Brenda's POV.
I took the last few steps down the aisle towards Jeffery and listened as the musician from my old country stopped playing. My father handed my hand to Jeffery and we stood facing each other in front of the vicar.
"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sign of God - and in the face of this company - to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is commended to be honourable among all men; and therefore - is not by any - to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly - but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together - let them speak now or forever hold their peace.
Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy - and for the help and comfort given on another in prosperity and adversity. But more importantly - it is a means through which a stable and loving environment may be attained.
Through marriage, Jeffery Quintal and Brenda Lee make a commitment together to face their disappointments - embrace their dreams - realize their hopes - and accept each other's failures. Jeffery Ann Quintal and Brenda Lee Alcoforado will promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout their lives together - through mutual understanding - openness - and sensitivity to each other.
We are here today - before God - because marriage is one of His most sacred wishes - to witness the joining in marriage of Jeffery Quintal and Brenda Lee. This occasion marks the celebration of love and commitment with which this man and this woman begin their life together. And now - through me - He joins you together in one of the holiest bonds.
Who gives this woman in marriage to this man?" He said.
"Her family and friends gathered here today do." Said my father.
"This is a beginning and a continuation of their growth as individuals. With mutual care, respect, responsibility and knowledge comes the affirmation of each one's own life happiness, growth and freedom. With respect for individual boundaries comes the freedom to love unconditionally. Within the emotional safety of a loving relationship - the knowledge self-offered one another becomes the fertile soil for continued growth. With care and responsibility towards self and one another comes the potential for full and happy lives.
By gathering together all the wishes of happiness and our fondest hopes for GROOM'S NAME and BRIDE'S NAME from all present here, we assure them that our hearts are in tune with theirs. These moments are so meaningful to all of us, for "what greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined together - to strengthen each other in all labour - to minister to each other in all sorrow - to share with each other in all gladness.
This relationship stands for love, loyalty, honesty and trust, but most of all for friendship. Before they knew love, they were friends, and it was from this seed of friendship that is their destiny. Do not think that you can direct the course of love - for love, if it finds you worthy, shall direct you.
Marriage is an act of faith and a personal commitment as well as a moral and physical union between two people. Marriage has been described as the best and most important relationship that can exist between them. It is the construction of their love and trust into a single growing energy of spiritual life. It is amoral commitment that requires and deserves daily attention. Marriage should be a lifelong consecration of the ideal of loving kindness - backed with the will to make it last." The vicar continued before turning to Jeffery.
"Do you, Jeffery Ann Quintal take Brenda Lee Alcoforado to be your wife - to live together after God's ordinance - in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honour and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon her your heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?"
"I will." Jeffery said and smiled at me. The vicar turned towards me.
"Do you, Brenda Lee Alcoforado, take Jeffery Ann Quintal to be your husband - to live together after God's ordinance - in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honour and keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon him your heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him as long as you both shall live?"
"I will." I said and couldn't help but grin at Jeffery. We exchanged rings before the vicar spoke again.
"What token of your love do you offer? Would you place the rings in my hand? May this/these rings be blessed as the symbol of this affectionate unity. These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go - may they always return to one another. May these two find in each other the love for which all men and women. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home which they establish together be such a place that many will find." The vicar finished and Jeffery leant down to kiss me.
All of the quests started clapping and confetti was thrown over our heads. We broke apart and went outside. We were immediately showered with congratulations and hugs from various people. I noticed my father talking to Jeffery as Rebecca came over holding baby Jaidyn. "Congratulations, sis." Rebecca said with a smile and I hugged her, careful not to trust the baby.
"Thank you." I replied and held my arms to hold Jaidyn, "Now, can I give my little niece a cuddle?" I asked and Rebecca handed her to me. Jeffery came over and kissed my cheek before taking Jaidyn and giving her a quick hug. The car arrived to take us to the reception venue and my husband and I got in. My dress practically filled the whole car. I turned to Jeffery and kissed him on the lips.
"I love you, Mrs. Quintal." He said.
"I love you, Mr. Quintal." I replied.
A short while after we arrived at Concorde banquets. We were the first ones to arrive and we went inside to have a look around. The room was set up with round tables, tablecloths and gold chairs to match the golden theme of our wedding. I went over to the cake which had eight tiers and was white with gold detailing all over it. "It's just how I imagined it!" I said to Jeffery.
"Well that's good then." He replied. A few moments later Rebecca and Melanie came in with Jaidyn in her stroller.
"Hey!" Melanie said, "This place is amazing!"
"I know!" I said back, "Is anyone else here yet?"
"Jack, Bryan and your parents are outside and everyone else is on their way." Melanie told me.
"Let's go out and wait then." I said and took Jeffery's hand and we all went outside. The rest of the guests arrived along with the photographer and we went into the grounds to take some photos. The first few were of just me and Jeffery standing in this little Gazebo and then it was just me with Rebecca, Melanie and Jaidyn as they were bride's maids. There were a few other combinations before the big photo with everyone in.
After the photos we all went inside and I got Melanie to help me change into my other dress, it came just above my knees and was covered in gold sparkles. I let my hair down and pushed it back with a head band which had a big, sparkly gold bow on the side. We went back in and practically everyone was seated. I took my place next to Jeffery and the speeches began. Both Bryan and Jack were best men so they were first. Then my parents and then Melanie and Rebecca both gave a speech. It was eventually time for the first dance and me and Jeffery went to the middle of the dance floor. Traditional music from the old country began and we began doing the dance that I had taught Jeffery a few weeks back. At the end of the dance we kissed and guests joined us on the dance floor.
I watched as Melanie and Bryan came over and started dancing and Rebecca handed Jaidyn to her father so that she and Jack could dance.
The wedding was amazing and the honeymoon in Egypt was even better... If you know what I mean.
