The Royal Wedding of William & Kate!!!

The Royal Couple!

Yesterday I was thrilled to have the opportunity to attend the royal wedding!!! Ok, I sort of attended...I joined a million people on the streets of London in hopes of catching a glimpse of the union between Prince William and Princess Catherine (Kate). Any royal wedding is a momentous event in history, but this one was especially loved throughout the world because it's a modern day Cinderella story. A common woman and a prince fell in love, an everyday girl became a princess, and they were married to live happily ever after in Buckingham Palace. 

I woke at 6am, feeling about two days late in getting a spot in the action since thousands had been camping out to claim their places. But somehow I managed to find a spot along the procession route that gave me the best view I could have imagined!!! 


From 8am-2pm, I stood meeting people from all over the world who had come to take part in the celebration and we saw EVERYONE! The thrill of being that close to the Queen of England, a woman who comes from a line like Queen Elizabeth, was surreal! That much history is hard to fathom and I felt a little taste of it.

Once the ceremony began, the wedding was broadcast over huge speakers so that the massive crowd could be apart of it. Over the masses we heard them take their vows, and a huge cheer erupted after Kate said "I do." The sound of a million people cheering could be heard inside the Abbey!  But by the far the most lasting moment of this unique experience for me was when James Middleton, Kate's brother, delivered a reading of Romans 12 in the wedding. After each sentence of the reading, he paused to let it take effect. His voice echoed over the completely hushed crowds -

        I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, 

to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, 

holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Do not be conformed to this world, 

but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, 

so that you may discern what is the will of God,

what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 

love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour.

Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. 

Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.

Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. 

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 

Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; 

do not claim to be wiser than you are.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 

If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Outside of Westminster Abbey

Imagine hearing these words over a crowd of nearly silent million, followed by a chill-inducing choir performance. It was an awe-inspiring moment that will stick with me forever. 


I made friends with Canadians, British, Thais, Irish, and Scottish people in just a little 4 foot area around me. This type of occasion is something that unites continents with a sense of global hope and optimism that we so easily lose in our day to day lives. For me personally, I've spent this past week practicing seven hours a day and concentrating solely on this competition. But being out among a million people in this type of historical moment really opened up my mind and gave me perspective again - and, so much inspiration!!!

Just Touched Down in London Town

My Home For the Week Here in London

I've begun my adventure!!! I had a wonderful last weekend in Normal, with a going away party on Friday, times w/Kim and Patty, a night with my roomie w/Chinese and Conan O'Brien, Easter w/my family, and a packing party w/close friends and a bottle of champagne. I was touched, too, by my family and best friends who came to the bus station to send me off. I have been overwhelmed these last few days with how much love everyone has shown me. It's amazing to jump out and live a dream, but I can't deny I have my fears. But, this last weekend I felt so much love and support that I feel strong to begin this new chapter of life!

So, you can see here in these pictures what my London life is like right now! I'm so thankful to have a friend take care of me here in her 'flat.' Today I had a great time grocery shopping here in Streatham, West London - it was a great opportunity to see this beautiful part of the city, with all of its greenery and brick structures. I spent the afternoon practicing but every 5 minutes I would find myself dozing off on the couch and then saying to myself, "wait, how did I get here? Get up Raylene!" For four hours I kept up this battle, me against my 20 pound eyelids, as I ran through the competition rep. But I feel focused and inspired here - it's exactly what I need as I go into Bucharest. But right now, I'm just excited to go to sleep!!!!

The View Out of My Window

A Look Through the Skylight in My Room

Jet Lag + 4 Hours of Practicing = This Face