CONGRATULATIONS TO THE DUKE & DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE!!!

Today, in an "intimate" ceremony watched by approximately 2 billion people worldwide, and 1900 guests in Westminster Abbey in London, history was made during the Cinderella fairytale wedding of the first "commoner" to marry royalty in 350 years!  As a photographer, naturally, I would have LOVED to have been an exclusive photographer at this once in a lifetime wedding.  However, since I was not, I perused some photos that had I been there, I believe I would've also captured.

Catherine "Kate" Middleton, now Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge [or Princess of Wales], wore a beautiful traditional, yet modern elegant gown of ivory satin, with handmade lace overlay, and a nine foot train, designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen design house.  Her teardrop earrings were a gift from her Parents.  It's being reported that the Duchess' dress design with the neckline and cinched waist was reminiscent of Grace Kelly's wedding gown.  The Duchess wanted to look gorgeous, yet demure, without showing too much skin.  The tiara was a Cartier Halo, loaned to the Duchess by the Queen.  The bottom of the dress was meant to appear to look like an opening flower.  And can you imagine...a walk down the aisle that took 4 minutes!  Talk about "all eyes on you"!

Pippa Middleton, the Sister of the Duchess, was Maid of Honor.  Pippa also wore a gown designed by Sarah Burton that had a cowl neck, and was reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour.

An interesting fact, Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of the Church, so no one else was allowed to wear the same color as the Queen...therefore, no one else was wearing yellow.

In celebration of the royal wedding, three Royal Air Force planes flew over the Mall and Victoria Memorial.  After the royal luncheon at Buckingham Palace, Duke William drove the Duchess on The Mall in Prince Charles' Aston Martin Volante covered with balloons and streamers on their way to Clarence House.  The license plate, "Just Wed".  The Duchess changed into another Sarah Burton, strapless gown, for the reception.

Please enjoy some of their Royal Wedding photos, courtesy of AP & Getty images:
 

Pippa, Kate & Mother the Day Before the Wedding

Kate With Her Father on the Way to Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey

Guests Awaiting the Queen's Arrival

Queen Elizabeth II Arrives

Duke & Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles and Camilla

 

Mother of the Bride, Carole Middleton

Prince William & Prince Harry

Pippa Middleton

Kate Middleton Arrives at Westminster Abbey

Kate & Father Walking the 4 Minutes Down the Aisle

Prince William told Kate, "You Look Beautiful"...

Ring Exchange

Recessional

On the way to Buckingham Palace

Crowds Outside of Buckingham Palace

Okay, I couldn't resist this photographer and his hat!

Royal Air Force Band

The Duke & Duchess Arrive at Buckingham Palace

Receiving Dignitaries at Buckingham Palace

Royal Air Force Fly Over



Waving from the Balcony of Buckingham Palace

First Kiss on the Balcony of Buckingham Palace

 Formal Portrait in Buckingham Palace

 Family Portrait in Buckingham Palace

Duke & Duchess with Attendants at Buckingham Palace

The Wedding Cake at Buckingham Palace

The Duke Drives the Duchess in Vintage Aston Martin

The Duchess' Reception Dress

Day After the Wedding ~ Duke & Duchess Headed to Unknown Location for Weekend

Commemorative Plate

Ciao, until next time...