Our wedding day has finally arrived. I was spending the morning with the girls getting our hair and nails done. It was basically everyone in the wedding party.
My mom and I were sitting beside each other getting our hair done and I just couldn't stop smiling. "How's your nerves?" she asked.
"They're okay, for now. I'm just really happy. I'm glad you can be here for this mama."
"I wouldn't miss it baby."
***
We all gathered at the church getting dressed and stuff. My wedding party consisted of Joelle as the flower girl, Tejai as my maid of honor and Trinity, Nikki, Brie, Paige and Chanel as my bridesmaids. They were all in red. It was a red, white and black wedding.
There was a knock on the door and Joelle answered it. I listened. "Hey baby girl. Can you let daddy in?"
"Nope." Joelle said popping the 'p'.
"Why not?"
"Daddy, don't you know it's bad luck? You have to wait. Sorry." she said.
She was so smart for her age.
"Okay. In that case, can you give these to mommy for me?"
I felt my heart breaking. That was the first time he had called me mommy when talking to Joelle. She closed the door and handed me a bouquet of red roses. "Here mommy. These are from daddy."
"They're beautiful. Good looking out girly." I said.
Everything was getting ready to go. All of the wedding party walked out and left me alone. The door opened and uncle John walked in. He smiled once he saw me. "You look so beautiful." he said.
"Thanks." I said.
"Are you ready for this?" he asked.
"Yeah. I've been ready."
"Okay." he paused. "Listen, before we go out there, I just wanted to tell you that I am so proud of the woman you've become. You're so strong and you're as beautiful as ever. I am extremely honored to be giving you away today. It means so much that you asked me to be the one to give you away and I want you to know something, if you change your mind, it's okay. If you don't, that's okay too. Just do me a favor and don't stop spending time with your dad. I know it's gonna take a lot more than just spending time with you but it's a start no matter how much time has past."
"I will. I promise." I said.
"Okay. Well, we better get out there. You have a wonderful man waiting for you." he said.
We walked out. After all of my bridesmaids and my maid of honor walked out, it was my turn. Uncle John took a hold of my hand and we started walking. I looked at Joe and smiled. He smiled back.
I reached him and uncle John gave me a hug before sitting down. Joe took my hand and we walked up the steps to the alter.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today before God to witness the joining of two hearts. Now, Leati Joseph Anoa'i and Katie Marie Campion, there's more I could say but I rather just listen to the words you have prepared for each other."
"Katie, I look into your eyes and I see the most beautiful woman I have ever met. The first time I kissed you it was like instant love and before that it was love at first sight. So I guess you can say that my love for you has grown and grown over the time we've been together. I can't describe or explain how much I love you. It's overwhelming sometimes and other times it's just completely amazing. I have found this wonderful woman that not only accepts me but also accepts my daughter. I don't know how I ever got this lucky but I'm glad I did because finding you is the best thing that's ever happened to me. I love you." he said.
"Joe, from the first moment we locked eyes, I felt a connection. I don't know if I can describe that but I loved the feeling. Since that day it has been an amazing ride and I can't think of anyone else that I would rather continue it with. You're my rock. You're my pride and joy and so it our little girl. You both make me so happy and I can't remember how I ever survived without you. I will forever be grateful for everything you've done for me and everything you will continue to do because that's just who you are. You're a caring man. You're loving and respectful and loyal. Sometimes I feel like I'm living someone else's life because there's no way a girl like me is ever this lucky. I will also forever be grateful to our best friend. Without him I don't think we would be standing here today. You have have taught me so much and I can't ever repay you for it. So I guess throughout life, I will just tell you and show you how much I love you and maybe then we'll be square. I love you so much Leati Joseph Anoa'i. Always and forever." I said.
"Leati, do you take Katie to be your wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or worse for as long as you both shall live?" the priest asked.
"I do." he said.
"Katie, do you take Leati to be your husband? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or worse for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do." I said.
"If there's anyone here today that has any reason why this couple should not be married, speak now or forever hold your peace." the priest said.
Joe and I just kept looking at each other while there was just silence.
"Okay. Well, by the power vested in me by the state of Florida, I now pronounce you both husband and wife. Leati, please, kiss your beautiful bride."
Joe gently cupped my face and kissed me slow and passionately while everyone in the church clapped for us. I was now and will forever be Mrs. Katie Anoa'i.
