It was hard to believe, but Alice had actually outdone herself yet again. The thought of an outdoor wedding in Forks was ridiculous, but here I stood – amidst rose petals forming a path leading up towards an elaborate floral arch. The August air was sweet and warm – comfortably so, without being clammy – with thin wisps of clouds floating across the azure sky. A heavenly floral scent filled the air, everywhere I looked I saw a breath-taking assortment of blossoming flowers. Among them millions upon millions of tiny sequins dangled on strings. Their movements in the breeze made the reflections of light dance across the scene, making everything – and everyone – glisten in the sunlight. It was absolutely perfect.

The first notes of the Wedding March rung out, the audience rose and turned to look at me. I felt myself blush from being in the centre of attention, but the smiling eyes of the people who were most dear to me in the world calmed me somewhat. Alice had wanted to call and invite every single person I had ever spoken to in my entire life – my ballet teacher, the couple whose dog I had walked when I was thirteen, the entire student body of my old Phoenix high school, to name just a few of her examples – but I had used my veto to keep it small and personal. There was an empty seat next to Billy Black, one which was reserved for his son. A small pang of regret struck me, but I had no time to think about it, as I began to walk down the petal aisle.

I was clinging to Charlie's arm and holding on for dear life, terrified of stumbling. I was wearing vintage shoes to match my dress, and the fragile heels felt unsteady against the ground. The long train and veil flowing behind me, heartbreakingly beautiful as they were, did nothing to ease the walk down the aisle which seemed to be spanning miles. I silently cursed Alice in my mind for dolling me up like this. But I had looked myself in the mirror before leaving the Cullen residence, and I had never seen myself like that. My dress was a vision, lace made up the neckline and arms and white satin hugged the rest of my body and trailed far behind me. My hair was up, decorated with flowers and pearls, and the intricate bun in my neck held up the long veil. I looked . . . grown up.

Ahead of me stood Edward, his gaze met mine. His golden eyes were warm, loving, and beautiful as ever. He was wearing a tailored suit – I was sure Alice had played some part there as well – and looked almost painfully perfect. I smiled despite myself, and tried to move ahead as gracefully as I could. I suddenly had a strange flashback to that one fateful day in Italy; how I had been running for my- no, his life, and I couldn't move fast enough. This was the complete opposite, I couldn't seem to move slowly enough, and the aisle was getting shorter and shorter. The two scenes had one thing in common, though: I was heading towards Edward. My love for him would never fade; his face would always be as beautiful, as statuesque.

I eventually reached the floral arch where my prince was waiting for me. Charlie squeezed my arm, and looked at me with a loving smile before taking a seat. My heart was beating loudly, and I knew that six of my guests could hear that loud and clear. I blushed, embarrassed by my obvious humanity. It wouldn't be long now. . .

The music died down, and the minister began his well rehearsed speech. It was time to read our vows, and I was glad Edward was going first, because I was almost unable to hear my own thoughts on account of my heart thumping like something wild in my chest.

Edward turned to me and took me by the hand; his cold fingers traced the top of it soothingly. I slowly let out a breath, focusing on his handsome face.

"Bella," he said with his musical voice, filled with emotion. "There was darkness for a long time and then there was light, and that light was you. Your love has given me wings, and our journey begins today. I pledge before this assembled company to be your husband from this day forward. Let us make of our two lives one life. I want you for today, tomorrow, and forever."

He slipped the ring onto my finger, and it appeared I had forgotten how to breathe properly. I felt tears welling up inside me, I heard Renée already sniveling loudly somewhere behind me.

"Edward," I said, horrified at how shaky my voice sounded, shrill and girly and so. . . inappropriate. "I have dreamed my whole life of having someone as wonderful as you love me the way you do. I give myself to you as your wife, and I promise here to treasure for all of my days the love we celebrate today. Let us bring together our lives and find ourselves anew each day."

He smiled such a loving smile that my heart nearly stopped (probably an improvement from the feverous cacophony), and I somehow managed to place the ring on his finger.

"Do you, Edward Anthony Cullen, take Isabella Marie Swan to be your lawfully wedded wife, and promise to hold, from this day forward, for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, 'till death do you part?"

"I do."

"And do you, Isabella Marie Swan, take Edward Anthony Cullen to be your lawfully wedded husband, and promise to hold, from this day forward, for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, 'till death do you part?"

"I do."

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

I felt myself getting swooped backwards, and his lips pressed against mine. A thousand miniature sparkles lit every fraction of my surroundings, and the tears reached my eyes. Tears of absolute joy and happiness.

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Thank you for reading.

I came across their wedding vows from the net when I was searching for the actual phrases used in a wedding ceremony, and I thought it was absolutely perfect. Stay tuned for more!