Summer marks the season in which stars come out to play in their finest - and often skimpiest - attire. It's the perfect time to see and be seen, and therefore a perfect time to throw lavish parties and weddings. But this summer's celebrity scene wasn't all about fun and games - a surprise divorce and an untimely death devastated fans around the globe. Here is a look at these events in closer detail:
Prince Albert II of Monaco's marriage to South African swimmer Charlene Wittstock was a three-day extravaganza overshadowed by allegations claiming Wittstock had gotten cold feet and tried to flee to South Africa multiple times. Tabloids claimed authorities took Wittstock's passport and forced her back to Monaco to follow through with the marriage. Despite the inauspicious beginning, Wittstock stunned the huge Monegasque crowd in her off-white strapless Armani gown, and Prince Albert looked as happy as a schoolboy. Among those invited to the star-studded nuptials were Princess Caroline and Princess Stephanie of Monaco and their children, who together make up the most beautiful and stylish royal family in all of Europe; models Naomi Campbell and Karolina Kurkova; and designers Giorgio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld.
The second royal wedding of the summer was a comparatively understated affair celebrating the marriage of Zara Phillips, the daughter of the British Princess Royal, Anne, and her longtime boyfriend, English rugby player Mike Tindall. Wearing a gown by royal couturier Stewart Parvin paired with a Greek key diamond tiara from her mother, Phillips looked every bit the modest princess.
The ceremony took place in Edinburgh with a small but impressive guest list that included her grandmother, the Queen of England; her uncle, Prince Charles; Camilla Duchess of Cornwall; and cousins Princes William and Harry.
On a more somber note, on July 15 , after seven years of marriage and two children, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony announced their separation. Since the news broke, rumors have been spreading like wildfire, each offering a possible reason for the surprise split. Later that month, Lopez celebrated her 42nd birthday in Miami after a performance in the Ukraine and didn't look any worse for the wear. Now that summer is coming to a close, it will be interesting to see what Lopez's next move will be.
To close, I would like to take this time to remember Amy Winehouse, the troubled five-time Grammy winner who died July 23 at age 27 , from unknown causes. Amy's legendary contributions to the music world were often eclipsed by her excessive drug and alcohol abuse, as well as her violent marriage to Blake Fielder-Civil, whom she divorced in 2009. At this time, however, it's best to remember the beehive hairdo, pink ballet flats and thick black eyeliner that became Amy's trademark - and, most importantly, her epic album Back to Black. Rest in peace, Amy.
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