With the music the crowd stood up from our seats and watched as the men and pastor got settled at the alter and with the loud heavy clunk of the doors opening, we heard the slight clinks from the brides heels.
First came in Rebeccas younger sister who was her maid of honor. She wore a baby blue off the shoulder silk gown. Her hair was pulled into a low bun and her makeup was done to give her a refreshing youthful look. She was growing to look more and more like her older sister.
She is in her first year of college and just barely arrived in time for the actual ceremony. Which is why she was not in attendance for the bachelorette. Her partner walking her down the aisle was Alans best man Greg. Though he looked worse for wear.
Despite the makeup artists best work in covering his bruises, nothing could hide the swelling nor the facial cuts. He had on large black sunglasses which hid a bulk of the damage. But it took away from the aesthetic Rebecca built.
Their parents followed suit with Rebeccas mother and Alans mother walking hand in hand together. Alans father got an officiant license so he was at the front with his son. Whereas Rebeccas father stood at her side ready to hand her off and walk her down the aisle.
Rebecca was beautiful. She wore a classic A-line bridal gown with sheer paneling and patterned with lace. Her sleeves went down her arms into a slight point at her wrists. Rather than a long veil she opted for a bird cage veil. Her long hair tied up in an elegant bun.
As with my other friends weddings I felt choked up. Not in a jealous way but rather with pride. Ever since we were kids this was the moment Rebecca dreamed of. Especially as time passed and she read more of her favorite books. And here I was watching this moment come to fruition.
Her videographer and photographer snapped away capturing the moment. I glanced over to see Alans reaction. Tears streamed heavily from his face, and he made no effort to stop them.
Her father walked up the steps to the alter and then guided his daughter once he was up to ensure she did not strip nor fall. Alan stood on standby and when she was up her father handed her over. Rebeccas father, Julien Grant, gave Alan a hard stare before breaking out in a smile. A small murmur of chuckles rang out at that moment.
The ceremony officially began.
Rebecca and Alan opted for a shorter ceremony which just consisted with a short reading, the vows, and then them signing the wedding certificate forms. Like a breeze each segment ran smoothly and within minutes Rebecca Grant became Rebecca Fulton.
"Honey are you ready?" My mom had tugged at my arm a bit to wake me up. I was lost in thought and did not notice the procession as people exited from the pews to move to the reception hall.
"Ahh yes lets go."
Just outside the reception hall was a large ornate frame with the cards for each guest indicating their seating arrangements. Along with the cards was a blank sheet and a sticker to write the new couple a message and drop it off once you have completed it to a large vase near the entrance.
'This is so cute!' I really liked the letter idea. It was a personal message but instead of having a book where it can get crowded, you can just leave it before you go.
My father had already moved ahead of my mother and I as he went to pull out our chairs for us. Dean and his family were also seated at the same table. My mother and Deans mother sat together and began to gossip between each other. Whereas my father and Deans father began to talk about the food to be served later.
It left Dean and I to converse between one another.
"So, short ceremony huh princess." I cocked an eyebrow at his choice of nickname. 'So back to princess huh? I guess the other names never stuck with him.' I pushed past it as usual. Somehow it was less annoying than before, it felt nice to go back to normal for a bit.
"Yeah from the perspective as a guest it is easier to follow. Compared to catholic ceremonies at least its more streamlined. Easier for kids too." Rebecca and Alan both had quite a number of young children amongst their cousins and friends with many who brought them along.
Despite us taking a seat, the reception has yet to officially start. Because the bride and groom were to do a grand entrance, right now was just a short cocktail hour. Also due to the amount of people who were older, the couple decided to just let people sit down and relax prior to the party starting.
At the tables were beautiful flower arrangements and a set of dinner plates and utensils. On top was the menu for the food to be served in addition to the alcoholic bar options. It was a full dinner service where a waiter will come take your order.
Just as I looked over the menu someone approached and cleared their throat. "Oh I am sorry I have not decided on my order yet, Dean have you decided yet?"
I did not glance up from the menu but when Dean started laughing I glanced up and saw it was Felix who approached and not the waiter. "Sorry princess I have yet to look it over either. " Dean paused and gave a cheeky smirk at Felix. "Why don't you make yourself useful and head elsewhere."
As per usual Dean did not spare Felix any face and blatantly made fun of him. "Celeste I need to talk to you." His voice sounded retrained like he was trying so hard to not lose it. Dean pulled my chair closer to him as he read over my menu. He wrapped his arm over my shoulder ignoring him. "See I personally prefer the steak because I love my meats but the fish also sounds really good."
His face was leaned close to mine. I glanced over at my parents, they acted normal but I could tell they were ready to step in if necessary. They wanted to follow suit if I asked. I decided not to spare Felix a glance and focus on Dean instead. "The steak does sound good but the fish might be lighter to eat."