Aretha Franklin will choose between three heavyweights of the fashion world to design her all-important wedding dress for her planned nuptials later this year. The Queen of Soul, 69, announced her engagement to long-time close friend William 'Willie' Wilkerson on Tuesday (December 3, 2011) and revealed plans for a summer ceremony in Miami.The Respect singer told People magazine, "We're looking at June or July for our date", before joking, "And no, I'm not pregnant". Franklin lost a huge 85 pounds last year after suffering a health scare and undergoing emergency surgery - fans were left in the dark as to the nature of the procedure but Aretha assured followers the problem was not as serious as first feared. Speaking after yesterday's announcement, the singer's representative said, "Ms Franklin is considering Donna Karan, Valentino and the queen of wedding dresses, Vera Wang, to design her gown". Sources say Wang is Aretha's favoured candidate and the legendary designer has plenty of experience in dressing celebrities for their big day - she famously designed Jennifer Lopez's ruffled lace dress for her surprise marriage to Marc Anthony and Jessica Simpson, Uma Thurman, Mariah Carey and Sharon Stone have all worn Vera Wang on their wedding day.
Franklin, who released the album 'A Woman Falling Out of Love' in 2011, is looking to hold her ceremony on Miami Beach, with an exclusive reception on-board a private yacht.