When I mentioned to my sister that the Royal Wedding was happening on our anniversary, she said “That’s so funny, because you were obsessed with Princess Diana.” “I wasn’t that obsessed,” I half heartedly argued. “Remember, the book?” she said.
Oh yeah. The book on the life of Princess Diana that I poured over daily, dreaming about what it would be like to suddenly become a princess. Tiaras and castles and ball gowns. Except my prince would be handsome (sorry, Charles).
My mother and I had gotten up before the crack of dawn to watch that royal wedding, and I just remember thinking how lucky Diana was. How she was just a commoner (not exactly true, but that’s what the media was selling at the time) who became royalty. And to a twelve year old girl who loved pretty things, it was a pretty exciting thought.
Of course, growing older and watching how well that all turned out taught me that there were much more important things in life than tiaras, castles and ball gowns. But it did instill in me a desire to go to England and see London and Windsor and the English countryside. And 16 years ago, after John and I were married on April 29th, I got my wish when we headed off to England for our honeymoon. (See all the connections??)
When I started watching William and Kate’s wedding, I was sucked right back in again. It had been a tough week (as I write this, I’m still taking care of two sick boys) and the beauty, the tradition, the pomp and circumstance were a welcome reprieve. And what really put it over the top was that they so clearly love one another. I loved all of the glances, the smiles and the whispers they shared. Unlike Charles and Diana, they seemed so connected and happy.
That’s what I love about weddings. And that’s why I love shooting weddings. It’s such an amazing thing to document people on the happiest day their lives. Not to mention, it reminds me how lucky I am to have an amazing husband like John. And after sixteen years, how lucky we are to be following our dream, together.
Here we are sixteen years before Wills and Kate. No tiara, no balcony, but I still got my happily ever after.
