While checking into something else, I found myself caught up in my files about this wedding and it is remarkable to me how the wedding, after over a year, and the couple themselves, after almost a decade together, hold up.
More so than any other wedding this couple got it right. Lots of tradition, ever-present personal touches, plenty of royal bling, and mostly a feeling of connection with the guests, the people of the country and any others around the world who watched on tv/internet. And they somehow seemed to only have eyes for each other. It was a grand undertaking and still felt so intimate.
Haakon & Mette-Marit's didn't have quite the grandeur but it was still royal, and in its simplicity, equally as intimate (and Mette-Marit's gown was the best example of melding her personal style with royal impressiveness - still the best of the current crop IMO). These two couples are similar in that the feeling of love seems to have grown in their time together as a couple and as the married crown princely couples of their respective countries.
The Danish couple's wedding was very beautiful visually and very coordinated, but it was so disconnected. While there were a few moments where there seemed to be genuine emotion, it seemed very pompous and aloof. And even though he was under the same, if not more pressure in Sweden - Daniel displayed true grace and class. His was the best wedding speech by miles - both in content and delivery. And rather than being curt with those around him and supporting him or acting like he was above everyone else, he actually smiled with Prince Carl Philip and greeted Count Carl Johan very heartily. The welcoming feeling throughout the day was evident in the crowds, the guests, the family and the couple...and that's worth more than the most beautiful flower arrangements or perfectly planned dinner.
Since that time, Victoria and Daniel have proven their worth as a couple and individually, and have shown they are capable of maintaining the work ethic of her parents. Have they even taken a vacation since their honeymoon? This family, even with all of the "issues" being talked about, on the whole works very hard for their country. In addition to the state visits and annual events including the Nobel prize celebrations, they seem to make it very much about the people, and they do it with a class and regalness that isn't haughty or off-putting but very welcoming. The Brits are one of the only families that seem to work harder than the Swedes, but they still have some off-putting behaviors.
The British might have achieved the greatest influence globally throughout history, but they are still rather out-of-touch much like their Danish cousins, who seem very proud of having the longest documented royal history but still are quite insignificant outside of their borders. The Danes might have 75 more documented years, but the current Swedish royal house embody the current king's motto "For Sweden - With the Times".
I think Victoria and Daniel's wedding was exactly the kind for this day and age. Light-hearted, modest, intimate, with spectacular touches and very much a celebration of them as a couple and of love in particular. The only thing I might have changed would have been a little more fun during the actual ceremony. The Dutch all seem to have such a good time during their weddings, even when there are tears. But I guess Victoria and Daniel made up for it with all the fun after the ceremony was finished.
Many congratulations to them on the pregnancy and all the best wishes for the future. I feel very lucky to have been able to see this beautiful couple on the most wonderful day. Tack!
Some of those photos are really lovely. Great find!
