Annabel Croft’s daughter Lily Coleman marries Princess Diana’s relative in London

Former tennis star and television presenter Annabel Croft was overjoyed as her daughter, Lily Saffron Coleman, 28, married her long-term partner, Felix McCorquodale, 31, at St Mary's Church in Battersea, London, on Saturday.

The wedding brought together family and friends for an emotional celebration, coming more than three years after Lily's father, Mel Coleman, died of cancer in 2023. Lily looked stunning in an elegant ivory wedding gown before changing into a shorter dress for the reception, while Annabel turned heads in a flowing chestnut-brown outfit. Felix, an insurance executive, also has a royal connection through his late relative Raine McCorquodale, who became Princess Diana's stepmother after marrying the royal's father, Earl Spencer, in 1976.

and Felix McCorquodale's wedding in Battersea

Lily and Felix exchanged vows at St Mary's Church in Battersea, surrounded by their nearest and dearest. The ceremony marked an important milestone for the couple, who had been together for years before tying the knot.Lily's wedding was particularly emotional for the family following the death of her father, Mel Coleman, in 2023 after a battle with cancer. Annabel has previously spoken about how Mel had quietly given Felix his blessing to marry Lily before his death, a touching gesture that Lily learnt about later.

Sharing glimpses of the celebrations on social media, Lily described the occasion as the "best weekend ever", while her sister, Amber, called it "the happiest day".

Bride Lily stuns in

For the ceremony, Lily wore a sophisticated ivory gown featuring a striking draped neckline, sheer sleeves and a flowing, ethereal train. She completed the look with simple white heels and wore her blonde hair in a half-up, half-down style, secured with a gold and pearl clip.

Her colourful bouquet featured pink, purple and burgundy blooms, adding a vibrant touch to her bridal ensemble.Later, Lily changed into a shorter, more playful dress for the reception. The second outfit featured marabou-fringed detailing at the hem, which she paired with a glamorous bolero and metallic pink platform heels.The bride arrived at the reception venue with her new husband in a vintage black Morris Minor convertible decorated with ribbons and a "Just Married" sign.Changing into a second outfit has become increasingly popular among brides who want a more comfortable look for the wedding reception and dance floor. According to Rock 'n' Roll Bride, social media has also contributed to the trend, with brides seeking opportunities to showcase different styles and create memorable photographs throughout their celebrations.

Annabel Croft's elegant wedding look

Annabel, 60, looked radiant as she celebrated her daughter's special day.

The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant chose an autumnal, chestnut-brown gown with a flowing silhouette and long sleeves. She accessorised the outfit with a striking floral headpiece, complementing the elegant look.The television personality was also seen posing for family photographs alongside her children. The celebrations offered a joyful family moment following the loss of Mel, who had been a significant part of their lives.Annabel later delighted fans when her daughter Amber shared a photograph of her doting on her 13-month-old grandson, Arlo.

Who is Felix McCorquodale? His connection to Princess Diana

Lily's husband, Felix McCorquodale, works as an insurance executive and has an interesting connection to the British royal family.He is related to the late Raine McCorquodale, who became Princess Diana's stepmother when she married Diana's father, John Spencer, the 8th Earl Spencer, in 1976.

Raine remained a notable figure in the Spencer family's history, making Felix's family connection an interesting detail surrounding the wedding.Felix looked smart in traditional morning dress, wearing a dark tailcoat and a pale pink waistcoat for the ceremony.

Newlyweds make a memorable exit amid cheers and confetti

After the ceremony, guests gathered outside St Mary's Church to congratulate the newlyweds as they emerged to cheers and a shower of confetti. Bagpipes were also heard during the celebrations, in a nod to Felix's Scottish roots.The couple then made their way to the reception in the vintage black Morris Minor convertible, adding a classic touch to their wedding day.

Inside Lily and Felix's wedding reception

The celebrations continued at Wild by Tart, a fashionable venue in Belgravia, where guests were welcomed into a stylish setting featuring long banquet tables decorated with flowers, candlelight and personalised place settings.The wedding breakfast included focaccia to start, followed by Barbary duck as the main course. Guests later enjoyed a wedding cake decorated with floral details.As the evening progressed, Lily and Felix joined their guests on the dance floor beneath a sparkling disco ball, bringing the celebrations to a joyful close.