Cullen stared in awe at the sight before him. He saw a beautiful young woman in a beautiful white silk wedding gown with silver filigree patterns and a lacy collar, her soft brown hair curled and piled high on her head with small pieces hanging loosely, a set of Nevarrite drop earrings and drop necklace- made to match the engagement ring on her left hand, and a bouquet of Andraste's Grace, Crystal Grace, and Dawn Lotus in her right hand. Her eyes had been colored with a soft black kohl liner and a silver powder on her eyelids, her cheeks had been given a little bit of blush, and her lips had been colored a slightly darker peony pink. Nadia moved as if she were floating, the train of her dress pooling behind her and dancing along the soft grass as if it were light as a feather.
Matthew led Nadia between the rows of seats and to the alter. He turned to her and smiled. "I never thought I'd see the day that our little Dewdrop would grow up into such a beautiful young woman." He leaned down and kissed her forehead. "In all the years I've known you, I don't think I could have been prouder of you than I am now. I know your parents would feel the same and I only wish that they could see you now."
Nadia smiled and hugged him. "Thank you, Matthew."
Matthew smiled and stepped back, joining Cassandra and his children.
Cullen was blushing brighter than Nadia- with or without the makeup- and he offered her his hand. Taking it, Nadia carefully stepped up onto the alter and looked at him.
"Maker, you look gorgeous," Cullen said, taking in the beauty before him.
Nadia smiled. "You look rather handsome yourself."
"Are you both ready?" the cleric asked.
They both looked at her and nodded. "Of course, Mother Giselle. Please begin." Nadia said, smiling at the old woman.
Mother Giselle began to recite the marriage rites from the Chant of Light, offering up a prayer to the Maker. She asked that he guide them and that he bless them as they took the next steps toward a new journey. After a few more verses of the Chant, Mother Giselle asked them to recite their vows to each other, starting with Nadia.
"I, Nadia Tamara Cousland, take thee, Cullen Stanton Rutherford, to be my husband. To cherish, to hold, to love, and care for. With Andraste as my guide and the Maker as my witness, I vow to never lead you astray, to never leave your side. I vow to always protect you and give you all that I have, all that I am."
"And I, Cullen Stanton Rutherford, take thee, Nadia Tamara Cousland, to be my wife. To cherish, to hold, to love, and care for. With Andraste as my guide and the Maker as my witness, I vow to never lead you astray, to never leave your side. I vow to always protect you and give you all that I have, all that I am."
"If there are no objections to the union of these two wandering souls, then I pronounce Cullen and Nadia: man and wife." Mother Giselle said. She looked at Cullen and smiled. "You may kiss your bride."
Cullen didn't need to be told twice. He pulled Nadia in for a kiss, pressing his lips firmly against hers, his arms encircling her waist. Nadia returned his kiss, throwing her arms around his neck. She giggled through their kiss as Cullen lifted her in his arms, spinning her around as their guests cheered. When he set her down again, he pressed his forehead to hers and closed his eyes.
"I can't believe we finally did it," he whispered.
Nadia smiled and kissed him. "But we did love."
Cullen smiled and looked up as they were greeted by their guests, each congratulating them before ushering them into the great hall of the keep where the festivities were really about to begin.
Nadia looked around and the great hall indeed looked splendid. It was done in a style that mirrored Ferelden, Orlais, and that of the Inquisition all wrapped together, candles lit everywhere, the tables topped with royal blue, lavender, and white table runners and laden with such a feast that they would have been able to feed all of Thedas with. A table had been set up in front of the throne of the Inquisitor, facing another table- both of which had been set up for Nadia, Cullen, and their honored guests.
"They really went all out," Cullen said, marveling at the great hall.
"Well, Elissa did say she wanted to make this bigger than her own wedding," Nadia said, giggling.
"And is it?"
Nadia's smile grew. "Almost."
Cullen chuckled. "It's quite the celebration, that's for certain."
"Only the best for my dear cousin," Elissa said, joining them.
"Maker, El, do you realize this is better than our wedding?" Alistair said, staring at the decorations for the great hall.
"Oh, now Alistair, don't go and get pouty," Elissa said, teasing her husband. "We can have celebrations like this whenever we want to, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Nadia and Cullen. They deserve the best we can give them."
"You're right. Well, congratulations on your marriage, you two." Alistair replied, beaming at the newlyweds.
"Thank you, your majesty," Cullen said, bowing his head.
"Nadia, there you are!" Josephine exclaimed as she joined them. "There are some good friends of mine from Val Royeaux that are dying to meet you!"
Before Nadia could say a word, she had been dragged away from Cullen with an expression of "Maker, please save me!" upon her face. Cullen chuckled, imagining it must have been the same look he had on his face the night Nadia saved him from his "admirers" at the Winter Palace. He himself was then dragged away by his brother who had taken a great liking to Matthew and their companions.
It was definitely going to be a long, festive night.