"Wasn't Alice relocating to New York? For her new job?" Niki continued as she began giving me my final touch up.
"Yes, she will be here next week. I am so happy to have her live so close to me. She is my legit partner in crime." Britney winked, as she tucked my veil on my head, and caressed the length of it, making her soft palms brush against my nervous demeanor.
"Oh, my frisking god." Niki and Britney gasped in unison, as they both stepped aside and stood next to me, all three of us felt spellbound, admiring my reflection in the huge mirror in front of us.
The room suddenly embraced silence as we quietly adored the sight of my bridal attire.
My off shoulder charmeuse wedding gown highlighted the length of my collar bone, swirls of spark illuminated from the heart of the deep green pendant as it rested right in the center of my neckline.
The laser-cut lace on my back gave a sheer look that donned till the end of my tail bone, showing and hiding just enough, wrapping my curves seamlessly at all the right places.
My fitted bodice gripped tightly around my little waist, as the extravagant, wide and full skirt with layers of tulle, glided down my derriere covering the stretch of my legs.
My soft curls were partly tied, holding my long veil in place. My rosy cheeks and highlighted eyes meant nothing but perfection, just on point, completing my overall look.
I took a deep breath in an attempt to hold the voyage of emotions that were flooding my fragile heart. I could see my father's wet eyes and my mother's quivering lips. I flinched imagining that they were finally going to give me away.
We all headed downstairs to the front lawn that adjoined a vast garden within the house.
White fabrics and florals festooned the outdoor theme, as lush green leaves formed a surreal ceiling blanketing above our heads; it felt no less than a rainforest canopy.
Barry and mom were the first to walk down the aisle, followed by Britney and Max. Niki, as my maid of honor, walked alone. Dad and I followed behind her.
The moment I stepped in the aisle; my eyes met his blue ones. I saw how they let out a tear of joy as he smiled warmly, his gaze fixed on me.
He looked like a dream in his tan tailored suit. The red and gold boutonniere was placed neatly on the lapel of his jacket, which was in perfect contrast to the bouquet in my hand; symbolizing our boundless love in one single bloom.
Next to him stood Mark, his best man. Mark couldn't turn down Jake's humble request to be the best man at our wedding, they bonded over the last few months and shared a great rapport now.
Mark's eyes reflected admiration, showing respect and warm approval. I returned him a heartfelt smile, for he had been my constant rock ever since he helped save my relationship with Jake.
As I reached the altar arch, Jake took my hand and made me stand next to him. We got lost in a trance holding each other's hands as the ceremony began. The priest started the wedding homilies, and soon, it was our turn to exchange vows. Jake went first.
"I, Jacob Richmond, take you, Emma Carter, as my lawfully wedded wife. It was destiny, that I met you by chance, miles away in a foreign land, and the moment I saw you, I knew you were special. My soul longed to meet you again, and at last, when I did, you came into my life as my biggest blessing. The size of your big forgiving heart and the strength of your character amaze me every single day. You inspire me to do better, and I promise I will reciprocate every bit of your unconditional love with the same zeal and affection. I love you, Emma, and I vow to love you more than my life until my very last breath."
"I, Emma Carter, take you Jacob Richmond, as my lawfully wedded husband.
We crossed paths under the most unexpected circumstances, and to say you didn't captivate my heart right away, would be an absolute lie. My heart beats for you, even though a lot comes with the territory of loving you. Staying by your side wasn't always easy but never have I ever, had slightest of regret, because your love has been my strength and it's your solemn presence that completes me.
I vow to give you a beautiful home, a beautiful family and fulfil every small and big wish that your pure heart may desire, in sickness and in health, through good times and bad. I love you Jake, always had and always will."
We both exchanged our matching wedding rings; they were white gold bands with our initials inscribed on them.
"By the power vested in me, and as witnessed by friends and family, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride." The priest said.2
The moment those words fell on our ears, Jake stepped closer and held me in an endearing embrace, making me lean a bit as he softly placed his lips on mine. Our lips moved in sync as a tear rolled down from my otherwise closed eyes. We could hear cheering and gasps from our closed one’s present, followed by chatters of applause and hooting.
After a short yet intense kiss, the moment I opened my eyes, Jake whispered, "I love you, Mrs. Richmond".
"I love you more, my darling husband". I whispered back.
The wedding was followed by a grand reception, post which we headed to a surprise destination that
