In The End, I Lost It All

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Chapter 13: (Part 1) (Jake's POV)

In The End; I Lost It All

Chapter 13: Wedding Day (Part 1) (Jake's POV)

Today is officially the day that I can call Avril my wife. I am currently down at the main beach house on Venice Beach, along with Andy, Ashley, CC, and Jinxx (who is my best man). We are all currently getting dressed, putting on our suits. I pull my jacket on and fix my suit, standing up. Jinxx comes over and straightens out my jacket, dusting it off. He smiles at me and continues getting his jacket on. Soon we're all ready and make our way down to the beach front. Andy heads down the aisle first standing at the end, with Ashley in front of him, then CC, and finally Jinxx standing next to me.

My dad is sitting in the front row, along with Sarah. Minka and Aidan (my niece and nephew) were requested by Avril to be the flower girl and ring bearer, to which Sarah gladly obliged. On the other side of the aisle, Avril's Mother Judith (who prefers Judy), Sister Michelle, and Brother Matthew are sitting waiting for Avril to make her grand entrance. Not too long after all of our friends, family, and other guests are seated, I hear the processional music starting.

~ Introductory Music: Wedding March ~

I look up and see Minka walking down the aisle with her little basket of rose petals, sprinkling them all over the walkway. I chuckle and shake my head, then noticing little Aidan walking down the aisle with the small pillow carrying the wedding bands. He stands behind Jinxx and I, holding that pillow with every ounce of might he has, careful not to drop the rings. Soon the bridesmaids start walking down one by one, starting with Juliet, then Mae, Lana, and finally the matron-of-honor, Tam. Then I see her; my beautiful Avril walking down in her stunning white dress and veil, arm in link with her father's walking in my direction. Her hair pulled back in an elegant up-do and her makeup au naturel and beautiful. She smiles her pearly white smile once she sees me standing at the altar, and my breath hitches for a few minutes. They make it down the aisle, and she kisses her Dad on the cheek. Next the priest asks who's giving her away, and her father replies, "I am." He moves his arm away and holds her hand out, which I grab in mine and smile at her lovingly. She does the same and stands in front of me.

The priest then speaks, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here on this beautiful day to witness the union of Jake and Avril in holy matrimony. This is a day of great celebration and reverence, on which we come together before the Universe to recognize and commemorate the sacred love and dedication shared between these two people. It is wonderful to have family and friends here to join us today.

The bride and groom would like to thank their guests for being here, and would like you to know that each of you were invited here on this day because you have played an integral part in their intertwining lives.

Marriage is, truly, a magical gift. As Mark Twain noted, "Marriage makes of two fractional lives a whole, and it gives to two purposeless lives a work [...] it gives to two questioning natures a reason for living, and something to live for; it will give a new gladness to the sunshine, a new fragrance to the flowers, a new beauty to the earth, a new mystery to life."

In the time that Jake and Avril have spent together, they've built the sturdy foundation for a lifelong relationship. After a great deal of thoughtful consideration, they have decided to bind themselves to one another for the rest of their lives. May you all remember and cherish this sacred ceremony, for on this day, with love, we will forever bind Jake and Avril together."

Once he finishes his introductory sermon, he then asks if anyone objects to our union by stating, "If there is anyone in attendance who has cause to believe that this couple should not be joined in marriage, you may speak now or forever hold your peace."

No one says anything, so the ceremony continues onto the minister addressing all our guests and then Avril and I. The priest begins speaking once more to the guests first; "(Minister): Marriage is a sacred ceremony. Today we observe the union of these two people with the respect the occasion warrants. What we honor with reverence, however, we also celebrate with great joy! For married life – a shared life – is a tremendous blessing. Now, as Jake and Avril embark on this journey together, they will be able to nurture a love that makes each of them better versions of themselves. Marriage is, indeed, the perfect garden from which to sow and harvest personal growth.