Love is in the air these days! And bridal season has officially kicked off, sharing its heart-warming glory on the international stage as American Actress Meghan Markle lived out every woman’s fairy tale on live television. With understated elegance and a beaming smile, she literally became a princess overnight by marrying HRH Prince Harry at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018. The newlyweds are now officially the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the darlings of the Millennial generation. The traditional pomp and circumstance of their glamorous nuptials was offset in a befitting way with the novel addition of some inspiring new twists that give us all a reason to smile and celebrate! Old world met new world as the stiff-upper-lip Britts hosted American celebrities, a gospel choir and even an animated evangelical American preacher. Here are three distinct inspirations from the spectacle for the fashion and jewelry obsessed…

Brights vs Pastels

TOP Oprah, Mother of the Bride, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton / BOTTOM Kate Spencer wife of the 9th Earl Spencer, Amal & George Clooney, Lady Kitty Spencer

The entire universe conspired to give the young couple the perfect warm, sunny spring weather for their special day. This brought out many a pastel frock with everyone from Oprah Winfrey and the bride’s Mother to Princess Kate and actress Izzy May, all wearing solid color pastel dresses for the occasion. The more daring and fashion-forward opted instead for charming bright colors like Amal Clooney’s stunning marigold sheath or Lady Kitty Spencer’s vibrant solid green midi-dress. Conservative and traditional, young and old alike covered their heads with fanciful hats and hair adornments reminiscent of the recent Kentucky Derby fashion show. Everyone sparkled in colorful fashion, leaving only the bride to hypnotize our hearts in her subtle, sensational all white gown, capped with Queen Mary’s diamond bandeau and a trailing 16’ wedding veil.

Studs vs Drops

Clockwise from far left: The Bride HRH The Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle, Pippa Middleton, James Corden’s wife Julia Carey, Sophie Countess of Wessex, Sarah Duchess of York, Serena Williams

How were these fabulous frocks adorned? With a modicum of simplicity and elegance, befitting the British royal crown. The stylish ladies at the wedding, both guests and participants alike, opted for either studs or small drop earrings. The younger crowd, including Meghan Markle herself, along with Pippa Middleton, Serena Williams and Lady Kitty Spencer, all chose to adorn their lobes with simple stud earrings worn on the earlobe itself, a classy, chic way to shine while honoring the reverence of the occasion. The bolder set, including beauties like Sarah, Duchess of York, Amal Clooney, James Corden’s wife Julia Carey and the mother of the bride, all opted for the perfect pair of drop earrings with a small lustrous pearl or a sparkling gemstone dangling just below the lobe. The drops caught the eye and the camera without making too much fuss or capturing too much attention away from the beautiful bride.

Status Pearls, for Every Age

TOP – HRH The Queen of England /BOTTOM – Dame Norma Major, Camilla Duchess of Cornwall, Franziska van Almsick

Not surprisingly, pearls popped up everywhere, very suitable for such an esteemed occasion. Interestingly, one could almost denote rank and/or age range by counting the number of strands. Fabulous multi-strand pearl necklaces adorned the necks of the royals, who proclaim their position proudly, starting with HRH the Queen herself and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall, as well as the wives of senior members of parliament like former Prime Minister John Major’s wife. Not all royals go for multi-strand, though, a few like Princess Michael of Kent opted for the sophisticated, longer, opera-length strand of pearls. The new generation, however, chose the chic, simple look of an open neck, sans necklace, with a dangling pair of pearl earrings instead. No matter your age or style, it is clear that high quality pearls symbolize the sophistication and status of such a momentous occasion.

My favorites moments from the broadcast include the cameramen catching the Royals trying to hide a snicker or two as Bishop Michael Curry brought a newfound enthusiasm to the Anglican pulpit. I also enjoyed the cultural fusion of the gospel choir and the organ hymns. But most of all, it warms my heart to see the monarchy dress to impress just like we do. Some part of me believes there is a princess in all of us. Thank you Meghan Markle for letting us live vicariously through you on your splendid day.

Clockwise From upper left: Assael South Sea & Diamond Stud Earrings, Assael 3-Strand Akoya pearl necklace with Diamond Clasp, Assael Natural Color Tahitian Pearl Drop Earrings with detachable Aquamarine Studs