The wedding of Alejandro Santo Domingo and Lady Charlotte Wellesley on May 28, 2016, transformed the small Spanish municipality of Íllora into a focal point for international aristocracy and high finance. As reported by ¡Hola!, the ceremony held at the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación drew a guest list that included King Juan Carlos, the current Queen Camilla, model Eva Herzigova, and musician James Blunt.
The Wedding at La Torre
Following the religious ceremony, the wedding party moved to La Torre, the Andalusian estate owned by the bride’s family. The union brought together Alejandro Santo Domingo, a New York-raised businessman and philanthropist of Colombian descent, and Lady Charlotte Wellesley, daughter of the dukes of Wellington. The event was notable for its concentration of global elites and members of European royalty, serving as a significant social landmark in the region of Granada.
Tatiana Santo Domingo and the Evolution of Wedding Attire
One of the most discussed stylistic choices from the event involved Tatiana Santo Domingo. Her decision to wear black—a color historically associated with mourning and traditionally discouraged by wedding protocol—drew attention at the time.
She wore a long silk chiffon skirt by Giambattista Valli featuring a floral print, paired with a black, slightly oversized short-sleeved t-shirt accented with lace. She completed the look with red strappy sandals, which served as a color contrast.
Designer Juan Avellaneda noted to ¡Hola! that the perception of black at weddings has transformed in recent decades, gaining popularity for its "timeless elegance" and its frequent appearance in haute couture. Carmen de la Puerta, founder of Vogana, added that while white wedding gowns—popularized by Queen Victoria in 1840—remain the standard for brides, black is now widely accepted for evening wedding guests.
High-Profile Guests Attend Wedding in Íllora
Who were the prominent guests at the wedding in Íllora?
The guest list featured high-profile international figures, including King Juan Carlos, Queen Camilla, model Eva Herzigova, and singer James Blunt, who attended with his wife, Sofia Wellesley.
Why was Tatiana Santo Domingo’s outfit considered unconventional?
At the time of the 2016 wedding, wearing black to a marriage ceremony was often discouraged due to its traditional association with mourning. Her choice was noted for breaking this informal etiquette while maintaining a personal, bohemian style.
How has wedding guest etiquette changed regarding the color black?
According to industry experts like Juan Avellaneda and Carmen de la Puerta, black has transitioned into a modern, chic choice for afternoon and evening weddings. Styling advice now suggests pairing black garments with colorful, metallic, or bright accessories to provide personality and visual contrast.
Worth a look