Months of effort went into ensuring that details of this gown remained a mystery to groom - and rest of the world -before Kate Middleton walked the Abbey's aisle.
Well, it was worth the wait, and William smiled with joy, masterfully trying to contain his emotions as he set eyes on his breathtakingly beautiful bride.
Emerging from the Phantom Rolls Royce VI that had borne her on her final journey as plain Miss Middleton, she was an angelic vision in ivory silk tulle.
The train was, at two metres 70 centimetres, of considerable proportions, and had to be carefully arranged by her maid of honour, sister Pippa, at the door of the Abbey.
Inside the reaction was the same - the stunned crowd visibly held back tears as she sashayed past in her beautiful ivory and white satin gazar couture. The fairytale dress accentuated her slender figure.
Its boned bodice started with a gently curving sweetheart neckline, leading to a ruched detail, full skirt.
Following in the traditional footsteps of her predecessors, she chose full-length sleeves, featuring an elaborate lace design hand-sewn from individual flowers, perfectly outlining her slim arms.
Her something borrowed was the Cartier 'halo' tiara, given to the Queen on her 18th birthday.
And her look was finished off beautifully by a pair of drop-diamond earrings.
The effect was magnificent, made all the more extravagant when reflected in the lush forest of foliage that filled the Abbey.
