HELLO! JOINS NORWAY IN CELEBRATING THE SPECTACULAR WEDDING OF PRINCESS MARTHA LOUISE AND DUREK VERRETT

Looking regal in a dazzling gold and pearl diadem that framed her wavy chestnut locks, and wearing an exquisite bespoke ivory wedding dress, Princess Märtha Louise of Norway glided down an aisle decorated with pink roses and hydrangea to marry her handsome fiancé, Californianborn Durek Verrett, in the most exciting and magical royal wedding of the year.

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The emotional ceremony on Saturday 31 August was set within a marquee in the grounds of the opulent Hotel Union in Geiranger village, overlooking the breathtaking natural scenery of western Norway - the majestic mountains serving as the couple's "cathedral" and the vibrant energy of the deep blue fjords and waterfalls as their spiritual "palace".

Senior members of royal families and 350 guests from around the world were there to witness this momentous occasion, and HELLO! and HOLA! joined them too for our world exclusive of their nuptials among the fjords.

MAGICAL VENUE

"It's one of my favourite places in the world," Märtha, 52, told HELLO!, explaining why the couple, who met six years ago, chose to marry in this location. "Ever since my parents brought me here for their silver wedding anniversary, I've loved it.

"I wanted Durek to experience it too, and when he saw it, he said: 'This is the place.' It's so amazing and magical, and to be part of its power in nature is incredible."

Revisiting this special place for the wedding were Märtha's parents, King Harald V and Queen Sonja, her younger brother, Crown Prince Haakon and his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and their children, Princess Ingrid and Prince Sverre, as well as the King's sister Princess Astrid. Joining them were Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia of Sweden, Prince Constantijn and Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands.

Among the regal contingent were Prince Kunle and Princess Keisha Say of Nigeria, and Sarah Culberson, a Princess of Sierra Leone.

In a ceremony brimming with emotion, the rousing voices of gospel choir HIM singing When You Believe, the theme song from the movie The Prince of Egypt, heralded the bride's arrival.