For days before the event...or more like weeks, I listened and watched a ridiculous amount of coverage on Kate Middleton, (who quickly became referred to as Catherine, since I guess that made her sound more legit as a royal princess) on the wedding, the speculation, the details, the parties, and on and on and on...
As this coverage spun incessantly, I began to see people posting things on their facebook about how "annoying it was" and "who cares?" and other very strongly irritated feelings on the topic. And although I COMPLETELY agree with how ridiculous some of the constant coverage and seeming obsession got...I'm not gonna lie...I couldn't wait to see her.
Now, first let me defend myself before I even start by saying that I do have an above average interest in all things wedding and bride due to my profession. I mean if you really think about it, half or more of my entire income comes from capturing and sharing in people's wedding days. So there.
Anyway, yes...I stayed up and watched. And when I saw her, I gasped. She was radiant, stunning...and all I could think about was the perfection of this event. I couldn't stop thinking about being a guest at that wedding...or the bride herself...or a photographer! (*sigh* can you imagine?)
(Look at her, though, I mean...stunning.)
This series of events leading up to and actually watching the royal wedding itself made me think about what weddings have really become in today's world.
My wedding day was great. A lot of it I don't remember because it went by in a flash, but what I do, it was a fun day with so much emotion...happiness, fear, anxiety, excitement, and every other emotion under the sun. But lets be honest...there were some disasters. And being someone who not only attends but is behind the scenes with many weddings each year, I have yet to be a part of one where these little disasters don't take place. No matter the bride, no matter the budget, no matter the amount of detailed planning down the the minute. (Well, lets be honest, Princess Kate's 50 mil probably bought her a pretty stress free day...but besides her.)
But in all reality, there is so much pressure for things to be "perfect" on that day. I'm not exactly sure where this comes from...maybe just the age-old idea of fairy tales and princesses and happily ever after. The funny thing is, we all know that's not real, yet still have secret hopes and visions of that.
Weddings are hard to plan. Relationships are hard work. Marriage is HARD. That's reality. But we do still seem to cling to the idea of the glitz, glamour, beauty and story of love and fairy tales.
But I'm sure Kate had her ups and downs on her special day too. I mean, she's human, so lets not forget HER moments of sweaty pits, needing to pee, sore feet, throbbing cheeks from smiling for HOURS straight because millions of people are watching, a growling stomach because she didn't eat, or ate too much, and on and on...but still, she's a princess now, so she'll be fine.
Anyway, all in all, I thought she was one of the most beautiful brides I've ever seen. I just hope (genuinely!) that her marriage is as wonderful and "perfect" as her wedding event. (Quick depressing fact: 3 of Queen Elizabeth's 4 children are divorced.)
On a slightly different note, because of all of this media coverage, I also became aware of the engagement ring Kate Middleton was given, that was also princess Diana's. A $60,000 (in the 80's, mind you) blue sapphire stone surrounded by 14 diamonds.
I thought to myself...hmmm...this ring looks familiar!!! And on the night (well morning by that time!) of the royal wedding, I dug out this dandy of mine:
No, no, no, hold your horses, I did NOT order this off of an infomercial as a replica so I could have the same ring as the new princess. I actually bought this for myself in college. (The first piece of nice jewelry I ever bought myself, actually!) And although I didn't spend 60 grand on it, I did spend more than I should have as a college kid with no money. But I didn't buy it for any other reason than the fact that I thought it was one of the most beautiful rings I'd ever seen...(hey, what can I say, I have taste like a royal.) I knew I couldn't afford it, but I vowed I would work it off and cut corners elsewhere to own this ring. (And despite being aware of how senseless that is, and it being a reason behind why some people in our country are in such economic turmoil...I have to admit...I'm so glad I own this ring.)
At the end of the day, I hope that people can always keep in mind what wedding days are really about, which, for me, is the promise of commitment, the vow of devotion and faithfulness to the marriage, and the love between two people being strong enough to withhold life's realities.
And hey, if that's number one on the priority list...then by all means, throw in some SPARKLE! :-)
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