People all over Monmouthshire held a series of events to celebrate the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton last Friday (29th April).

The day, which was marked with a bank holiday, saw an estimated two billion people from all across the globe witness the marriage of the future king and his partner of 10 years.

Dressed in a stunning design by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen, Catherine made her vows to her prince, who wore the red tunic of the Irish Guards, in Westminster Abbey at 11am.

Beacon reporter Laura Thomas headed off to London to witness the events first hand.

Read an extract from her story of the day below.

Together with the other journalists I was taken to St Margaret's Church at 9.30am and that was when the real buzz of enthusiasm could be felt.

We were able to see some of the masses who had gathered outside Westminster Abbey to catch a royal glimpse and their feverish anticipation could be felt in the air.

After being security searched we were led into the church, where we were seated to watch the events unfold on television screens.

I was sat next to the royal editor of the Sunday People, who like me didn't have a high-pressure deadline as he did not go to print for more than 24 hours.

He explained to me though that the girl sat two rows in front of us was a reporter for the Evening Standard and she had to file copy by 11am for inclusion in the edition of the paper to be published that afternoon. No surprise that she had a distinct look of panic spread all across her face.

We witnessed the arrival of many high profile guests, as well as all the royal family, and all journalists were eagerly awaiting the announcement from the Clarence House press officers, who were also present in St Margaret's, of who had designed Catherine Middleton's dress.

When she emerged from the Rolls Royce in her Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen lace appliqué gown there was a general consensus that she looked absolutely gorgeous.

For full story see Beacon 04/05/11.