had a large heated saltwater pool blasted out of the headland.

The hotel's rooms are comfortable and old-fashioned, with pale marble bathrooms. However, it is the views, the atmosphere, and the attention to detail that make it stand out. The hotel offers a range of suites, including the Classic Two Fountains Room, Eden-Roc Junior Suite, and Terrace One Bedroom Suite. The property also features a spa, fitness center, indoor play area for children, and business center.

The Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc is located on a 22-acre peninsula, with rose gardens and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. It provides the perfect backdrop for a fairy-tale wedding, offering both privacy and elegance. The hotel's dress code adds to the sense of occasion, ensuring that guests feel part of the historic hotel's timeless elegance.

The wedding of Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc was a star-studded affair, with celebrities such as Cameron Diaz, Benji Madden, Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, and Joel Madden in attendance. The bride's father, singer Lionel Richie, walked her down the aisle, and the couple exchanged vows in a traditional Jewish ceremony officiated by Rabbi Thomas Solomon. The wedding festivities included a rehearsal dinner, the ceremony, and an after-party, with the bride wearing a trio of custom gowns designed by Chanel.

Richie's TikTok and Instagram posts gave fans an inside look at the festivities

Sofia Richie's TikTok and Instagram posts gave fans an inside look at the festivities, with the influencer herself coining the term "quiet luxury" to describe her nuptials. Richie's real-time, behind-the-scenes content offered an intimate glimpse into the lavish celebration, from the pre-wedding preparations to the excitement of the big day itself.

In the days leading up to her wedding, Richie shared a series of posts on Instagram, showcasing her trendy bridal attire, including white skirts, dresses, and matching sets. She also posted a video on TikTok, giving fans a sneak peek at her wedding prep and revealing that the festivities would kick off with a pool day to spend time with loved ones who had already arrived in the South of France.

On the day of the wedding, Richie continued to document the celebrations on TikTok, sharing a "get ready with me" video where she solicited opinions from viewers for her final look. She also posted footage of her walking down the aisle, her father proudly pointing at her and saying, "My kid", and the two later dancing to "My Girl". The after-party saw a performance by Good Charlotte, with guests screaming along to "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous".

Richie's social media posts humanised her into a likable girl-next-door figure, and viewers couldn't help but enjoy the intimate glimpse into her life, with many commenting that they had become "'obsessed'" with her. The combination of authenticity and glamour earned Richie the title of "the people's princess" and "the new 'it girl' of TikTok".

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