Octavia's pov
I can't believe that it's been a year since Karsen proposed to me and now it's time for us to get married
Today's the day December 14
It was around 11 when we started to get ready
We didn't have to worry about setting up because we're getting married in the church
My mom did my hair and then my makeup
Then my mom did the girls
After we did our hair and makeup it was about 11:30
We then started to put on our dresses
I put mine on while the girls were putting theirs on
It was around 12:30 when everyone was getting here i could hear them in the service area where the weddings gonna be
When it was time everyone stood up when the music started playing meaning it was time
The girls walked with their assigned groomsman
Adeline & Xander
Baelfire & Nadia
Ainsley & Adin
Conner & Rosalynn
Aisha & Kale
My mom said "you ready baby"
I nodded I took her arm and we started walking down the aisle
When we made it to where Karsen and the pastor he said "Please be seated"
He then said "We're all here today to celebrate the relationship of Octavia Jolene and Karsen Valdez and to be witnesses and supporters of the commitment they share with one another. Together we're a group of the most important people in their lives and they've brought us here to publically recognize that we've all played some special part in the love they share today"
He continued "Octavia and Karsen wanted me to thank you all for being here and to recognize how important each and every one of you are to their relationship. They would also like to recognize all of those who couldn't make it here today as they are certainly missed but not forgotten on this day of celebration Speaking of important people, there were none more important in influencing the lives of Octavia and Karsen than their parents. With that being said, who gives Octavia away in marriage to this man"
My dad said "her mother and I do" dad let's go of my arm, hugs and kisses me and gives my hand to Karsen and sits down.
I then hand my flowers to Rosalynn and then Karsen and I just stand here holding hands while facing one another.
The pastor starts talking again "Marriage gives permanence and structure to a couple's love. It's a way to tell one another that no matter how much you snore or how much you spent while out at the shopping mall, we're still in this together. Marriage is telling the person you love that you're not going anywhere and that's a powerful commitment for two people to make to one another.
A good marriage must be built on the foundation of this commitment. In marriage the "little" things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say, "I love you" at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry.
It is standing together and facing the world. It is speaking words of appreciation, and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful. It is not only marrying the right partner it is being the right partner.
The road that has brought Octavia and Karsen here today hasn't been easy. It's been filled with challenges that they weren't necessarily prepared for. But together they've taken each one on and have used those experiences to strengthen, not weaken their love"
He starts reading "In the Bible, first Corinthians chapter 13, verses four through eight tells us: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails"
We then start reading our vows the pastor said "Octavia and Karsen, the vows that you are about to make are a way to share your love and commitment to each other in your own words. Sometimes poems, verses and quotes just don't get the point across the way you need them to and the best option is just to do it yourself. These vows are your way of openly declaring your promise to one another as well as to all of those who are here in attendance today. Octavia, ladies first"
I said "I love you Karsen Valdez I'm so happy that you're the one I'm gonna spend the rest of my life with I can't imagine anyone else thank you for being in my life I love you"
Karsen then reads his and said "I love you Octavia Jolene and I'm so happy that I get to spend the rest of my life with you. You have made me such a better person and for that I'm so grateful for you I love you.
The pastor said "Octavia and Karsen will now exchange rings to symbolize their commitment. Rings are derived from humble beginnings of imperfect metal to create something striking where there was once nothing at all. It is customarily worn on the ring finger as it is the only finger with a vein running directly to the heart. The wearing of the rings is a visible, outward sign that they have committed themselves to one another"
Pastor: Karsen, please take Octavia's hand and repeat these words.
Pastor : I give you this ring, as a symbol of our love,
Karsen: I give you this ring, as a symbol of our love,
Pastor: for today and tomorrow, and for all the days to come.
Karsen: for today and tomorrow, and for all the days to come.
Pastor: Wear it as a sign of what we have promised on this day
Karsen: Wear it as a sign of what we have promised on this day
Pastor : and know that my love is present,
Karsen: and know that my love is present,
Pastor: even when I am not.
Karsen: even when I am not.
Karsen puts the ring on my finger
The pastor said "Octavia, please take Karsen's hand and repeat these words"
Pastor: I give you this ring, as a symbol of our love,
Octavia: I give you this ring, as a symbol of our love,
Pastor: for today and tomorrow, and for all the days to come.
Octavia: for today and tomorrow, and for all the days to come.
Pastor: Wear it as a sign of what we have promised on this day
Octavia: Wear it as a sign of what we have promised on this day
Pastor: and know that my love is present,
Octavia: and know that my love is present,
Pastor: even when I am not.
Octavia: even when I am not.
I then put the ring on Karsen's finger.
The pastor said "Octavia and Karsen you have professed your love by exchanging your vows. You have symbolized your commitment by exchanging rings. With all of this there is just one more question I need each of you to answer and then we're off to the reception to celebrate"
Pastor: Octavia do you take Karsen to be your husband; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?
Octavia: I do.
Pastor: Karsen do you take Octavia to be your wife; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?
Karsen: I do.
Pastor: By the power vested in me I now pronounce you husband and wife. Karsen you may kiss your bride.
Karsen leaned in and kissed me it wasn't like any other kiss we have shared this kiss is filled with love and happiness
Pastor: It's my great honor and privilege to be the first to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Karsen Xavier Valdez!
After the wedding is over we go back into our house and cut the cake, dance, more eating, more dancing, and last we have our friends and family say something about us
After everything was over we went to the room we were in getting ready and changed
After we got done changing we went outside where everyone else is and started walking to our car so we could go on our honeymoon
When we got to the airport we handed our tickets to the lady and then got on the plane
We were going to Jamaica