"Okay, Jude. Just breathe." Saide said in a soothing way.
"Breathe? How can I breathe? I'm on cloud 9, and 10, and 11, and-" Jude said fastly.
"Okay, okay." Sadie cut her off.
"Well, It is your wedding day. My little sis is growing up." Sadie held back a few tears.
"Okay, shut up. You'll get me emotional." Jude hugged her sister.
"No, no. No crying in your make-up." Sadie laughed.
"I'll have a hard time not doing that in the ceremony." Jude confessed.
"No matter what, you'll always be my little sister." Sadie smiled and hugged Jude again.
"No matter what." Jude replied.
The door opened.
"Jude. You look amazing. It's time." Stuart said when he walked inside.
"Are you ready?" Sadie asked with an excited smile.
"I've been ready since the day I laid eyes on him." Jude admitted.
"Then let's go." Sadie smiled.
Jude watched as Kwest walked down the aisle with Sadie on his arm, then Speiderman with Hannah, Tommy's sister, on his arm, then Jamie with Kat on his arm.
She was surprised when Kat and Jamie agreed to be in the wedding, but she always never the would be, ever since she was 10.
Then it was her turn.
The organ played and Jude held tight to her father.
"I love you, Jude. And you'll always be my little girl." Stuart whispered before they enter.
"I love you too. But, don't get all sappy with me." Jude urged then laughed lightly.
The walked down the aisle.
When Jude laid eyes on Tommy, her heart almost stopped.
Kwest tapped Tommy on the shoulder.
"Pick your jaw up off the floor, man." Kwest joked.
Tommy smiled, knowing exactly what night he had previously said that.
The night that he knew this day would come.
Stuart held onto Jude's hands.
"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 honorable 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." The minister started.
No one spoke, and it was time.
"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, Thomas Andrew DuTois and Judith Marie Harrison make a commitment together to face their disappointments – embrace their dreams – realize their hopes – and accept each other's failures. Thomas Andrew DuTois and Judith Marie Harrison 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 Thomas Andrew DuTois and Judith Marie Harrison. 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?"
"I do." Stuart spoke softly.
Stuart slowly let go of Jude's hands and gave them to Tommy.
"Take care of my daughter, Tom." Stuart whisper.
"I swear I will." Tommy whispered back.
Jude took Tommy's hands and held tight.
"Nervous, Harrison?" Tommy whispered looking down at her white knuckles.
"Nothing's ever felt so right." Jude smiled.
"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 Thomas Andrew DuTois and Judith Marie Harrison 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 labor – 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 escribed 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 life long consecration of the ideal of loving kindness – backed with the will to make it last." The minister spoke on.
"Do you Thomas Andrew DuTois take Judith Marie Harrison to be your wife – to live together after God's ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor 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?" The minister asked.
"I do." Tommy smiled at Jude, holding back a tear.
"Do you Judith Marie Harrison take Thomas Andrew DuTois to be your husband – to live together after God's ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor 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?" The minister asked.
"I do." Jude teared up.
"What token of your love do you offer? Would you place the rings in my hand?" The Minister asked.
Kwest handed the minister the rings.
"May 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 year. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home which they establish together be such a place that many will find there a friend. May these rings on their fingers symbolize the touch of the spirit of love in their hearts." The minister handed Tommy Jude's ring.
"Thomas, in placing this ring on Judith's finger, repeat after me: Judith, you are now consecrated to me as my wife from this day forward."
"Judith, you are now consecrated to me as my wife from this day forward." Tommy said with a lightness in his voice.
"And I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity. " The minister said.
"And I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity. " Tommy repeated, looking into Jude's eyes.
"And with this ring, I thee wed." The minister ended.
"And with this ring, I thee wed." Tommy slipped the ring on Jude's hand.
Jude wiped away her fallen tears.
The minister handed Jude Tommy's ring.
"Judith, in placing this ring on Thomas' finger, repeat after me: Thomas, you are now consecrate to me as my husband from this day forward."
"Thomas, you are now consecrate to me as my husband from this day forward." Jude smiled.
"And I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity." The minister said.
"And I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity." Jude repeated wiping away more tears.
"And with this ring, I thee wed."
"And with this ring, I thee wed." Jude ended and placed the ring on Tommy's finger.
"May you always share with each other the gifts of love – be one in heart and in mind – may you always create a home together that puts in your hearts – love – generosity and kindness. In as much as Thomas Andrew and Judith Marie have consented together in marriage before this company of friends and family and have pledged their faith – and declared their unity by giving and receiving a ring – are now joined. You have pronounced yourselves husband and wife but remember to always be each other's best friend. What – therefore – God has joined together – let no man put asunder. And so, by the power vested in me by the Providence of Ontario and Almighty God, I now pronounce you man and wife – and may your days be good and long upon the earth. You may now kiss the bride." The minister ended.
Tommy smiled and kissed Jude and held her as everyone clapped.
"I love you so much." Tommy said, wiping away his tears.
"I love you too." Jude replied and broke their hug, and looked straight into his eyes.
"This is the best day of my life." Jude smiled.
Everyone wiped away a few tears and Jude and Tommy walked down the aisle.
"May I introduce for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Andrew DuTois." The minister ended.
Jude glowed and Tommy smiled brighter than he never had as they went back down the aisle.
Mr. and Mrs.DuTois.