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Ceremony

After our first guest arrived, which was Lucas's Grand-Pappy Joe, the other arrived soonafter.

"I'm here," Shawn announced, sticking his head in the tent. My Mom got up to kiss him, and I hugged him, which he still wasn't used to.

"You look beautiful, Riley," he said, admiring her dress.

"Thanks, Uncle Shawn," Riley said.

"I'm going to help Mrs. Minkus with the final touches on the decorations, I'll be back in a minute or two," he said, then he ducked back out of the tent.

We heard Farkle's dad, Mr. Minkus, arrive a few minutes later.

"I'd better go find a seat," My Mom said, kissing me on the cheek, "You're going to be great," she said, turning to Riley.

"Thanks, Maya's Mom," Riley said, smiling brightly. My Mom laughed and left the tent.

Just thirty seconds later, the wedding music started. 

"That's my cue," Topanga said, standing and leaving the tent to walk down the aisle to her seat, starting the processional.

"I'll see you... you know... when you get married," I said to Riley. She laughed nervously.

I followed Topanga out to watch the processional and wait for my cue. As I walked around the side of the fence, Shawn came jogging towards the tent. He would walk Riley down the aisle when it was her time.

I got to the entrance to the fence and peeked around the side just in time to see Topanga sashaying down the aisle, then taking her seat in the front row. After Topanga, Lucas came from the opposite side of the fence, winked at me, then made his way down the aisle to his place at the left side of the altar. Then, Farkle came, wiping his sweaty palms on his tux. He glanced at me nervously, and I shot him a reassuring smile. He nodded, then composed his face into a calmer expression. He made his way down the aisle to his spot, looking calm and excited. After the groom came the officiant, an older priest with greying hair and shiny brown eyes. He didn't look at me as he made his way calmly down the aisle, because he had probably done this a thousand times.

Then, it was my turn. I held my bouquet and walked down the aisle towards Farkle and Lucas, and I took my place next to where Riley would be, on the left side of the altar. Next came the ring bearer and the flower girl: Zay, holding a velvet pillow in one hand, and Ava, riding on Zay's shoulders and throwing rose petals onto the aisle as they walked.

And then, I saw Riley.

She looked positively radiant as she walked down the aisle on Shawn's arm. Farkle's expression was mingled happiness and shock. Shawn handed Riley to Farkle, and then took his seat next to my Mom.

Riley and Farkle stood, holding hands, as the officiant started the ceremony (We are gathered here today...) Their vows were both really beautiful. Farkle talked about how Riley meant the world to him, and Riley talked about how happy Farkle made her, and how they would always be together.

Then, the officiant pronounced them husband and wife, and they kissed. They walked back down the aisle hand in hand, smiling hugely. I followed after with Lucas. After the guest congratulated them, everyone went back to the house. I knew Riley and Farkle would be in the car together, so I was riding with Lucas. 

He grabbed my hand, and our hands swung in between us as we walked to the car.

"Everything went smoothly," I said.

"Yeah, it did. I guess we're pretty good wedding planners after all," he replied, smiling. He pecked me on the lips and we climbed into the car.

And it really was a great ceremony.

Now came the reception.