A/N: so here we are. I'll give you a glimpse of Jasper getting ready and all descriptions of the bridal party will come from him. All descriptions of the grooms party will be from Bella's POV. Hope you enjoy. Both the ceremony and the reception are in this chapter. Honeymoon will be next and then there's only one more chapter before the epilogue. That's right, it's almost over. :'(
You will see some similarities from the BD pt2 movie wedding here. I've used parallels in previous chapters, I'm sure you've noticed them. So what's a few more?
Jasper's speech is actually made up of quotes made by Edward in canon. The first, marked by a *, is from New Moon while the second, marked with **, is from the movie when he toasted Bella. Carlisle's toast was actually from Esme in the movie but as Bella's ancestor I felt it was better coming from him, plus more had been added.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Jasper
As I get ready, I can't help but feel the nerves hit. I'm not nervous that Bella won't show, I'm just anxious to get this all done and over with so I can be alone with my mate for the first time since I've met her. I mean truly alone, not going off for an hour or two. The guys are all getting ready around me, fixing their ties, putting in their cufflinks, adorning their jackets.
I'm adding my own cufflinks at the moment. Bella and I exchanged our bride and groom gifts the night before I left for my hunt. She gave me these fantastic silver links that say 'I love you not only for who you are' on one and 'But for what I am when I am with you.' on the other.
I presented her with what she said will be her only jewelry, besides the crystal flower studs I gave her for her birthday. A gold and turquoise key on a chain, the key to my heart. She loved it and the sentiment. Together we gave our gifts to the others. For the twins we presented them each with a stuffed bear.
Micah's was dressed as a groom and we also gave him a pair of silver and black cufflinks that say ring bearer, though the rings won't actually be with him but with Peter and Alice instead. Carlie's was dressed as a bride and she also got a pearl necklace that ties in the back with a white ribbon and has a silver heart that says flower girl, though like with Micah she won't actually be carrying a basket with flower petals.
For the guys I got them a personalized leather money clip and for the ladies Bella got them diamond and blush Pearl drop earrings. She also got them and Esme custom made thin gold bangles with their names and a gold chain geod necklace in a variety of colors. I only got the guys one thing because they wouldn't have wanted anything else. Bella wanted to show how very much she appreciated her ladies being with her on her big day but also how much she loved them for accepting her into the family, so that's why she picked more than one item. She's spending my money without ich thought now, so I don't mind a bit.
I finally finish with my links and don my tux jacket and notice that Micah is having issues with his tie so I move to help him. Once done, we head down the stairs- bypassing the room the girls are in from which we can hear their laughter. This puts me in better spirits than I already am and I head out back and jump across the river as we begin the short trek to the meadow. After hearing my Bella laugh, I'm anticipating her walking down that aisle more than ever.
As we stand here to wait I take in the decor Alice and my sister came up with. It looks great, I couldn't have asked for better. The meadow has been mown where we will hold the ceremony, everything else left as it usually is and the usual purple flowers and green grasses make it beautiful.
Over the past five months we worked on cutting several trees. Once complete we paired two large stumps with a two by six wood plank which we nailed to the top. There are four on each side of the aisle which is a light wood- so the girls' heels don't get stuck- with a large wine barrel on each side. On the top of each barrel is an urn with a mix of flowers and greens. The runner leads to the arch we will be standing under, a branch arch with pink and white roses all along the top.
Next to the arch is the way Bella wished to honor her parents, well one of two. There's a table sat there, just a small rounded one. On top of it are two unlit tapers in black candle holders with a gold framed chalkboard sign that says 'In honor of those who are watching from Heaven. We love you.' After Carlisle "gives" Bella away, we will light the candles.
I'm pulled from my perusal by Caius coming and taking his place under the arch. It's then I realize that the guests are all seated and the CD player we brought, to play the song Bella and I chose for her to walk down the aisle to, has begun to play. Jake standing next to it to be sure to cut it off when Bella has stopped in front of me. We chose traditional. Pachebel's Canon in D. And then Felix Mendelsshon's Wedding March for the recessional.
Peter nudges my arm and I look to see the small bouquet of white roses I'm to present to my daughter. She walks down the aisle, lovely in an empire waist, tea length dress- she made a point to tell me these things- with a gold sequined sleeveless bodice and pink silk tulle skirt with tulle flowers along the waist. Her little glittery gold flats are shining in the sun and I think she's paying more attention to them than to me.
As she gets closer I squat down and present her her flowers, kiss her forehead, and then she takes a seat in the front pew where our family takes her in hand. Next comes Micah. The reason he couldn't take the rings is the sign in his hands. Esme thought it would be cute for him to carry a sign that says 'Don't worry ladies. I'm still single!' I'll admit it draws a laugh from the crowd.
Next comes Alice, Rose not far behind her. Both women are wearing this short white skirted dress with a gold top similar to Carlie's, only theirs is thin strapped. The skirt dances around their legs as they walk, in these glittery gold heels with their toes showing. I can hear Emmett groan behind me and mutter. "I'm so hitting that tonight. Damn!"
"Shut it dude. Little ears." Peter points toward the twins who are close enough to hear their uncle, thankfully they're too busy watching their aunts. Who would have ever thought the king of innapropriate comments would be the one to stop someone from saying them?
Both ladies have their hair differently. While Rose has a pretty up do, Alice had just made sure her spikes are a little more tame than usual. Both are carrying bouquets of blush and ivory roses.
Finally the time comes. Everyone stands, much to my irritation because now I can't see the end of the aisle. I shift, so I'm standing in front of the arch to see my mate. As she comes into view my breath, if I had any, would be taken away. She's absolutely stunning! Her skin is sparkling in the sun. The dress she's wearing is sparking too and I can see it's due to the silver threading all over it.
It's this champagne color, with a deep v-neck and no sleeves. I can't see the back, but I'm sure it's showing a good deal of her skin. The train to this dress is what I think they call court length, it trails out behind her with every step she takes. Her makeup is subtle, but her hair. It's left down in waves that brush past her shoulders all the way to her waist and is deeply parted on one side. I couldn't be prouder of her beauty in this moment.
How the fuck did I get so lucky?
She has one arm linked through Carlisle's and in her other hand she's carrying a bouquet of all blush roses with little sprigs of baby's breath. As she moves closer I can't take my eyes off her. If I were human, I'd weep at this moment. No shame whatsoever in that. None at all.
Bella
As I walk down the aisle, I watch my soon to be husband. Beside me Carlisle chuckles as I'm pulling on his arm in my desire to sprint down the aisle. "Calm down Bella. We'll get there soon. I promise."
I look over at him and smile. He's so handsome in his charcoal pinstrip suit, with the champagne vest, tie and pocket square. He has on a white button down underneath too. In fact all the guys are wearing these. Except Micah that is. He's in a black tux with a gold vest, tie and pocket square and a white button down. All the guys have these button holes made of a single Avalanche rose and a sprig of baby's breath.
We finally make it to the altar and I can't keep from staring at my mate. He's so damn handsome. I barely register the words from Caius asking who gives me away, but I can hear Carlisle say he does. We then light the candles for my parents, who I know have to be looking down with pride right now. Then Caius begins the ceremony.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here on this glorious day to witness the union of Jasper Whitlock and Bella Swan." We chose to drop the Hale since that's how we will be going on after we leave Forks anyway. Then he speaks to Jasper.
"Please, repeat after me. I, Jasper Whitlock." He doesn't have to face me since we haven't taken our eyes off each other yet.
"I, Jasper Whitlock."
"Take you, Bella Swan."
"Take you, Bella Swan."
"To have and to hold."
"To have and to hold." After these words our vows sort of run together.
"For better, for worse."-B
"For richer, for poorer."-J
"In sickness and in health."-B
"To love."-J
"To cherish as long as we both shall live."-B
"I do."-J
"I do."-B
"I love you."-J
"I love you too." Then Caius tells us to exchange our rings. Jasper put the matching band to my engagement ring on my finger and then Alice hands me his. Being who he is I felt a simple platinum four millimeter band would do. I slip it on his left ring finger. He lifts my hand and kisses the back of it, then Caius pronounces us man and wife.
"By the power vested in me by myself, my family and the online courses that gave me license in the state of Washington to do this, I now pronounce you man and wife. Kiss her already!" Everyone laughs at this and Jasper cups my face as my hands move to his waist to steady myself in his rush to kiss me.
He kisses me senseless. He's officially mine, my husband, my love, my mate for eternity.
With that, we turn to the congregation, Micah and Carlie come up and take our hands, and we walk back down the aisle together. A little family, that love each other more than anything. Before we can head back to the house, Irina grabs us and the family- the rest of the guests heading back to the house. We take numerous pictures before she's satisfied. Then we head to the house for a sort of cocktail hour while Esme, Alice, Rose and Athena bring out the food for those guests who can eat it.
The backyard has been transformed. I didn't pay attention to it as we made our way to the meadow because I didn't really care then, but now I look around as we mingle with the guests to thank them for coming. In the middle of the trees, in the clearing there, is a large wooden dance floor. Strying from the trees so they form a square, are several strands of twinkle lights, then at each corner where they cross another are chandeliers. Then there are more lights hanging down from some of the tree branches on the outside of the floor for more lighting.
Along two edges of the floor are a round tables that seat eleven. These are decorated with champagne and white cloths, gold chargers with ivory napkins on top and gold utensils, two crystal wine glasses, and as the centerpiece there are tall gold vases filled with ivory roses. Each seat has a gold chair with ivory cushions.
At the top edge of the floor is where the wedding party is apparently supposed to sit. There's a small two seat round table covered in a sparkly gold cloth, the same place settings and two lit taper candles only- presumably so everyone can see us. On either side is a three seat rectangular table covered in a matte gold cloth, the same place settings again, and candles as well.
The food table is covered in an ivory cloth and being laden down with every food imaginable. Entrees, fruits, veggies, desserts. I see the pack eyeing the food and know they're getting hungry. Another table is next to that one, same ivory cloth, filled with homemade drinks. These are set up on the bottom edge of the dance floor, but positioned further away as to not be in the way. The cake table is set off to the side of these two and I watch as Esme carries down our cake and sets it on the table.
When she asked to make it, I was sure she would do a great job and I was right. The table itself is set with an ivory and a sparkly champagne cloth. Next to where the cake has been placed is my second choice in honoring my parents. It's another framed chalkboard sign, with a lit candle next to it, that says 'This candle burns in loving memory of those who are forever present in our hearts.' I said it was to honor my parents, but really it's for them, Jasper's family, and all those who died that all of us ever knew.
The cake itself is three tiers done in smoothed white frosting and brushed along the top edge of each tier with gold. Between the top and middle layer is a blush carnation. It's truly lovely. Before long all the food is out, it only took fifty minutes, the pack themselves will probably eat over half of the food present, and dinner is started. For those of us that can't eat, there is continued mingling. Jasper and I sit at the table we were assigned and help Micah and Carlie, who are on either side of us, with their food.
An hour later it's time for the toasts. Peter, as best man, goes first. We expect something bawdy, but he surprises us with some true heartfelt sentiments. Then Alice goes and talks about how she felt about and feels about us now. Caius's is similar to Alice's and then it's Carlisle's turn.
He stands, smiles at Esme and then toasts us with his glass- which has been filled with just a little champagne. Though he won't drink it. "I'd like to thank Renee and Charlie for bringing such a wonderful person into the world and into our lives. We will cherish and protect her forever. I know it's hard for you Bella, for them not to be here, but remember that the ones who love us never truly leave us. They're always in our hearts. I'm so glad that you found us and came into our lives and brought so much joy to us. Sure, it wasn't all sunshine and roses, but I expect that the rest of forever will be full of love, laughter and grand adventures. To Bella and Jasper. May your lives never be dull." I giggle at his Harry Potter reference and we raise our glasses back in salute.
I expect the cake cutting to happen now and go to get up, when Jasper's hand stays me. I'm shocked when he stands up, picks up his glass and turns to me. His voice is deep and full of emotion as he begins to speak. "Before you, Bella, my life was like a moonless night. Very dark, but there were stars, points of light and reason. ...And then you shot across my sky like a meteor. Suddenly everything was on fire; there was brilliancy, there was beauty."* Then he turns to the crowd. "It's an extraordinary thing to meet someone who you can bear your soul to, who will accept you for what you are. I've been waiting for what seems like a very long time to get beyond what I am, and with Bella, I feel like I can finally begin. So I'd like to propose a toast to my beautiful bride. No measure of time with you will be long enough, but let's start with forever."**
I stand quickly, wrapping my arms around his neck. He wraps one arm around my back and the other across my shoulders, slants his head and kisses me forcefully. When we break apart Alice is there tugging us toward the cake table. We cut the cake and then Esme takes over to dole it out to the guests and Jasper and I make our way to the dance floor. Em has taken over deejay duties so Jake can eat. The strains of Keith Urban's- Your Everything, which was the song he played right before I found him with the ring in his hand to propose, begin to play and he sweeps me into his arms.
The song begins to play and we lose ourselves in each other.
The first time I looked in your eyes I knew
That I would do anything for you
The first time you touched my face I felt
What I'd never felt with anyone else
I want to give back, what you've given to me
And I want to witness all of your dreams
Now that you've shown me who I really am
I want to be more than just your man
I want to be the wind that fills your sails
And be the hand that lifts your veil
And be the moon that moves your tide
The sun coming up in your eyes
Be the wheel that never rusts
And be the spark that lights you up
All that you've been dreaming of and more, so much more
I want to be your everything
When you wake up I'll be the first thing you see
And when it gets dark you can reach out to me
I'll cherish your words and I'll finish your thoughts
I'll be your compass baby when you get lost
I want to be the wind that fills your sails
Be the hand that lifts your veil
Be the moon that moves your tide
The sun coming up in your eyes
Be the wheel that never rusts
And be the spark that lights you up
All that you've been dreaming of and more, so much more
I want to be your everything
I'll be the wheel that never rusts
And be the spark that lights you up
All that you've been dreaming of and more, so much more
I want to be your everything
I want to be your everything
I want to be your everything, I want to be your everything
When the song finally comes to an end, he places his other hand at my waist, pulls me in and kisses me as my arms cross his to hold on to his waist. We reluctantly break apart when Carlisle clears his throat beside us.
In honor of my father, we dance to his favorite song. As we begin to really get down, to Billy Idol's White Wedding, I have to be thankful for the tie that was attached to my dress so I could keep the train up. It's wrapped around my wrist. As we get halfway through the dance, all the father and daughter pairs join us. I glance to the side and see Jasper with Carlie in his arms as he sweeps her around the floor and she laughs.
The song ends and then it's Esme and Jasper's turn. He chose Natalie Merchant's Kind and Generous for their dance. He moves around the floor so gracefully with her and I wonder if that was how Carlisle and I looked. Again, halfway through the song I pick up my son and we dance around the floor. He laughs and I kiss his little cheek. After this the floor clears for the bouquet and garter tosses.
My part goes fairly simple and, much to my amusement, Huilen catches it. When she glances at Fred though, I have a moment of surprise. Could it be she's interested in him? I hope so. They both deserve someone to love and with the fact that neither likes to really be around others, well... They'd be perfect for each other.
Next thing I know, I'm pulled from watching them by Rose who sits me in a chair. Let the games begin.
Jasper
Now comes the fun part, getting beneath Bella's skirts in front of everyone with a legitimate reason to do so. I pace in front of her as if contemplating how to go in. She giggles a bit and then glares at me. She's wanting done with this, I can tell. Too bad for her. When I finally make my decison, I move in front of her. Then I kneel on one knee, toss up her skirts- just before her panties are shown.I see she's wearing these pretty blush lace garters high on her thigh. The toss one has a cream bow with a single rhinestone in the middle. The keep one has a rhinestone and bead design on the front.
Her creamy thigh is so inviting that I have to place a soft kiss just above the garters. She shivers and there are a few catcalls. Then I grab it with my teeth, hold her leg straight out, and slide it down her leg. After I get it down her leg I fling it behind me, never taking my eyes from hers. I lean in and kiss her as my hand travels up her skirts further. She grabs at it, halting my progress and I laugh. After that the floor is open for dancing and the party goes for another half an hour before it's finally time for us to leave.
We head through the house, Alice and Felix just finishing putting our bags in the saddle bags of my bike, we decided to ride since we haven't been on it lately. The guests are there already, Bella and I needed to change into our leathers, and they have these cones of dried flower petals ready to toss as we walk between them. Once we get to the bike we kiss our children goodbye, remind them to behave for the others and for Jake when they come to meet us in three weeks- he will be driving the new car I bought for Bella- and then we climb on the bike and get ready to ride off into the night toward Seattle where the Corner Suite at the Fairmont Hotel awaits us.
Taking her hand in mine I kiss the back of it, pulling a smile from her lips. She's finally, officially, mine. Life couldn't be any better at all than it is at this moment. We have nothing before us but a life of love and happiness and I can't wait to get to it. Giving a final wave, I rev the bike and peel out down the drive and onto the open road. Time to have some fun.