Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria has got her Prince. In an emotional but confident speech following her wedding to Daniel Westling, she expressed her gratitude to the crowd:
"Dear friends," she began, "I would like to start by thanking the Swedish people for giving me my Prince."
"We, my husband and I, are so incredibly happy and grateful that so many of you want to be here and celebrate with us."
"It’s a huge experience. This is absolutely the greatest days of our lives so far."
"To feel your support means more for us than you could ever believe."
The couple married earlier in a stately ceremony in Stockholm’s Storkyrkan Cathedral, with guests including senior royals from Europe, Jordan and Japan, the presidents of Iceland and Finland and a large contingent of family and friends.
Victoria entered the church with her father, who in a compromise between the Swedish tradition that the bride walks in with the groom and the bride’s wish to be given away, accompanied her half-way up the aisle, before handing her over to her husband-to-be. She was preceded by a gaggle of bridesmaids, who included numerous daughters of friends and members of other European royal families.
In his address, Archbishop Anders Wejryd told the couple that they were facing "tasks that you can't refuse, but that you can influence. One of you has had many years to prepare yourself to live this life - one of you has only had a few."
Former Idol contestant Agnes Carlsson and veteran singer Björn Skifs then performed the song When you tell the World you’re mine, by Jörgen Elofssonand John Lundvik.
The couple then walked together from the church. Daniel had entered as plain Mr. Westling; he left as HRH Prince Daniel, Duke of Västergötland.
Afterwards, an estimated 500,000 people lined the streets of Stockholm to watch the couple parade past in an open carriage - more than double the number that attended the 1976 marriage of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. Fears that rising republican sentiment would keep people at home - some polls have shown support for the monarchy below 50 percent - came to nothing.
They were then rowed across Stockholm’s majestic harbour on the Royal Barge, Vasaordern, a gilted 1920s replica of an original from 1744, where they were saluted by ships of the Swedish navy and British frigate HMS Kent. They were welcomed on the steps of Logården, in front of the palace, by King Carl Gustaf, Queen Silvia and Prince Daniel's parents, father Olle, a retired social services chief and mother Ewa, a retired post office clerk.
There, they were treated to a concert from a massed choir, while thousands thronged the Norrbro bridge directly in front of the palace. The Princess and Prince were joined on the balcony by royals including King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway, Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik of Denmark, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, King Abdullah and Queen Rania of Jordan, Queen Sofia of Spain, Prince Albert of Monaco, Crown Prince Nuaruhito of Japan and Britain's Earl and Countess of Wessex.
"When I got up, I found 30 beautiful letters, addressed to me, one for each day she would be away."
In a light touch, he alluded to the huge change in his status:
"Once upon a time, there was a young man, who while perhaps not a frog, was certainly not a prince," he said.
"I love you Victoria, and I am proud of what we have together, and I am so happy to be your husband," he said, causing Victoria to shed a tear.
The couple then led guests out to witness them cutting the cake in theBernadotte Gallery, before heading into the White Sea Ballroom for the evening's dancing. They started the dancing with an accomplished waltz, after which they were joined by the King and Queen, and by Olle and Ewa Westling - all in front of SVT's television cameras.
The couple's honeymoon destination is so far a well-kept secret, but when they return Prince Daniel's induction into the world of royalty is expected to start in earnest.
From 'The Local' - http://www.thelocal.se/27338/20100619/
Photos from 'The Local' & Getty Images
蜜月篇
當為你的蜜月旅行預訂酒店時，記得要俾酒店知道你地係新婚夫婦。因為酒店很多都會贈送香檳和士多啤梨等禮物。
On Honeymoon:
While making reservations for your honeymoon, and during the trip itself, make sure anyone and everyone knows you're newlyweds. You never know who'll throw in an extra complementary champagne and strawberries.
婚紗篇
即使你認為你已經選定某種婚紗風格，不妨保持開放的態度；因為在你搜尋理想婚紗的時候，往往有令你意想不到的驚喜！
On Dresses:
Even if you think you prefer a certain gown style, stay open-minded while on your search—you might find something you love that you never expected!
攝影篇
唔係每個人都想睇好似電影咁長嘅成長片段或婚禮花絮，但大多數人都唔會介意2至5分鐘的片段。
On Photography & Video:
Not everyone will want to watch your feature-length wedding video, but most will love a quickie two to five minute edit. Ask your videographer to create a condensed version and make DVD copies for your close friends and families.
宴會篇
在宴會的場地提供信封及信紙，使您的親友除了簽名外，亦可以即場寫上祝福嘅賀卡。
On Receptions:
Adhere envelopes to your guestbook so your friends and family can write private messages if they choose.
鮮花篇
除了絲帶以外，不妨使用珍珠，襟針，小首飾等等來襯托你嘅花球。
On Flowers:
Use beads, brooches, jewels, pearls and charms to dress up a simple ribbon-wrapped bouquet.
From Brides.com
