Completely forgot about it yesterday. Some major life challenges ~all framed within a 24-hour power outtage, so no television or computer at home anyway.
Having been duly reminded about it as soon as I turned on my laptop today, I'm watching it now.
Big fan of Westminster Abbey. Amazing images from all sorts of vantage points. Terrific bird's eye view of the wedding party, with that long train on Kate's dress as the star.
So far, some of my favorite music.
The dress is spectacular. I love Kate's long lace sleeves and V-neckline.
Musing: A wedding, regardless of whether it's a lavish undertaking such as this one or a simple contract entered into before a justice of the peace, represents such extravagant optimism. The vows hint at the potential challenges ahead, even for those for whom silver spoons litter the palace. The Queen's arrival, reminiscent of her public role as a national symbol of encouragement and fidelity during World War II, was another hint. Another lies in the memory of her mother, portrayed so wonderfully by Helena Bonham Carter in The King's Speech, whom, so I learned last week, lost a brother in World War I and then initiated the tradition of the royal bride's leaving her bouquet on a soldier's tomb. Another, in the absence of William's mother, who would have so loved to have shared this day with her son and his new wife.
Romans 12: A wonderful selection. And a wonderful homily.
William Blake's Jerusalem. How I wish my own son were here. Jerusalem is sort of my boarding school's -- and his -- theme song. The last time I heard it in person was at his graduation in 2003.
Cathedral and music: extraordinary.
For all the pomp and circumstance, they look like genuinely happy and relaxed partners ~ even in a royal carriage!
Robin - I agree with all your musings, and I so enjoyed the whole thing this morning. I felt the optimism, and like you, seemed to feel a genuine love and regard "betwixt" the two.
ReplyDeleteOddly, I have felt inordinately sad all afternoon. Perhaps it is the inevitable downward turn after such an upward leap. But the Diana-sized hole in the whole event, and some kind of strange wall-hitting of my own oldness.... I don't know. I have just felt tears at the edge of my eyes all day.
I'm sure if I had a diagonal view they would spill. And that would probably be a good thing.
(The music was sublime, and I adored the trees inside the Abbey)
Thanks for the review! I'm interested but haven't had any time to follow it other than looking at a few pics.
ReplyDeleteI like this couple. They have already been through a lot together and been together a while. I wish them a long and happy marriage!
I got to see some highlights on the news when I had lunch yesterday. May they have a wonderful journey together.
ReplyDeleteI have come to love these words too, but in my heart this tune will always be more deeply Magnificat, especially Rachel dancing in the Lady Chapel-after energetically going after my lit taper throughout the first half of the service in the nave--on her second Easter a few weeks before the accident. We frequently sang a lovely inclusive setting of Mary's Canticle to Jerusalem at Sunday Night Vespers at Notre Dame, to which she often accompanied me. (We also sang an Advent hymn I can't remember at present to the tune, and I would have to restrain my hand from flying up to start the sign of the cross as we did at Vespers).
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely to hear your memories, Laura.
ReplyDeleteYou so beautifully expressed exactly what I felt. All of it. Lovely wedding, on many levels.
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely to have a place to share them!
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