A/N: So here is the last part of the wedding ... and honestly now I know why I didn't choose traditional vows ... writing the vows for A&C drove me nuts and I rewrote them so often that in the end I decided to just leave them as they were ... I wanted to let you all know that I'm planing to move the story a little forward ... so after the honeymoon I will skip several months, this is mainly because I don't want to cover all the holidays like thanksgiving and christmas, that would be next in the timeline of my story. Also I want them to move to their new home and start the new storyline that I have planned. If you want some details of their first christmas and thanksgiving together let me know and I put some flash backs in the first chapter after the honeymoon...
The wedding part 2
Ana's POV
Walking down the aisle with my dad, all I can see is Christian waiting for me at the altar. I can't help but give him my biggest smile. This is really happening and once I reach him and my dad hands me over, I hand my flowers to Kate and we turn to face the Reverend who is now starting the ceremony with the opening.
"Christian and Anastasia, today you are surrounded by your friends and family, all of whom have gathered here to witness your marriage and to share in the joy of this special occasion. Today, as you join yourselves in marriage, there is a vast and unknown future stretching out before you. The possibilities and potentials of your married life are great; and now falls upon your shoulders the task of choosing your values and making real your dreams. Through your commitment to each other, may you grow and nurture a love that makes both of you better people, a love that continues to give you great joy, and also a passion for living that provides you with energy and patience to face the responsibilities of life."
Next are the readings and we decided to have our siblings do it so first Elliot, then Mia and last Patrick. The most touching to me was Patrick, I know he doesn't like to speak in front of many people, but he did so well, I looked at Christian a couple of times and I'm pretty sure he gave Patrick some secret signs, because every time he seemed to get nervous he looked at Christian and continued with stuttering. Once they are all back at their place, Christian and I turn to face each other to quote our vows.
"Anastasia, I never knew I was looking for love or that I am capable of loving another person as much as I love you, until I met you. You came into my life and changed it forever. You make me a better person and let me see the world in a completely different way. You give me hope and make me feel loved every second I am with you. Today, I vow to you to try. Try to be the man you deserve. I vow to keep you safe and support you to achieve all your dreams and goals in life. But more so, I promise you to love you unconditionally, not just for the rest of our lives, but for eternity. I also want to thank you, because I know keeping up with me is not always easy, I'm far from being perfect, but for you I want to try. So, this is my promise to you, I will always try to be what you want, need and deserve. I love you."
I look into his eyes and of course I'm crying again, but I swallow my tears and start my vows.
"Christian, the day we met, I never thought we would end up here. You came into my life at a time where I had already decided that love wasn't for me. But it all changed with you, you made me believe that true love really does exist. And though it is challenging at times, to be with you is worth everything. Today, I vow to you not only to be your wife and faithful partner in life, but also to be your best friend. I promise to love you unconditionally, be your solace in times of need and be at your side no matter what life is going to present us with. From this day on it will be my primary goal in life to make you feel loved, every day of my life. I love you."
One of the flower girls steps forward with the rings and Christian takes my ring.
"I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. I ask you to wear this ring as a reminder of the vows we have spoken today, our wedding day." he places the ring on my finger and I take his ring.
"I give you this ring as a symbol of my love for you. Let it be a reminder that I am always by your side and that I will always be a faithful partner to you." I place the ring on his finger and the Reverend speaks again.
"And now, by the power vested in me by the State of Washington, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. Christian, you may kiss the bride."
This is the part I was looking forward all day and Christian takes no prisoners when he pulls me close and kisses me. I'm not sure if it is allowed to kiss with tongue in front of the Reverend, but I don't care and I can tell that Christian doesn't care either. From somewhere near I hear someone vehemently clearing his throat, but I don't care until we both here Elliot.
"Jesus bro, he said you may kiss the bride, not you may bang the bride, get a hold of yourself." We end the kiss and the poor Reverend who is pink in both cheeks clears his throat again.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you for the first time Mr. and Mrs. Christian and Anastasia Grey."
Christian and I beam at each other and sign our wedding certificate in front of our family and friends, though I have to think for a second to remind myself to sign with my new name.
Finally after all is done and the guest walk over to the other tent where the reception will take place Christian and I have a couple of minutes to ourselfs.
"We really did it, thank you so much for being my wife Mrs. Grey" he says and I giggle, this sounds so weird. I'm married!
"I have to thank you for picking me, I'm one lucky girl, Mr. Grey. And the best part is, from now on no one can ever tell us that we have to sleep apart from each other."
"Yes, I hope we never have to do that again." he says and we kiss again, but then we here the MC introducing us and have to get out again.
Once everyone is seated and has something to drink my father gets up for his speech. I can tell he is uncomfortable, because just like my brother, he is not much of a speaker.
"Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen
For those of you who don't know me I'm Ray, Anastasia's Dad and on behalf of my wife Carla and I, I would like to welcome you all here today to celebrate the marriage of our daughter Anastasia to Christian. First of all, I want to thank Christian's parents, Carrick and Grace, who let the kids marry here at their beautiful home and helped so much by arranging this wedding in so little time.
As some of you might know, I'm not Ana's biological father. He past away in a tragic accident when Annie was just born. So, my first toast goes out to Frank Lambert, who I know is some where here in spirit watching his beautiful girl today. I will forever be thankful to this man I have never met, as he gave me one of my greatest blessings, which is my beautiful daughter Anastasia.
Sadly there are many family members on both sides who are no longer with us here may not be here in body, but they are certainly here in spirit, so ladies and gents please be upstanding - to absent friends and family." We all raise our glasses and again I'm close to tears, but sit back down and continue to listen to my dad.
"Annie always surprises me. When she was just 9 months old I came in her room one morning and she was already sitting in here bed. I looked at her and she said 'dada' at first I couldn't believe it, but she really said it. That was her first word. Her second word was 'no dada' with which she was referring to her mother. One would think mama is much easier to say, but she refused to say it for months. At that point I knew I would have a lot to deal with once she would grow up.
But my Annie surprised me again. As stubborn as she is, she was always a joy to have her as daughter. She never asked for much, she was determined to be good in school, she gave so much time and effort into her dancing. Even though she knew we had the money, she would work to be new outfits and shoes for her dancing. She never took anything for granted. When Annie was 18 we nearly lost her. She was in a terrible car accident and the doctors in the first hospital she was in told us to sit with her as she wouldn't survive the night." My dad stops and he blinks back tears. I had no idea. I knew it was bad, but they never told me that the doctors had given up on me right away.
"Annie surprised me again that night, I sat with her all night, holding her hand and telling her to pull through this. By the time the morning came all her vitals had improved, she still had a lot to go through, but she did it and she never complaint. I admire her for that. The last big surprise for me was when Annie came home last month with Christian and told us that she wants to marry him. Truth be told, I thought that was her way of telling me that I'm going to be a grandpa soon, but up until now, I have heard nothing of a baby, I guess you two just knew what everyone here can see and that is, that you two simply belong to each other.
I can't say much about Christian, as we only know each other for such a short time, but what I can say is that Annie couldn't have picked a better husband. As a father you constantly worry about your kids, but with you as her husband, I know that you do anything within your power to keep her safe.
I also have some word of advise for you Christian. Being married for more than 20 years, there are some things I want you to know. First, you have to pick your battles, Lord knows Annie can be stubborn, so if you want a happy marriage you better start to learn right away that nodding and saying yes is sometimes your best option. Also, if your wife asks you for your opinion on a matter, it doesn't mean she really wants your opinion, she wants you to agree with hers and you do good to do that. And now with the following words, I'm going to give you the tools for a happy marriage, because you can not use those words often enough:
I was wrong!
You were right!
Yes Dear
I love you!
If you use these often enough, you will have a good and happy marriage" At this point everyone is laughing and most men nod in agreement.
"I would like to end now by saying that I wish Christian and Anastasia all the best for the future and in the hope that married life brings them all the happiness in the world.
It is now my pleasure to propose a toast to the happy couple. Please be upstanding and raise your glasses to the bride and groom Mr & Mrs Grey."
The reception continues with a speech from Carrick and then dinner is served. At the end of it both Elliot and Kate give a toast to us and we continue with the amazing looking wedding cake.
"It's a shame to cut it, it looks so nice" I tell Christian as we take the knife. "I'll get you one every day if you like"
"Sure, and you will roll me around because I will get to big to walk" I chuckle.
"It's more for me to love baby" he grins and that is so cheesy that I have to laugh. "Remember, your hand must be on top when we cut the cake." I remind him and he frowns.
"Why?"
"Because people say the person whose hand is on top wears the pants in the marriage." I explains and he smirks and puts my hand on top of his. "Let's keep it real baby" he smirks and with that we cut the cake.
A little later it is time for the first dance and with that came a huge surprise, because Jose somehow managed to get my favorite country singer to be here and sing Eva Cassidy's Songbird, which Christian and I chose as our first dance song.
"This feels so unreal" I whisper to Christian while we are dancing and he smiles at me. "You know I would pinch you, but I can't hurt you."
"Then kiss me"
"With pleasure Mrs. Grey" Yes, this is real. I'm married to Christian and I can't wait to start our married life. He still hasn't told me where we are going for our honeymoon, but I can tell that he is excited about it.
Christian stops kissing me and leans forward to sing the lyrics softly into my ear "...to you I would give the world ... to you I'd never be cold ... 'cause I feel that when I'm with you ... it's all right I know it's right ... I love you so much baby" he whispers and kisses my temple.
"I love you just as much Christian" I whisper back and again I have to fight my tears, but sadly our dance ends and next I have to dance with my dad, Carrick, Christian's grandpa, Elliot, Jose, Patrick, Dave and Flynn, while Christian dances with his mom, my mom, Mia, Ros, his Grandma and even Kate.
Before the next man can ask me to dance I excuse myself to use the powder room and when I come out I find Grace washing her hands at one of the sinks in the portable rest rooms.
"Oh darling, you look so amazing. I can't even begin to describe how happy I am for the both of you." she gushes and I have to smile remembering Grace sobbing throughout the ceremony.
"I hope you could see at least a little of the ceremony" I tease her and she laughs. "I admit it I'm sentimental and more so, I never thought I would see Christian getting married. Not after what happened with that woman." she says and I sigh.
"She got what she deserved in the end Grace, and I meant what I vowed to Christian, I will make him happy every day, because he simply deserves it."
"I know, but you know too that he can be difficult sometimes, just promise me that you will never give up on him Ana. He needs you more than he will ever know."
"I could never give up on him Grace. Christian is my happily ever after, I love that he is not perfect. Perfect gets boring fast, I believe the moment you stop giving effort into something it's the moment you stop to care. We both know that we have so much more growing up and growing as a couple to do, but that is what I'm looking forward to. The only thing he could possibly do to lose my would be cheating, but I know he would never do that, with everything else I can deal."
"You are right, it is just like you said, but I have no doubt that you two are going to last. And I hope you will make me a grandma in the not so far away future."
"We'll see, but we do want kids one day, and they will be so lucky to have you as their grandma." we hug each other, leave the powder room and I finally manage to dance with Christian again.
As the evening progresses I'm starting to wonder when we will leave for our honeymoon, but Christian doesn't seem to be in a hurry and actually we are both slightly drunk as anyone wants to clink glasses with us. Finally at almost 10 pm Christian tells me that if I want to change into my going-away outfit, I should do it now. So, Kate and my mom go upstairs with me and help me change into the white lace dress and matching white shoes that I chose as my going-away outfit.
When I'm back downstairs Taylor is waiting outside with the car and all the unmarried woman come together to because it's time for me to throw my bouquet. I throw it at nearly laugh when Mia, Kate and a few other young woman jump up to catch it, but only shove it away until it lands right in Gail's arm.
"Well Taylor, now you know what you have to do once we are back from the honeymoon" Christian laughs and Taylor swallows hard which makes even Gail, who has come over to say goodbye laugh, but Christian and both stop when we see that Gail has tears in her eyes and it hits me, that she has to spend 4 weeks without the man she loves. Christian and I look at each other and nod at the same time.
"O'Donnell!" Christian calls out and he comes over to us. "Yes Sir?"
"Please take Gail back to Escala. Gail I hope you have a passport and can pack fast. The jet takes off in 2 hours from now, so hurry."
"What... I ... Mister Grey" she stutters obviously shocked.
"Gail, I married the love of my life today and I don't want to be responsable for you not being able your love for nearly a month. Go pack, you know where we are going so you know what you will need."
"Thank you so much" she beams at us and runs off calling for O'Donnell to hurry which makes us laugh again. We say our goodbyes to our family and friends get into the car and both sigh simultaneously.
"My feet are killing. Your brother stepped on them at least four times" I giggle and Christian snorts.
"Then he is the perfect match for Kate, she stepped on my feet so often I wanted to pick her up and have her standing on my feet while we danced, like you would do it with a small child" he mutters and I laugh.
"Thank you for taking Gail with us, that was very sweet Christian."
"I just want everyone around us to be as happy as we are. Besides, I have one think that I want to do where I know you will hate it, so she can keep you company for a couple of hours."
"What, do you want to do?"
"Now, that would be telling Mrs. Grey and I want to surprise you."
"Truth be told, I think you have to wake me up to surprise me, I can barely hold my eyes open, but I don't want to ruin our wedding night." I confess.
" Baby, you can sleep all you want, we are not going to celebrate our wedding night in my jet. I have something special planned. We have a 19 hour journey a head of us, so you can sleep all you want to, to be honest I am tired as well and I'm planning to join the mile high club with you on our way back."
"Why not now?"
"Because, I might not have the jet forever Ana, and I want us to be able to return to place where we first made love as a married couple and remember it even when we are old and gray." he says and kiss him. How can a guy that was such a douche just a couple of months ago be such a wonderful and thoughtful husband now? I guess I'll never know, but I will forever be thankful that we found each other. Finding him was worth everything that happened to me in my past.
Once we are in the jet Christian shows me around, we wait for Gail and as soon as we are in the air Christian leads me into the bedroom and we are so tired that we are not even changing. I just take my shoes and jewelry off, while Christian takes his shoes, socks, jacket, bow tie and vest off. We get into the bed and I cuddle into him under the comforter.
"Sleep baby, I love you, Mrs. Grey"
"And I love you Mister Grey" I whisper sleepily and drift of while listening to the steady heartbeat of husband.
Sorry for all of you who hoped for the wedding night on the jet, but I have something a little more romantic planned. The honeymoon chapter will be up on sunday and I promise plenty of lemons ... some new pictures and the song from the first dance can be found on the pinterest board for this story ... the link is on my profile page ... if you have time, please leave a review...
Sunny