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'I felt like an Egyptian goddess': Vanessa Williams dons TWO stunning gowns for wedding to her 'hometown guy' Jim Skrip

Published: 02:37 EST, 7 July 2015 | Updated: 03:24 EST, 7 July 2015

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Vanessa Williams had more reason than most to celebrate on Independence Day.

The 52-year-old tied the knot with her partner of three years and 'hometown guy' Jim Skrip on Saturday in front of family and close friends in Buffalo, New York.

The beauty Queen-turned-actress surprised everyone - including her husband - by donning not one but two gorgeous gowns during the intimate ceremony.

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White wedding: Vanessa Williams got married in Buffalo, New York on Saturday as she wore two gowns

Gilt: The 52-year-old married Jim Skrip as she also wore this intricate gold number in addition to the traditional white gown

The couple met three years ago in Egypt, and Vanessa paid homage with a stunning ivory white trailing gown with a gold band around her svelte waist

'I felt like an Egyptian goddess, and that was exactly the theme I was going for,' she told People Magazine.

After walking up the aisle at St Stanislaus Roman Catholic church radiant in white, the Ugly Betty star then slipped into an intricate golden dress for the exchanging of the vows, to the 52-year-old former accountant's delight.

Big day: The singer donned a stunning ivory white trailing gown with a gold band around her svelte waist

Inspired: As the two met three years ago in Egypt, there was obvious influence in the dress from that country

They're married! After the ceremony, the couple walked outside to a rousing ovation

Sweet ride: After the wedding, the two drove off in a vintage Rolls Royce

Vanessa Williams stuns in embellished gown at premiere

'Honestly, when I saw Vanessa walking down the aisle, I didn't even notice her dress,' admitted Jim, who himself wore a grey suit with a red tie. 'We locked eyes and I got caught up in the moment, full of happiness and joy.

'When I finally noticed the dress, it was perfect for Vanessa: sleek, simple and sexy. She then had another surprise for me: she did a quick change into another beautiful gown for the vows ceremony. She was stunning!'

Vanessa's mother Helen arrived at the elegant ceremony in a pristine white Rolls Royce, which also whisked the newlyweds away afterwards.

Vanessa's daughters, Melanie, 28, Jillian, 26 and Sasha, 15, all served as beautiful bridesmaids in off-white gowns.

Big sis: Melanie Hervey, 28, arrived for the event in a sleeveless number

Tamed her mane: Jillian Hervey, 26, wore this ivory number with a mesh panelling down middle of the torso

What an entrance: The youngest of Vanessa's daughters. 15-year-old Sasha Gabriella Fox, wore a flowy sleeveless dress

Sisterly love: The three sisters posed for a snap together before the ceremony

Guests at the wedding, which included Vanessa's Ugly Betty co-stars Mark Indelicato and Ana Ortiz, waved the couple away with July 4th themed sparklers.

The couple decided to get married in Buffalo as it is Jim's and Vanessa's mother's hometown - and also the reason they struck up their very first conversation.

She told Madame Noire: 'I was on vacation with my daughter going to Egypt, cruising on the Nile. I wasn't looking for anything. I’d been alone for a number of years and divorced for ten years at that time. I found a hometown guy from my mom’s town in Buffalo, New York and started a conversation.'

Good vibes: The guests all seemed to be in good spirits as they exited the church after the beautiful ceremony

Classic: The wedding took place at St Stanislaus Roman Catholic church

Towering: The venue was in Buffalo as Jim as well as Vanessa's mother Helen is from there

'He was wearing a Buffalo Sabres shirt, and I walked over to him and said, ‘Are you from Buffalo? My mom’s from Buffalo,’ the former Desperate Housewife explained to People. 'There was an immediate attraction, and after a long, three-hour dinner, we had so much in common. It was obviously meant to be!'

The Emmy winner is no stranger to heading down the aisle, having done it twice before.

She was married movie producer Ramon Hervey from 1987 to 1997 and they share daughters Melanie and Jillian, as well as 22-year-old son Devin.

She was also married to NBA star Rick Fox but they divorced in 2005 after six years of marriage, and have a daughter Sasha, 15.