Chapter 6
Again, I don't own any of these characters
After the recessional, the wedding party made their way to the staging area. Before they could join their guests at the reception, they still had wedding photos to take. And since they were using the skydeck for the pictures, they had to wait for all of their guests to clear out.
Maria spoke up. "Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Martin..."
Bailey smiled at her. "Thank you so much for everything. This was all perfect..."
Cody nodded. "It really was. We will make sure to recommend you to anyone we know who is getting married."
Maria smiled. "My pleasure. Now, while we are waiting for the skydeck to clear, there are a couple of things we can get out of the way. First is the signing the marriage license..."
Moseby signed it as the officiant, and then Zack and Cassie signed it as the witnesses. Finally, Cody and Bailey both signed it as the bride and groom.
"Excellent. The other thing we can go ahead and get out of the way is Bailey's petition for a name change. We'll get the ball rolling on that so its in the system while you are on your honeymoon..."
Bailey grinned. "Where do I sign?"
With that out of the way, all there was to do was wait for the skydeck to clear. And while they waited, Cody pulled Bailey off to the side.
"I haven't had a chance to say so yet, but...Wow!"
Bailey smiled at him. "Looking very handsome yourself, Codykins..."
Cody smiled back at her. "I always knew you would look gorgeous coming down the aisle towards me, but this...this is beyond even my wildest dreams..."
"Good...because I'm your wife now. You're stuck with me!"
"With absolute pleasure..." Cody paused and grinned. "My wife...I'm going to have to get use to saying that...And I'll love every minute of it!"
"So will I in saying 'My Husband'..."
Cody leaned in and kissed her again. "I love you, Mrs. Martin."
Bailey beamed back at him. "And I love you, Mr. Martin."
Finally, the skydeck was cleared of all the guests as they had moved on to the ballroom for the reception. Almost immediately, the photographer began posing them for pictures. After what seemed like forever and being positioned for every combination of picture and pose, it was time for the wedding party to enter the reception.
The DJ tried to get everyone's attention and began announcing the arrival of the wedding party. First to enter were Max and Tapeworm who entered arm and arm and took their places at the head table. Next to enter were Marcus and London. They too took their places at the head table next to their dates – Melanie and, as a surprise to everyone, Armando. Following them, it was Woody and Addison's turns, and they were followed by Zack and Cassie. The DJ then began playing U2's A Beautiful Day.
"Ladies and gentlemen, here our guests of honor...Mr. and Mrs. Cody and Bailey Martin!"
Cody and Bailey entered the ballroom hand in hand to a standing ovation from their guests. They joined everyone at the head table and took their seats. This gave the signal to everyone else that they could be seated too. Almost immediately, the waiters began to bring out the salads to everyone. An hour ago, no one in the wedding party would have been able to eat, but now, they were all starving. So, like everyone else, they began to dig in. Of course, there was a selection of red and white wines for everyone. Cody and Bailey even had their own personalized wine goblets.
Once the salads were done, the waiters quickly cleared the plates and began serving the main courses. Of course, Chef Paulo had outdone himself once again as everything was great. Everyone in attendance couldn't get over just how good everything was. However, the tranquility of the reception was to be short lived.
Zack and Cassie began to clink their glasses and a microphone was brought over to them. Cassie began.
"Its time for the Maid of Honor and Best Man to give their speeches. Since I'm the Maid of Honor, I will go first. About six years ago, I was told I was going to be joining Seven Seas High. When I first heard this, to put it mildly, I wasn't very happy. I had no desire to go off to this cruise ship and be away from everything and everyone I knew. To be quite honest, I was sure I was going to be miserable. Well, I've never been more happy to be so wrong in my whole life. The people sitting at this table immediately welcomed me with open arms. And I'm standing here today telling you all that they are my best friends. But three of them stand out. One is the best man, but we aren't here to talk about him..." She grinned. "...much to his dismay. We are here to talk about Cody and Bailey. They took me in and made me feel like I belonged. If I'm ever in trouble, I know they would be there in a heartbeat to help me. And I will never be able to adequately express to them how much they mean to me..." She turns to Cody and Bailey. "You two are more than just my friends. You are my family. You are my brother and sister. I am so happy that you two have each other. I've witnessed you two together for almost six years now. I don't know if I have ever seen two people so perfect for each or who are in more love with each other than the two of you. You both deserve every good fortune that comes your way..." She pauses to keep her emotions in check. "I hope you both know just how much I love the both of you, and I can only wish you two the best in your new lives together as man and wife. So, I want everyone to lift their glasses and join me in toasting my sister and my brother...To Cody and Bailey!"
Cody and Bailey both smiled back at her as everyone lifts their glasses. Zack took the microphone from Cassie and began his speech.
"My beautiful girlfriend didn't tell me that she was going to be such a tough act to follow. Well, I'm Zack, the best man and the groom's twin brother. I know a lot of times, best man speeches are used to bring up very embarrassing stories about the groom. There are two problems with that. First, his bride already knows all of those stores. Second, he would do the same thing to me when its my turn. So, instead, I'm going to tell you something that I've never told anyone before...that I have the best brother that anyone could ever ask for. I've lost track of the times when he's bailed me out of a jam or just been there when I needed someone. Or being the one to give me a kick in the pants when I've needed one. I only hope he sees me in a similar light, and I hope he knows just how much I love him. Cody is one of the best people I know, and he deserves the best. And today, that is exactly what he got. I could not have chosen anyone better for my brother than Bailey. I know I liked to give them both a hard time when we were students here, but I wasn't blind. I knew those two had something special. They compliment each other perfectly. And I know there is nothing they wouldn't do for the other. As a big brother, even if its only by ten minutes, I've always felt it was my job to protect Cody and look out for him. I stand here today and have no qualms about officially handing over those duties to Bailey. Hell, she's already been doing them for about six years now. Bailey, I would like to formally welcome you to the family...Sis. If my brother ever gives you any trouble, you let me know and I'll straighten him out for you. So, if everyone will raise their glasses, I would like to toast my brother and my new sister...May you have a lifetime of happiness and love...To Cody and Bailey!"
This time, Cody actually got up to go hug his brother as everyone else raised their glasses in a toast.
Zack picked back up the microphone. "So, what does everyone think? You want to see these two have their first dance as husband and wife?"
The guests began to applaud and Zack turned back to Cody and Bailey. "Get on out there..."
Cody and Bailey walked hand in hand on to the dance floor and pulled each other in their arms. As the song began, they began to dance with each other and sneak in the occasional kiss with the other.
I do swear that I'll always be there. I'd give anything
and everything and I will always care. Through weakness
and strength, happiness and sorrow, for better, for worse,
I will love you with every beat of my heart.
From this moment life has begun
From this moment you are the one
Right beside you is where I belong
From this moment on
From this moment I have been blessed
I live only for your happiness
And for your love I'd give my last breath
From this moment on
I give my hand to you with all my heart
Can't wait to live my life with you, can't wait to start
You and I will never be apart
My dreams came true because of you
From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment on
You're the reason I believe in love
And you're the answer to my prayers from up above
All we need is just the two of us
My dreams came true because of you
From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment
I will love you as long as I live
From this moment on
Cody and Bailey throughout the entire song have nothing but eyes for each other and smiles permanently affixed to their faces. By the end of it, they had forgotten everyone else was even there and spent the last part of it in a sweet, romantic kiss.
When the song ended, they did notice everyone else applauding them, and they broke apart and smiled. They both motioned everyone else to join them on the dance floor. Of course, everyone did, and soon the dance floor was filled with happy couples dancing together in each other's arms.
Close to an hour later, the wedding cake was rolled out of the back. And if they thought Chef Paulo had outdone himself with the meal, then he really had with the cake. It was beautiful and stunning. The top couple of tiers were removed, and Cody and Bailey were given a ceremonial knife engraved with their names and date to cut it. Together, they cut the first piece for themselves to feed to each other. Of course, Bailey couldn't resist and Cody soon found himself with icing all over his cheeks, lips and nose. He just grinned and returned the favor before kissing her again. Once they were done and cleaned up, they left the cake cutting to the professionals.
Once the cake was cut and everyone got a piece that wanted a piece, Zack picked back up the microphone.
"We are about to resume the dancing, but before we do, there are two special dances. So, Bailey and Joe, if you would, its time for the father-daughter dance..."
Bailey met her Dad out on the dance floor and they began to dance.
There's two things I know for sure:
She was sent here from heaven and she's
daddy's little girl.
As I drop to my knees by her bed at night
She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes and
I thank god for all the joy in my life
Oh, but most of all
For butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer;
sticking little white flowers all up in her hair;
"Walk beside the pony, Daddy, it's my first ride."
"I know the cake looks funny, Daddy, but I sure tried."
In all that I've done wrong I know I must
have done something right to deserve a hug
every morning and butterfly kisses at night.
Sweet 16 today
She's looking like her mama a little more everyday
One part woman, the other part girl.
To perfume and make-up from ribbons and curls
Trying her wings out in a great big world.
But I remember
Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer; sticking
little white flowers all up in her hair.
"You know how much I love you, Daddy, But if you
don't mind I'm only gonna kiss you on the cheek this time."
With all that I've done wrong I must have done
something right to deserve her love every morning
and butterfly kisses at night.
All the precious time
Like the wind, the years go by.
Precious butterfly.
Spread your wings and fly.
She'll change her name today.
She'll make a promise and I'll give her away.
Standing in the bride-room just staring at her.
She asked me what I'm thinking and I said "I'm not
sure-I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl."
She leaned over...gave me butterfly kisses with her mama there,
Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair
"Walk my down the aisle, Daddy-it's just about time."
"Does my wedding gown look pretty, Daddy? Daddy, don't cry!"
Oh, with all that I've done wrong I must have done something right.
To deserve your love every morning and butterfly
kisses-I couldn't ask God for more, man this is what love is.
I know I gotta let her go, but I'll always remember
every hug in the morning and butterfly kisses.
When they were done dancing, Bailey kissed her Dad's cheek before returning to the head table and her seat next to Cody. Zack picked up the microphone again.
"Now, if Cody and my Mom would, its time for the Mother-Son dance..."
This time, Cody got up and met Carey on the dance floor. They began to dance as well.
It takes a lot to know what is love
It's not the big things, but the little things
That can mean enough
A lot of prayers to get me through
And there is never a day that passes by
I don't think of you
You were always there for me
Pushing me and guiding me
Always to succeed
CHORUS:
You showed me
When I was young just how to grow
You showed me
Everything that I should know
You showed me
Just how to walk without your hands
'Cause mom you always were
The perfect fan
God has been so good
Blessing me with a family
Who did all they could
And I've had many years of grace
And it flatters me when I see a smile on your face
I wanna thank you for what you've done
In hopes I can give back to you
And be the perfect son
REPEAT CHORUS
You showed me how to love
You showed me how to care
And you showed me that you would
always be there
I wanna thank you for that time
And I'm proud to say you're mine
REPEAT CHORUS
'Cause mom you always were,
mom you always were
Mom you always were,
you know you always were
'Cause mom you always were... the perfect fan
I love you mom
Once they finished, Cody kissed his Mom's cheek before returning to his place next to Bailey. And with that, the dance floor was open and everyone could resume dancing. Everyone just had fun as your typical wedding songs were played. At one point, Zack and Cody even got out by themselves to do their own version of 'I'm on a Boat!'. Of course, it was a clean version as there grandmother was in attendance. Fortunately, Cassie and Bailey were laughing too hard to be embarrassed by it. And as per tradition, the bride and groom took the time to dance with the other members of their wedding party, but always seemed to gravitate back to each other.
Finally, it was Joe who picked up the microphone.
"We have a couple of other big traditions to take care of right now..." Kurt brought a single chair to the center of the dance floor. Joe continued. "Cody...Son...If you would, its time to remove your wife's garter..."
Cody and Bailey both smiled as Cody lead Bailey to the center of the dance floor and helped her sit down. Starting at her ankle, he slowly slid his hands up her legs only to be encouraged on by cat calls from the crowd. But Cody's eyes lever left Bailey's as his hands just kept sliding higher and higher. Once he found the garter, he took his time slowly sliding it down her leg. Once he did, Bailey pulled him up for another kiss, and then whispered in his ear.
"You know what to do, right?"
Cody just grinned back at her.
Joe took the microphone again. "Will all the single gentlemen in the room please come to the dance floor?"
Most of them were strongly encouraged to the dance floor by their girlfriends who had already informed them of the plan. Like his Dad had, Cody stretched the garter back like a rubber band. And right before he fired it, the other guys stepped to the side, leaving Zack confused. Of course, he turned back just in time to see the garter hit him in the face and fall into his hand.
Everyone began laughing except those feeling the need to tease Cassie. Of course, Zack just looked at his grinning brother and glared at him.
Joe took the microphone again. "Alright, its time for all the single ladies to enter the dance floor..."
This time, it was the guys encouraging their ladies out onto it. Cassie figured the other ladies were going to step away like the guys did. But she was wrong. As Bailey tossed the bouquet over her head, the other girls held Cassie in place so she could do nothing but catch the bouquet. She began to laugh while Cody was busy teasing his brother.
This time, Cody took the microphone. "The last time several of us were at a wedding, it was I that caught the garter and Bailey the bouquet. I guess that old wives' tale is true. Well, Zack and Cassie, if you would, its your turn now. The next dance is all yours..."
Zack and Cassie shrugged and entered the dance floor together and began to dance by themselves. Soon, everyone else joined them and the dance floor was full.
Soon, it was fast approaching midnight, and Maria took the microphone.
"As much fun as we are all having, the formal reception ends in ten minutes. So, this is the last dance. But the Best Man has informed me that there is going to be an after party on the lido deck for anyone who wants to 'ditch the monkey suits and keep having fun'..."
Everyone was on the dance floor as the music began to play. And once it did, everyone began to celebrate.
Yahoo! This is your celebration
Yahoo! This is your celebration
Celebrate good times, come on! (Let's celebrate)
Celebrate good times, come on! (Let's celebrate)
There's a party goin' on right here
A celebration to last throughout the years
So bring your good times, and your laughter too
We gonna celebrate your party with you
Come on now
Celebration
Let's all celebrate and have a good time
Celebration
We gonna celebrate and have a good time
It's time to come together
It's up to you, what's your pleasure
Everyone around the world
Come on!
Yahoo! It's a celebration
Yahoo!
Celebrate good times, come on!
It's a celebration
Celebrate good times, come on!
Let's celebrate
We're gonna have a good time tonight
Let's celebrate, it's all right
We're gonna have a good time tonight
Let's celebrate, it's all right
Baby...
We're gonna have a good time tonight (Ce-le-bra-tion)
Let's celebrate, it's all right
We're gonna have a good time tonight (Ce-le-bra-tion)
Let's celebrate, it's all right
Yahoo!
Yahoo!
Celebrate good times, come on! (Let's celebrate)
Celebrate good times, come on!
It's a celebration!
Celebrate good times, come on! (Let's celebrate)
Come on and celebrate, good times, tonight (Celebrate good times, come on!)
'Cause everything's gonna be all right
Let's celebrate (Celebrate good times, come on)
(Let's celebrate)...
To be Continued...
Songs Used
From this Moment - Shania Twain
Butterfly Kisses - Bob Carlisle
The Perfect Fan - Backstreet Boys
Celebrate - Kool and the Gang
Author's Note: I almost chose to use some old school Jefferson Starship for their first dance, but I decided Shania Twain worked better. The other two songs were the most appropriate songs for the father/daughter and mother/son dances. The final song was my tribute to Beverly Hills 90210 and Donna & David. Moving on, there will be new chapters of Kettlecorn coming soon. We've had some issues with one of our cast members being a diva and delaying production. I won't name names...cough cough Porkers cough cough..., but we should have not one but two new chapters sometime this week. By the way, word wise, this may be the longest chapter I've ever written.
