Dec and Ali's Wedding

Chapter 2

Dec was given the nod by his brother, who was leading the ceremony on the request of Dec and Ali, to say that the bride has arrived. Dec stopped talking and stood in front of the vicar, waiting for the music to play indicating that the wedding was starting. The song chosen by Dec and Ali for the walk down the aisle was an acoustic version of Came Here for Love by Sigala. This song meant so much to the both of them, with some of the poignant lyrics including being 'no longer broken hearted' and needing 'someone to hold them down' - this lyric was aimed at Dec especially because of his previous relationships, including the stories of Dec and a dancer that he took home one night whilst in a previous relationship. However with all of that behind them, they felt that this song and true meaning to both of them, seeming that they waited so long for each other, and they finally found what they both were wanting and needing.

The bridesmaids, including Ali's mother, walked down the aisle first causing a teary eyed Dec to turn and smile towards the bunch of ladies walking down the aisle. Turning then to Ant, who gave him a thumbs up and a beaming smile, and then back up to his brother who also gave him a big smile. Once the bridesmaids sat down, Ali walked down the aisle with her father also having tears fall from her eyes as you could see her father trying to hold back tears as he was finally giving her away.

Dec turned around to face Ali and was forced to put his hand over his mouth to help stop the tears from falling, and just because he was amazed at how beautiful she looked. She looked stunning every day, but today she looked elegant, and Dec could not believe his luck and how grateful he was to be able to call her his. Ali was also reduced to tears as she saw Dec, even though he worse a suit almost every day to work, today he looked more handsome than ever, and she really adored the suit, there was something about it that made him look extraordinary. And after she waited so long for this moment, and it was finally happening, happy tears broke free from her eyes, so did Dec's. As she walked down the aisle with eyes focussed on her, she concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other and making her way to the front of the church. She caught a glimpse of Ant and Lisa sat at the front of the church, who also had tears in her eyes, Ant more than Lisa though because he couldn't believe that his best friend was getting married to someone as beautiful as Ali. She smiled back at them, and then faced forward to Dec as she finally reached him, she kissed her father on the cheek and he shook Dec's hand and gave him a hug. Dec wiped tears from under his eyes as Ali did the same whilst they smiled at each other, and then Dec took her hands in his and turned to face the vicar.

The guests sat down at the request of the vicar, leaving just him, Dec and Ali standing up being centre of attention. Dec's brother made the opening remarks and addressed the couple, reminding them of what marriage means and the importance of marriage. Both of them followed the Catholics Church marriage vows, but agreed to write their own vows in a letter and give them to each other at the end of the day. Dec went first, only just managing to hold it together.

"I, Declan Joseph Oliver Donnelly, take you, Alison Astall, to be my wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love and honor you all the days of my life."

Ali then went after "I, Alison Astall, take you, Declan Joseph Oliver Donnelly, to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love and honor you all the days of my life."

The vicar requested for the rings that Ant had. Secretly, he planned on playing a little joke on them both pretending that he forgot the rings, but was then told off by his wife, Lisa, when he told her his plan. Dec gave a relieved smile to Ant after having a feeling that he would play a small joke on him, and thanking him that he didn't. As they exchanged rings, both had a couple of tears running down their face being unable to hold back the emotions. This led Ant to also have tears running down his face, due to the fact that he could see how much he and Ali adored each other and how meaningful it was to both of them. He rested his hand on Lisa's, needing some support to hold back the tears. Then came the moment that everyone was waiting for, the kiss. They paused for a while, looked each other in the eyes and slowly moved their heads together. They held the kiss for a few seconds, before pulling away and being given a loud cheer from the guests, and Dec grabbed Ali's hand in his and lifted it up in the air, almost as if he won a fight. However, he just wanted to show Ali off, and make a statement along the lines of, 'we're together in this, we're finally together.'

Dec's brother wrapped up the ceremony with a few words and a blessing to leave them with. The newlyweds were asked by the photographer to stay by the altar for a few photos, which arguably was the best photo of the ceremony due to the backdrop of the church. Afterwards they walked back up the aisle, this time as husband and wife. They left to cheers and applause and ended up walking out of the church in to a crowd full of the public and press again. Thankfully, they were held back by barriers and as they were coming out of the church, they posed for a few photos for them. "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" was coming from the crowd and even though Dec couldn't understand them, Ali did, and they eventually kissed once again for the crowd outside.

They eventually left the church and walked down the steps, due to the stigma of Dec and everyone taking the mick out of him for being single, he decided to do a celebration at the bottom of the steps, letting go of his wife's hand for a brief moment. It wasn't for long though, because as they rejoined their hands, Ali looked at Dec with a wide smile on her face, knowing just how goofy her husband can be. They walked towards a car that was waiting to take them to their reception at Matfen Hall, a brief 30 minute drive. After the newlyweds left, the rest of the guests came out and were not shocked to see how many people were waiting outside, the guests that came out were a star studded line up, proving how popular Dec was along with other friends and family, including his best mates Ant and Lisa. The rest of the guests would be joining them at the reception later, but for now Dec and Ali would have some time to themselves.

They wondered around the grounds of the hall, having photos taken by their photographer and making sure to stay away from the guests so they were able to spend time with each other, "hey Al, how are you feeling?"

"Honestly Declan, emotional. Very emotional. But I can't believe it's happened. I waited years for you without even realising. I thought I loved you because of work and how much time I spent with you but I'm so lucky that we both realised our feelings eventually." They both turned to each other to give each other a hug, and then ended with a kiss. They walked around the grounds in silence for a bit longer, relishing in the memory of the day so far.

"This day has been incredible Al, thank you so much for everything." Dec stopped for a moment on a bridge, running over a river, with a tear almost escaping his eyes.

Ali wiped the tears away from Dec's cheek and kissed him on the lips, "this is all down to you Declan, you provided me with everything I've ever wanted. I love you Declan Joseph Oliver Donnelly." This gave Dec a big smile, and he said he loved her too. This moment was thankfully captured by one of the photographers, that occasionally followed Dec and Ali to see what photos they could collect.

They were briefly interrupted by Ant. "Hey Dec, Al! Congratulations to the both of you." He hugged Dec and Ali, "can't believe our little Deccy Doolittle is finally married. You both look amazing, Ali you look incredible. Just to let you know that everyone is here, and that the food will probably be coming out in 30 minutes or so. I'll leave you guys to it. Honestly though guys, congratulations, really, you both deserve to be happy and I both know that you will look after each other so well." Dec brought his best mate into a hug before tears started to slowly fall from both of the eyes. Ali then joined them in the hug, with all 3 of them having tears now, "right, I better go before I cry anymore. I'll see you guys inside."

Dec and Ali slowly made their way back to the hall holding each other's hand, just before they went back in and were introduced to the dining hall by Ant and Dec, they kissed each other and both said "I love you."