~ Church. August 25th, 11am ~
I asked myself all the time "Do you believe in love? Is there a way to know what love really is? Am I in love?" I knew all the answers to those questions, but I was getting nervous as I sat in my dressing room right before the ceremony was going to begin. I felt fine, but the knot in my stomach was turning like a knife again. I smiled when I heard a knock at the door and I invited them in.
Jeff: "David!"
Me: "Hey, Dad."
Jeff: "What's the matter? You sound unhappy...did something happen?"
Me: "No. Everything's fine."
Jeff: "I know what's wrong."
I look at him and ask, "What?'
Jeff: "Same thing happened to me. Don't worry, those feelings will go away."
Me: "I know they will. I am marrying a beautiful, sweet, kind, loving girl. I would do anything for her. She is amazing."
Jeff: "Aww, David. I really can not believe you are going to get married."
Me: I laugh to take the tense out of the air. "Yeah, me either."
Jeff: "I am so glad that you met the right woman. I am very excited to welcome her in the family."
[1] (READ BOTTOM!)
~ The Ceremony ~
Virginia's Point-Of-View:
Allison: "Okay, Gin, they're about to play 'Here Comes The Bride,' almost time to go."
Me: "Oh, I'm so nervous!"
Jennifer: "WHY?!"
Me: "I don't know."
Allison: "You look beautiful, you have a gorgeous husband-to-be waiting for you, everyone you love and care for is here, why are you nervous?"
Me: "I guess you're right."
Gabriella: "It's time! It's time!"
And before I could even process the words she said, I was heading up the aisle. I was going to get married. I looked up the aisle to my soon-to-be husband standing there, smiling down the walkway to me. I couldn't help but to smile back and I turn my head to both sides of the Church, face red. To this day, I don't know why that was. I guess I was just so excited. My father, on my right arm, was holding me close to him and when he saw David, he knew it was time to let me go. This was a very depressing feat for him to deal with, but he knew I was ready and that I was happy...so he was happy for me.
Priest: "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this couple in Holy Matrimony..." and the priest kept talking and talking for what seemed like forever. David kept on looking at me. Every now and again we'd look at each other at the exact same instant and our minds connected. The last time I remember the stared at each other for almost an eternity and his eyes sparkled when they met. I got weak at the knees..."not a good time and place for a serious collapse," Ithink to myself.
Priest: "And the couple has written their own vows. Sir..."
David's POV;
I look Virginia straight in the eyes, making sure she felt every word I said before I said them and then I started.
Me: "I had been looking for a woman like you for a long time now and I am blessed that I have, and that it was YOU, who I was so lucky to meet. We've been through a lot already, ups and downs, and if it wasn't for your understanding, determination, and unconditional love, we would not be standing here together. And if it wasn't for James, we would've never met. I have to thank him whole heartedly for setting this up. Now, I thank God every second of the day I get to spend with you and that I found you. Despite the things we went through and the obstacles we endured, we are here. Together. Forever. I love you and I always will. And with that, with this ring, I promise to love and cherish you every moment of the life I live. And forever and ever. Our love won't die even after we do."
And when I said that, I saw the tears in her eyes. Normally, I did not like to see her cry, but these were happy tears and I knew she was happy.
Priest: "Ma'am, your vows?"
Virginia was trying to keep her tears from overflowing, but she sucked it up and began.
Virginia: "I wouldn't have ever expected that meeting a celebrity would be the start of the rest of my life. I always had childish fantasies that we would one day meet and fall in love, but I never thought it would actually happen. Now, those fantasies don't seem so childish anymore because look at where we are. And though neither of us saw each other coming, we can sure imagine and pray for all that is coming next. To love you is to love life because you are my life now. There is nothing that will change my mind about that, and no matter who comes along, you will always be my number one. You make me want to be a better woman. Despite our differences, we can always make things work out in the end if we just believe. Belief in us will help us to overcome anything. I love you, I need you, and nothing can change that. With this ring, I swear for as long as I live...I will love you, I will hold you when you are scared or in pain, and do everything I can to help you feel safe and secure. For life and for eternity."
Priest: "If anyone objects to this union, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."
All I could hear in this Church was sobbing from people on both our sides, they could feel our love already. I didn't know what to think.
Priest: "I know pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride."
And we kissed for a long time. It seemed like life and time had slowed down just for us to share this peace in the moment. If this isn't Heaven than I don't know what is.
We ran out of the Church 2 moments later...
* To Be Continued *
[1] Before You Read: I wanted to see if I could make this chapter religiously correct, but I don't know anything about the LDS celebration of marriage...so...I just used the Catholic/Christian one and changed some of the vows that I know are in the Mormon celebration.
