A long-awaited royal wedding occurred last week between Prince Harry, Queen Elizabeth's grandson and Prince Charles' son, and American actress Meghan Markle. The couple added several nontraditional touches to make the wedding their own. Here are a few you may have missed.
1. The Tailored Wedding Vows
Markle altered the traditional wedding vows, leaving out the part in which she would promise to “obey” her husband, in order to make the vows more contemporary.
2. Meghan Markle's Veil
Markle worked with the designer of her veil to create a design that would reflect the importance of all of Britain’s commonwealth countries. The veil contained floral patterns representing the flower of each country, as well as a flower representing California, the place where Markle was born.
3. The Gospel Choir
Prince Charles’ office made the request for a Gospel choir to perform at the royal wedding. This wedding has had the most representation of African-American people of any British royal wedding to date, which is very fitting as they welcome a biracial woman to the family.
4. The Bridesmaids' Shoes
Prince Harry and Miss Meghan Markle gifted their young bridesmaids white leather shoes with their initials monogrammed on the top for them to have as keepsakes from the wedding.
5. The Wedding Flowers
Harry and Meghan honored Harry’s late mother Princess Diana through the wedding flowers. The arrangements included white garden roses, which were Diana’s favorites. After the wedding, the flowers were made into bouquets that were donated to a local hospice.
6. Prince Charles Walked Markle Down The Aisle
Following doctor’s orders after his heart attack, Meghan Markle’s father was unable to attend the royal wedding. Prince Charles, Prince Harry’s father, walked her down the aisle instead.
7. The African-American Preacher
Michael Curry, the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, gave the sermon at the royal wedding. Like the bride, Curry is black and American.
8. Markle's Wedding Jewels
Prince Harry designed Markle’s engagement ring himself and used stones from Princess Diana’s collection to create it, in another touching act honoring his mother. In addition, the tiara she wore belonged to Queen Mary, and it was made in 1932.
