Chapter 8

Kevin and Brian stood proudly at the alter as they awaited the ceremony.  Kevin looked nervous, but kept calm and smiled brightly.  Every so often he would glance at his watch, and Brian would just laugh.

“Okay, Kevin, it is exactly 30 seconds since the last time you looked at your watch.” he joked.

“Yeah, well, I seem to recall only last month that you were just as nervous as I was.   Now, let’s get this party rolling.” he smiled.

Suddenly, he heard the music start, and then his face lit up like it never had before.

As he and Brian stood at the base of the alter, they watched as Katrina and Howie marched down the aisle first, with AJ and Brianna right behind them.   They were dressed in ankle length simple a-line dresses made of lilac colored satin.  Scarfs hung off the shoulders and flowed ever so gently down the ladies backs.  The guys were dressed in black tuxedos, with a modern collar and tie.

Following behind them was Leighanne, who was dressed in a gown with a mermaid hem that flowed behind her along the carpet.  Her dress was a darker shade of lilac that was stunning in contrast to the others.  Her beautiful blonde hair was swept up into a french twist with wisps that hung loosely around her face.  A rose covered band sat across the top of her hair, adding that touch of romance.

Finally, after Kevin had waited as patiently as he possibly could, his eyes saw the most amazing site he had ever seen.

Denise had appeared at the back of the sanctuary, waiting as the music grew louder.  Everyone in the church stood up as Denise and her father proceeded down the aisle.  Her eyes met Kevin’s and the two of them smiled brightly.

She was wearing a stunning Cinderella inspired gown that was made of layers and layers of chiffon and satin in the purest white possible.  The satin shined like never before as the soft candlelight in the church touched it.  As she proceeded down the aisle towards Kevin, the dress flowed behind her.  Her hair was pulled up and accented with a pastel pink rose covered tiara and veil that draped gently down her back and onto the floor.

Kevin’s eyes widened as she got closer.  Denise was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on, and he had never been as happy in his life as he was at that very moment.

Brian, Leighanne, Howie, Kat, AJ, and Brianna smiled at the couple as the took each other’s hands.  Then the voice of the priest was heard beginning the ceremony.

“Dearly Beloved:  We have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony.  The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God’s will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord.” The priest started.

“Into this holy union Denise Ann and Kevin Scott now come to be joined.  If any of you can show just cause why they may not lawfully be married, speak now; or else for ever hold your peace.”

Everyone looked around to see if there was any objection.  Dee and Kevin looked at each other…and smiled, knowing that everyone in the room could see how happy they were together.  And with there being no objections, the ceremony continued.
“Denise, will you have this man to be your husband; to live together in the covenant of marriage?  Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as you both shall live?”

“I will.” she said softly concentrating on his deep green eyes.

“Kevin, will you have this woman to be your wife; to live together in the covenant of marriage?  Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as you both shall live?”

“I will.” Kevin said as he gazed into Dee’s eyes.

“Will all of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?”

“We will.” Answered everyone.

“And, now, will the Bride and the Groom please come and join hands together.” the priest continued. “Kevin, please hold Denise’s right hand, and say the following:”

Then Kevin said,

“In the Name of God, I, Kevin, take you, Denise, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death.  These are my solemn vows to you.”

Kevin let go of her right hand as Dee took his.

“In the Name of God, I, Denise, take you, Kevin, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death.  These are my solemn vows to you.” she said gently.

“Bless, O Lord, these rings to be signs of the vows by which this man and this woman have bound themselves to each other.”

Brian handed the rings to the priest and he blessed them, and then continued.  Kevin took the ring first and then looked into Dee’s eyes again.

“Denise, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vows, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of God.”  And with that, he placed it on her finger.

Dee took the other ring from the priest and said, “Kevin, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vows, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of God.” Placing it on his finger.

“Now that Kevin and Denise have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands, and the giving and receiving of rings, I now pronounce that they are husband and wife, in the Name of God.  Those whom God has joined together, let no one put asunder.”

Everyone in the church soon turned and said, “Amen!”

“You may now kiss your lovely bride Kevin.” The priest said aloud.

Kevin scooped Denise up in his arms and the two kissed so passionately, that they didn’t notice when AJ and Howie started in with the cat calls.  Finally, after a few moments, everyone in the room started to clap and cheer for the new couple.  Kevin and Dee soon broke from their embrace as the priest finished with the prayers.

“May God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favor look upon you, and fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace; that you may faithfully live together in this life, and in the age to come have life everlasting.  Amen.”

“And, now, it is my happy privilege to congratulate and introduce to you,  Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Richardson.”

Everyone clapped again and then the music started up as they proceeded back down the aisle.  As they walked, they looked around to see if their friend had made it to the ceremony.  They both missed Nick and Katie, and were concerned.  However, they knew in their hearts that he was only trying to find himself and what life was.  They weren’t going to take it personally that he hadn’t shown up, in fact, they were more worried that he wasn’t alright.

After all the guests made their way out to the gardens outside the church, there was a small reception set up for the newlyweds.  Kevin and Dee had decided on a very simple reception, and were looking forward to their honeymoon more than anything.

The evening was filled with some dancing, singing and the usual pranks that happen during the wedding receptions.  Katrina had caught the bouquet and then Howie caught the garter.  The whole room erupted into laughter as Howie very seductively placed the garter onto Kat thigh.  She giggled uncontrollably as he kept trying to place it higher and higher.  It wasn’t until she smacked him on the arm that he stopped.  The two of them laughed.

Finally, the crowd was reduced to just the immediate family and friends.  Everyone wished Kevin and Dee a safe and wonderful trip, and the the two rode off in a horse drawn carriage to the hotel that they would stay in overnight.

This was just the beginning of a wonderful life the two would share forever…
 

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