Glamorous Russian Weddings

A look at some of the most glamorous and fascinating Russian weddings of all time.

Whether traditional or contemporary, Russia's richest have a knack for sensational celebrations. With world-class entertainment, designer outfits, enchanting venues and extravagant transport, the super rich and famous in Russia know the true meaning of ostentatious. Have a look at the highlights of some of the most glamorous Russian weddings.

Olga Lysova and Roman Abramovich

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Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich has an estimated fortune of around US $14 billion, owns the Premier League English Football team Chelsea Football Club and has been married twice. Abramovich's first marriage was not particularly lavish but it was very interesting. It was to Olga Yurevna Lysova and took place in 1987, only to culminate in divorce in 1990. Even though the marriage lasted a scant three years, the wedding itself was interesting for the simple reason that the bride's parents gave the couple a wedding gift worth 2 000 rubles (about £1000 or $2000). Of course this is not an extravagant amount, even in the eighties, but what makes this gift glamorous is that it was what Abramovich used to invest in various black-market goods that eventually resulted in the astonishing fortune he is known for today.

Gulnara Kerimov and Arsen

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Only the best will do for Russian oligarch Suleyman Kerimov's daughter Gulnara and her bridegroom Arsen. The elite Agalarov Golf Club was transformed into a romantic paradise with the sounds of Andrea Bocelli and tents redolent with thousands of white flowers and glimmering light pendants. The wedding cake was expertly crafted by master confectioner Renate. Scrumptious cuisine and delicious confections like mouth-watering chocolate cups with tangy raspberry filling kept guests sated while they were thoroughly entertained by the Italian tenor and other local and international artists like Leonid Agutin, LMFAO and the American rap star Flo Rida. Also attending the wedding was famed Russian oligarch and business associate of Suleyman Kerimov, Mikhail Prokorov.

Aleksandra Kokotovic and Andrei Melnichenko

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Former beauty queen and Russian billionaire tying the knot in romantic France is stuff dreams are made of. The 100% lush and lavish wedding of former Miss Yugoslavia Aleksandra Kokotovic and Russian entrepreneur and billionaire Andrei Melnichenko took place in the idyllic Cote d'Azur in the south of France in September 2005. The glamorous duo's vows were made in a chapel rumoured to have been dismantled in Russia, shipped and reconstructed in the couple's dream location. Superstars and queens of romance Whitney Houston and Christina Aguilera were jetted to the wedding by private plane and paid a whopping US $3.6 million each to perform at the post-nuptial party. No wonder this is probably the most famous glamorous Russian wedding to date.

Alina Galchev and Patrick Popraski

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Alina Galchev, daughter of Filaret Galchev, Russia's 'king of cement', was married to Patrick Popraski, a Swiss gold merchant of Polish descent in Pylos, Greece. Preparations took months and the ceremony was held in Galchev's luxurious estate after first the bride, and then the groom arrived by private plane. Alina's wedding dress was a traditional and elegant gown created by renowned Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab. The distinguished guest list included Mayor Dimitris Kalafatis, who was one of the best men.

Katerina Voytus and Yevgeny Letyago

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A red carpet, Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe and bridesmaids arriving in a Hummer were some of the sensational features of the Hollywood inspired wedding of socialite and last year's finalist of Miss Minsk Katerina Voytus and her groom the businessman Yevgeny Letyago. Famous guests included Anna Makarevich, artist Sal'nikova Valeria and the singer Xena Baronovskaya. Some of Russia's richest young people strutted designer dresses and shoes along the red carpet and brought bouquets of flowers and dazzling smiles. The bride was glowing in a vintage inspired dress with a flash of teal and diamante around the waist.

It looks like glamorous and grandiose weddings that cost a fortune are not limited to royalty. The super-rich Russians sure know how to throw world-class parties. What would you do for your wedding if money was no object?