Raising his glass high, Jonathan concluded, "To Emily and Victor – may your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day, and may your life together be filled with joy, laughter, and endless adventures. To the bride and groom!"
"To the bride and groom!" the guests echoed, raising their glasses in unison.
Emily felt tears pricking at her eyes as she stood to embrace her father. "Thank you, Daddy," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
As they retook their seats, Victor leaned in close. "Your father's not the only one with a speech prepared," he murmured, a mischievous glint in his eye.
Before Emily could respond, Victor was on his feet, gently tapping his glass for attention. The guests, still buzzing from Jonathan's toast, quickly quieted down.
"First of all," Victor began, his voice strong and clear, "Emily and I want to thank you all for being here to celebrate with us today. Your love and support mean the world to us."
He turned to face Emily, taking her hand in his. "Emily, my love, my partner, my best friend – I stand here today still in awe of the fact that you've chosen to spend your life with me. From the moment we met, you've challenged me, inspired me, and loved me in ways I never thought possible. You make me want to be a better man every single day."
Victor's voice softened as he continued, "I promise to love you fiercely and faithfully. I promise to be your biggest cheerleader and your safest haven. I promise to laugh with you in times of joy and to hold you close in times of sorrow. Most of all, I promise to build a life with you filled with love, adventure, and endless cups of tea."
Laughter rippled through the crowd at the last line, a nod to Emily's well-known love for a good cuppa.
"To my beautiful bride," Victor concluded, raising his glass. "I love you more than words can express."
As Victor sat down amidst applause, Emily leaned in to kiss him softly. "I love you too," she whispered against his lips.
The rest of the meal passed in a blur of delicious food, flowing wine, and joyous conversation. As the dessert plates were being cleared away – a decadent chocolate torte that had earned rave reviews from the guests – the master of ceremonies announced that it was time for the couple's first dance.
Victor stood, offering his hand to Emily with a gallant bow. "May I have this dance, Mrs. Mallory?" he asked, his eyes twinkling.
Emily felt a thrill run through her at the sound of her new name. "You may indeed, Mr. Mallory," she replied with a smile, placing her hand in his.
As they made their way to the dance floor, the string quartet began to play the opening notes of "Can't Help Falling in Love." Victor drew Emily close, one hand resting on the small of her back, the other clasping hers gently.
As they began to sway to the music, Emily felt as though they were the only two people in the world. She gazed up into Victor's eyes, seeing all the love and promise of their future reflected there.
"Happy?" Victor murmured, his lips close to her ear.
"Deliriously," Emily replied, resting her head on his shoulder as they continued to move in perfect harmony.
As the song drew to a close, other couples began to join them on the dance floor. Emily saw her parents, lost in each other's eyes as they danced, and felt a wave of love and gratitude wash over her.
The afternoon stretched into evening, the sun beginning to dip towards the horizon, casting a golden glow over the gardens. Lanterns were lit, adding to the magical atmosphere as the celebration continued.
There was more dancing, more toasts, and laughter that seemed to float on the summer air. Emily found herself whirling from one group to another, her cheeks flushed with happiness and perhaps a bit too much champagne.
As the sky began to darken, twinkling with the first stars of the evening, it was time for one of the wedding's most anticipated moments – the cutting of the cake. The magnificent creation was wheeled out to gasps of admiration from the guests. It was a five-tiered masterpiece, each layer intricately decorated with sugar flowers that matched Emily's bouquet.
Victor and Emily stood before the cake, hands joined on the silver cake knife. With smiles and a shared look of mischief, they cut into the bottom tier together, selecting a small piece to share.
"Don't you dare," Emily warned playfully as Victor picked up the piece of cake, a glint in his eye suggesting he might smash it in her face as per the old tradition.
Victor's grin widened. "Would I do such a thing?" he asked innocently, before gently feeding her the bite of cake.
Emily returned the favour, both of them laughing as they tried to avoid getting frosting on each other's faces. The cake was a delightful confection of lemon and elderflower, a nod to the summer season and the couple's shared love of delicate flavours.
As the cake was being distributed among the guests, the master of ceremonies announced that it was time for the bouquet and garter toss. A ripple of excitement ran through the crowd as the single ladies gathered behind Emily.
"Ready?" Emily called out, her back to the group. With a graceful arc, she tossed her bouquet over her shoulder. There was a moment of good-natured jostling before a triumphant cry rang out. Emily turned to see her friend Claire clutching the bouquet, her face flushed with delight.
Next, it was Victor's turn. Emily sat on a chair in the centre of the dance floor, her cheeks pink with a mixture of excitement and mild embarrassment. Victor knelt before her, his hands disappearing beneath the folds of her gown as he searched for the garter. Their eyes locked, and Emily felt a spark of electricity pass between them.
With a flourish, Victor emerged with the delicate lace garter. He stood and turned to face the group of eager single men who had gathered. With a wink at Emily, he shot the garter into the crowd like a rubber band. There was a moment of chaos before James Friend emerged victorious, brandishing the garter with a huge grin.
As the evening wore on, the party showed no signs of slowing down. The dance floor remained packed, the music alternating between romantic ballads and upbeat tunes that had everyone from grandparents to little cousins showing off their moves.
Around midnight, Sarah appeared at Emily's side, a conspiratorial smile on her face. "It's time, sis," she said, linking her arm through Emily's. "Let's get you changed for your grand exit."
With a mix of excitement and reluctance to leave the party, Emily allowed Sarah to lead her back to the house. In her old bedroom, now transformed into a bridal suite, a simpler but no less elegant dress was laid out on the bed.
"Oh, it's perfect," Emily breathed, running her hand over the silk. The dress was a sleek, ivory sheath with delicate beading along the neckline – ideal for travelling.
With Sarah's help, Emily changed out of her wedding gown and into the new dress. As she slipped on a pair of comfortable yet stylish heels, there was a knock at the door.
"Come in," Sarah called.
Lady Whitmore entered, her eyes immediately welling up at the sight of Emily. "Oh, my darling," she said, crossing the room to embrace her daughter. "You look beautiful."
As they hugged, Emily felt her mother press something into her hand. Pulling back, she opened her palm to reveal a delicate silver locket.
"It was your great-grandmother's," Lady Whitmore explained softly. "She wore it on her wedding night, as did I. As did Sarah, And now it's yours."
Emily felt tears pricking at her eyes as she fastened the locket around her neck. "Thank you, Mum," she whispered, hugging her mother tightly once more.
Meanwhile, Victor had also changed into a more casual suit, perfect for their imminent departure. He waited at the foot of the grand staircase, chatting with his best man and trying to contain his excitement for the next chapter of the evening.
As Emily descended the stairs, a hush fell over the gathered guests. Victor's breath caught in his throat at the sight of her – somehow, impossibly, even more beautiful than she had been earlier in the day.
"Ready to go, Mrs. Mallory?" he asked softly as she reached him, offering his arm.
Emily's heart fluttered at the use of her new name. "Lead the way, Mr. Mallory," she replied with a radiant smile.
The couple made their way through a tunnel of guests, showered with rose petals and well-wishes. At the end of the line stood a vintage Rolls Royce, polished to a high shine and decorated with streamers and a "Just Married" sign.