So it feels both completely alien and somewhat familiar. It feels both like a new experience for me and a new chapter of a story I was already following. It certainly fascinates me from a history and political science point of view, since it is a convergence of both. And then from a personal perspective of watching this grand royal event, it is both charming (in a fairy tale sort of way) and befuddling (for a variety of reasons).
You know, this echoes my experience of watching Obama's election pretty precisely. (It's all rather fascinating, isn't it?)

Amongst all that conflicting perception for me, one thing is certain: you're right, the pageantry certainly was impressive.
So, so, so PRETTY! Mmmm, I could watch that kinda thing forever - it might have to do with being Catholic, but I have a deep and abiding love of ritual and symbolism and big ornate traditional ceremonies. :)

However, beyond all that, Prince William and his new wife both looked genuinely in love and happy. In the end, that's what I was most pleased to see. I wish them a long and happy life together.
Same here. And that really was what stood out - the fact that they were clearly in it 'together'. ♥

(Sidebar: How much do I love it that I have countless Happy Wedding icons thanks to Doctor Who? Far too much!)