After all the crazy they'd endured, Alec and Magnus deserved this day to go off without a hitch, so of course, no such thing happened. If everyone always got what they deserved, the world would be a very different place. First came the surprise overnight snowfall that forced them all inside to the back up venue. Then Maryse spend at least an hour reminding them all that she'd been right to have a back up venue in case of bad weather. Izzy hated it when her mother was right like that. If not for the sake of her brother's big day, Izzy would never had listened to her mother's monologue.
Izzy was almost glad when the the flowers didn't arrive on time, as it gave her mother something else to talk about. Then great uncle Larry started getting drunk, and Izzy decided that those were enough problems for one wedding. Then Izzy walked in on her weird cousin Harold making out in a broom closet with a party crasher, and enough was enough. Maryse tasked Isabelle with making sure the grooms learned nothing of this while she sorted it all out, which turned out to be a very easy job as Alec and Magnus were totally clueless of everything, only having eyes for each other. There was no bad luck in seeing the groom before the wedding, and the two of them had gotten through the start of this day the same way they would take on the rest of their lives: together.
Maryse on the other hand was in hysterics. She'd kicked out the party crasher, much to Harold's displeasure. She'd 'sorted' out the flower problem, but the only arrangements available on short notice were not the ones she picked out. Izzy didn't really see what the big fuss was. Flowers were flowers, weren't they? She was just glad there weren't any flowers on her dress. It was a slightly ridiculous dress, but then again, it could have been a lot worse. There weren't any bright feathers, neon coloured puffs or glitter. Like the rest of the wedding it had a simplistic feel while actually not being simple at all.
Maryse's back up venue was a grand hall not too far from the beautiful outdoor park she'd originally planned for. There were natural wood beams on the high ceilings with accents along the walls. Grand arches ran horizontally along the wedding hall, drawing the eye down towards the altar. Sparkling crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling lighting up the room with twinkling reflections.
Izzy didn't know half of the people here, despite the fact that almost all of them were Lightwoods. Apart from friends, the only family Magnus had invited was his Aunt Aleida. This meant there hadn't really been a point to splitting the room so each groom's family had a side; everyone was mixed together. Aline's was probably the only one of her cousin's Izzy was close with. She'd, of course, brough Helen has her date, and Helen had brought much of her family as well. When asked if they could come, Maryse's reply had been 'the more the merrier'. Izzy wasn't sure why her parents had wanted this to be such a big event. Along with the dozens of cousins Izzy had never met, Harold and family friends, her parents had invited their work colleagues and business partners.
As people filled the chairs, Izzy saw the band set up. It was quite something to see this all come together. Exactly a year ago today, her brother had proposed to the person he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, his soul's other half, and now here she was in her silly dress watching every person her parents had ever met take their seats to witness Alec and Magnus vow to be together forever.
Once everyone was seated, Maryse came down the aisle, closely followed by Aleida. As the mothers of the grooms took their seats in the front row, a hush fell over the crowd. The music began, that soft oh so familiar wedding march filling the grand room. Clary and Jace came down the aisle, arm in arm. Izzy couldn't help but smile at the two 'best men' looking so couplely. There was so much more creative freedom with a wedding like this. All the gender stereotypes had been throw out the window, leading to a truly stunning event. She couldn't help but note how much better the faded green colour looked on Clary. Both being bridesmaids, they were wearing the exact same dress, but with Clary's red hair the colour popped more on her.
When Izzy heard her cue, she began walking forward in time with the music. Behind her, she knew Tessa was following, keeping a close eye on the flower girl. Lucie was a little young for such a task, but she looked adorable in her little dress. Izzy knew her fathers were watching among the audience. Behind Lucie followed Max, proudly holding the rings on an elegant little pillow. Last but not least, the grooms began their walk down the aisle. First Alec appeared, wearing a dark charcoal suit with blue accents. Magnus walked behind, wearing a similar suit, but with hints of red in the jacket, as if there were a very subtle pattern worked into the fabric. They made their way to the altar where her father stood waiting for them.
"Dearly beloved," Robert began. "We are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join Magnus Dian Bane and Alexander Gideon Lightwood in matrimony, not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this permanent state, these two persons presented now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."
Izzy couldn't help but think of all those cheesy movies where at this point someone stood up and yelled 'I object' before stealing the bride away. Luckily, today there was no bride. The thought made her want to laugh, but Izzy kept quiet, even if a small smile refused to be suppressed.
"Marriage isn't for everyone," Robert continued. "It's messy and long, with twists and turns along the way, but when you find that right person, they make every roadblock worth the trip. I believe these two people have what it takes to make it through the hard times and enjoy the good ones with everything they have. I hope you do as well." There was a brief pause before Robert invited them to recite their personalize vows.
"Magnus," Alec began. "From the moment I met you, I knew there was something there. You took my life off a dimmer switch by walking into it. Today, I officially place my heart in your hands, even if it has been only yours since the beginning. My better half, my soulmate, I vow to be your devoted husband for as long as I live."
"Alexander," Magnus said. "When we met I was broken, left in pieces by others, and determined to remain so. I didn't believe in love anymore, but you persisted. So determined to teach me how to love again. The last and greatest love of my life. My better half, my soulmate, I vow to be your devoted husband for as long as I live."
There wasn't a dry eye in the house, or at least that was how Izzy saw it. She herself was sniffling, wishing she'd stuffed her bra with kleenex.
"Do you, Alexander Gideon Lightwood," Robert finished "Take Magnus Dian Bane, to be your husband, to have and to hold, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do you part."
"I do," Alec said.
"And do you Magnus Dian Bane, take Alexander Gideon Lightwood, to be your husband, to have and to hold, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do you part."
"I do," Magnus said, his voice breaking a little as if from emotion.
"The rings please Max," Robert addressed his youngest child. Max came forward chest out, looking very pleased with himself as he held the rings up high.
"With this ring I thee wed," Alec said as he slipped it onto Magnus's finger. "As this ring has no end,
neither shall my love for you."
"With this ring I thee wed," Magnus repeated as he too put the other ring on Alec's finger. "As this ring has no end,
neither shall my love for you."
"Now by the power vested in me by the province of Ontario and the internet," Robert announced smiling. "I now pronounce you married. You may now seal your vows with a kiss."
You didn't have to tell them twice. Izzy wasn't totally sure if it was Alec or Magnus who lept into action first as they wrapped their arms around each other. The newlyweds sucked face like there wasn't another person in the room, let alone the hundreds of people present. Izzy could imagine only too well the bubble they were in right now. Despite standing up there for everyone to see, they were alone in their own minds.
There was a light happy atmosphere to the room as everyone threw flower petals at the happy couple running back down the aisle hand in hand. The wedding party went next, returning to where they'd started. Izzy knew the wedding hall was being taken apart by staff and turned into the reception, since the snow had made their outdoor gazebo reception impossible. Maryse had dinner planned for about five hundred people, and they were expecting a few more guests.
In the meantime, there were some details to take care of. Izzy was asked to witness the marriage license. As she signed the piece of paper, cameras flashed in her face. She knew there to be a person or two with a high quality video camera around here somewhere who had filmed the whole wedding. Next came the photo op. Every combination of every group had to be accounted for. Grooms with in-laws. Grooms with their families. Grooms with friends. Friends without grooms. Family without grooms. In-laws together. The every combination of people had to be photographed in front of every possible backdrop. In front of the altar. Standing on the stairs. With a photo studio background. Outside with the snow, and many more. Izzy had no idea how long they spent posing for photos, but she was sure her cheeks hurt from smiling by the end of it.
When they finally made it to the reception, the guests had been waiting a while, and the orderves were almost all eaten. Izzy sat with the wedding party at the long table near in the back covered in a crisp white cloth. Waiters came to clear away all entrees, but Izzy managed to scarf down a few bacon wrapped scallops before the last plate vanished and dinner was served.
There was only a light hum of background chatter while everyone ate their dinner. As people began to finish, the noise level picked up. Izzy had Simon sitting beside her, but still her eyes were on her brother and new brother-in-law. She loved seeing the way their eyes lit up when they looked at each other. Izzy was sure neither of them had a clue what was going on around them. It had probably been a very carefree day for the grooms, living in their little bubble world.
Once everyone was full, the cake was brought out. Izzy couldn't be surprised by its size, given how many people it was feeding, and yet the sight of it impressed her. She'd seen the pictures her mother had showed her, but they just couldn't compete with the real thing. It was a custom made cake with seven tiers of perfect white, but for the strip down one side where it looked as though someone had cut into the cake. Here there was an explosion of colour, greens, purples, reds and oranges ran down the side of it, bleeding slightly into the perfect white. Even with this little strip of colour, the cake had an elegant simple look to it while being very complex, keeping with the theme of the wedding.
Atop the cake were two grooms, one slightly taller than the other, and rubbing up against their legs were two cats. The first was reaching up to stretch his paws against the shorter grooms leg, while the second was looking up at the taller groom as if begging for something. Izzy knew just how custom made that cake topper was, not from the cats, but from the clothes. As well as being the correct height, the two figures were wearing the exact same suits as Magnus and Alec. Izzy couldn't say she'd be surprised if her mother had actually had the sculpture use photos to make the cake topper look exactly like the grooms.
It wasn't until she watched Magnus and Alec cut the cake and feed it to each other that she saw the colourful inside it. Each tier was a different slice of the rainbow, and matched the splash of colour on the outside.
The champagne started flowing before the last pieces of cake vanished from every plate. With the bubbly liquid, came the toasts. The first to stand up was her father, a huge smile on his face as he spoke for a whole ten minutes about how proud he was of his son, and how much he wished happiness on the newlyweds. It was all pretty standard, and Izzy had expected nothing less. When Maryse stood to talk she was almost in tears, gazing at Alec and Magnus with glossy eyes as she seconded the wishes her husband had just imparted while adding how very handsome they looked tonight, and how much she hoped they enjoyed their honeymoon.
Clary's speech was surprisingly entertaining, especially all her 'best man' jokes. Izzy had been there when Clary had been given the title. Magnus had said she could call herself the maid of honour, but alas, the crazy redhead had opted for best man #2 instead. Izzy suspected that at least one of the reasons why was so that Magnus wouldn't get labeled the 'girl' in the relationship. Then again, maybe Clary was just out to break stereotypes in general, or thought it would be funny. All her corny jokes were definitely a vote for the 'cause it's funny' theory.
"My best friend's wedding," Clary said with a smile when she finally dropped the horrible jokes. "The one I haven't dated that is." She hiccuped then, and Izzy tried not to giggle as Jace stood to try and get her to sit down. Clary sat, looking a little dazed, and Izzy couldn't help but wonder how much champagne she'd had.
"Well, it wouldn't be a wedding without at least one drunk bridesmaid, am I right?" Jace said, standing up and starting his toast. "I don't know how many of you know me, but I hadn't always been the person I am now, and Alec is a huge part of that. Becoming his friend was one of the best decisions I ever made," Jace's voice suddenly shifted to joking as he added, "Even if the guy doesn't know how to have a bachelor party. Just like, no appreciation for all the research I did, finding the best gay strip club in town." Jace shook his head dramatically, and Izzy heard her brother laugh. "It turned out to be the only gay strip club in town actually, but he decided he'd rather roast marshmallows." Jace's tone shifted as his teasing stopped and genuine emotion entered his voice. "Alec doesn't need to go to strip clubs because he's found something far more valuable in loving another person. It's something we have in common, and I've never seen Alec happier than he is with Magnus." Jace raised his glass up high and added, "To Malec."
"To Malec," everyone repeated before taking a sip of their drink.
Funny story guys… this chapter was supposed to go up last night but I managed to slice my finger open with a bread knife which kinda got priority over updating… Even now I'm typing this author's note with one hand cause I have to keep the other one elevated and it hurts. My stupid failure to cut bread delayed this chapter… :(
Okay now what I was actually going to say: What did you guys think of the wedding? Did it live up to your expectations? Was it too cheesy? My beta noted the cheese factor, but she did say that she kinda expected that cause it's a wedding. I may have built up this wedding alot in the last like 30 something chapters… was it worth it?
Guest Review:
Love this chapter. I also really love Sizzy and how you write them, update soon!
My Reply:
Thanks! Glad my Sizzy is how you like it.
Mridula Reply:
Hey we know that's a dream not cuz ur predictable, ur actually much bttr than a lotta writers who just follow d same - love, marriage, children format for every single pair in d history. We knw that cuz- Malec as a pair which holds soooo much love for each other and r so strong that they cudn't possibly screw up their wedding. Especially Alec, cuz he is d one who proposed and has been sure of Magnus from the start after all. Magnus is the one worried cuz he was kinda insecure in d start and if he dreamed that is apparently a lil bit now too cuz of his past relationships. And I can think of no other reason other that cold feet/ nervousness which stops Alec and if that really actually happens- which again can be solved easily. Dey r never d pair to like someone else, ANYyone else, or even lose interest in each other. They're made for each other that's why we know
My Reply:
Aww thanks! It's great to hear that I'm not predictable! I try really hard not to do the same thing over and over. Romance at its core is the same so making it new is tricky. Ah yes good point. Alec would never unless he got hit by a car or something.
Sneak Peek Chapter 121
"It's gross isn't it," Izzy scoffed, gesturing to Malec. "How adorable they are."
"A little yeah," Jace said. "But you can't fool me Isabelle."
"I don't know what you are talking about," Izzy said turning to look away.
"You love how adorable they are," Jace told her. "Me and you are too much alike. I can read you like a book girl."
Izzy stuck her tongue out at him which had everyone laughing.
"Stop reading my girlfriend," Simon chuckled.
"Oh yeah," Jace remarked, smirking. "Well no dating mine.. Oh wait you did that!"
"You're going to hold that over my head forever aren't you?" Simon sighed. No one was Jace was laughing.
"You bet I am," Jace said grinning. "It's the best inside joke ever!"
"Urg!" Simon whined. "Why am I friends with you?"
"No idea man!" Jace roared with laughter.
"I blame Clary," Simon stated. Jace just had time to agree before the music changed, signally the guests to get up and dance. The grooms went first, sharing their first dance as Mr and Mr Married.