European High Society gathered to celebrate the Wedding of 31-year-old Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe-Langenburg and Fiat Heiress 15-year-old Princess Ira von Fürstenberg at the Chiesa di San Sebastiano in Venice on this day in 1955, 70 years ago!
Princess Virginia ‘Ira’ von Fürstenberg, daughter of Prince Tassilo von Fürstenberg, from the Austrian branch of the House of Fürstenberg, and FIAT Heiress Clara Agnelli, married Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, son of Prince Maximilian Egon zu Hohenlohe-Langenburg and the Marquesa de Belvís de las Navas from the Spanish branch of the House of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, at the Chiesa di San Sebastiano in Venice.
In the evening, a Ball was held for the newlywed Prince Alfonso and Princess Ira at the Villa Papadopoli in Venice.
The wedding dress was made from the famous french designer Jaques Griffe, a former student of Madeleine Vionnet. The hairdo was curated by Alexandre de Paris.
Focused on giving the final touches to the bride’s dress while she was already in the gondola, the hairdresser stumbled and fell clumsily into the canal. Being unable to swim, he was at risk of drowning. The sudden situation caused a moment of panic, but fortunately, he was promptly rescued and pulled to safety before the situation could worsen.
The Princess of Hohenlohe-Langenburg
Princess Beatrix of Hohenlohe-Langenburg
Prince Alfonso introduced the VW Beetle into Latin America and became known for his promotion of the Spanish resorts of Marbella and the Costa del Sol, with the couple living a glamorous life in the midst of the international jet set. The couple had two sons, Prince Christoph and Prince Hubertus, before their scandalous divorce in 1960. The following year, Princess Ira remarried to Brazilian playboy and Industrialist Francisco “Baby” Pignatari, divorcing three years later in 1964.
Bolin Ruby Tiara
Princess Alice’s Turquoise Coronet
Hohenlohe-Langenburg Amethyst Tiara
Fleur de Lys Tiara
Diamond and Pearl Tiara
Pearl and Diamond Floral Tiara
Douglas Floral Tiara
Diamond Rosette Tiara
Bavarian Sapphire Floral Tiara
Bavarian Lover’s Knot Tiara
Bavarian Ruby Tiara
Bavarian Sunburst Tiara
Bavarian Amethyst Parure
Prussian Meander Tiara
Prussian Sapphire Parure
Fabergé Tiara
Prussian Ruby Parure
Sapphire and Pearl Brooch
Hanoverian Floral Tiara
Brunswick Tiara
Hannover Diamond Necklace Tiara
Prussian Diamond Tiara
Queen Charlotte’s Nuptial Crown
Hanoverian Crown Pearls
Sapphire Tiara
Diamond Scroll Tiara
Württemberg Diamond Tiara
Ruby Tiara
Emerald Floral Tiara
Baden Sunburst Tiara
Baden Ruby Laurel Wreath Tiara
Thurn und Taxis Sapphire Tiara 
Emerald Tiara
Thurn und Taxis Ruby Tiara
Emerald and Ruby Choker
Sapphire Bow Brooch
Princess Olga’s Emerald Earrings
Hesse Emerald Brooch
Thurn und Taxis Tiaras
Saxe-Coburg and Gotha Turquoise Tiara
Duchess of Albany’s Diamond Necklace
Diamond Star
Saxe-Coburg and Gotha Diamond Tiara
Saxe-Coburg and Gotha Emerald Necklace Tiara
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