October 20 & 22, 2005
Naarden, Netherlands
The youngest of Princess Margriet of the Netherlands and Pieter van Vollenhoven's four sons was the last to marry, and his nuptials came just a couple of months after those of his brother Prince Pieter-Christiaan, their engagements having been announced at the same time. (This is the last of the four weddings to be covered here, see previously: Maurits and Marilène, Bernhard and Annette, Pieter-Christiaan and Anita.) Floris met Aimée Söhngen while both were studying at Leiden University.
Video: The civil and religious weddings
In a way, her dress for the church ceremony two days later also has a retro feel. It reminds me of multiple royal wedding gowns from days gone by with its unadorned body, high and simple neckline, long sleeves, and luxurious thick fabric (silk Mikado, in this case). A slim skirt rests underneath an overskirt that splits from the front of the waist and extends back to a wide long train. The dress does have a tendency to look stiff in certain poses, but that happens sometimes with heavier fabrics (this is the same type of fabric used by Valentino to create Máxima Zorreguieta's gown). Aimée finished the look with a veil sprinkled with pearls, and - like the rest of the van Vollenhoven brides - she donned the Ears of Wheat Tiara from the Dutch family collection.
What do you think: too simple, or just simple enough?
Photos: ANP/Het Koninklijk Huis/RVD/DPA