Like millions of people all over the world, by 7am on Saturday, I was glued to my TV for the big event of the year - the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. My younger sister (who is getting married in a month!) came Friday to spend the night and watch with me since we've both been anticipating the day for quite some time - about as long as they've been engaged!
We oohed and ahhed over the details and followed closely along with the commentary all over social media. At the end of the coverage we turned off the TV, satisfied and delighted that we could watch such a special day. The wheels in my head immediately started turning since I live in the wedding world and I gathered some takeaways from the whole event. Here is what I learned!
1) Even the smallest details matter. Lots of people were commenting about the metal folding chairs in the chapel. I was surprised to see those as well! I'm sure there's a reason behind getting those as opposed to something else so I will reserve judgment, but it goes to show that even the smallest detail will become big on a wedding day.
2) Live music is the way to go. While it's pretty rare, I have photographed several weddings featuring a live band (here's one!). I absolutely loved it then and I greatly enjoyed it over the TV. The violins, the Gospel choir...it was all wonderful to watch and hear. There's just something different about having instruments there on the wedding day!
3) The message matters. What the officiant says is a big deal, and should be unique to every couple. While there are going to be similarities from one wedding to the next, no one will forget the message that the preacher delivered on Saturday - whether or not they liked it! Work with your officiant to customize your message so the words are as memorable as the day.
4) You never know what life will throw at you. I loved seeing the pictures of Meghan Markle in front of the palace when she was 15 years old, with no clue that she would come back years later as a BRIDE. I feel so settled right now that I can't foresee big changes in the future, but I might as well just buckle up and expect life to look completely different when I'm 36 than it does now! I'm sure it won't involve a royal wedding, but I wonder what it will be like...
Those are just some of my biggest takeaways, and there's a lot more I could say as well! Leave a comment below and tell me what you loved, hated, and learned - and if you even watched it at all!
