What will her dress look like? Veil or no veil? Enormous bouquet or a dainty design?
Who will be invited? OMG...Posh Spice and David Beckham!
What will their first kiss be like?

And now, finally, all our questions have been answered.

The dress was perfect in its refined elegance. The flowers were understated but present.
All of fancy schmancy modern society was invited...alas our invitations were lost somewhere over the pond.
The first kiss was sweet and dignified (natch) and they made us positively swoon.

An event such as this provides an amazing opportunity for people watching - way better than a bench in Central Park - which also makes for a good time, but I digress.

A royal English wedding provides a distinctly unique opportunity to examine the communication habits of both a separate culture (bound by its own rules and norms) as well as the habits of royalty (also bound by an entirely unique set of conduct codes).

The English are by nature a simply less demonstrative and touchy feely than Americans. They are as reserved as we are "at one" with our feelings. There are rules governing the behavior of royals that as mere laypeople, we cannot begin to understand.

Even when everyone is on their very best behavior - The Queen of England is right there for goodness sake - as mere mortals, we are unable to exert control over certain aspects of our body language.

If you are unfamiliar with the work of Dr. Paul Ekman - this is a crucial component to understanding how facial expressions are in fact imbedded in the human code, and are consistent in their appearance around the world - from Timbuktu to Manhattan - the Seven Universal Emotions are a human trait that we all possess.

Anger, Disgust, Fear, Joy, Sadness, Surprise and Contempt.

These emotional responses to the circumstances we encounter are universally recognized - a theory first entertained by Charles Darwin, and later expanded by Ekman - and though they can occur as quickly as 1/25 of a second, they are recognizable and provide a distinct window into an individuals inner thoughts.

During this royal engagement and wedding period, there have been no shortage of moments in which we glimpse true joy on the faces of Prince William and Princess Catherine.
Take for example, this moment during today's ceremony:

As HRH prepares to slip the wedding band of Welsh gold around her finger, Cate, exhibits indicators of true joy in this moment. Her smile is broad, teeth are showing, and yes, even those teeny tiny lines in her cheeks are evidence of her exuberance. Her eyes crinkle slightly, with the eyebrows arched up and in at the inner corners - all signs of unadulterated, effervescent joy.

 

And who can blame her...with this ring, she be a PRINCESS people!

As for Wills, we can see the evidence of his happiness in his two handed touch of Catherine, and the gentle grin that is his signature expression.

As for the kiss seen ‘round the world, we have another demonstration of their love and affection for one another - even during this tradition heavy, decorum infused event. Though royal rules dictate they maintain their propriety - this is still their wedding day. We see the evidence of slight smiles on both of their faces as they lean in for zee kiss, both turn towards the other and their shoulders touch intimately - all unmistakable signs of delight. Despite the pressure of having the world watch - in this moment, it's only about them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, it isn't terribly difficult to find examples of peace, joy and serenity during this momentous occasion. But, it does provide one the opportunity to be a witness to a love story unfolding.

As well as the opportunity to apply what we know of the of the 7 Universal Emotions to examine those around us, as well as individuals seperated by time, distance and culture. Now, discover these fleeting moments in your own life - and use that to enhance your interactions with others.

But for today, the images and videos of the royal wedding are a joy to behold - even at the unmentionable hour we arose to partake in it.

After all, I told you we were obsessed, didn't I?

We aren't about to let a little thing like sleeping past dawn ruin the fun!