Now, the couple walked to the car parked at the entrance of Prof. Oak's house, and drove to Ash's house. Ash's backyard is not so big, but as the guests were not in a big number, actually under 30, it seemed just a suitable venue for a cocktail style reception.
The couple got off the car, and went inside the house, where they waited for the guests to help themselves to the backyard party.
"Serena," Ash softly said, as they enter the living room, keeping the door a bit open.
"Yes?" Serena asked.
"I was just wondering if..um, are you really ready for a married life yet?" Ash asked, as they sit on the couch.
"What, now you're having second thoughts? After the ceremony?" Serena asked.
"No! I mean, when I asked you about getting married, you didn't think much before answering yes." Ash replied, recalling one of the best days of his life.
Flash back (few weeks ago):
Serena comes to visit Ash in Pallet town, something she did at least once a month, all the way from Hoenn where she lived. The two went out on a date to spend some time together alone. After some shopping, they stopped by the park, to take an afternoon walk.
"So, Serena, how's your Pokemon performer thing going on?" Ash asked, walking hand in hand with his girlfriend.
"Good." Serena replied. "I performed at a big hall some days ago, and Sylveon was the star, she won me another key."
"That's nice." Ash smiled.
"I may be wrong, but, I think you wanna tell me something?" Serena asked after noticing it, continuing walking.
"Yeah..I.." *cough* "..Serena, we are 19 now, and we are both doing good with our professions. You are a good Pokemon performer, and I'm also a good Pokemon trainer, I believe, so.."
"So?"
"We are of age now, I mean at an age where I find it a bit difficult and upsetting that we meet only once or twice a month. Just for a few days. And rest of the time, we're just talking on phone."
"I can understand."
"Wait a minute." Ash said, stopping by a wooden bench, keeping their shopping bags on it, and continued, "I guess it's time" before doing something Serena didn't expect at all.
"W-w-what..." Serena mumbled, seeing her boyfriend go down on his knee before her.
"Serena," Ash said, and took out a small white box from his jeans pocket, opened it, and took a beautiful gold ring with a red ruby on top out in his hand. "Will you...will you marry me, Serena?!" Ash proposed in a loud voice, putting the ring forward, looking straight in Serena's eyes.
The honey haired girl couldn't speak. Her cheeks were bright red, and she was shaking a bit too. And then, finally, she sat down on her knees before Ash, not minding getting dirt on her dress, and put her left hand forward.
"By all means, Ash.." She accepted, with a big smile on her face.
End of flashback:
"There was nothing to think about, Ash." Serena replied, moving closer to her, now, husband. "I loved you ever since we first met, and marrying you was a dream come true! How on the planet could I ever deny it?"
"Yeah, but, you know Serena, now that we are married, we might face difficulties with our professions." Ash said.
"Even if that happens, the extreme joy of being your wife will win by a landslide." Serena winked.
Ash breathed in, and stood up, and faced Serena. "I won't make you upset." He said with a serious voice. "I know Pallet town isn't such a good choice for Pokemon performers. We'll live in Hoenn. In your house. I'll continue my Pokemon training there."
There was nothing that could make Serena happier at this moment. "I love you so much!" She said, jumped off the couch and hugged Ash.
"I love you." Ash said, hugging Serena back. "Now, now, let's go to the party."
"Yeah." Serena agreed, letting go of the hug. She then, took off her veil carefully and put it on the couch, before heading out the door with Ash.
It was about 6, and the sky was a bit orange. (IST)
The backyard was decorated with fairy lights, but of course the big lights were also on. There was a three layered white wedding cake on a table at the center of the backyard, and on the long table nearby were cakes, cookies, some other snacks, Pokemon food, and how can we forget the drinks! Nice champagne and wine bottles and glasses.
The guests with their few Pokemon, some seated on the chairs around the circular tables, and some standing, were having glasses of drinks and snacks, when the newly wedded couple entered.
They smiled at everyone they passed by, thanking them to be present at their wedding, with receiving best wishes, and went to take their seats at the table in the center before the cake, with Pikachu and Sylveon, their other Pokemon around somewhere.
Then Delia with a glass of wine in her hand, stepped on the little stage, and stood behind the mic.
"Hello, everyone." She began. "I am the happiest mother right now, seeing my son there with his wife. Serena is such a sweet and kind girl, and I believe will be the best daughter in law too. When Ash first told me they were dating, a few years ago, I nearly thought it wasn't gonna turn out well because of the long distance between them. But I'm pleased to be proven wrong. So, I would like to propose a toast for Serena, whom I count as my daughter, and you two have my best wishes for a happy marriage." Completing her speech, Delia held up her glass and so did the others, and they took a sip.
Next, Misty, took her turn to propose a toast to "the guy I know who was once so clumsy and with little idea of handling Pokemon, and is now here in front of me, as a perfect Pokemon trainer, and I believe will be a perfect husband too."
Brock also delivered a short speech saying, "I was Ash's first traveling companion and am still his best friend, and, I know this guy can be really empty minded sometimes, and also that he gives his best when it comes to both Pokemon and life battles, and I know he'll never let you down, Serena."
And of course, Grace took the next chance saying, "Ash, Serena can be really hard to handle sometimes, and she also is clumsy. But, I am sure, she'll give her 100% for this married life, and she'll support you at any costs, being her mother, I can proudly say that. I wish you two my warm wishes for your married life, and best of luck!"
Time skip, time to dance!
Clemont's Clembot started playing the piano, and, being a nice and better than before robot, played some wedding music from his computer, making it unnecessary to add any other instrument or DJ.
Ash and Serena stepped on the stage, and danced their first dance as a married couple. Soon, joined by Misty and Brock, Dawn and Clemont, and few other pairs. Pokemon as well.
The big lights were turned off. The fairy lights, the full moon and stars lit up the sky as well as the reception venue.
"Serena," Ash spoke up, just loud enough for Serena to hear, continuing the slow dancing. "I promise to be a good husband for you. You deserve it so much."
Serena smiled, "For now, I've got you, and my everything. And I know, we'll give our 101% to our marriage."
"We'll be together. Forever." Ash said, laying his forehead on Serena's.
"Forever. I promise." Serena replied, and rested her head on Ash's chest, softly hugging her husband. And Ash hugged his wife back.
FINALLY, ASHERENA'S WEDDING DAY CAME TO AN END. BUT, ITS JUST THE BEGINNING OF THE LIFE THEY HAVE AHEAD, TOGETHER.
Hey, guys! Here's a bonus chapter for you all, I thought you'd like reading it. Any amourshipper would go head over heels at the thought of Ash and Serena getting married, and I surely am one of them. Leave some reviews for me to read, and.., yeah, that's it, later!