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“Ha, I should take a video of you saying you’re anxious to see your husband to see if you'll be singing the same tune at twenty years," Louise adds.
I giggle, knowing twenty years will not change how I feel about Wayne.
"She gets it from our mother. Mom wouldn’t know what to do if she had to spend twenty-four hours away from Daddy. They are glued together," Jasmine retorts.
Mom smirks. “I know what to do without your daddy.” She finishes zipping up my dress and spins me around. “The thing is, I don’t want to do without him,” she says as she clasps her hands together and stares at the mirror in front of me. "You are the most beautiful bride ever."
"You really are gorgeous," Louise agrees with a smile that reaches her eyes.
Marjorie lets out a content sigh. "Wayne is going to be pleased. He might not make it to when the pastor tells him to kiss you, so you’ll have to try to control him.”
I chuckle, thinking of Wayne and his ability to control himself. “It might not be him that can’t wait.”
“You guys are so stinking cute,” Louise states.
Jasmine continues her obsession with my hair.
"Need the mother of the bride and groom," the director peeks into the room and says.
Mom gives me a cheeky grin. "The wedding is starting. You're going to be a Richards in minutes."
"Leslie Richards has a really good ring to it. I must admit," Jasmine injects.
"I love it," Louise replies. “Can’t wait for you to officially join the family.”
“And my family, by extension,” Marjorie says.
"I'm ready for it all," I beam.
Mom, Louise, and Marjorie take turns hugging my neck and offering their blessings before leaving the room. With my dress on and my Mom and bonus Moms on their way to taketheir seats, I take a quiet moment to steal a glance at myself in the mirror.
My gown choice is a timeless creation embodying elegance and grace. Adorned with delicate navy blue and beige accents, a subtle nod to our chosen colors, the white dress hugs my curves and flows gracefully with my movements, making me feel like a true bride. The anticipation and excitement fill the air, wrapping around me like a delicate veil.
I step outside of the dressing room and take my father’s hand. He looks dapper in a navy blue suit with cream-colored accents. He leads me into the chapel, where an array of navy blue and cream flowers overwhelm my senses. Sunlight filters through the stained glass windows, adding to the patterns of color in the room. My eyes filter through the designs in search of one person and one person only.
I lock eyes with Wayne, and the world stops. He stands at the altar in a navy blue and cream-tailored suit, hugging his athletic frame to perfection. His charming smile reaches his eyes that glisten with unbridled joy. His close-cropped dark hair makes him look every bit the dashing prince every woman dreams of. I can hardly breathe as I take him in.
With my arm looped in my father’s, we walk down the aisle together. The guests' whispers of admiration merge with the soft strains of music, creating an enchanting and surreal backdrop.
Wayne's football family, dressed to match our colors, is a testament to the friendships he holds dear. Our family and childhood friends are there in full force, also wearing our wedding colors.
As I reach the altar, Wayne takes my hand. His eyes sparkle with adoration, and a soft smile plays on his lips. "You look breathtaking," he says, his voice a tender murmur meantonly for my ears. "I've dreamt about this moment a thousand times, but reality surpasses every fantasy."
His fingers lightly brush against mine, sending a shiver of warmth through me. His gaze remains fixed on me as if he can't believe his luck to have me standing beside him. I feel so adored and lucky to stand beside him at the altar that I inch toward him when he leans in as if to kiss me.
My father coughs, halting the moment. “No kissing until you say your vows,” Dad warns.
The crowd emits a series of chuckles. The officiant clears his throat and begins the ceremony with my father giving me to Wayne.
The officiant recounts important moments in our relationship, from our chance encounter at the sneaker store to the present moment at the altar. When it is time for Wayne to say his vows, he gently caresses my hands.
"Leslie, when I saw you in that sneaker store, I knew you were extraordinary. It was more than your spunk and your beauty; it was the glow in your eyes lighting up my world. Your kindness and strength inspire me every day. I found my true home with you, and I promise to always add to you and not subtract, to cherish and support you in every way. I vow to be your biggest fan, truest confidant, and partner in everything. I will hold your hand through the highs and lows and love you unconditionally for all eternity."
Tears well in my eyes. I take a moment to compose myself before starting my own vows. "Wayne, you are my rock, anchor, and heart's deepest desire. You have helped me become the person I am today. You always encourage me when I feel low. I feel a profound love for you that words can barely describe it. I promise to stand by your side through every storm and to share in the beauty of life's sunsets. I vow to always be your safe haven, confidante, and partner in all adventures. I promise to chooselove, even when it's hard, and to nurture the bond we share with all the tenderness in my heart."
The exchange of vows hangs in the air like a tender caress, a profound promise to love and cherish, to navigate life hand in hand. With every word spoken, the depth of our connection becomes more evident, as if the universe itself has conspired to bring us together.
Next, we exchange rings. The gentle slip of the band onto my finger feels like a symbol of eternity, a circle without an end. Our fingers interlock, the touch electrifying, sealing our vows.
“I now pronounce you man and wife! You may now kiss your bride,” the officiant says warmly.
We exchange glances, our eyes communicating what words could never capture – the unspoken promise to be each other's rock, anchor, and refuge. We lean in, and our lips meet in a kiss that speaks volumes. It's not just a kiss; it's a fusion of promises, a declaration of hearts intertwining. Time stands still in that tender moment. The crowd's applause and cheers are a distant echo.
As we finally pull away, breathless and flushed, everything seems brighter and more vibrant. We stand united, partners in this grand adventure called life, with a kiss that sealed our love and commitment to one another.
The End
