The whole congregation was now on their feet with phones and cameras to take photos of the glorious entrance. The few that didn't have anything to record with joined their hands to a handclap on the beat of the piano man. Elizabeth's was crying silently amid laughter beneath the veil covering her head. She glanced at most people on both columns of the church; the genuinely happy ones, the unhappy ones, the joyous ones, and those whose faces couldn't be read—all had come to witness such a wonderful occasion.
The 'convoy' reached the pulpit and Father Saul signalled to the congregation to sit down as he went on the other side to do his second job of the day. The celebration went on as per the order until it was time for the main act. Seth and Elizabeth stared at each other as they held hands. The moment had finally arrived! Father Saul began to speak but the words only drowned in Elizabeth's ears. She could hear nothing except the heart of her lover beat in his chest. The beating was the usual one of 'Seth, Beth' instead of 'lub, dub'. She couldn't help but to cry and smile. The golden rings were brought by an altar boy who held the small box where they were.
"My friends, we are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of committed marital love, and to add our best wishes to the words which shall unite Seth and Elizabeth in marriage," Father Saul began. The rest of the words that came from his mouth were like the conductor of Elizabeth's tears. The moment was spiced with smiles as Father Saul reached the final bit of the vows. "Wasswa Seth, will you have this woman to be your wedded wife…"
"I will," Seth cut Father Saul short. Everyone laughed. Elizabeth stared in his eyes as she replied on her turn. Father Saul continued with his work until the rings had to meet their new home. "I, Seth take you Elizabeth to be my wife, to have and hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, as long as we both shall live." Seth placed the bronze ring on Elizabeth's finger as he repeated after Father Saul. "Elizabeth, take this ring as a sign of my commitment and fidelity to you."
"…By the authority vested in me by the Church, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife," announced Father Saul. The congregation clapped and shouted as the couple hugged and kissed.
*
Creamland Gardens was where the reception was. It was decorated with the signature colours of pink and white. Two full 200-seater tents stood parallel to but facing each other. Another tiny tent was set before them, and that's where the bride, groom and maids sat. The day went on as planned, with a series of performances from popular musicians, dancers and instrumentalists.
"Are you happy?" Seth asked the sad Elizabeth. She'd suddenly fallen out of the live moment as the celebrations went on.
"I'm fine," she replied. "I just wish my parents were here to witness such a transformation in my life. A tear escaped. Seth bent towards the crying bride and dried the steam of warm tear that was moving down her cheek.
"Well, we have no control over that," he started. "But the good thing is that your friends and other family members, and my people are all here." He tried to elate her low moods but in vain. Her face was becoming older.
"You don't understand," she refrained, turning to him. "None of these people can match the presence of parents on such a day. And besides, talking about parents, you know that your parents will never welcome me gladly as their daughter-in-law."
"I've always told you to neglect my parents. They have no say in our love. If these people cannot bring that outstanding joy in your heart then let me be the sole giver of it. I am here." The weight in Elizabeth's heart was taken by the sweet words, and she became jolly like before.
All went on well with music, food and speeches. Father Saul was given the microphone to speak on behalf of Elizabeth's parents. He addressed most of the speech to Seth, in the bracket of keeping his daughter safe. Seth's parents did not say much but to congratulate the couple and left immediately after. The day aged and darkness crept in. A final blessing was given by Father Saul and the guests passed by the small tent to wish well the new the newly wedded couple all the best.
"You should go and have some rest. It is your day, we're going to take care of everything else," said Faith lastly, with Stephanie, the best man and other friends when other guests had gone. Seth and Elizabeth were driven home, where they would spend the first day together as husband and wife. He lifted her from the decorated Primo car to the house. It was stuffed with flower petals which Faith and Stephanie along with others did without their knowledge. The moment was magical. He placed her on their bed and tried to kiss her but the latter refrained.
"Remember what we discussed?" she teased.
"Oh yes, the vows part two," They laughed before Seth knelt before her and said, "Mulungi Elizabeth, I love you with all of my heart. Today marked the beginning of our eternity and nothing will ever come between us. Despite all difficulties before us, we shall surely fight and emerge victorious. I give you my word, for better or worse, we shall always remain one!" A brief moment of silence followed as she hid her face with her gown. "What's wrong?"
"I just can't believe we are now married," she cried. "You have made me forget what it was like before I met you. I was dead before I found you. You have surely made my life brand new." Seth drew closer and gently removed the gown to look her in the eye. Her eyes were now swollen.
"The past is already gone dear. I am now your future." The two gently held each other like two young lovers.