(I hope you enjoy thus sugary depiction of what I'd imagine their "big day" was like. Still working on the next chapter. Enjoy! I don't own TSOM)
—Chapter 15, There is Love
Since the beginning of time, love was meant to be shared, drawn in and given back. Two people created from one another, for one another. Somewhere in the stars indeed it had been written that this woman should walk down the aisle of this cathedral, to join in spirit, body and name with this man. This unseen force, gifted from heaven would be reflected in the eyes of the her groom waiting ahead of her. And so it was.
Words floated in the air around them, their focus was on each other's light. Every prayer, every hymn, every vow could be felt as well as heard.
Between them, 2 words were exchanged. The most powerful aside from their declaration of love.
"I do."
They adorned one another's finger with a gold ring.
"I Thee Wed"
The Bishop directed them to clasp their hands, and wrapped them in his heavy stole. With long, graceful movements, he made the sign of the cross. Georg and Maria started into one another's eyes.
"I pronounce you now, husband and wife, What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder."
With that, the Bishop unwrapped the sacred cloth from their clasped hands. "Barron, he nodded, you may kiss your bride."
Two souls had passed through endless stages, played many roles, open thousands of doors and traveled countless roads to find one another, and become one.
Light cascaded through the stained windows casting a heavenly spotlight of color on the new bride and groom. Georg tilted his head downward and drew Maria's face towards him with his hands. Upon her lips, he placed a most pure and loving kiss, which she returned in equal measure. Though tempted to kiss here more passionately, the newlyweds respected the sanctity of the cathedral and broke their kiss into a gentle smile shared between one another. It was done. Georg and Maria, at last man and wife.
Applause erupted from all directions. The sound of the mighty church bells rang out. Time stood still as it had that night in the gazebo. He pushed the tulle of her veil away from her face and whispered "I Love you Maria" she was radiant, her joy sparkles around her. Georg's smile was proud and prominent. His look of absolute adoration for her was unmistakable.
"I love you Georg." she grinned
"Barron and Baroness Georg VonTrapp" the Bishop announced loudly over the guests' continued applause. Firmly grasping her hand he lead her next to him down the long marble aisle. Their first journey as one flesh had begun.
Georg and his bride exited the church, into the world that waited, even from its creation, to receive them as man and wife.
Bright sunlight welcomed them into their new life. Georg, careful not to pull Maria's long veil, slid his arms around her waist and drew her into a kiss so deep she could barely stand on her own.
"Hello Maria Von Trapp" he greeted her "I've waited my whole life to say those words." Raising up her hand to kiss the top of it as if he were a gentleman meeting her for the first time.
His steady, love filled eyes were enough to make his new bride begin shedding tears of insurmountable elation.
"We did it" she laughed, her mouth wide with a smile, a few joyful tears escaping her hopeful eyes, "My God Georg we're married. We are married! We did it!"
The groom's eyes glazed over with emotion. "You're finally mine. My wife! Created for me from heaven. Just as I was put on this earth to be your own."
They held one another tightly for a while. How wonderful it was to be part of each other at last.
The sound of cheering began behind them,
"FATHER! MOTHER! WE DID IT!"
The seven children followed them down the stairs and around the side of the church. They were the most beautiful family anyone had seen. Georg embraced each child, as they came up to him. They then walked to Maria, who placed her bouquet on the ground for a moment and grasped each child tightly.
"Oh how beautiful you all are!" She cried as she kissed their foreheads.
"So we're a family?" Marta asked
"Silly, we always were" Brigitta said.
"Indeed we always were, this just makes it official" Georg beamed "So many days just filled with joy are ahead for us, children! You'll see!"
Walking towards them, Max extended his has to Georg. "Congratulations my good man" he shook the groom's hand heartily, "It's been a long time coming. I haven't seen you so totally content. It suits you!"
"Oh beautiful Maria", Max kissed her hand, "How wonderful this is. May you both be blessed with many years of happiness." He held back a few tears of his own "More I could not wish you!"
"The photographer is here Father!" Liesl called out
"Go on ahead we will be there momentarily" Georg directed them
Max and the children headed down the small hill to greet the photographers and guests, who were now filing out of the cathedral.
"Maria, did you see your bouquet?" Georg asked
"Right here, dear husband " she picked it up.
"Look beneath the fold of silk at the top, just under the back" he advised her
Maria took a peek. Pinned beneath the thick fabric fold was a pendant. A gold chain wrapped around it. Maria didn't even notice it during the whirlwind of the day.
"I'm glad It's there, I feared it fell off!" Georg said sheepishly. "The sisters helped me with this surprise."
The awestruck bride unpinned the pendant. It was a necklace. A Golden edelweiss. Nine delicate petals covered in small diamonds, the middle was a circle of yellow stones. Maria was astounded by its beauty.
"Georg it's, oh it's..."
"It's our family. He explained "One petal for each of us, the middle stones are the the children we will add, as soon as possible I hope." He winked.
"Our flower. A symbol of purity, love, great adventure and sacrifice. The new groom said to her "I don't believe there is a more perfect symbol of our journey together."
He carefully clasped it around his wife's neck. It sparkled in the sunlight.
"You bless my homeland forever more, Maria."
All she could do was melt into his arms, allowing him to claim her lips deeply with his own.
"ITS TIME FOR THE PHOTOGRAPH!" A voice called from the bottom of the hill.
"The family and reception awaits my love! Baroness, shall we?" The beaming captain suggested, offering his arm.
"I'd be delighted!" his bride responded hooking her arm through his.
They joined their children in front of the photographer. Everyone was positioned and posed for their first family picture.
A split second in time captured onto a sepia photograph that would be proof of one truth, true love conquers all.