"How did we end up getting a private jet again?" Lorelai asked Rory as they made their way through the airport.
"Grandpa actually. He looked into it and realized that it wasn't actually that much more per person to fly private compared to us all going business class, because to get actual first class like Grandma wanted meant a layover in London. I think he said it was only forty percent more to just hire a jet and not have any luggage restrictions." Rory said, looking pointedly at the mountain of luggage that the group had with them.
"Yes, Lorelai. It was actually only eight thousand for the return trip. Sixteen is a perfect group size for flying private as it fills the plane so the prices aren't inflated to cover for it not being full." Richard stated, from his seat as they waited for boarding.
"I wanted him to get a bigger plane but he said it was unnecessary," Emily huffed beside him.
"We don't need one with a bedroom Emily. I'm sure that the lounge chairs will be plenty comfortable for anyone who wants to sleep through the flight."
Lorelai rolled her eyes in Tristan's direction hearing her father speak as they both fought the urge to laugh at Emily's indignant face.
"This way we don't have to take a red eye," Chris said, aware that his mother hated them.
"And we are flying directly to Cork," Tristan said. "That saves us a few hours of driving."
"We still have over an hour of driving when we land though, so for the first night we are all staying in Cork." Rory stated, looking at everyone.
"We are just along for the ride, just tell us where to go," Lane said with a smile, as Zach nodded vigorously in agreement.
"We don't have the boys for a week so anything is a win for us." Zach said.
"Now boarding the Gilmore Dugray party," was announced over the tannoy causing everyone to start the shuffle to board, ensuring they didn't forget anything.
"This place is amazing Rory, however did you find it?" Victoria asked. The ladies were all having manicures and pedicures in the spa, while the men were golfing, although Luke probably was just driving the cart.
"Google," Rory quipped. "There were so many places that came up when we looked into it that it really was a struggle to settle on one. Really, it was availability and luck that made our decision for us. The hotel had a cancellation for this week, and we could book the area we wanted for the ceremony and pictures. Because we weren't set on it being a weekend it was easier."
"I know that the rooms of the hotel are definitely giving me some ideas to implement in the Dragonfly, and I've been taking pictures of all the menus for Sookie." Lorelai said.
"I have been impressed by the quality of the seafood." Emily added, sounding surprised.
"I think it's because we hear so much about Mediterranean seafood, that you don't realize other places in Europe have good sources of fish as well," Francine stated.
"Everyone is very competent," Paris added, inspecting her nails, having been one of the first to get them painted.
"I think it's all amazing. Good choices Rory." Lane said enthusiastically.
A few hours later, Rory, Paris and Lane were all sharing a bottle of wine in the outdoor hot tub overlooking the river flowing through the hotel grounds.
"Okay, now this is awesome," Paris said, leaning her head back against the edge of the tub.
"Ten out of ten on hotel choice Rory," Lane said, raising her glass in a toast.
"Thank you, Thank you." Rory pretended to bow.
"So are you excited to join us in 'matrimonial land'?" Lane asked.
"I really am."
"Weird that it's to Tristan DuGray?" Paris asked.
"Could you imagine if back at Chilton when you thought I was trying to steal him, while I was setting him up with you, if someone had told us that this is how it would end up? You are a witness at our wedding." Rory said laughing.
"Even I remember the trauma of all that, and I didn't go to your high school!" Lane exclaimed.
"Well I didn't know Doyle then, so I thought I was destined for blonde babies," Paris said, with a shrug.
"Are you going for some 'his hair and her eyes' babies?" Lane asked, through her laughter.
"How about we survive the wedding before we worry about babies," Rory answered while taking a drink.
"The wedding isn't stressful now that we are all here, is it?" Lane asked.
"Is there anyone you need me to call?" Paris said, sitting up straighter.
"No, no, everything to do with the wedding is good. I just mean we don't need to jump straight to the babies talk."
"I thought you wanted kids?" Paris queried.
"I do, but not quite yet. We still have plenty of time. You should know. You and Doyle are waiting."
"Yes, because if I have kids now, they would end up calling the nanny Mom. I need to be far enough up in the hospital that I could be home more. That's all we are waiting for."
"Don't look at me! Zach and I are just getting freedom again out the otherside now that the boys are old enough that we don't feel guilty leaving them with my Mom for more than two hours."
"Maybe I will have kids at the same time as you Paris. They can be friends." Rory said, smiling at her friends.
"Yes, let's ignore that they will go to school in different states." Paris stated, rolling her eyes.
"I wasn't planning on any serious conversation tonight," Lane said, looking at the pair.
"Same, I was planning on getting tipsy with you pair in the hot tub, then having some hot premarital sex when I got back to the room."
"Only two more nights for that Gilmore!"
"One night! She can't sleep with him the night before the wedding!" Lane exclaimed.
"Oh are you doing that?" Paris queried, looking Rory up and down.
"I didn't think so," Rory answered, looking curiously at Lane.
"You think that Emily Gilmore won't enforce that? We're in a different country, not a different universe!" Lane exclaimed, as they all looked at each other, before dissolving into laughter.
Before they knew it, it was the day of the wedding. The wedding was set for four, hoping to catch the late afternoon sunshine. In what almost counts as a miracle, it was actually sunny. Although some things are the same no matter which continent you are on, and the morning was chaotic, running around making sure everything was going as planned. The men played golf and then had lunch, which still left them all plenty of time to spare; while the women spent the morning in the spa getting massages, before heading to Emily and Richard's suite to get ready.
Emily hadn't trusted anyone else to keep track of Rory's dress so she had everything there. Rory had decided to keep things simple with her hair and make up, so she was wearing her hair down, with some back from her face, and some small waves in her hair.
"I haven't actually seen your dress on, Rory," Emily stated, as she surveyed the dress hanging on the back of the door.
"Me either," said Francine.
"I have, and it is gorgeous," Lane stated.
"You will see soon Grandma," Rory answered, knowing that she had avoided her grandmothers seeing the dress before now, as she was set on this one, and hadn't wanted them to influence her decision.
"There is less than an hour to the ceremony Mom, I'm sure you can wait," Lorelai added.
"Are you sure it will be appropriate for the venue?" Emily asked, she had mainly gotten over it but she was still a bit put out about knowing so little about the day.
"Yes, Grandma. It is perfect for the venue."
An hour later as they walked through the grounds towards the Abbey ruins, Emily and Francine had to admit, Rory was correct, it was perfect.
The ceremony was being held in a central courtyard, which had a stone corridor with arched openings surrounding it on all sides, in the center was a large yew tree, its trunk twisting up through what would have been the Abbey's roof.
Their family and friends all stood in the corridor, while Rory and Tristan met in the middle of the courtyard, beside the tree where the officiant was waiting on them. Tristan was in a dark blue suit with a white shirt and matching tie, while Rory's dress was ivory lace, with a deep v neck, a keyhole back and long sleeves, the lace flowed down with a sweep train.
"Welcome! We are gathered here today to celebrate and to witness the joining of Lorelai and Tristan in marriage. As they promise to love, trust in that love, honor one another as individuals, and anticipate with joy spending the rest of their lives together. They are surrounded by you - their friends and family. Thank you for gathering here to witness their marriage and to share in the joy of this special occasion." The officiant stated, his voice ringing out clearly.
"Marriage is a dedication. You give yourself into the hands of the one you love. You do so trustingly and generously. By the same token, each of you receives a gift, the life, and love of each other. Are you ready to dedicate your vows to each other?"
"We are," they answered in unison, before the officiant nodded at Tristan to start.
"Rory, Lorelai Gilmore Hayden, Mare, today I stand before you, ready to start the biggest adventure of our lives. I know it will be really hard, and some days will take a lot of work. But I also know that there will be days filled with love, laughter, and pure bliss. I can't imagine sharing this adventure with anyone else but you. You're my best friend, the love of my life, and my soulmate. Today I promise to stand by your side and to love you always." Tristan, finished rubbing his thumb over Rory's hands, watching her with watery eyes.
"Tristan, you are my best friend for life. I pledge to honor, encourage, and support you through our life together. When our way becomes difficult, I promise to stand by you and uplift you, so that through our bond we can accomplish more than we could alone. I promise to work at our love, and always make you a priority in my life. With every beat of my heart, I will love you."
"Tristan please place the ring on Lorelai's finger, now repeat after me." The officiant asked, interrupting the two gently from their intense gaze.
"Lorelai, I give you this ring with all that I am and all that I ever will be. Wear it and know that I love you. With this ring, I marry you." Tristan finished, sliding the diamond band onto Rory's finger.
"Lorelai place the ring on Tristan's finger, please repeat after me."
"Tristan, I give you this ring with all that I am and all that I ever will be. Wear it and know that I love you. With this ring, I marry you." Rory smiled, sliding the titanium band that marked him as hers on.
"May the meaning of this hour be fulfilled through the days and years to come. May the love of this man and this woman, their unity of spirit, grow deeper and stronger in the uncertainties and changes of life they will share. May they be to each other both strong and gentle. May all who follow their lives with interest and affection have cause to rejoice not alone in their happiness, but in their brave and generous living which makes life beautiful and significant. And now, it is my great pleasure to acknowledge your union as Husband and Wife. You may seal this marriage with a kiss!"
Tristan took a half step closer to Rory, leaning down and giving her a tender kiss.
"I love you," he murmured against her lips.
"I love you too," she replied before giving him another kiss. They broke apart at the sound of gentle clapping.
"You look amazing, I love the dress, I love you," Tristan said, looking her up and down.
"We did it. We're married," Rory said, happy tears threatening to overflow.
A/N For anyone who wants a reference for the spot in Ireland, this is it.
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