Richpez - A Tale of Two StarKids

Chapter 17: Just Us Two

Sorry it's been so long between chapters! Hope this chapter is worth the wait!

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~Spring of 2020~

{Lauren's POV}

I stood up from the hair and makeup chair and walked over to my mom who was standing behind a folding screen. She was waiting for me with my beautiful wedding gown. I removed my white silk robe and stepped in, one foot at a time, into my dress. As my mom buttoned it, I looked down at the flowy white fabric on my body.

If you had asked my just two years ago if I would ever get married I would've most likely said no. Even last year I wasn't sure what my future would look like. But standing here in this gown I was reminded of the man I was wearing it for. Joey. That funny, kind, and honest man had caused me to completely change my mind about marriage. He showed me what it stood for and what it could lead to. 

With Joey, I'll never have to worry about him leaving me or worry if he truly loves me. He is the love of my life, and I am his. He tells me everyday how much I mean to him. He shows me how deep his love is, too. He is always showering me with love and devotion and I am so excited to marry him. 

As soon as I have my dress fully buttoned, I called out to my bridesmaids over the folding screen.

"Are you ready?" I called. 

A chorus of yes's prompted me to step out from behind the screen. 

The first thing I noticed was our photographer there to capture our precious moments together. Joey and I wanted a photographer so we would never forget this day.

As I saw my bridesmaids, I heard them gasp excitedly. One-by-one they all started to tear up, and I could tell Jaime was trying not to sob uncontrollably. They all came up to me to get a closer look. I was so lucky to have them all standing by my side. 

They were all wearing long navy-colored dresses, but I let them decide on the style. Jaime was wearing a one-shoulder dress, Meredith was wearing a halter top dress, and Julia was wearing an off-the-shoulder dress. They each had their hair up in a soft updo that matched mine. 

I walked over to the mirror in the room and examined my dress, hair, and makeup. My dress was an ivory off-the-shoulder A-line gown with a short train. I opted not to wear a veil and chose to wear a beaded headband instead. I kept my makeup simple and decided on a soft blush theme for my eyes, cheeks, and lips.

Looking at myself in the mirror was strange at first, but the more I looked at myself, the more excited I was getting for Joey to see me.

Julia, who was also doubling as my wedding planner, was the first to speak up.

"Okay, it's time, Lauren," she said to me and I took a deep breath. 

I turned away from the mirror and walked over to meet my dad, who I could tell was trying his best not to cry. I grabbed onto his arm and we started the walk to the ceremony space. We had chosen a vineyard just north of L.A. as the backdrop of our ceremony and reception. The vineyard had a gorgeous indoor venue that they had decorated beautifully for our wedding. We were lucky to find a date that worked for us.

June 20. A day we will remember for the rest of our lives.

I watched from around the corner as my bridesmaids took turns walking down the aisle. the doors close so my dad and I could take our place. 

My dad turned to me and said, "You look absolutely beautiful. I am so proud of you for finding someone who loves you like Joey does. I know he'll make you happy."

I kissed him on the cheek and I heard the wedding march playing inside the venue. The doors opened and it was all I could do not to cry.

I saw Joey standing at the end of the aisle and I could tell he was crying. Any worries I had about today washed away as I saw Joey and started to make my way towards him.

Friends and family had come from all over the country and were sitting on either side of the aisle, but I only had eyes for Joey. We couldn't take our eyes off of each other, and in that moment, neither of us wanted to.

As my dad and I grew increasingly closer to the end of the aisle, Joey wiped his eyes. Tears started to form in my eyes as well, so I did my best to fight them off.

We eventually made it to wear Joey was standing and it was finally time for my dad to give me away. He kissed me on the cheek and shook Joey's hand. My dad sat down next to my mom and Joey took my hand in his. I handed my bouquet to Jaime, and Joey led me over to our officiant.

We chose to have Darren officiate our wedding since he was such a big part of both of our lives. He started the ceremony off by saying a few thing about us and explaining how he knew each of us. He talked about college and how he watched our love grow. The whole time, Joey and I stared into each other's eyes. Eventually, Darren got to the vows. Joey got to go first.

"Lauren. 12 years ago we started the most amazing journey together. I am so grateful that I have been able to stand by your side through every moment. I promise to find new ways to love you each and every day, and to never go a day without making you laugh. I've always been taught that you like because and you love despite. I like you because your passion for life is contagious and you're always looking for more reasons to be a better person. You show me how to be a better version of myself and you are such an amazing mom to Diane. I love you despite how long it takes you to finish puzzles and how you always fall asleep before the end of the movie. You are a terrible driver and you never stop eating, but I can't imagine a life with anyone else. I can't wait to wake up next to you for the rest of my life. I love you so much, Lo."

I wiped away a couple of tears from my eyes and then it was my turn.

"Joey. 12 years ago I would have never imagined myself standing here. I didn't think I would ever get married. But with you, it is the only thing that makes sense. Starting this next chapter with you feels so right. My love for you has never wavered, and I promise to keep loving you each and every day. I promise to build a life with you that it full of love, laughter, and countless adventures. And I promise not to get too many dogs. I fell in love with you because you were always there for me. You lifted me up in my highest moments and picked me up when I fell. You encouraged me to keep going when I thought all was lost and were my biggest supporter when I succeeded. I love how your crooked smile still gives me butterflies and I don't think that feeling will ever go away. You are the perfect dad to Diane and I can't wait to grow our family. Marrying you is the best decision I have ever made and I'm excited to grow old with you. Together, we can make it through anything. Me and you, just us too."

We exchanged rings and each said "I do."

"And by the power vested in me by, well, the internet," Darren said amid a crowd of laughs, "I know pronounce you husband and wife." He tuned towards Joey. "You may now kiss your bride."

In our 12 years together, this kiss blew all other kisses out of the water. It exuded so much passion and love and I wanted it to last forever. Too soon we broke apart and I was pulled back to reality. I could hear the cheers coming from our guests as I started into Joey's eyes, smiling. 

We broke into giggles and turned towards our guests. Hand in hand, we made our way down the aisle, saying hello to our guests along the way. We made our way out of the room and the doors closed behind us.

We shared a sweet moment together as Joey kissed me and then we made our way outside to take our first pictures together as husband and wife.

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I hope y'all enjoyed this chapter! Let me know if there are any scenarios you want to see from these two, but I'm thinking that a honeymoon is next! Thanks for reading!