The next morning Zoë woke up and she stretched herself in bed before she saw her wedding dress hanging on the closet. Today was her wedding day! She and Callen were getting married! She reached over to her phone to see what time it was and she saw she had a missed text message from Callen.
'Hey beautiful, hope you slept well. Can't wait to see you in your wedding dress today,' the message read.
Zoë dialed Callen's number and waited for him to pick up.
"Hey you," Callen answered the phone.
"Hey honey, I just saw your text message."
"I missed you next to me tonight."
"I missed you too, just a few more hours before you will see me again and then we'll be husband and wife."
"Yes I can't wait for that. I'm sure you're gonna look so beautiful."
"You're gonna look quite handsome too, I imagine."
"I'm so happy that we're gonna get married. I love you so much."
Zoë could hear the passion in his voice.
"I'm very happy too. I love you too," Zoë replied with passion in her voice. "I'm gonna go get dressed and get some breakfast and I will see you in a few hours."
"Yes see you."
Zoë hung up the phone and went into a nice hot bubble bath. After the bath she dressed in some comfortable clothes and went to get some breakfast.
"Hey Zoë," Kirsten greeted her.
"Hey mam."
"Lekker geslapen?[Sleep alright?]"
"Ja, ik heb lekker geslapen. Ik heb zo'n zin in vandaag.[Yes I slept fine. I'm so excited for today.]"
"Ja, mijn kleine meid gaat trouwen vandaag.[Yeah, my little girl is getting married today.]"
"Ja, ik kan niet wachten.[Yes, I can't wait.]"
"Good morning," Fay spoke as she walked into the kitchen.
"Good morning," Kirsten and Zoë replied.
Excitedly Fay flung her arms around her sister. "My sister is getting married today!" Fay squealed.
"Yes I am!"
They just lounged around the house before going to the wedding venue. They were getting married at Shutters on the Beach. It was a beautiful location in Santa Monica right on the beach. At the entrance stood their wedding invitation in big, telling the guests where they needed to go. The card had the American flag faded into the background and on the top right where red, white and blue roses. On the card stood the text:
Two lives
United in friendship,
Two friends united in love,
One love united in marriage
G Callen
And
Zoë Moore
Invite you to share in their joy as they exchange wedding vows
07 / 19 / 2014
At 2 o'clock in the afternoon
Your wedding venue
1 Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles
Shutters on the beach
Dinner, dancing and drinks to
follow
"Ah good afternoon Ms. Moore, welcome to shutters on the beach," Laura greeted her.
"Good afternoon."
"Everything is set for the wedding but unfortunately there is one small problem."
Zoë started to panic. "What problem?"
"Unfortunately the minister couldn't make it due to sad family circumstances."
"We don't have a minister?! We can't get married without a minister!" Zoë was on the verge of crying. This could not be happening!
"Don't worry Ms. Moore, it's already been taken care of."
"What how?" Zoë asked confused.
"I will be your minister," they suddenly heard someone call and they looked at the direction of the sound and saw Hetty.
"Hetty? You will be our minister? You're a minister?"
"Yes I am and I will, if that's okay with you."
"Yes! Thank you, thank you!" Zoë exclaimed as she flew her arms around the small woman. "Thank you so much. But you don't know what to say."
"I have the copy of the ceremony so it'll be fine."
"Thank you for doing this Hetty."
"Of course, nothing will stop you and Mr. Callen from getting married today."
"Thank you."
Zoë gave her one more hug before they went to the bridal suite. Nell, Kensi, Michelle and Kamran were already waiting in the bridal suite. The girls got ready for the wedding ceremony.
"Oh my!" Kensi exclaimed when Zoë walked out of the dressing room in her wedding dress. Only Fay and Kirsten had seen Zoë's wedding dress. "You look beautiful."
"Thank you."
"I still can't believe you and Callen are getting married," Michelle spoke. "But I'm so happy for you two."
"Thank you," Zoë replied with a big smile. "Yeah, I can't believe it either. I feel so happy right now."
"Now, as your maid of honor it's my duty to help you with the something borrowed, something blue, something old, something new," Fay spoke.
Fay presented a box to Zoë where neatly lay the items. Something borrowed where the earrings from Fay, something blue were the bracelet and necklace and something new was the garter belt.
"You forgot one sis," Zoë stated when she didn't see the something old.
"That's because I wanted to give you this," Kirsten said as she pulled out and old hairpin to hold the veil. "I wore this on my wedding day and my mother wore it before that and now it's yours."
"Oh mom, this is beautiful," Zoë replied with her eyes getting a bit watery.
Kirsten helped Zoë put the finishing touches on her dress before everyone was ready.
..
Callen looked at himself in the mirror once his suit was on. This was not something he ever thought would happen, but today really was his wedding day. And he couldn't be happier. He was ready to get married to Zoë. He loved her more than anything in this world and he couldn't wait to spend the rest of his life with her.
"You ready?" Sam spoke, shocking Callen out of his thoughts.
"Yeah I am. You have to ring right?"
"Yes I have the ring. Relax, it's all gonna be okay."
"I'm just nervous, I want everything to go alright today."
"I'm sure it will be and if it helps, I was nervous too when I married Michelle. It's normal. But I know that you and Zoë love each other more than anything and this wedding is just gonna be beautiful."
"Thanks Sam. Come in," Callen said after there was a knock on the door.
"Hey, I was just looking for the groom," Gibbs said after he poked his head through the door.
"Hey Gibbs, glad you could make it."
"Of course, I wasn't going to miss your wedding day. You ready?"
"Yes I am."
Callen looked at himself once more in the mirror and took a deep breath before walking out. They were getting married at the pacific terrace, which overlooked the ocean. Callen walked out and the guests were already seated. At the beginning of the aisle stood two big glass vases with red, white and blue tulips and along the edges of the aisle lay red, white and blue rose petals. The chairs were white wooden fold out chairs. At the end of the aisle stood a beautiful gazebo with red, white and blue roses.
Callen looked with a weird and shocked face towards the end of the aisle when he saw Hetty standing in the spot of the minister.
"Uhm Hetty? What are you doing?" Callen asked.
"I'm officiating your wedding, Mr. Callen. Unfortunately your minister couldn't make it so that's why I'm officiating it. Nothing to worry about, it's all taken care off. I already covered it with Ms. Moore. Now take your place please."
"Thank you Hetty," Callen spoke sincere and he and Sam took their places and waited for the girls to come out.
The music started with soft violin music and first Kamran came out. She was dressed in a white dress with a tule skirt, inside the skirt were red, white and blue rose petals. She carried a woven basket with a red, white and blue covered handle and threw red, white and blue rose petals down the aisle. Next came Nell and Kensi. They were dressed in a full length red, sleeveless dress. The part around the neck was slightly see-through and around the waist was a sash with a small bow. They were both carrying a bouquet of red and white tulips with blue orchids through it. Next came Fay. She wore the same dress as Kensi and Nell but than in blue. She also carried the same bouquet.
The music changed and the guests stood up. The song Because you loved me from Celine Dion sounded through the speakers and Callen watched anxiously to see his Zoë and the end of the aisle. A little later Zoë appeared at the end of the aisle together with her dad. Callen looked at her mesmerized. She looked so beautiful in her wedding dress. She was dressed in a full length strapless dress. The top of the dress was white with a layer of tule over the skirt. The tule part of the skirt was covered with red, white and blue stripes. She finished the outfit with white pumps with flowers and pearls decoration and a band across her ankle. In her hair she wore a red, white and blue colored veil and she wore a red, white and blue diamond necklace and bracelet. She carried a bouquet of red, white and blue roses. Zoë looked down the aisle and saw Callen smiling at her. He looked so handsome in his suit. He wore a dark blue suit with a white shirt and red tie. He finished the outfit with brown dress shoes. On his outfit was a corsage. It was a corsage with red, white and blue roses and a red, white and blue lint over the stem. The guests had the same corsage but then with tulips. Zoë smiled at him as she walked down the aisle. Her dad gave her a soft kiss on her cheek and shook Callen's hand.
"Take good care of my little girl," Ben spoke to Callen.
"I will sir."
Ben took his seat and Zoë turned to Callen.
"You look beautiful," Callen spoke to her as he gave her a soft kiss.
"You look very handsome yourself as well."
Callen and Zoë took their spots up front, in front of Hetty, with Sam and Fay next to them.
"Welcome everyone," Hetty spoke. "Please be seated." Everyone sat down. "First, I'd like to begin by welcome everyone and thanking each and every one of you for being here for this joyous occasion. The most remarkable moment in life is when you meet the person who makes you feel complete. The person who makes the world a beautiful and magical place. The person with whom you share a bond so special that is transcends normal relationships and becomes something so pure and wonderful, that you can't image spending another day of your life without them. I know how deeply these two care for and love one another. And I feel privileged to be here today among all of you as a witness of their commitment to a lifetime of love for one another. I have known Mr. Callen and Ms. Moore for a while now and I've seen how much they've grown together as a couple. Their love is unique and endless. As soon as I learned of them being together it was extremely clear that the two of them represent a perfect pairing because each of them completements the other so well. They balance one another, and while each of them are tremendous individuals on their own, together they are even better. And being better together, as a team, a unit, and partners in crime, is what has been many years in the making and ultimately leads us to being here today, witnessing their commitment to one another in front of those they love most.
I wish I could tell you a single story that summarizes their relationship and how they enrich each other's lives, but the truth is there isn't one single event that is a good encapsulation of what they mean to each other. But what I do know is that both of them care deeply and passionately for each other; they protect each other; they make each other laugh and think outside themselves; that time magically seems to both fly and slow down when they're together. They help each other in ways that are obvious and unnoticed, but always appreciated.
What I wish for them on their wedding day is that their lifetime together as a team is one of complete contentment; full of these moments that they wish would never end, and that they continue to make one another smile and laugh.
Fay, would you please come on for a reading."
Hetty stepped aside and Fay stepped up.
"I have known my sister my entire life and I'm proud I get to call her my sister. She's not just my sister but she is my best friend. I'm so happy for her that she has found such a lovely man to spend her life with. I've seen them together and they fit so perfectly together. It gives me great joy to see her so happy.
We used to talk for hours about the guy we'd have by our side on our wedding day. We had dreams of a prince charming waiting for us at the end of aisle. Zoë, I'm so happy that you've found such a lovely man, I couldn't imagine for a better man for my sister. I cried tears of joy when I saw you in your wedding dress. When you walked up the aisle I saw the smile on both your faces and I could see how much you love each other. I just want to say that I'm happier for you than I ever imagined I'd be on your wedding day. So from me, mom, dad and Frank, I wish you all the best and a happy and healthy life together," Fay ended her speech and stepped down and Hetty took her place again.
"Thank you for those kinds words Fay. Dearly beloved and honored guests, we are gathered together here to join Mr. Callen and Ms. Moore in the union of marriage. This contract is not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and seriously and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. The bride and groom have each prepared vows that they will read now. Mr. Callen, Ms. Moore, please face each other and join hands." Zoë and Callen turned towards each other and gave each other their right hand. "Mr. Callen, you may recite your vows."
Callen took a deep breath and looked Zoë in the eye before speaking. "Zoë, I am so happy that we are standing here today, surrounded by the people that mean to most to us, to start our lives together. I love you with all my heart and I'm so happy that I can call myself your husband from this moment on. I've known I loved you for so long but I was afraid to act on it, afraid you wouldn't feel the same way. I'm glad we took the step together and see where this would go to. And today we are standing here about to become husband and wife. I promise I will always be there for you, always come home to you and love you each and every day," Callen spoke passionately.
Zoë got a bit teary eyed as she listened to Callen. She could see that he meant every word of it.
"Mr. Moore, you may recite your vows."
"G, when I first met you I wasn't sure what to think of you. You were closed off and didn't really let people in. That made my job a bit hard in the beginning, but I'm glad that I got you to open up. And look at where that has led us today. Today we are starting our lives together. I'm so happy to have you in my life. I have never loved anyone as much as I love you. I don't know what the future brings but I promise whatever happens we will face it together, as husband and wife."
Callen looked at Zoë as she spoke and he could see the love spread all over her face.
"Here before us the lovely couple has said their vows to each other. Now, Mr. Callen do you take Ms. Moore to be your wife? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all other, and holding only unto her forevermore?" Hetty spoke.
"I do," Callen spoke to Zoë with a big smile.
"And Ms. Moore, do you take Mr. Callen to be your husband? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, forsaking all others, and holding only unto him forevermore?"
"I do," Zoë replied with the same big smile.
Hetty picked up a pillow from the table and held it up. "Maid of honor and Best man please place the rings on this pillow."
Fay and Sam placed the rings on the pillow. Zoe's ring was a silver ring with diamond heart in the middle. It had three bands, two with diamonds on it and one rose gold. Callen's ring was a silver ring as well with a rose gold line in the middle and two grey lines on either side.
"Rings are a symbol of love and commitment to each other. Rings are a precious metal; they are also made precious by you wearing them. Your wedding rings are special; they enhance who you are. They mark the beginning of your long journey together. Your wedding ring is a circle, a symbol of love never ending. It is the seal of the vows you have just taken to love each other without end.
Mr. Callen, please take the ring and repeat after me."
Callen grabbed the ring from the pillow and starting putting it on Zoe's left ring finger.
"As a sign of my love that I have chosen you above all else, with this ring, I thee wed."
Zoë watched as Callen put the ring on her finger. It looked so beautiful on her finger and she would wear it every day with pride and love.
"Ms. Moore, please take the ring and repeat after me."
Zoë grabbed the ring from the pillow and starting putting it on Callen's left ring finger.
"As a sign of my love that I have chosen you above all else, with this ring, I thee wed."
"To make your relationship work will take love. Continue to date each other. Take time to show each other that your love and marriage grows stronger with time. It will take trust to know that in your hearts, you truly want what is best for each other. It will take dedication to stay open to another, and to learn and grow together. It will take loyalty to go forward together, without knowing exactly what the future brings. And it will take commitment to hold true to the journey you have both pledged today. Now there's only one thing left to do. By the power vested in me by the state of California, it is my honor and delight to declare you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Zoë and Callen looked at each other and smile at each other. Quickly Callen pulled Zoë to him and kissed her. The guests clapped to congratulate them.
"We're married," Zoë whispered to Callen.
"Yes we are," Callen replied with a smile.
Callen kissed her once more before they walked down the aisle. The guests threw rose petals over them as they walked down the aisle. Callen and Zoë went inside and waited for Sam, Fay and Hetty.
"I can't believe we're really married," Callen said.
"Yeah we really are. And I love you."
"I love you too."
Callen kissed her once more before Sam, Fay and Hetty came in. They all singed the wedding documents.
"Thank you so much for doing this Hetty," Callen spoke sincere.
"It was my pleasure. I'm happy I could help. Not matter what, you guys were getting married today."
They went back outside to take some pictures around the grounds and the beach. They took some pictures with just the two of two, with Zoë's parents, with Fay and Sam and with all of them. The others watched as the photographer took pictures of Callen and Zoë, they looked so happy together. Everyone could see that they were meant for each other. They were on the grounds taking pictures when suddenly Callen picked Zoë up. The photographer quickly snapped a few pictures. They made a few pictures more before going back. The outside terrace had been transformed to a dining room. The tables stood in an l-shape, with Zoë and Callen in the middle The tables were covered with white table clothes and in the middle of the table stood blues vases with red and white roses in them and American and Dutch little flags in them. The whites plates stood on a blue charger plate and on the plates lay a red napkins with small wooden shoes tied around them. Callen and Zoë sat in the middle with on their side Sam and Fay and then the others around them. For dinner the guests could choose between a Caesar salad or squash soup for starter, pasta, steak or halibut as main course and cheesecake or chocolate tart for dessert. The guests already had given their preference before so the kitchen knew what to prepare. Before dinner arrived Sam stood up to say something.
"I think I speak on behalf of the happy couple as well to thank you all for coming today. I am so happy for G and Zoë that they have found each other. I know I have teased you about getting a girlfriend but in the end you didn't need my help," Sam teased towards Callen. "Everyone can see how much you love each other and I wish you two the same happiness as Michelle and I have. To G and Zoë," Sam spoke and he raised his glass.
"To G and Zoë," the others chimed in.
Callen stood up and gave Sam a hug.
"Thank you all for coming here today. It means a lot to me and Zoë. I hope you all enjoy the dinner and the rest of the evening."
Callen sat back down and dinner was served. It was really delicious. Callen had chosen the squash soup, steak and cheesecake while Zoë had picked Caesar salad, pasta and chocolate tart. From the dessert they each fed each other a bite. After dinner they all went inside for the reception. They were having the reception in the promenade. In the middle was a dance floor and around the room stood table and chairs. Behind the dance floor was a DJ booth. Callen and Zoë stood together as the guests came to congratulate them. Fay and Sam took the presents and put them away. For the reception they had invited some friends as well.
The guests mingled for a while before it was time for the first dance.
"Can I have the happy couple on the dance floor please?" The DJ called and everyone waited for Zoë and Callen to show up but they were nowhere to be found.