I was as clueless about the royal wedding and its participants as I am about fashion. When a friend asked on the day before the event whether I was getting up to watch it, I answered, “When is it?”

Turns out, I did wake up at 3 a.m. the next morning and, let me tell you, I watched every bit of the ceremony and more.

I hummed a hymn, teared up. In fact, now, I may have watched it as many times as The Sound of Music. Funny, how elegance can captivate. It is also contagious. This morning, rather than reaching for my tattered jeans, I picked out a pair of white cotton pants and a shirt with French cuffs. Thank you, Kate Middleton. Me thinks there’s a lot more to thank this “commoner” for.

In between watching various programs from “royal wedding highlights,” to “memorable moments,” to “encore and more,” I wondered — what’s got me so glued to this? I’m the gal who’s NOT glued to the television on Oscar night. Perhaps it was the simple fact that there was so much to enjoy! All of which went beyond beautiful, and much deeper than skin deep.

One commentator said, “We’re seeing grandeur right now that we won’t see again for decades.” Maybe so, but in the eyes of at least one, the visual grandeur, great as it was, was an understory tree. (Small trees that grow under taller trees, for you city folk.)

Kate brought elegance to every day. Simplicity was honored here and not just in dress. Many commentators expressed surprise that Kate did her own makeup.

One reported, “Kate said that she wanted William to recognize her when she reached the altar.” Wouldn’t you want to be you?

One of Kate’s hair stylists spoke about her do. “Sometimes,” he said, “the simplest of looks can be the most difficult to create.” Difficult to KEEP too, I thought, but one has the sense that THIS Duchess will succeed in doing so.

Simplicity was in the trees along the aisle. Glorious and green! The accomplishment reminded me right away of “Mr. B” (Bobb Wirfel), a floral designer and beloved friend. If I hadn’t known Bobb was deceased, I would’ve sworn he’d done the church and Kate’s bouquet, perhaps the least talked about but most exquisite! I even heard Bobb making the suggestions, elongating the words “gree-ee-een” and “tree-ee-ees” with that nasally tone of his.

Elegance was everywhere. From well-shined saddles on horses that looked smart, to Kate’s sister, Pippa Middleton, who looked like a walking calla lily. Gorgeous. She seemed as natural and poised in assisting the flower girls and Kate as their brother did when giving his reading. Even the Queen, wearing a dress the color of “Buttercups,” seemed softer in both appearance and nature.

To one friend, Prince William was the most impressive, affirming possibility. “He honored his mother, respected his stepmother, and he loves his wife,” Amal said. “William will take the monarchy to a new place.”

Perhaps what was most special about the occasion was this: Whether through hymns, readings, or their own prayer (read in the homily) the couple brought themselves to the altar. They walked through trees and finally, that family, to a place of their own.

The ceremony was as rich in text as it was in music. Just read the prayer composed by the couple. Here’s one portion:

In the busyness of each day, keep our eyes fixed on what is real and important in life, and help us to be generous with our time and love and energy.

The reading (Romans 12:1-2,9-18) read by James Middleton, sounded Nelson Mandela-ish…

Outdo one another in showing honour,
Rejoice in hope,
Be patient in suffering
Live peaceably with all.

Rich stuff.

After the homily, both choirs (boys and men) joined forces to sing motet "Ubi Caritas", (also known as "Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal") composed by Paul Mealor, a Welsh composer only 35 years old. This was SO beyond beautiful; I cried. Take a listen. It may be the finest four minutes and 23 seconds you’ll ever spend.

Of course, there’s always a comedian. On The Learning Channel was Rupert Everett, a British actor whose comments put me in hysterics. Rupert called most of the hats “ridiculous.” Regarding two, I had to agree. Beatrice and Eugenie looked right out of “Alice in Wonderland,” he said. The stepsisters (from Cinderella) struck MY mind. As for Victoria Beckham, Rupert wondered, “What did she have on her head? Some sort of cash register with an antennae!?”

It was a “happy day,” as one commentator described it, but it was so much more. The couple gave us what every bride and groom gives us: Hope.

Maybe I’m OD-ing on romanticism, but I even saw symbolism in the runaway horse the camera scarcely caught during the couple’s carriage ride. A horse, after throwing its rider, took off, too. I couldn’t help but hope the same for the happy couple — in whatever form it comes in. Aston Martin or otherwise. From the reading they chose (Romans 12:1-2, 9-18), it sounds like they’re onto something already.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of
your minds …