Chapter 16
The church doors opened as Abi and Alice started walking down the aisle, Joey turning and smiling at his sister and cousin. This was it, the moment he had been waiting for as the music changed as Lauren entered the church.
Joey turned round his eyes immediately connecting with Laurens as a breath-taking smile swept across her face. His eyes slowly swept down her image as he took in the sight of his fiancée.
Her dress hugged her slim figure tightly catching the small of her waist and the shape of her lower half. The strapless dress with sweet heart neck line dipped low down her chest revealing some of her busty chest. Where the dress caught her waist, a diamante band laid around it. The dress staying tight to her body all the way down her legs as a train extended out of the end of the beautiful lace dress.
Her hair was pulled back tight and placed into a large high doughnut ring bun. A silver diamond encrusted comb placed at the back holding a floor length veil in which trailed down the back of the dress. Her makeup was subtle yet breath-taking, her eyelashes extended, her cheeks pink and lips plump.
Joey couldn't think of a time where she looked as beautiful. He found himself slightly welling up as she came closer to him, she was out of this world and angel and he was in awe of her.
Lauren released a smile from her pursed lips and she connected with Joey. Max placing her hand within Joeys.
She was home.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the celebration of love between Lauren and Joesph.."
"Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy.."
"As I place this ring on your finger, I pledge myself to you. I am yours" Lauren vowed her eyes never moving an inch from his.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may now kiss your bride"
Joey pulling Lauren into his arms, locking his lips onto hers as the guest broke into cheers and music of joy.
"Hi Wifey" he whispered into her ear, watching Lauren blush a deep pink
"We made it" she replied placing her lips back to his weaving her arms around his neck deepening the kiss before breaking away, taking his hand in hers leading them back out of the church.
The wedding party scattered out into the front of the church, throwing confetti over the couple as the photographer snapped some precious moments.
Lining the rather large family up for photos, Lauren and Joey focusing on each other at all times.
"You look so beautiful" kissing her cheek as the photographer finished taking the family photos.
"And you look very handsome" holding onto the lapels of his jacket.
"Thank you for my gorgeous necklace it's perfect" pulling him closer to her.
"Your perfect baby" kissing her lips once again never wanting to pull apart.
Max interrupted their moment ushering them towards the cars to go back to the reception venue.
"SPEECH FROM THE GROOM SPEECH" the room now focusing all their attention to the head table, after Fatboy had finished his best man speech.
Joey stood up, he wasn't too good at public speaking, Lauren reached for his hand squeezing it tightly as a reassurance.
"As you all know I not that good at showing my emotions, I guess you could say I kept them hidden. But with Lauren it was hard to do that, she brings out all the best qualities of my personality. She makes me feel invincible beyond words. We have faced some hard times together but always pulled through I guess that is what is so special about our relationship, no matter what were faced with we find each other through it all. Lauren babe, you look outstanding today and I am so lucky to have you as my wife forever, whatever comes at us in the future we can face it together I love you unconditionally, so please everyone raise a glass to my beautiful bride, to Lauren" Joey raising his glass
"TO LAUREN" the room cheered.
Joey sat back down, Lauren reaching for him pulling him into a hug, her hands holding his face as she kissed him.
"God I love you" she whispered, before getting up to make her speech.
"Everyone knows I have probably got one of the biggest gobs on the square and that's a statement in itself" everyone breaking into laughter.
"So it won't be hard for me to tell you all what Joey means to me. It would be an understatement to say he saved my life, because it's true without him I wouldn't be where I am today, so for that I am truly grateful. But it's not just that you saved me, it's that you understand me completely, you know me more than I know myself and I am so in love with you words will never be able to tell you that, you are my best friend, your my husband, my protector and saviour and I will spend a life time proving to you how much I love you"
"We have something special babe, we can cry together and grow old together, this is just the start for me and you, thank you" Joey standing up next to his bride pulling her into his embrace.
"I love you Mrs Branning" kissing her lips hastily
"I love you more" she replied leaning her head in towards his.
The day soon turned into night as more guest arrived as the reception began. Joey and Lauren front of house greeting everyone who came along. Distant family members showing up, old friends and new friends, work colleagues and people who couldn't make it to the actual wedding.
Tanya and Max pulled the couple aside.
"Guys were so proud of you both" Tanya stated, "So we have decided to give you both a gift"
"Oh mum you really didn't need to get us anything "Lauren replied
"Yeah you two have done more than enough already" Joey said backing Lauren up.
"Well we have booked you both a vacation to Barbados as your honeymoon" Max said reaching into his pockets pulling out the envelope which contained the tickets, "You leave later tonight, the girls have packed your cases so when the reception ends you will be heading to the airport" Joey glanced at Lauren both with shocked expressions.
"AAAA Thank you so much" Lauren screamed pulling her parents into a tight hug.
Joey reaching to shake Max's hand, then hugging his new mother in law.
"We love you guys" Lauren proclaimed, so grateful of her parents.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, would you gather to the dance floor as the happy couple take their first dance as man and wife" Joey taking Laurens hand within his leading her to the dance floor as the guests gathered around the dance floor.
"The Power of Love" began playing as Joey twirled Lauren into his arms as they began swaying to the music, listening to each word that was being sung. Lauren resting her head on his shoulder and he led her around the floor. Lauren glancing up at him in awe. She had married the perfect man. Looking around she caught the eyes of a few guests, firstly Alice who had begun crying happy tears, then to her parents who watched the young couple smiles on both their faces, she then looked to her closest friends who all were watching them, seeing the love between the two. She focused back to Joey pulling him closer to her body his hands wound tightly around her waist.
"Today has been the best day of my life" staring deeply into his chocolate brown eyes, seeing them light up each time she spoke.
"Each day from now on will be the best days of your life" he replied placing a loose hair behind her hair like he always did.
"I can't believe I get to spend forever with you"
"Forever isn't a long enough time"
"Forever is just the beginning for us"