Friday, April 29, 2011

a royal feast

the people i love most in this world knocked on my door at 5:30 this morning. i welcomed them into a warm home, smelling like a breakfast diner with sausage, eggs, fresh fruit, bacon, hash browns, and english muffins with homemade strawberry jam.

and we gathered on the couch, warm mugs of coffee in hand, the sun not quite risen outside our open window. and we watched the royal wedding. watched kate in all her splendor, a vision in lace and curls. the choir boys in their ruffles, and the women in their fancy hats. it was all a big spectacle, that's for sure. but it was also beautiful, fun history in the making. made more beautiful by the people sitting to the right and left of me who got up early to make a memory.





 yes, it's a bit much. yes, the pomp and circumstance is stuffy. but it's also a bit magical, isn't it?

i've heard opinions from people who think the wedding is ridiculous, and couldn't care less about it, especially with the wars. and the horrible natural disasters. and a million other more important things.

but that's exactly why we do need things like this. to keep us believing. in the power of love, yes. but also in the beauty of life. it's the same reason saturday night live returned to television so soon after 9/11. because people needed to laugh. and now more than ever, people in america need to be reminded that there is happiness. there is splendor. there is hope.

so i gave in like any other sap and watched the whole thing. i'll remember her gorgeous veil and tiara, and his cherry red uniform. i'll remember the way harry looked back at kate, walking down the aisle, then turned and whispered in will's ear. i imagine he said she looks beautiful. i'll remember when kate got into the horse-drawn carriage, and looked at will and mouthed i'm so happy.

but most of all, i'll remember holding mama's hand when kate walked down the aisle. looking over at the excitement on her face. i'll remember robert in the kitchen, flipping over scrambled eggs in the pre-dawn haze. and i'll remember thinking, as they all drove away, that i wouldn't trade this life in the country, in our little two-bedroom cottage, for anything in this world.

17 comments:

Southhamsdarling said...

Wonderful that you watched the royal wedding and shared it with those that you love! I thought it was all just lovely, and when William turned to Kate at the alter, and said "you look beautiful", Aaaw! She looked so beautiful and the dress was stunning. It was good to forget about what is going on in the world just for a brief moment, and enjoy the romance of the day!

Dee Paulino said...

I am watching it tonight with my family... I did watch a video clip & Kate looked stunning

Jenni Austria Germany said...

that's so fun! i watched it too but with the time difference, didn't have to wake up so early ;)

charla beth said...

this brought tears to my eyes. absolutely beautiful.

and while i didn't get up at 3am my time to watch the wedding, you are so right--we need something to hope for in the mess that is constantly falling down all around us.

and you live one of the most simply beautiful lives i have ever witnessed (even from afar). it's encouraging to see someone who loves every part of it and does not, for one moment, take it for granted.

i hope that is an example we can all follow.

have a wonderful weekend, courtney. :)

Ren- Lady Of The Arts said...

you guys look so cute- what fun!

Tina said...

oh I only WISH the wedding was on at 5:30 instead of 2:30 here.. Yup all-nighter dedicated to the happy couple.. and a tea party!! such a good wedding indeed. I'm glad you decided to be one of the 2 billion watching and enjoy the magic of it all. i envy your breakfast
tinacrane.blogspot.com

Amber said...

I wasnt able to watch the wedding this morning but I did record it and just finished watching it, along with my pup, and thought it was just splendid.

Jennifer Rod said...

you surely put a cherry on top on all the royal wedding talk with this amazing post. im so glad you gave in and enjoyed it with your loved ones and with the rest of us believed in fairy tales, even if for just this morning... :)

Nicole Dianne said...

im so glad you had such a magical morning with family <3 that's really beautiful. i agree with you, with all the wars going on and natural disasters i think we deserve to give ourselves a break. my husband is overseas right now and watching this wedding is just what a i need to give myself a break from reality :)

Tiffany said...

You hit it right on the head--I was really frustrated with people and their comments about how the wedding was not necessary or not appropriate or whatever. I thought it was fantastic and I think they both deserved it. As did everyone in Brittain who got to experience it.

~Tiffany
http://tiffanyd22.blogspot.com

erika said...

Sometimes the best things are happening in your living room. :)

So sweet.

Ashley said...

amen! it was the most magical wedding i have ever seen. the best part is that i have my very own prince and i thank God for him everyday and i would never trade what i have for anything!!!

DaisyGirl said...

Thank you for commenting on my blog yesterday! I'm glad you did because now I have another great blog to follow! Thank you too for this post. Yesterday, after reading this post, I realized you are right. We need things like the Royal Wedding right now...not to distract us from reality...but to give our minds and eyes a momentary break from what is going on around us. In our house, it was the NFL draft. I realized, as my husband sat watching it the other night, that he NEEDED it. So...thank you!

DaisyGirl said...

oh...and p.s.....Y'all have a cute dog!!!! :o)

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

I am so glad to see a positive post on the wedding. I understand that there are more important things going on in the world, but honestly, why do the naysayers have to be so vocal in their critique of the whole event, right down to the dress and the kiss. The wedding was about Will and Kate -- it was their day, so why does anyone else think they have a say? The happy couple did what they wanted to do to keep it as intimate as possible and made the choices right for them. Why anyone should say anything negative is beyond me. So glad you had a lovely time surrounded by loved ones on a day that was meant to celebrate love.. Best wishes, Tammy

Unknown said...

very beautiful post, my dear! i've watched the highlights of the wedding, since i was in a motel that particular morning with some of my best friends - i'm happy just reading your experience. yes, we need days like this, pearls of happiness that keep us going. :)
hope you have a great sunday!

Jess said...

What a fun idea! You only live once right?

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