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The grand ballroom shimmered in black and white, a scene pulled straight from an Old Hollywood dream. Black velvet tablecloths and crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a soft, romantic glow over the crowd of elegantly dressed guests. Every man was in a sleek black tuxedo, every woman in a stunning black gown, making you stand out as the glowing bride in your white wedding dress—a masterpiece of silk and lace that clung to you in all the right places before fanning out in a soft train.
Nicholas stood at the altar, his tailored black tuxedo fitting him like a second skin. He was breathtaking, his dark hair slicked back in a way that emphasized his sharp jawline. But it was the way he looked at you as you walked down the aisle that made your heart stop. His eyes held nothing but love and tears, the corners of his mouth tugging up in a soft, almost disbelieving smile.
Your father squeezed your hand before giving it to Nicholas, who immediately took it with a tenderness that made you feel like you were the only two people in the room.
"You look...breathtaking," Nicholas whispered as you reached him.
"And you look ridiculously handsome," you teased back, your smile mirroring his.
The officiant cleared his throat, signaling the start of the ceremony, but Nicholas kept his eyes locked on yours.
The vows were heartfelt, with Nicholas pouring his soul into every word.
"Y/N," he began, his voice steady but thick with emotion, "you're my best friend, my partner, and my safe place. You've seen me at my worst, celebrated with me at my best, and loved me unconditionally through it all. Today, I vow to always protect your heart as fiercely as you protect mine. To choose you every single day, in every single way. And to love you not just for who you are, but for who I become when I'm with you. You make me better, Y/N. You make me whole. Late at night when I would think of the type of woman I would want to marry, it was you. You check off every box and more. God knew I needed you in my life and for that I am ever so grateful. You are my favorite person in the world and I love you and always will."
By the time it was your turn, there wasn't a dry eye in the room.
"Nicholas, standing here today, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. I'm marrying the man who's not only my partner but also my best friend, my biggest cheerleader, and my safe place. You've shown me a love that I have prayed for since I was little—the kind that's patient, selfless, and unwavering. When I think about the life we're building together, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude. You see me in a way no one else ever has. You've celebrated my victories like they were your own and held me through my hardest days, reminding me of my strength when I couldn't find it myself. I vow to always see the best in you, even when life gets hard. I vow to laugh with you, cry with you, and dream with you, even when the days feel overwhelming. I vow to be your partner in every sense of the word—your equal, your confidant, and your unwavering source of support. I promise to choose you every single day—not because I have to, but because loving you is the easiest and most natural thing I've ever done. I promise to stand by your side, no matter what life throws at us, and to always be your home, your peace, and your biggest fan. You are my everything, Nicholas. My best moments will always be the ones I spend with you. And today, as I become your wife, I promise to spend the rest of my life loving you in a way that honors how incredible you are. I love you, Nicholas—more than words can say, more than my heart can hold, and more than you'll ever truly know."
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The reception was a celebration of glamour and joy. Guests dined on lobster and filet mignon served on delicate, gold-rimmed china, the wine flowing freely as laughter filled the air. The speeches began during dinner, with your maid of honor recounting funny stories of your past and Nicholas's best man sharing equally embarrassing tales.
But it was Nicholas's speech that brought the room to a standstill.
"Before I say anything else, I want to settle an argument Y/N and I have been bickering over for years," he began, his eyes locking on yours. "She'll say, 'I love you,' and I'll respond, 'I love you more.' Then she'll disagree and we'll go back and forth to no end. But today, I want to explain what I mean."
The room fell silent as Nicholas's voice cracked, his emotions evident.
"Y/N," he continued, his gaze softening, "when I say I love you more, I don't mean I love you more than you love me. I mean I love you more than the bad days ahead of us. I love you more than any fight we will ever have. I love you more than any distance that might separate us. And I love you more than any obstacle that could ever come between us. I love you more than anything. So when I say those words, I want you to remember this day, these promises, and the fact that you're the best damn thing that's ever happened to me. My darling wife, I adore you."
Tears spilled down your cheeks as you grabbed a napkin to blot them away. You mouthed "I love you" to Nicholas, unable to find your voice through the overwhelming love and gratitude coursing through you.
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The night carried on with dancing and celebration. The band played jazz standards, and you and Nicholas took the dance floor for your first dance. His hand rested on the small of your back as he twirled you around, his eyes never leaving yours.
Later, the bouquet toss and garter toss brought waves of laughter, your bridesmaids and his groomsmen competing for their prizes. As the party wounded down, you disappeared to change into your second dress—a shorter, flirtier white number perfect for the after-party. Nicholas couldn't take his eyes off you when you returned, his lips brushing your ear as he whispered, "You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."
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Eventually, the guests departed, and the ballroom quieted. You and Nicholas returned to your suite, your feet aching from the long day but your heart fuller than it had ever been.
Nicholas kicked off his shoes, pulling you close as you stepped out of your heels. He cupped your face, his lips brushing over yours in a soft, lingering kiss.
"Mrs. Chavez," he murmured, his voice husky, "you're mine now."
"And you're mine," you whispered back, your hands sliding up his chest.
What followed was a night of passion and tenderness, the two of you showing each other just how much you meant every vow, every promise. When you finally fell asleep, tangled in the sheets and each other's arms, you knew this was only the beginning of a lifetime of love.
