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(Prince William, screen shot; Princess Diana, Peter Skingley/AP/pool)

Five months ago, when Prince William first announced to the world he’d given a ring to Kate Middleton, he made it clear that only one other woman mattered as much to him.
"It's my mother's engagement ring,” he told the press of the sapphire and diamond engagement heirloom. “Obviously she's not going to be around to share any of the fun and excitement of it all -- this was my way of keeping her close to it all."

During every step of their path down the aisle, Kate and William have made a point to keep Lady Diana’s memory alive. Today’s wedding was no exception. They recited their vows at the Westminster Abbey, the historic church where Diana’s memorial was held for 3 million mourners in 1997. Then, William was just a teenager, and his solemn march behind his mother’s coffin was in stark contrast to the beaming stride he took down the aisle today.

But the church itself wasn't the only reminder of Diana's parting. Bishop of London Richard Chartres, who also spoke at Diana's memorial, gave the wedding sermon. And during the musical portion of the ceremony, the first hymn sung was "Guide Me Thou, O Great Redeemer," the same song that concluded Di's funeral service and memorial service, 10 years after her death.

The focus wasn't only on Di's absence, but on the memory of her vibrant life. As Kate walked down the aisle in Alexander McQueen , every bit the breathtaking bride her mother-in-law was in 1981, she clutched a bouquet of Sweet William dotted with Lily of the Valley, a staple of Diana's wedding bouquet. And when it was time to say her vows, she again summoned Di’s independent spirit, by omitting the term “obey”. It was the one battle Diana Spencer picked when she agreed to marry Prince Charles. At the time, the break in tradition caused outrage among royal-watchers. Today it’s a testament to Di’s courage and trail-blazing choices.
Princess Diana smiles at a charity event in 1995 (Mark Lennihan/AP Photo


















  Perhaps the biggest homage to Di’s legacy has been the subtle nods to lessons she taught both her immediate family and the royalty she’d forever be linked to. Diana’s tragic death, often blamed on a stalking paparazzi, may have influenced the couple and the royal court to keep their guard up with both paps and press during the wedding planning. When Di’s bridal dressmaker was announced, reporters famously rifled through the designer’s dumpsters hunting for information. Lesson learned, Kate kept her dress a secret despite pressure from media outlets and with souvenir factories at a standstill. It helped to have the firm backing of Clarence House, the royal press office, which closely guarded information in accordance to Will and Kate’s wishes. They’ve also accommodated the couple’s desire to have Diana’s favorite fashion photographer, Mario Testino, snap their engagement photo.

For Diana, whose outspoken voice was sometimes muffled by royal etiquette, fashion as a way to communicate with the public. Today, Carole, Kate's mother, stood in solidarity with her fellow mother-in-law. Her sky blue shantung dress was designed for the occasion by the house of Catherine Walker, Di's favorite designer. Walker, who died last year, designed at least 1,000 looks that defined Diana's style in her lifetime, including the black dress she was buried in.

Just skidding off of her teenage years, Diana became a figurehead the instant she said her vows. “At the age of 20 she has renounced forever spontaneity and privacy, freedom and independence, her red Mini Metro and her Chelsea apartment, past friendships and future intimacies other than those deemed appropriate for royal confidences,” a reporter wrote in the New York Times, the day after her July 29 nuptials. Both William and Kate, nearing the end of their 20s, were able to come into their own as individuals before they settle down with children, as they’re swiftly expected to do upon marriage. Their decision to wait, and to forge a 10-year bond, was no doubt a reaction to young Diana’s marital struggles which she claimed in Andrew Morton’s biography, started by “day two.”

For her wedding in 1981 Diana had little say in the guest list. But after her divorce, the people’s princess kept herself surrounded with a close-knit circle, some of them in attendance today, including dear friends Tessa Green and Elton John, who refashioned his song Candle in the Wind in her memory. John, along with over 1,000 other official guests, were asked by the couple to make charitable donations in lieu of gifts. Of all the bricks that built Diana’s legacy, her humanitarian work was a cornerstone.

Nine days ago, while the rest of the world fixated on every last detail of their impending nuptials, Will and Kate took a boat to his mother’s final resting place. The couple spent a quiet day at Lady Di’s remote burial site, and walking the grounds of the nearby arboretum where Will and Harry planted trees alongside their mother as boys. “It was very important for William to take Kate to visit his mum just before their wedding day," a royal insider told the Daily Mirror. “Diana is still a huge part of her boys' everyday life and always will be." This was particularly true today, as William bit his lip nervously, standing at the altar with his bride, just as his mother did on her wedding day. It was a reminder to the millions of viewers who've watched the prince become a man, he's still his mother's son.

The Royal Wedding officially began last night in London when Prince William and Prince Harry visited the crowds who were camped out to see the Royal action.  When asked how he was feeling about the morning nuptials, he said that he felt nervous and that, "I've got to get my lines right!"  What a prince (ahem) for visiting the overnighters to encourage them before a long, cold night of waiting.  Kate and her mom slept at The Goring Hotel. The Weather:
Overcast and chilly.  The massive cloud overhead was promised to break, but then later in the afternoon rain and thunder were to be expected.  London
6 AM: Kate made an early morning appearance outside of the hotel, looking fresh and not at all stressed, to say hello to some relatives. (She seemed to have regular makeup and hair done for an average day, as well as a pretty printed dress with white jacket over top.)
6:30-ish AM: Kate's brother, James, left the hotel and went to Clarence House to have breakfast with his soon-to-be brother-in-law at Clarence House
Big Announcement:
First thing this morning it was announced that Queen Elizabeth granted William three new titles, the first representing England, the second and third Ireland and Scotland:
Duke of Cambridge
Earl of Starthern
Baron Carrickfergus
Granting the monarchy titles on their wedding day is a long-standing tradition and Kate was not left out.  She was made a 'royal highness' and granted the title of Duchess of Cambridge to go along with Will's Duke.
Well Wishers:
The Expedition 27 Crew of the International Space Station sent some anti-gravity best wishes and said they'd be watching.
The Guests in Attendance:
Usually at a royal wedding, the bulk of the guests filling Westminster Abbey are 'official' guests, but this time, of the almost 2,000 guests, over 1,000 are friends and acquaintances of the couple's.  Some are celebrities, over 80 were from Kate and William's chosen charities.
7:00 AM:Guests begin to queue.  Other than a select few family and friends, the rest of the seating is first come, first served.
8:00 AM:Guests enter Westminster Abbey, find their seats and then socialize for awhile. 
10:00 AM:VIP arrivals at the Abbey
Prince William and Prince Harry leave Clarence House - to much screaming and shouting and flag waving of the endless crowds along the entire route.  Both princes look dashing in their military finest.  Now things are getting exciting! (The wind has blown the back of Will's hair awry, hopefully someone fixes it before the ceremony!)  As William and Harry are escorted to the knave we see some nuns glowing with delight as they pass by.  Adorable!  We also see Will talking to the Spencer family, Diana's kin.  In the 4th row are three knockout blonds, who are William's cousins.  They get a lot of camera time because they're so pretty.
The Princes leave the Abbey for St. Edmunds Chapel for privacy and waiting.  A multitude of royalty we didn't know existed arrive.  (Mental note: brush up on the royalty of the world)

Kate leaves the Goring Hotel, We see white, we don't see much else!  Her father Michael hands her a bouquet of lilies of the valley.  Oooh, the excitement and anxiety of getting the bride and gown to the Abbey in perfect condition!!!  As they move, Kate begins to wave!  We see Kate fully and our hearts are in our throats, she is beautiful with her veil over her head, wearing a tiara underneath.  The crowds go wild along their route. Kate makes a grand and graceful exit from the Phantom 6 Rolls Royce in a gown designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen
Pippa comes to meet her.  Her train is about 7 feet long, made of ivory and white satin.  She's wearing the Queen's Halo Tiara by Cartier, made in 1936.
As she enters the cathedral and speaks to the clergy she seems to be steadying herself, holding back the tears of emotion, taking in this moment.
Royal Wedding :The Ceremony
As she walks past her family and closest friends she stays steady and climbs the stairs to William.
Harry has a huge grin on his face.
William looks at Kate for the first time and they share a sweet smile.  He continues to look at her while she takes her father's hand.
We can read his lips as he tells her something...and that she looks beautiful.  He looks very, very happy.
Kate looks to be on the verge of bursting into tears.  Will says something that makes her laugh.

They promise that 'they will.' Kate's father gives her to him. The part where they repeat begins.
 Will does a perfect job, with seriousness, love and intensity on his face. Catherine Elizabeth does the same.  Will looks so sweet.   Kate looks a little overwhelmed, but ends with a lovely smile.

From outside the Abbey we hear the nation collectively cheer.  Seriously. Everyone outside is watching on monitors, they all cheered, and somehow the noise got in through the walls and windows!  Kate and Will hear this and she grins.
The ring goes on, with a little difficulty.  Her fingers must be a bit swollen with all of the excitement.  Will gets it on there!
They pray. The priest wraps their hands in a holy cloth, and tells the world not to mess with what God has joined together.
He announces and declares what they've just done, and does a benediction of the ceremony.
They're married!
Another hymn.  Will and Kate go stand by two chairs and begin to sing along to the hymn and try to take a moment to take everything in.  Kate looks around at the Abbey to see her wedding.
James Middleton, Kate's brother, does a scripture reading.  Romans 12:1, 2, 9-18.
Holy smokes, we just noticed how tiny Kate's waist is.  It reminds us of Elizabeth Taylor's first wedding photo.
The more they walk the larger their grins become.
The stand in the doorway of the Abbey, give big smiles to all, the church bells ring and the crowds cheer!
They are seated, Kate and William give each other a "we did it!" look.
The Grand Procession begins.  They finally get to talk, they wave and smile.
William salutes, there are many escorts.  There is much waving, smiling, cheering, saluting, more cheering, more smiles.  The carriage eventually makes a 90-degree turn to turn into St. James Park.  Every time Will salutes, Kate bows her head in deference.
Hey!  The sun really is out!
The newlyweds reach the Royal Palace.  They seem to be having a lot of fun as the excitement of the crowd reaches a whole other level.
We must note that Harry is in a tiny carriage with one young bridesmaid and one young page. It's super adorable and seems akin to being put at the kids table during Thanksgiving.  It's probably some sort of tradition, but it makes is love Harry all the more!
Everyone goes into the central quarter of the Royal Palace.
William and Kate disembark the carriage. A carriage guy tries to help Kate with her dress, eventually she has to fix it herself.
The bridesmaids, pages, Harry and Pippa, the groomsmen and Kate's brother all enter the palace.
The Queen and Duke arrive.  The Queen has a jubilant smile.
Prince Charles, Camilla and the Middletons all enter the palace.
Some Rolls Royces bring the highest of the royalty to the palace.
A motorcade of minibuses of the rest of the important guests arrive and enter the palace.
While we wait a massive quantity of people fill the courtyard.
Some photos will be taken, then comes...

Will says something to Kate like - "are you ready? here I come!" and then kisses her.  She laughs.  He grins.  Everyone cheers!  Prince William blushes.
The rest of the day:An official reception at Buckingham Palace was hosted by the Queen for around 650 people.
Kate and Will will to Clarence House to rest for a bit.
In the evening they return to Buckingham Palace for a more intimate reception hosted by the Prince of Wales.
What's everyone else to do?  For the thousands of folks around the country uninvited to the royal wedding and receptions, there are over 5,000 wedding parties around England and who knows how may there have been/will be in the US.
Together though, we can all collectively sigh and swoon over the beautiful, fresh, inspiring day!
What did you think of the Royal Wedding?  Kate's gown? The KISS?!!! Share your royal comments below!

Having Paul Newman and Jamie Lee Curtis as your godparents all but ensures you'll want to grow up to be a movie star. And that's exactly how it worked out for Jake Gyllenhaal, who once got an early driving lesson on a racetrack with Newman. And Gyllenhaal also has the honor of being godfather to Matilda Ledger, daughter of his Brokeback Mountain co-stars, Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams—which means that by the transitive property, Matilda's grand-godparents are Curtis and Newman.