I remember as a 5year old, getting up with my big sister and mom to watch Charles and Diana. I don’t remember all the details of the wedding – but I remember that sense of something BIG happening. I can remember that loooooong train though and the big, puffy princess wedding dress.
So – when it came time for the next generation’s Royal Wedding… I knew my girls had to watch! I asked them if they would be interested – and they both jumped at the chance! So at 5am, I woke up my 6 and 8 year old girls… and we cuddled up on the couch, donned our big hat, fascinators and pearls and watched history unfold. Mark came in when he was leaving for work, completely confused at the big deal and why I was hushing him just because the Queen was driving in a car.
I wasn’t sure how the girls would react as they don’t really know anything about the Royal Family. They didn’t disappoint though as they asked questions and gave a running commentary.
From 5am until the big reveal, Madi kept saying “I can’t wait to see her dress!” And when Kate got in the car, Madi covered her eyes and refused to look… she didn’t want a sneak peek until she got out of the car and she could see the whole dress.
Eden giggled every time anyone said “Prince Harry”…. I had to explain it was “Harry” and not “hairy”. She still thinks it’s hilarious. I also told her my Grandpa’s name was Harry… and he was bald. I don’t think she believed me.
Both girls felt Pippa and Harry should marry also.
Eden asked if Kate will be on our quarters now instead of the Queen. Madi piped up with “Yeah! FInally someone without puffy hair!”
When I pointed out the Queen and “Prince Philip” the girls asked why he’s not a King. I tried to explain with the little knowledge I have, and said that there isn’t a King right now and that it’s the Queen who is ruling. Both the girls looked at each other, smiled and nodded, and sat up a bit taller. They might as well have hollered “Girl Power!” because that is what was going through their little heads.
Eden said she wants Madi to be the one to hold her train for her one day and that she wants all her friends and cousins with her. She said she’d have mom and dad walk her down the aisle. Madi said she wants to walk down the aisle by herself.
Madi kept saying “I can’t believe we are watching this exactly as it happens!”
As the commentator pointed out Big Ben, Eden asked if there was a Medium and Small Ben also.
When Mark came in, Beatrice and Eugenie were just entering the church. I told him Fergie wasn’t invited and I told the girls those were Fergie’s daughter and ex-husband. They look confused. “You mean the girl who sings ‘Tonight’s going to be a good, good night”? No. Not Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas.
Madi, my shy daughter, was horrified that they had to kiss in front of all those people… while Eden joined in the chants for a kiss. Madi commented that it wasn’t really like a wedding, but more like a show. So true.
The girls were disappointed the flower girls didn’t get to “do” anything. Not sure what that would include. When my girls were flower girls it involved them lying down and falling asleep during the ceremony, picking their nose, jumping off the stage, lifting their skirts up, etc. So probably a good thing the flowergirls didn’t “do” anything after all.
We all agreed Kate looked absolutely gorgeous. I loved her classic, timeless dress. The lace was just lovely and she looked gorgeous! The whispers and glances between Will and Kate – made my heart skip a beat.
And of course, what is a British wedding without fantastic hats and fascinators! My girls asked if they glued them to their heads. Eden tried to get her hat to stay on just one side of her head like some of the guest’s hats but to no avail.
I have to say, I have been more and more impressed with Will & Kate the more I read about them. How they don’t have hired house staff – and do their own cooking and shopping. And I loved how Kate stood her ground on some aspects of the wedding that she wanted. Her choice to drive with her dad in a car rather than a traditional carriage. Will having only one Best Man rather than the tradition of having a few. And their surprise farewell exit in the convertible driven by Will…. perfect! I love when couples put their own touches on their day!
So – no post is complete without a photo… here are some great hats from a British wedding I photographed last summer. Enjoy!
As was said in the ceremony…
“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” (Said by St. Catherine of Siena whose festival day today is.)
Celebrating life and love,
Krista