The ceremony was beautiful, to say the least. The bride was gorgeous in her white princess-like dress and the groom was very handsome in his baby-blue tuxedo standing at the church altar before the old but, seemingly wise priest.
"Dearly beloved," The priest began his speech with the usual line, "We are gathered here this evening to witness this man and woman join together in holy matrimony. We'll hear out couple's thoughts first," then quickly passed on the word to the bride and the groom, allowing both to share their lovely vows with each other, and making tears of joy dazzle my eyes and, of course, everyone else.
"Andrew Lewis. Since the day I meet you, I knew there was a strong connection between you and me." Naomi tried to hold her tears in; her voice was cracking due to the emotion. "Soon enough, I figured that it was the string of love that tied us together and furthermore, that changed everything." Andrew whipped a lone tear as it ran down her rosy cheek; the bride was smiling overwhelmed with joy but her lips twitching uncontrollably in nervousness. "There are no words for there are so many to describe true love. Love is pure. Love is beautiful. Love is an unconditional commitment to an imperfect person. To love somebody isn't just a strong feeling. It is a decision, a judgment, a promise. That's love... the real thing. And it has been you for so long that I hope it stays like that forever. So, my love, know this - while I breathe I am yours in mind, body, and soul. I love you."
"Naomi Patterson. There's no such thing as a perfect lover or a perfect match." Andrew swallowed his own nervousness and took a second look at the small, cranked paper in his trembling hands before continuing his speech. "We're all flawed and films with insecurities, but it is acknowledging their existence and loving them unconditionally that creates the perfect match. I will never look further than you, my love. If my heart is a flower waiting to bloom, your love is the only sunshine it needs. I love you, until the end of my days."
"May God add his blessing to the vows you've stated to each other this day." Said the priest while gesturing with his right hand and in front of them, the Sign of the Cross. He cleared his throat before resuming his speech. He started to explain how the ring was used as a material symbol designed to illustrate the spiritual truth which clarified the meaning of marriage. As it has neither a beginning nor end, it lasts forever; a true symbol of a never-ending commitment between two people."-- Of course, there will be hard times in your marriage, but you have vowed here today that you'll remain faithful to each other. It is our hope that your love will grow and improve as the years go by. Now, may I ask for the rings?"
I whipped some tears of my own with a tissue and nodded, presenting the groom with the rings disposed delicately on a silk pillow. Naomi placed Andrew's ring on first, then he placed it on her.
"Now, repeat after me. Naomi Patterson, I take you to be my lawfully wedded wife--" The priest initiated and Andrew followed suit. As it came Naomi's turn, she did the same, repeating the priest's words and changing only a few keywords. There was genuine happiness to both their voices; only a fool couldn't see how much those two creatures loved each other.
The priest nodded. "Now, before the bride and the groom can seal the deal--" The priest gave both of them a playful grin before continuing. "Let me ask: is anyone out there who might be against this marriage? If so, come forward or forever hold your peace." As assumed, no one said a word. "And so, with the power invested in me by God, I now pronounce you husband and wife." With that said, the priest closed his bible and looked at the young married couple. "You may kiss the bride." He finally allowed.
Andrew placed a hand on Naomi's waist, pulling her gently to him. He then slowly leaned in and pressed his lips against hers, kissing them so softly it was like he had never done it before. Everyone cheered for them, however, they barely noticed as their full attention rested on each other. They held hands, smiling to their heart's content, and walked together down the aisle, now, not as girlfriend and boyfriend but as husband and wife, 'till death would do them apart.
(...)
The room buzzed with all kinds of excitement; from lively conversations to children running between tables. Everyone was constantly asking where did the couple had run to; I knew where to but, didn't dare to open my mouth, it was meant to be a surprise for the whole family. Finally, the bride and groom entered, and, once again, applause spread across the room; there was the scraping of chairs as folks got up for a standing ovation. Naomi's mother couldn't stop crying and, the smiling father kept comforting her in his arms, petting her arm lovingly; they were sincerely happy for their child. Lots of surprised gasps made themselves heard as the majority of the spotlight fell onto the bride; she was put to a blush. Everyone was in awe since Naomi entered with a new brand gown. How was it any different from the ceremonial one? Well... let's say that, with this one, she had a tad more flexibility to move. The happy couple made their way to the head table, smiling and holding hands. They sat in front of a bouquet of baby pink roses and the groom leaned in for a kiss. There were cheers and someone whooped.
A few moments after everyone settling down, Suzu rose up from her chair and roughly cleared her throat to the attention of all the guests, for it was speech time. The sound of her teaspoon rapping on the side of her wineglass signaled everyone to silence. "Good evening ladies and gentlemen. My name is Suzu, one of Naomi's best-friends and, I would like to make a toast." She announced.
I instantly got up and raised my glass; I knew how much she hated speeches but, also knew how much she loved Naomi and what that meant to her. She had put so much effort into coming up with the best toast that the least I could do was showing my support and let her know that I also had her back.
"When I first met Naomi it was in junior high," Suzu started out, there was a thoughtful silence, "Ah-- how I remember that day like it was yesterday. Naomi, you had the most awful haircut--"
Everyone laughed, bride and groom included.
Suzu chuckled with a mischievous grin spread across her face. "Oh no-no-no. You're not quite seeing the same scene as I am... I couldn't help myself near her from how funny it was! I think I made her cry a few times!" Only Suzu to remember stuff like that."I don't want to come out mean or too strong but, it looked like you had an abajur over your head--"
Once again, the room filled with laughter.
"It was not a coincidence that we called you a light-bulb!" She pointed out. "And, being blonde didn't help either!" Suzu was milking it; literally killing everyone from laughter.
"Now, now, jokes aside. Ever since Naomi crawled into my life, she has revealed herself to be a really good surprise. I had trouble making friends due to my 'strong personality' - let's put that way, okay? - and so, Naomi was my very first friend. True, we had almost nothing in common but, it was our differences that united us together. I'm deeply grateful for having this wonderful person in my life. Thank you for being part of my life and for making the best of me shine, you mean the world to me. I wish you both the best and, fingers-crossed~... hope you can be happy together! To Naomi and Andrew!"
"To Naomi and Andrew!" Everyone cheered and clapped their glasses.
Hastily, Naomi got up from her seat and walked up to Suzu in tears. She wrapped both her arms around her shoulders and pulled her close into a tight bear hug. In turn, she whispered something in her ear, leaving Suzu too in tears.
I clapped my hands fiercely, a lone tear in the back corner of my eye. It was indeed the most, both cute and humorous speech I've ever heard, Suzu was to be congratulated, to be proud of; from the very beginning, I had no doubts that she would pull it off gracefully the way she just did. She left Naomi with the sweetest words to start off her new life, and that was something beautiful to uphold.
Only after a beautiful moment like that one, the reception party would truly begin.
To be continued.