From fashion to fiery passion, this wedding had it all
With fascinator game on lock, the live coverage of the Royal Wedding 2018 started at 5 a.m., with commentary that, if you squinted your ears, seemed almost as in-depth as that heard throughout the Olympic Games. Windsor’s big event got underway with celebrity sightings, beautiful frocks and hats that could be seen from space.
Celebrity guests such as David Beckam, his Spice Girl wife, Victoria — who arrived looking already bored — and the Clooneys, were given the red-carpet treatment. I feel George Clooney is the Samuel L. Jackson of black tie affairs to which we will never be invited.
Throughout the lead-up to the I Dos were injections of background information about the couple and their shared charitable involvement. Meghan Markle has attached herself to a number of organizations that deal heavily with empowering women around the world. In fact, for the day, it had been requested that gifts involve fewer tangible items and more donations to organizations such as Mumbai-based Myna Mahila Foundation. The daydress and tiny hat parade continued to be happily interrupted by small vignettes from athletes who participated in The Invictus Games, an event of Harry’s own creation. The Games are essentially Olympic-esque, multi-sport games for wounded veterans.
Perhaps one of the only weddings to begin precisely on time, Meghan Markle exited the royal Rolls Royce in her wedding whites at 8 a.m. on the dot. The gown — a long-sleeved, boat neckline, almost fit-and-flare style dress — was created by British designer Clair Waight Keller. Between the announcement of the designer’s name and the colour choice for the Queen’s suit, the remainder of the ceremony seemed to play second fiddle. With, in my opinion, the noticeable exception of the sermon given by Reverend Michael Curry.
When Love Is the Way had almost enough oomph to get the Queen to rise and scream Hallelujah!
But my favourite moment, and what I think is a giant leap into the modern age, was the amazing rendition of Stand by Me elegantly performed by Karen Gibson and The Kingdom Choir. Truly a goosebump moment!
Next came the vows and exchange of rings. Smiling and adorable, the couple was truly glowing.
The music continued as the couple sat and enjoyed the moment. The featured cellist was 16-year-old Sheku Kanneh-mason. His three-piece gift to the couple was to perform for the big day, as requested by Meghan. What a moment for such a young musician.
The ceremony complete, the couple made their way outside to the steps of the castle. With their closest loved ones behind them, the newlyweds shared a respectful first kiss, a few waves and, as all fairy tales end, hopped into a horse-drawn carriage. Hopefully they will carry on living happily ever after.
Perhaps one of the only weddings to begin precisely on time, Meghan Markle exited the royal Rolls Royce in her wedding whites at 8 a.m. on the dot. The gown — a long-sleeved, boat neckline, almost fit-and-flare style dress — was created by British designer Clair Waight Keller. Between the announcement of the designer’s name and the colour choice for the Queen’s suit, the remainder of the ceremony seemed to play second fiddle. With, in my opinion, the noticeable exception of the sermon given by Reverend Michael Curry. When Love Is the Way had almost enough oomph to get the Queen to rise and scream Hallelujah!