By Daniel Bird Emma O’neill
Melanie Brown is finally saying ‘I do’ to Rory McPhee in a breathtaking ceremony. The Spice Girls superstar made her way down the aisle at the renowned St Paul’s Cathedral in London, looking every bit the radiant bride. Rory, a hair stylist, popped the question to the Leeds-born icon in October 2022, four years after they began their romantic journey. The 50 year old, famed for her penchant for leopard print and vibrant personality, looked striking in a figure-flattering classic white gown, arriving in style in a white Rolls Royce car. Her dress encapsulated everything Melanie represents: strength, sensuality and timeless elegance. The Leeds-born star collaborated closely with London-based Evelie Bridal and Josephine Scott to design the georgette crepe gown, which accentuated her gym-toned physique with a corset bodice. Her stunning gown featured draping that hugged her silhouette and flowed into a dramatic train. In addition, a detachable jacket was adorned with hand-embellished pearl constellations across the high neckline, with the long-sleeved jacket framing her shoulders and adding a Royal touch to her gown, adhering to true St Paul’s decorum, reports the Mirror . Melanie Brown, a mum of three, chose a stunning white wedding dress complete with a dramatic cathedral-length veil that cascaded down the 158-meter-long aisle, adorned with pearls and a hint of drama, characteristic of the Spice Girl’s style. Caroline Black, owner of Evelie Bridal, who styled Melanie’s look, told the Mirror: “From the moment Mel walked through the doors at Evelie, this journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.” She added: “Helping a real Spice Girl choose her wedding dress-what could possibly top that? But what’s truly made this experience so meaningful is getting to know Mel as just Mel – not the icon, but the woman. It’s been such an honour.” The designer, Josephine Scott, explained: “Designing this gown for Mel was about capturing her fearless spirit and softness all in one look. She’s iconic, powerful, and radiant – and this dress had to be worthy of that.” Scott continued: “Every detail was chosen to honour her strength and sensuality while celebrating the woman and the love story beneath the girl power.” Melanie’s daughter Phoenix turned heads in a stunning blue gown paired with a white fascinator, as she arrived with her partner AJ Anderson. Angel, Melanie’s daughter with Eddie Murphy, looked dashing in a sleek black suit, accompanied by another guest. Meanwhile, her youngest, Madison, opted for a vibrant pink dress featuring eye-catching red flowers. Melanie was given away by James Steen, the husband of her biographer Louise Grannon, while her groom Rory was flanked at the altar by his best man, Jordan McPhee. Her fellow Spice Girl, Emma Bunton, was there to support her, just days after the Mirror disclosed why she was the sole member of the iconic group in attendance. Despite rumours that Geri Horner and Victoria Beckham had been left out, an insider assured me that wasn’t the case. “There’s no snub; the girls are all on friendly terms with one another, but it’s no secret that Geri is busy with Christian at Formula One, and Victoria is extremely busy with her fashion brand,” the source confided. Geri was spotted at the British Grand Prix with her spouse, while Melanie C, also known as Sporty Spice, had a gig in R酶dovre, eastern Denmark, and Victoria was tied up with her fashion empire. Emma, affectionately known as Baby Spice, brought joy to those gathered by performing a song at the wedding. Speaking to the Mirror, she expressed her excitement: “I am so excited to be here, I can’t wait for the wedding.” Living up to her Baby Spice persona, she donned a stylish pink frock and was joined by her partner Jade Jones and their son Beau. Melanie’s sister, the talented actress Danielle, arrived at the cathedral with her three children, donning a chic knee-length baby blue dress. “I am so nervous. It’s exciting, though, and I am doing the first reading,” she shared. Amongst the stars gracing the event were comedian Alan Carr, Daisy Lowe, Cara Delevingne, Katherine Ryan, Angellica Bell, and broadcasting doyenne Gaby Roslin. Melanie, best known for ‘For Once In My Life’, was ecstatic about tying the knot in the famed venue where none other than the late Diana, Princess of Wales, and now King Charles said their vows back in 1981. With her MBE for services to charitable causes, particularly those regarding Women’s Aid, Melanie secured a spot amongst the few allowed to marry there each year. The newlyweds Melanie and Rory are hosting their post-wedding celebrations at The Shard, yet they have even more lavish festivities in store. The pair is set to fly off to Morocco later this month, and the couple has enlisted American couturier Justin Alexander to design that special gown. “I’m having a second ceremony abroad, which will be more informal, sexy and beautiful,” said Melanie, clearly reveling in wedding bliss.