Let’s go back in time first, to December 2010. My husband and I were in London and though we had just a few days there, we were able to go see Westminister Abbey and I can say with complete confidence that it is the best thing I’ve ever seen as a tourist (and if you’ve been there, you know why). It is just so stunning and the history there—it’s just incredible.
Here is a little shot of me at the Abbey in December last year:
Okay, back to the wedding. I woke up at the ungodly hour of 3 a.m. CST because I knew I couldn’t miss a darn minute of the LIVE coverage. It just wouldn’t have been the same if I didn’t watch it live. Plus, I was so excited that it helped me stay awake (though there was definitely a mid-morning crash later on—more on that later).
I chose to watch the Today Show’s live coverage because it’s the best. I listen to it each morning on my bedroom TV as I get ready for work. Plus I totally heart Matt and Meredith.
One of the most exciting moments in the coverage for me was the anticipation waiting for Kate to leave her hotel. It was very cool to see the first look of the dress as she got into the car with her father that drove them to the Abbey. She was so sweet when she waved to the crowds the whole way to the church.
Here are my thoughts on the wedding:
The dress– I loved her dress. I thought it was beautiful, classic- very Grace Kelly. 20, 50 and 100 years from now, that dress will still look beautiful and elegant. I know some people felt underwhelmed by the dress—but I think she chose a dress that was both beautiful and fit with the occasion. I think a dress that was too body hugging or didn’t have a fuller skirt would have been a less suitable choice for a wedding to a prince.
The Abbey– I loved the trees in the Abbey and overall the venue just looked great that day.
The ceremony– Will & Kate had a traditional ceremony and I loved it. I loved that the guests sang all of the songs as well. My favorite part? When Will saw his bride for the first time and whispered to her how beautiful she looked. Sigh. I shed a tear when he said it.
The flowers– the only thing I felt could have been done better was the bride’s bouquet. I know she didn’t want something too large that would take away from her dress, but I just didn’t love it in general. It was too small (she’s 5’10 and you need a more substantial bouquet when you have that much height—I’m actually the same height as Kate and I definitely emphasized to my florist that size was important so it would be proportionate to my and the full skirt of my ballgown). I wish she would have had an all-white bouquet of peonies with some touches of green, but I understand they only used flowers that are native to England.
I did like her hair as well but thought that the veil going over the tiara was not the best placement. I wish the tiara would have stood out on its own and that the veil placement would have been underneath the half-up part of her hair. I still think the way she had it was beautiful, but it wouldn’t have been my first choice.
I feel an updo would have departed from her signature look, so I’m glad Kate wore her hair half-up half down— it’s nice that she looked like herself on her wedding day. I also liked when she let all of her hair down later on when she switched dresses, which brings me to…
The second dress- At first, I thought it was the same as her first dress, but with the diamond belt and angora shrug added—the sweetheart necklines looked identical. It was indeed a different dress (but the same designer, Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen). I think the diamond belt was such a gorgeous touch. I was a bit surprised by the similarity of the two dresses, but she’s a girl who knows what she loves.
The first (and second) kiss– Their first kiss was so quick that if you blinked, you would have missed it! I am glad they did a second kiss. They just seemed very happy and I loved the little glances they gave each other throughout the ceremony and in the carriage and the little things they said to each other—it was sweet to see them interact like that.
The hats: BRING ON the HATS! I adore hats and fascinators and was delighted to see so many lovely ones at the ceremony. Some were a little out there (ahem, Beatrice and Eugenie) but most were lovely.
Pippa’s Dress– how could I miss this one? I’m adding this in because I forgot to mention it on my original post, but she looked stunning in both dresses! She also wore McQueen for the ceremony. Some of you might remember Cameron Diaz wore the same dress in red to a red carpet event within the last year or two. She seems like a sweet and supportive sister and it was so unique to also see her in white on the big day!
Overall, I really enjoyed the wedding and I wish the royal couple endless years of happiness. Kate is definitely a style icon and I think she always makes such great choices with what she wears (and it helps that she’s stunning so everything looks great on her). I also think the royal wedding is going to bring back fascinators and hats. Fascinators have been popular among brides in the last several years (I wore one on my wedding day) and I think it would be great if more people started to wear fun hair accessories to special events. I may try to make one or have one made for a wedding I am attending in the fall. Why not, right? They are so fun and add a nice touch to a dress on a special occasion.
Okay, now that I’m done rambling, some photos (credit: JustJared)
…and these shots of Kate a few days before the wedding (because she’s just so pretty, I can’t resist posting them!)
Hope you are all enjoying your Sunday!
xoxo,
Veronika.
I agree with you on her wedding dress!
I too woke up and Loved every second of the wedding. I agree with you in having to watch it live. The newlyweds look so happy!
What do you think of her sister's two dresses? I loved them both so much! She looked gorgeous! I'm surprised the MOH dress was white, but it was perfect!
I LOVE Kate's style, especially her wedding day look. I thought she looked flawless and loved all of her choices, although I do agree with you about her bouquet. I also wish she had chosen something a little different for her second dress- something that still fits her classy, simple style, but wasn't so similar to her first dress.
Overall, a beautiful beautiful wedding! And I need to find myself an event to wear an awesome hat to!
I am such a huge fan of kate middleton. she screams classiness, gorgeous-ness and overall, is the most perfect princess. I watched the wedding live and absolutely LOVED her dress, make-up and hair. I'm pretty sure after watching the wedding (live), I have a new found love for hair fasteners and decorative hats… must get one!!! LOL.. great post!!!
xo
mel
http://www.pinkteddylove.blogspot.com
I loved everything about the wedding. I woke up at 4 so I wouldn't miss anything!
I agree about her hair and the veil. Her whole look was gorgeous though. And I love all of the attention that Pippa is getting too. She looked amazing in both of her dresses.
Veronika – I couldn't agree more with all of your comments and assessment of the wedding. I kind of like the Princesses Beatrice's and Eugenie's fascinators…. they were entertaining. Even if in bad taste, it sure gave everyone something to talk about….those silly girls. I think they do it to get attention. I was contemplating a particular fascinator and have pulled the trigger on it. It is from Jane Tran – very architectural. Have a great day! Cheers! Sherry
I never realized it until now but you look very much like Kate!
I did not wake up to watch it live. Instead I dvr'd it and watched it that night after my little one was in bed 🙂
I was amazed by how composed and calm she was during the ceremony. I cried like a baby during my wedding and even shed a tear (or two) while watching William & Kate's!
I was looking forward to reading about your thoughts. I thought the wedding was completely magical. I've re-watched it a few times now and I get chills every time. I thought Kate (your twin!) look STUNNING. Every time I see pictures of her from that day I just sigh. I enjoyed her and William's shy glances towards one another and even the crowed at times. Their shyness and sweetness towards one another just made the moment even more precious. I also LOVED adored her second dress. I didn't like the shrug so much. I hope she took it off once she got to her destination.
When I saw the pics of her in the blue dress yesterday, you totally came to mind!
Thanks for sharing! C:
Aw you know I just loved the wedding! and I adore Kate! just love her! She was beautiful and her dress completely fit her and her day and who she is and who she is becoming. I don't think any of US could have pulled it off, but then, we weren't exactly becoming a Duchess and marrying a Prince, hm?!
I loved the wedding! I think that Kate looked absolutely stunning – the dress was to die for and I loved her hair and make up! I loved that the Queen loaned her her tiara – what a sweet touch!
Kate and Will look so happy and so in love! It was heartwarming to see such genuine happiness! I truly wish them a lifetime of happiness!
As a mother of a boy, my heart ached for Princess Diana and Will. I am sure that she was smiling down on them that day, but it was still a bit bittersweet.
I really didn't understand why so many people were naysaying her gown. I think it was so striking and elegant, just like Grace Kelly's. And not trendy at all, it's timeless. One hundred years from now, people will look at the pictures and think "How beautiful", not "how dated, you can tell what year it was just by the gown."
I LOVED the wedding!! Kate was absolutley stunning! Her dress really took my breathe away. In the car I thought it was going to be just a sleek silhouette which I was disappointed at first until she stepped out of the car and it wasn't. It was absolutely perfect!
I loved all the hats too! Her makeup was just perfect. You can tell she is a beautiful person not only on the outside, but in the inside as well. It was great being able to experience the historic wedding. Just lovely!
I didn't get up to watch it, but I did record it to watch later. She looked absolutely gorgeous and I loved how she stayed true to herself. There wasn't a thing about her entire look that day that I did not like. I absolutely adore her and think she has such great style. I can't wait to see what the years my bring.
I completely agree! She's definitely a style icon, ever since the blue engagement dress. And also hope that hats and fascinators become popular in the US!
Veronika, what about the moment Kate and William stepped into the carriage and Kate whispered to Will… "are you happy?" Will says "yes"… *sigh* Such an awesome couple! 🙂
xo, tasha
I loved her dress – so gorgeous. And Pippa looked amazing too !
I'm totally with Kate on the make-up thing 😉 After much consideration, I did my own make-up at my wedding, too ! I was SO afraid to not look and feel like myself that I chose to do my own make-up and it turned out perfect !
I'm in Korea right now, and one of the good things about that is I got to watch it at 5pm instead of 3am! 😉 I thought Kate was GORGEOUS as always and adored the lace on her dress.. and I was very much in love with Pippa's dress, too.
Kate is a wonderful style icon. She is beautiful in a natural way, tasteful, elegant, and very classic in her sense of style. She offers a very achievable and classy model for young women to follow – one that, unlike so many other fashion and beauty icons – is timeless and classy rather than overly sexed up and glamorized. Pippa, too, is beautiful and has excellent taste. I hope we see more of both of them as fashion icons and a whole lot less of Rhianna and Lady Gaga….they might be edgy, but real women don't dress that way, and our younger ladies need better (and more modest) fashion icons to look up to!
As for the wedding makeup, I love that she did it herself, but I'm not surprised. I did my own for my wedding as well after trying out different makeup artists and disliking the results. I took some classes, watched some YouTube videos, read up on my beauty mags, and did it myself, and was so happy with the results. There was just no way I was leaving my makeup in the hands of someone else on one of my most important days.
kate is so pretty. i loved both dresses. i agree pippa looked stunning!
Kate's natural, effortless beauty is something I dream of!
I thought the whole thing was utterly perfect – I personally loved the flowers – they were understated and classy which is exactly what flowers at such an occasion should be.
I loved the bridesmaid in white – again another classy touch.
The service was just lovely. I got goosebumps when they sang Jerusalem – such a beautiful hymn.
I feel sad that it is all over 🙁
I agree about her bouquet, it could had been bigger, and flowers could had been more bright and glamorous. Now that I read about the meaning behind her bouquet though, I can forgive her wearing such small and modest bouquet. Did you know she was even carrying flowers called Sweet William! How sweet and romantic is that!! I love the symbolism behind the flowers she chose for her bouquet.
"The meaning of the flowers was very important to Kate, so the design included flowers of significance for the Royal Family and the Middleton family.
The flower meanings in the bouquet are:
Lily of the valley – Return of happiness
Sweet william – Gallantry
Hyacinth – Constancy of love
Ivy – Fidelity; marriage; wedded love; friendship; affection
Myrtle – The emblem of marriage; love "
I think her dress was perfect! I completely disagree with people who were underwhelmed. The big typical priness dress has been done before -remember Diana's? Opulent and huge! I read somewhere that Diana was very uncomfortable in that. Not good on your wedding day! Kate's look was classic, elegant, and totally her own style. I loved it! She looked comfortable. She looked like herself =)
I was surprised when I learned she did her own makeup. It was impeccable and nowhere near heavy handed. She looked flawless. Great coverage from you. I hadn't seen the still of the bridal party (kids).
Absolutely positively obsessed. I was not crazy about it before, but as soon as I saw her in her dress looking like an angel I was hooked. I also shed a tear when he told her how beautiful she looked 🙂
I could've written the exact same re-cap! I wasn't into it before the actual wedding, but I DID wake up at 2am (pacific time) and was completely entranced from the moment she got in her car. I just don't think it would've been the same if you didn't watch it live. I also shed a tear when Will told her she looked beautiful. I also thought the bouquet could've been a little "more" but thanks to the pp who posted the meaning behind it, I hadn't read that yet and now it makes perfect sense and makes it even more perfect. What a lovely couple indeed!
I must say I am not a Royal wtacher and am surprised so many people were so enthralled by the wedding and woke up to watch it. I knew I would see tons of pictures. I did love the dress, perfect for the occasion. It would not have been right if she showed more skin or was in a smaller skirt as you said. I agree that the bouquet underwhelmed.
Pippa needs to lay off the self-tanner though. 🙂
I loved that she stayed true to herself and style (which I happen to really like) She seems like such a real and genuine lady. Like you, I also really enjoyed their little interactions :-)and wish them many years of happiness! Love your blog btw 🙂