AN: Another one from the 30 breathtakes challenge - this time number 11 - "In Silk".
It's taken so long that I didn't think this day would ever arrive. I never actually believed we'd make it this far. Eighteen months of planning has culminated in this one day, in June. The weather is perfect for it, gloriously sunny, but not swelteringly hot. The kind of day I'd have cast all sorts of spells to get, if I could have done.
I never thought she'd say yes, when I asked her to marry me, the Christmas before last. I know my family were surprised when we got together, having believed for so long that she and my youngest brother, Ron, were meant to be. Anyone with half a brain and the tiniest bit of eyesight could see how that one went. I believe he cheated on her with some blonde named Lavender, she hexed him, and that was that. They're just about on speaking terms again, but it's taken quite a while.
We haven't been traditional about any of this - we're getting married in the garden at the Burrow, which has been specially tidied up and degnomed for the occasion. We've only got a few close family and friends here, oh, and yourself, of course. Yes, that includes Hermione's parents, Muggles though they are. Hermione put her foot down when it came to dress robes - she's wearing a silk dress in a shade she calls ivory, and I call cream. I've got a suit on, as you can see. All of my brothers have had to submit to a haircut - Mum wouldn't let any of us come to the wedding until she'd "made us look presentable", as she puts it.
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It's happening today! I can't believe it. I'm almost ready, just need to pin the veil and a couple of flowers in my hair, then I'm done. I know you've been talking to Charlie already, but I just want to say that I love him, and soon I'll be married to him. Hermione Granger-Weasley. I've been asked so many times why I haven't just simply changed my name, but that would feel like I'm abandoning my Muggleborn heritage. I'm not - I'm proud of being a Muggleborn, and a Granger. Anyway, I have to go - got a wedding to attend, you understand.
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It was an honour and a privilege being asked to photograph the Granger-Weasley nuptials, and I hope I manage to do the occasion justice. Hermione looks beautiful in that dress, the almost transparent veil flowing down her back. She refused to wear one over her face, and I think that was for the best. The flowers stand out, dark purple and white. She and Charlie can't keep their eyes off each other; it's obvious this is a really passionate love match. They say their vows and I fumble for my camera to capture the first kiss - after all, it's one of the most important parts of the whole day.
I spend the entire day taking pictures, changing the roll of film, and taking yet more pictures. I think I've captured everything for the newly-wed couple. Time to get them developed, ready to hand over. That's going to take me ages, so I'll have to leave now, having seen the first dance and the cutting of the cake. Let them celebrate without being followed around.
AN: Short, I know.