People & Relationships

Tom Parker Bowles and Sara Buys

By Sheri & Bob Stritof, About.com Guides

Although the bride was around 20 minutes late, the wedding of Tom Parker Bowles and Sara Buys was described as a classy, traditional affair. Here's more information about Tom and Sara.

Birthdates:

Tom Parker Bowles was born on December 18, 1974. His mother is the Duchess of Cornwall, the former Camilla Parker Bowles, and his step-father is Prince Charles.

How Tom and Sara Met:

They met in 2001 through mutual friends from Oxford University. Tom proposed to Sara in Venice, Italy.

Ages at Wedding:

Tom, 31; Sara, 32.

Wedding Date:

Although the bride was around 20 minutes late, Tom Parker Bowles and Sara Buys said their vows before the Reverend Brendan Bailey and some 180 guests on September 10, 2005, at a country English church. St Nicholas' Church is located in Rotherfield Greys which is 40 miles west of London. The service lasted 35 minutes

With camellias and jasmine in her hair, and high-heeled Sergio Rossi sandals on her feet, Sara wore a corseted strapless cream silk and tulle wedding gown designed by Alexander McQueen. Her wedding veil was sheer ivory lace with a scalloped floral border of cream colored roses.

Tom wore a morning suit in the traditional black and pale grey colors. His best man was Ben Elliot.

There were five bridesmaids in the wedding party. They wore off-white satin and chiffon dresses that had burgundy red cummerbunds.

Wedding Reception and Guests:

Tom and Sara had nearly 400 guests at their wedding reception held at Sara's father's country estate. Guests were served vintage champagne and oysters, shepherd's pie, and a slice of the six-tiered wedding cake that was covered in Swiss white chocolate.

Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall attended the wedding and reception along with Princes William and Harry. Tom's father, Andrew Parker Bowles was also at the wedding with his wife, Rosemary.

Other guests at the reception included Sara's parents, Caroline and William Buys, Sir Mick Jagger, former foreign secretary Lord Howe, Annabel Goldsmith, and Hugh Grant.

The Duchess of Cornwall wore an ice-blue silk coat and dress outfit designed by Robinson Valentine and a feather type hat made by Philip Treacy. Prince Charles and his sons wore morning suits.

Education:

Sara and Tom both attended Oxford university.

Occupations:

They are both journalists. Tom writes about food and Sara is a fashion editor.