Chapter 15 The Wedding
Joseph and Bill stood front and center. "Do we have rings?" Joseph asked.
"We do, I bought them when we were in Union City!" Lucas replied.
"Lucas, how did I not know about that?"
"You don't always have to know everything Elizabeth!" He teased.
Joseph began,
"We are gathered together on this day to witness and celebrate the marriage of Lucas Bouchard and Elizabeth Thornton. We come together not to mark the start of a relationship, but to acknowledge and strengthen a bond that already exists. This ceremony is a public affirmation of that bond and as their dearest family and friends; it is our honor and privilege to stand witness to this event.
This day is made possible not only because of your love for each other, but through the grace and support of your family and friends. It is our hope that your fulfillment and joy in each other will increase with each passing year.
Marriage is a commitment in life, where two people can find and bring out the very best in each other. It offers opportunities for sharing and growth that no other human relationship can equal, a physical and emotional joining that has the promise of a lifetime.
Let us bow our heads in prayer. Lord, we thank you for gathering everyone here today. We ask that you help Lucas and Elizabeth to remember the strong love that they share. To strengthen that love in practical ways so that nothing can divide them. May their love always inspire them to be kind in their words, considerate of the other's feelings, and concerned for the other's needs and wishes? Increase their faith and trust in you. Bless their marriage with peace and happiness and make their Love fruitful for your glory and their joy, both here and in eternity. Amen.
While the commitment begins with the two of you, its effect radiates outward. It touches your family and friends and ultimately all of society. When this commitment is seriously made and continuously fulfilled, it leads to the richest and most rewarding of human relationships.
Your relationship will take more than love. It will take trust, to know in your hearts that you want only the best for each other. Dedication, to stay open to one another, to learn and grow, even when it is difficult to do so. And faith, to go forward together without knowing what the future holds for you both.
While love is our natural state of being, these other qualities are not as easy to come by. They are not a destination, but a journey. Marriage is a give and take between two personalities, a mingling of two endowments which diminishes neither, but enhances both.
Seeing that no moment is without meaning, we ask that you take this marriage as a beginning of your lives together. Today signifies the creation of a new home and a new family for you both. May you be fulfilled by each other's love and friendship? May you be overjoyed by the promises you are about to make and the life together you will create.
Remember that in every marriage, there are good times and bad, times of joy and times of sorrow. Marriage is a journey – a time of adventure and excitement enhanced by the love, trust, dedication and faith you share in one another.
May the promises you make to one another today, be lived out to the end of your lives. Tomorrow can bring you the greatest of joys, but today is the day it all begins.
Lucas and Elizabeth, do you, with your family and friends as your witnesses, present yourselves willingly and of your own accord to be joined in marriage?"
"We do!" They said simultaneously smiling adoringly at each other.
Will you promise to care for each other in the joys and sorrows of life, come what may, and to share the responsibility for growth and enrichment of your life together?
"We will."
"Lucas you may now speak your vows."
"Elizabeth, I love you. You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. And I promise to cherish you and to always hold you in the highest regard. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our lives."
"Elizabeth you may now speak your vows."
"Lucas, you came to me at a dark time in my life when I didn't even know I needed you. When I fell you picked me up and patiently waited for me. You have always been my supporter and encourager. I promise to love you without reservation. Comfort you in times of distress. Encourage you to achieve all of your goals. Laugh with you and cry with you. Grow with you in mind and spirit. Always be open and honest with you. And cherish you for as long as we both shall live."
"Having this love in your hearts, you have chosen to seal your vows by exchanging rings.
From the earliest times, the circle has been a sign of completeness. The rings that you have chosen to wear have neither beginning nor end, much like your love for one another. They are a symbol of the words that you speak today. May these rings be from this day forward, your most treasured adornment, and may the love they symbolize, be your most precious possession. As you wear these rings, may they be constant reminders of these glad promises you are making today.
Lucas, take this ring, place it on Elizabeth's finger and repeat after me.
I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you."
"I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you." He slid the ring on her ring finger and let out a big sigh!
"Elizabeth, take this ring, place it on Lucas's finger and repeat after me.
I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you."
"I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you." She placed the ring on his ring finger and flashed him the biggest smile.
"Lucas and Elizabeth from this moment forward you will never be alone. You will carry with you the love of another person, giving you a completeness and renewed lightness. May your life together be immersed in love and excitement. May you strive to enrich each other in every possible way. And may you work to bring the peace you find to this world.
Having pledged their fidelity to one another, to love, honor and cherish one another in the presence of this gathering and by the authority vested in me by the constitution and the laws of this state, it is my honor to now pronounce you husband and wife. Lucas, you may kiss your bride."
Lucas wrapped his arms around her excitedly and kissed her with all the passion he had been saving.
Everyone laughed and cheered.
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honor to be the first to introduce you to: Mr. and Mrs. Lucas Bouchard.
Everyone clapped and took their turn congratulating the joyous couple. The photographer took a great variety of pictures to commemorate such a beautiful ceremony.
Lucas and Elizabeth finally sat down to eat after speaking to all their cherished friends and he leaned over and kissed her temple. "I can't believe this is finally happening. We are here and we are married." He whispered giving Elizabeth the biggest dimpled smile.
"I know what you mean. This all feels like a fairytale!" She sighed a happy sigh.
"My love I can assure you this is no fairytale. My love for you is very real! Can I get you something to drink?" He asked her.
"A glass of champagne to celebrate with would be wonderful!" She said.
"I'll make that two and I will be right back." He walked to the bar being stopped several times on his way.
Bill and Lee came up behind him and gave him a pat on the shoulder. "You finally did it man! I don't think I have ever seen Elizabeth so happy." Bill replied.
"Lucas the house turned out amazing! Elizabeth must love it. "Lee said.
"She hasn't seen it all yet. This is her first time being here." He told them. "If you guys will excuse me my bride awaits." He took the champagne back to the table. He leaned down and gently kissed her neck from behind.
"Lucas what are you doing?" She tilted her head secretly wanting more.
"I am just preparing you for what's to come!" He teased as he looked at her with a deep passion showing in his beautiful brown eyes that spoke to her soul.
"I can't wait!" She smiled the biggest smile and a slight blush to her cheeks.
He handed her the champagne. "A toast to a lifetime of love and happiness!"
Jack came running up to them and jumped in Lucas's lap. "Are you for real my daddy now?"
"I am forever your daddy Jack! I love you!" He kissed him on the forehead.
"I love you! Do we live here now?" Jack asked.
Elizabeth gave him hugs and kisses then said, "Run along to Aunt Julie! We will talk about all of this tomorrow. Love you!"
"Okay momma, Love you!
"Lucas will we be staying here this evening? She placed her hand on his upper thigh under the table and gently slid it upward.
He chocked on his champagne. "Mrs. Bouchard what are you doing?"
"I am returning the favor!" She teased and looked at him with her blue eyes sparkling with love and anticipation.
"My parents will be staying at the Queen of Hearts with Tom and Alex tonight. Your parents will be staying at your house with Julie and Jack. We will have the house all to ourselves!" He winked. "Shall we dance my beautiful bride?"
"I would love too!" She took his hand and he escorted her to the center of the room. Placing one arm around her waist and holding the other hand in his against his chest they began swaying to the music. Elizabeth rested her head on his chest as they moved. They had taken slow dancing to a whole new level.
Everyone stopped to watch as they danced. Lucas and Elizabeth radiated happiness. It was mesmerizing. When the song ended he gently lifted her head." Elizabeth, my love we are standing under the mistletoe!" He placed his hand gently behind her neck and pulled her in for a deep lingering kiss that neither wanted to end.
They spent the next several hours dancing with their families and cherished friends. It was time to cut the cake and Lucas led her over to where Gustave was rolling out his stunning creation. It was beautiful. It was a three tier white cake garnished with babies breath, pine cones, holly, and beautiful red roses made out of icing. "It's breathtaking Lucas!"
"Now Mrs. Bouchard if you smash this cake in my beard, it will be on you to clean it off later." He teased with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
"Why do you tempt me that sounds like a fun idea." She giggled.
They cut the cake and Lucas gentlemanly placed the cake in her mouth. Then Elizabeth picked up the cake as he whispered, "Remember what I said!" She laughed and gently smeared the cake through his beard. Everyone busted out in laughter.
"Now you will pay for that Mrs. Bouchard!" He pulled her close so she couldn't get away he placed the icing off of his beard on her neck and the tip of her nose. "Now who is laughing!" Both were smiling and laughing as they cleaned the cake up the best they could for now and sat around the table with their parents and friends talking for awhile.
"What are you doing for your honeymoon?" Jonathan asked.
"To be honest we haven't talked about it yet, maybe this evening or perhaps tomorrow!" Lucas teased as he looked adoringly at his bride.
They all started laughing.
"Elizabeth they should have your book release ready by the spring. I hope you are ready for your book tour." Helen asked her.
"I'm not sure how we will manage that yet. Maybe we will postpone our honeymoon and take it when we do the book tour." She replied. "Lucas how does that sound?"
"Whatever you want to do Elizabeth." He placed a quick kiss on her head. "I'll be right back."
He was anxious to begin what he knew would be the most memorable night of his life. He went upstairs to the bedroom making sure everything was perfect. He lit all the candles, and strategically placed them throughout the room. He made sure the champagne was iced and the chocolate covered strawberries as well. He shut the door behind him and headed back downstairs.
Lucas and Elizabeth said goodnight to their entire guests. Then he wrapped his arms around her and placed a kiss on her neck while whispering in her ear. "Are you ready to see more of our new home my love?"
"I am!" She said excitedly.