Never in my life have I been surrounded by more hype for a single event. I mean the hours and hours of television reporting devoted to speculation about "THE DRESS" alone was a bit ridiculous. But, I cannot lie. I was totally captivated.
Confession time. I was IN LOVE with William when I was 13 years old. I will admit (EEK!!) that next to my Keanu Reeves posters ripped out of BOP magazine (hey the movie "Speed" was really popular and he was super buff in the film) were pinups of Prince William. I specifically remember one of the articles talking about how he would be permitted to marry a commoner, even if they were American!!
My princess aspiration was born. I mean, what girl hasn't had that fantasy at some point in their life?
So that particular William and I were not meant to be, but there was no way I was going to miss his big day when I live so close!!
I convinced my friend Jessica to join me in this endeavor and she was (thankfully) equally up for the adventure of taking on the madness of the crowds with me. The base arranged for a bus to take us down to London and we were dropped at the London Eye. We got to town around 7:30 am expecting to be met with massive traffic, but it was eerily absent. Perhaps it was too early or people were deterred about the prediction that millions would be there trying to get a glimpse of the couple.
We crossed the bridge to Big Ben and the Westminster Abbey area and were met by the first of many bobbies and other security personnel.
Bobbies in front of Big Ben ensuring that no vehicles were crossing into the area.
The parade route was already 4 people deep and we decided that we were not likely to get a very good view of the happy couple if we stayed in this area. We walked around to the front of the Abbey to see what kind of view we could get there. There was a multi-tiered structure where the press was set up so that was out.
The best view of the front of the Abbey we could get pre-ceremony.
We made a command decision to move towards Buckingham Palace so we could see the first kiss on the balcony.
Crossing the parade route. This was around 8AM. Already so busy!
We walked through St. James Park on our way to the Palace. This was my first time walking through this area of London. The park was so beautiful. The spring flowers were in full bloom.Crossing a bridge in St James Park looking toward the Palace.
After testing out a few spots, we found our way around the gate and wall to a spot off to the side of the main square in front of the palace and inched our way closer and closer over the next 5 hours we had until the scheduled balcony appearance.We made it!! Me and Jessica.
During our wait we got glimpses of cars leaving the palace including the families of the couple headed to the ceremony and the palace guards gearing up for their parade march.
Guards on parade.
The crowd was quite subdued for the most part. That was until the t.v. cameras started panning and then the flags came up and everyone went wild.
They played the audio of the wedding ceremony to the crowd. When William and Kate said their vows the crowd cheered!!
The parade route ended at the Palace. We got to see the cars come through and head inside. As time drew closer to the balcony appearance, people started going nuts trying to get closer to the square. There was a 20 foot drop off behind the wall we were standing next to, but that did stop people from trying to climb it for a better look.One of many dare devils making the climb. Security caught every single one of them and sent them back out.
And then after a 2 hour bus ride, fighting our way through crowds, and standing in one spot for 5 hours, the big moment finally arrived. At the last minute a spot on the wall opened up and I was able to jump up on it so I could get better shots of the couple. Thank goodness!!
Here they are, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge!! It was so worth the wait to see them for myself. They were gorgeous!!
The QUEEN!!!!!
The family and bridal party.
The moment we have all been waiting for, the KISS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Royal Air Force flyby.
I took about 50 photos of them up on the balcony. I just kept shooting and shooting because I didn't want to miss a moment. It was truly magical to feel the energy and love of the crowd for these two people. A day I will never forget for as long as I live.
And to Prince William, my former crush, I'm glad you found your Princess :-)
