How does a fictional billionaire plan a wedding? With massive amounts of professional help, of course. Ahead of the release of the final film installment of the Fifty Shades franchise, The Knot went straight to the crew behind the movie to get key details about Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey’s intimate-but-lavish nuptials.
Get the exclusive first look at the couple’s ceremony, as well as other beautiful elements from the society affair in the video below. Then, check out the ingredients list, which encompasses everything from the maker behind Ana’s wedding dress (Monique Lhuillier) to the venue (a private country club), as well as the cake, the decor, and more.
The Dress
“Ana’s gown was designed by Monique Lhuillier,” lead costume designer Shay Cunliffe tells The Knot. “Monique created the wedding gown in her atelier in Los Angeles while we were filming in Vancouver.”
The partnership formed from Cunliffe’s appreciation of the bridal designer’s pieces. “Early on, I loved Monique Lhuillier’s clothes,” she says. “I spoke to the studio about my dream designer to collaborate on it.”
The end result was an off-the-shoulder, long-sleeve, lace, white wedding gown featuring back buttons. Stylists and beauty personnel swept Anastasia’s brunette tresses up into a chignon topped by a pretty hairpin.
(Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures)
The Groom’s Look
The tormented billionaire had a mix of designers contribute to his wedding day outfit. “He wore a Burberry tuxedo with custom made shirt,” associated costume designer Karin Nosella says. “[That was paired with an] Armani bow tie and Hugo Boss cuff links.”
The Florals
Props master David Dowling went with several bridal favorites to create a soft-yet-strong floral element. The bride’s bouquet was specifically comprised of peonies, blush roses and hydrangeas, Dowling says.
(Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures)
The Venue
Production designer Nelson Coates tells us that the ceremony was held in a wedding-appropriate venue. “It was actually a large, vaulted, wood-beamed, private country club,” Coates reveals. “And that was transformed for the wedding.”
The Vows
Beloved author E.L. James already provided the crew with a script for this scene. The vows, originally written by the franchise creator, was edited down for the screenplay by Niall Leonard.
(Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures)
The Lighting
Lights, camera, action! The set required 120 custom hanging light features made specifically for the wedding scene. That wasn’t the only incredible detail about these lights. Each was fabricated by hand in India.
The Decor
Eagle-eyed viewers will notice a gorgeous abundance of trees sweeping the venue itself. “These ‘wisteria’ trees were fabricated in Vancouver,” says Coates.
(Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures)
The Planning Process
The production designer also reveals that the massive endeavor required much time and effort—even before filming even started. “The bulk of the wedding scenery and decor was created over the course of three weeks,” he says. “And [it was] installed within the location in two days.”
When it came down to the actual filming itself? “That occurred over the course of one filming day,” Coates says.
(Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures)
Fifty Shades Freed, starring Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan, hits theaters on February 9, just ahead of Valentine’s Day.
