Hi everyone! So the wedding will be broken down into two parts. This chapter is about everyone getting ready and the ceremony. The next chapter will be about the reception and maybe Lily's graduation ceremony. We'll see how long the reception part is in the chapter.
The ceremony was actually fun to write. My own wedding was unique and I wanted to make this one even more unique with everyone participating in it. Each member of the bridal party, as well as Leo and Karai, has a reading that I took from an article on the Brides website. I also included something I never thought Donnie would do in public. All in all, it was a very interesting and fun chapter to write. Wilbur and Karena do "see" each other for the wedding, but I didn't cover it since I already have done that in my original story "Pride and Justice."
Without further ado, let's get Wilbur and Karena married!
DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything related to "Meet the Robinsons" nor "TMNT," nor do I own any of the readings in italics. I only own Lilianna, Ryan, Venus, Athena, Karena, Lindsey, Randy, and James.
May 11, 2042 - New York City, New York, USA
LILIANNA'S POV
"IT'S WEDDING DAY! IT'S WEDDING DAY!"
I moaned myself awake at Athena's screaming throughout the lair.
"By the goddess!" I exclaimed, furiously turning over and covering my ears with my pillow.
"IT'S WEDDING DAY!" Athena continued to scream excitedly.
"We get it, Athena!" Uncle Raph screamed from his room.
"Alright, Lily Mae, let's get up," Dad sleepily told me.
I threw the pillow off me and stared at the ceiling for a few moments.
"That was the worst wake up call possible," I grumbled, rubbing my temples.
"I think Athena's more excited about the wedding than Karena," Mom said out loud.
"Well, she served her purpose by being our alarm clock," Dad grumbled. "Let's get up, ladies."
The three of us got up together and joined the rest of the family in the kitchen. Uncle Mikey made four breakfast pizzas, one for each individual family.
"Well, I know Athena's excited for the wedding," Uncle Mikey said, starting the conversation. "Why are you excited?"
"I've never been to a wedding before," Athena explained. "It's every girl's dream to get married!"
"Yuck!" Venus retorted.
"Don't knock it until you try it, Princess," Auntie Mona reprimanded her daughter with a smile on her face.
"Okay, then why are you excited for the wedding, Venus?" Athena asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I actually get to see my work on display!" Venus answered with a grin. "I'm excited to see everyone's reactions to them. Your turn, Ryan."
"Do I have to?" Ryan asked with a raised brow.
"This is an excellent exercise in gratitude," Uncle Leo chimed in. "So, yes, you have to."
"I'm the most excited for the music," Ryan answered. "But I'm happy that Wilbur's marrying the girl of his dreams. Your turn, Lily."
"I'm with Ryan," I explained. "I'm excited to see Karena get married and to stand with her."
"Renet, you're the next youngest," Uncle Leo told her.
"I'm so excited to be the flower girl again!" Auntie Renet answered with bliss. "I don't care that I'm an adult. Mikey?"
"I get to make music today!" Uncle Mikey yelled excitedly. "Donnie?"
"Oh goodness," Dad said with a chuckle. "I'm going to have to go with Lily. Karena and Wilbur are getting married after five years of knowing each other. I'm excited to watch them grow as a married couple. Raph?"
"I'm just excited to dance with Mona Lisa," Uncle Raph answered, giving his wife a loving glance. "Leo?"
"I'm excited to marry Karena and Wilbur. We've worked together on creating the ceremony, and I'm excited that it'll finally come to life. Your turn, Karai."
"A marriage ceremony in a garden," Auntie Karai answered with a wondrous look. "I'm excited to perform the ceremony with you, Leo. April?"
"You know, when I got married, Donnie was at the altar and I was the bride walking down the aisle," Mom explained with bliss in her blue eyes. "Now I'm standing at the altar while my husband escorts the bride down the aisle. I can't wait to see that."
"Huh, I never thought of it like that," Dad replied with a gleam in his amber eyes. "I love you, April."
"I love you, Donnie."
My parents kissed.
"Save it for the wedding, guys!" Uncle Mikey yelled.
We all laughed.
"We're just missing Mona Lisa's answer," Uncle Leo said.
"I'm sharing Raphael's answer," Auntie Mona answered. "I just want a moment alone to dance with him."
By the time we finished sharing our excitement for the wedding, we had finished our pizza.
"So, are we ready to go to Todayland?" Leo asked.
"No!" I answered at the same time as Athena, Mom, Auntie Renet, and Auntie Karai.
"We're still in our pajamas," Mom explained.
"Okay, go change," Uncle Leo replied. "But we have to be in Todayland at seven-thirty central time!"
Todayland, North Montana, USA
RYAN'S POV
Me and my family took one portal to arrive back at the Robinson House.
"So where are we going, Lily?" Father asked my older cousin.
"The girls are going upstairs," Lily answered. "The guys will be in the train room."
"What about me?" Venus asked.
"I have thought about asking Art and Gaston if they need help," Uncle Mikey answered. "Would you like to come with me?"
"But don't forget that we do have your dress upstairs, Venus," Athena reminded her.
"Okay, Uncle Mikey," Venus replied. "I'll go with you."
"Mona and I should offer our assistance too," Uncle Raph chimed in. "Leo, Karai, you might as well tag along."
My parents walked with Uncle Mikey, Uncle Raph, Auntie Mona, and Venus towards the kitchen where Art and Gaston were preparing themselves to make the wedding dinner. I followed Uncle Donnie to a travel tube. I felt myself getting sucked up, and I landed in a huge blue room with a huge train in the middle of it.
"Ryan, Donnie, you made it!" Laszlo greeted us enthusiastically, shaking our hands.
"We're happy to be here!" Uncle Donnie replied, sharing the enthusiasm. "So, what's on the agenda for today?"
"We're just relaxing for now, Don," Wilbur chimed in. "It won't take us long to get ready."
"Great," I mumbled, rolling my eyes.
ATHENA'S POV
Us girls went up the stairs and down the hallway to Tallulah's room, which was transformed into the bridal suite. We found Tallulah, Karena, Franny, and Lindsey in the room already.
"We are here!" Aunt April announced.
The four women turned. Tallulah and Karena screamed at our arrival and hugged all of us.
"Can you believe it?" Tallulah asked excitedly. "The big day is finally here!"
"Franny, you look absolutely beautiful!" Aunt April complimented Wilbur's mother. "Trying something new with your hair?"
"I wanted to get my hair done and out of the way so I can help you girls out," Franny explained. "I haven't done a style like this since high school."
Franny did not sport a cowlick this time. Instead, she had bangs swept to her right side of her head. Her hair was also in a braided bun by her neck. For now, she wore a black, red, and grey dress. Tallulah wore her New York City-styled dress. Lindsey wore a pink dress. And Karena wore a purple dress with black polka-dots.
"Franny, Athena and I are both good with hair if you want to help the men out," Lily offered.
"Thank you, Lily, but it doesn't take long to do men's hair. Besides, Ryan is bald and Carl's a robot. And besides, you ladies need more help than the men do."
"Well, then how do you propose we do this?" Mom asked.
"Let's take care of your daughter first, Renet," Franny suggested. "Athena, once you're done, go see Tallulah regarding your makeup. She's quite the artist with it. And then, you'll put on your dress. Remember, girls, that the ceremony is at three o'clock. We have to be ready no later than two-thirty."
I walked out of the room to the bathroom where I put on my dress. I loved the way the halter-top neckline felt, and I love that I felt free to move my legs thanks to the slits on both sides of the skirt. I walked back into the bridal suite where all the women let out a delighted gasp.
"Amazing start," Karena said in awe. "You look incredible, Athena."
"Thanks! Now, Tallulah, right?"
"Yes, ma'am!" Tallulah answered. "Lily, it's your turn to change. Athena, let's do this thing!"
If we weren't getting dressed, we wore cozy pajamas and drinking a variety of flavored coffees. Karena already had her makeup finished, as she was bride and was going to take the longest to get her dress on. She wore a mix of green and purple eyeshadow, brown mascara, and pink lipstick. Tallulah had done the same style on me. As time passed on, she had applied close to the same thing on all the other girls except for Billie, who opted to be makeup-free.
After Tallulah finished my makeup and Lily returned from changing, Lindsey was sent out to change. Franny did my hair the way I showed her through a picture. I had decided to mirror my mother and had Franny do a braided crown all around my head. This crown, however, was more elegant, wrapped behind my ears and down to my neck instead of at the top of my head. I was now ready for the wedding, despite it being only nine o'clock in the morning.
I enjoyed my coffee as Franny did Lily's hair, Tallulah did Lindsey's makeup, and Aunt April was sent out to change. I watched Franny. Due to Lily's duel-identity, she told Franny to do an elegant bun over her right shoulder instead of the French braid she had planned.
The cycle continued until about ten-thirty when Franny finished Aunt April's hair. Karena and Tallulah were still in their pajamas as Tallulah finished her own makeup.
"Athena, I'm going to go change into my dress," Tallulah told me. "Could you call your Aunt Karai and ask her how she is doing? Franny and I can do her hair and makeup also."
"Sure!"
I gave my aunt a call on my T-Phone
"Hello?"
"Hi, Auntie Karai. How's the food coming?"
"Lunch is done. We're preparing the trays now. Who still needs to get their hair and makeup done?"
"You, for one," I answered with a grin. "Tallulah and Franny want to do your hair and makeup. And then we still have Mom's hair and makeup and then Billie's hair. And then we're done."
"How many are in your suite right now?"
"The six of us, Franny, Billie, and Mom. So nine."
"Okay. Could you call Uncle Donnie and see how the guys are doing? And then give me the number of lunches?"
"You got it."
"Whoever has not gotten dressed asides from Karena needs to do so now," Tallulah announced.
Billie left the room, and I was amazed at Tallulah's dress. She wore a lavender-colored dress with laced sleeves below her elbows. On the skirt were sparkly, embroidered flowers, and she wore the lavender heels to match. She wore a purple-flowered headband on her head.
"Tallulah, you look amazing!" Karena yelled excitedly as I dialed my uncle's number.
"Donatello."
"Hi, Uncle Donnie, it's Athena."
"Hi! How are things going?"
"Pretty good. We're oo-ing and aa-ing at Tallulah's dress. But I'm calling to see how you guys are doing and to ask how many people are in the suite with you."
"Well, the entire groom's side is present, and I'm also present with Cornelius. But Carl's a robot and doesn't need any of our food. So the count is seven."
"Got it. Is everyone ready yet?"
"Oh, goodness, we've been relaxing this entire time. Cornelius took the guys out for a bachelor breakfast. It won't take us THAT long to get ready.If anyone's going to take the longest, it's Wilbur."
"True. Thanks, Uncle Donnie."
"Anytime. I'll see you soon."
I hung up and texted Auntie Karai the numbers. After half an hour, Mom's hair was done. She had also changed into her dress along with Billie by the time Auntie Karai, Auntie Mona, and Venus came with our food: peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and a bag of chips. We had bottled water for our drinks. We ate and enjoyed each other's company, all sharing our excitement and nervousness about the wedding.
"Karena, once you're done, we just need you to put on your wedding dress," Tallulah told her.
"Am I missing the party?"
We all turned toward the door... to see Shinigami with her camera!
"Shini!" Lily, Venus, Auntie Karai, and I all yelled excitedly.
The four of us got up and hugged Shinigami.
"It's great to see you, Shini," Auntie Karai greeted her.
"Everything looks amazing!" Shinigami said with a big smile on her face.
Despite wearing dark makeup, she was wearing a purple mermaid dress to match the theme. She made me think of Jessica Rabbit the way her hair was styled and the dress she was wearing.
"I already took pictures of the decor at both Robinson Industries and the garden," Shinigami explained. "I see you're all ready."
"All except for me, Mona Lisa, and the bride," Auntie Karai corrected her.
"May I meet the bride?"
"I'll help you, Shini," Aunt April chimed in with a smile. "I'm the matron of honor. Tallulah's our maid of honor and Franny will be Karena's mother-in-law after the ceremony is over."
"I'm happy to meet all of you," Shinigami replied, walking towards Aunt April.
APRIL'S POV
After I introduced Shinigami to the bride, we finished our lunches. Shinigami took pictures of us eating. We finished eating at twelve-fifteen.
"Karena, shall we help you put your dress on?" I asked with a smile.
"Let's go!" Karena enthusiastically answered.
Tallulah and I worked together to carry Karena's dress to the bathroom and Shinigami and Franny followed us while we followed Karena. I smiled at how well Franny did her hair. It was a simple updo for Karena. Half her hair was held with a hair tie and the rest of her hair was down and in curls.
"May I go in with you, Karena?" I asked.
"Sure, April. I need to talk with you anyway."
Karena and I walked into the bathroom together. Before she even took off her pajamas, she turned towards me and gave me a hug. I hugged her back, feeling some tears falling onto my left shoulder.
"Karena, are you alright?" I asked with a frown on my face.
"Yeah, I'll be fine," she answered with a sniff. "It just hurts that my parents aren't here. My mom's dead, and I can't find my dad here in this world. And if I did, he'd be much older."
"Hey, I understand," I replied, this time with a smile on my face as I wiped away her tears. "I felt some sadness on my wedding day too. I lost my mom at a young age. And while my dad was present, I felt sad for Donnie too. Master Splinter was gone too, and he would have loved to be there. But what helped me and Donnie that day was knowing that our loved ones would always be with us in here."
I placed my hand over her chest where her heart would be, and Karena smiled.
"And you're not exactly parent-less, Karena. You asked Donnie to walk you down the aisle as a surrogate father, because he had been there for you the past four years. And it's also why you asked me to be your matron of honor. Though I see you more as a long-lost sister than your surrogate mother."
Karena and I shared a laugh.
"Are you feeling better?" I asked. "You never shared your feelings about marrying Wilbur."
"That's because I'm not nervous," Karena answered. "I'm ready to marry Wilbur, and I'm ready to walk down the aisle with your husband."
"I'm not sure if Donnie ever told you, but I want to personally thank you for asking him to do this. Some time ago, Donnie had trouble letting Lily do things on her own. And it's understandable. He blamed himself very often for her kidnapping and all he wanted ever since we found her was to keep her safe. He's done great when Lily started college, but I'm worried that when the time comes for Lily to get married, he'll go through the roof. I think him walking you down the aisle has helped him prepare to let our daughter go someday."
Karena smiled at me with fondness in her green eyes.
"Are you ready to get dressed?" I asked her.
"Let's do it!"
DONATELLO'S POV
After Leo and Raph joined us, we ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with a bag of chips. After we finished, we started getting ready for the wedding. Each man went into the guest room to change.
Ryan was first, emerging in an emerald green suit with a white handkerchief and a baby's breath boutonnière in his pocket. His shell was not noticeable at all, which very much impressed me.
"Donatello?"
I turned around... and see Shinigami standing by the door!
"Hey!" I greeted her, giving her a hug. "You came just in time. Ryan just got changed."
"You look very dashing, Ryan," Shinigami complimented my nephew.
"Thanks, Shini," Ryan replied with a smile.
"I just finished taking pictures of Karena getting changed into her dress," Shinigami explained. "She looks absolutely beautiful."
"So Karena's okay?" Wilbur suddenly asked, approaching the three of us.
"She had a moment with April because neither of her parents are here, but she's not nervous."
"I don't know how she does it," Wilbur replied. "She's remained cool and collective this entire time and I'm the one who's been a hot mess."
"Wilbur, son, let me remind you of what your mother told me many years ago," Cornelius chimed in, also wearing emerald clothing. "Your mom always told me she was always right, even when she was wrong. I have to believe Karena's the same way."
"And I'm going to give you some advice after being married for almost 25 years," I told the groom with my gap-toothed grin. "When your wife knows she did something wrong, she'll admit it. And you will too. Marriage is about teamwork and compromise."
"I cannot believe it has been 25 years since you've been married, Donatello," Cornelius replied to me.
"Well, not until December."
"Wait, you got married on Christmas Day, right?" Wilbur asked.
"That's right."
"It's your golden anniversary! You and April have got to do something special."
I bit my lip.
"With everything going on with planning the wedding and Lily going to college, it's slipped my mind."
"Let's focus on Wilbur marrying Karena today," Cornelius suggested as James and Randy emerged from the guest room.
"I call dibs next!" Wilbur yelled, running into the guest room.
Cornelius and I glanced at each other.
"I'm no psychic," I told my friend. "But I think Wilbur is more nervous than he's willing to admit."
"Wilbur's always hidden his nerves from us," Cornelius replied.
"Maybe you should go talk to him. He's your son, after all."
Cornelius gave me a firm nod.
"Carl, you're coming with me."
I watched Cornelius and Carl walking into the guest room to try to comfort Wilbur. I took the time to take out my T-Phone and send a text to Karena.
"How are you feeling, Karena?"
I pocketed my phone in my belt. I turned around. Shinigami was taking pictures of Ryan, James, and Randy finishing getting ready.
"Donnie, do you know why Wilbur just darted into the guest room?" Laszlo asked, scratching his red hair.
"Wilbur's nervous. Cornelius and Carl are in there talking to him right now."
"Leo and I have to get ready too," Raph chimed in. "I'm surprised Tallulah was able to make something for me."
"That makes two of us," Leo replied. "She did amazing making my kimono."
My phone buzzed. I took it out and read Karena's reply.
"I'm all dressed and ready, Donnie. I feel ready, thanks to April's talk with me."
I smiled.
"Is everything okay, Donnie?" Leo asked.
"Karena's doing better than Wilbur."
Suddenly, Cornelius and Carl walked out of the room with a fully-dressed Wilbur. Wilbur wore a white suit with a green handkerchief and white rose boutonnière. Unlike Laszlo, whose cowlick was combed down, Wilbur retained his.
"Donatello, Wilbur wants to speak to Karena," Cornelius told me. "But I don't know how that's going to work. They're not supposed to see each other until the ceremony."
I immediately had an idea. I took off my purple mask and handed it to Cornelius.
"Leo, hand him your mask."
Leo complied, taking off his blue mask.
"Blind Wilbur and Karena with these," I explained to Cornelius. "Karena can give my mask back to me and Wilbur's to Leo when they're done."
"Thank you, Donatello. I'm going to take Wilbur upstairs."
"I'll make sure everyone else gets ready and I'll join the girls when I'm ready."
Laszlo went into the guest room next to change. Once he was done, Raph and Leo walked in together to put on his suit and his kimono respectively. I was the last one to get ready, putting on my long amethyst cloak. The only thing I was missing was my purple mask that Karena was borrowing.
"Donatello, would you mind if I got some pictures of the groomsmen?" Shinigami suddenly asked me. "I've got enough pictures of the bridesmaids and of a blindfolded Karena and Wilbur."
"Be my guest! We're all ready."
I watched Shinigami take pictures of the five groomsmen. Wilbur eventually returned, giving Leo his mask back, and pictures were taken of Wilbur with his groomsmen. I followed Shinigami out of the guest room and back upstairs towards the bridal suite. She then took pictures of Karena and her bridesmaids.
Karena looked absolutely beautiful. She wore an A-line dress with long laced sleeves and butterflies embroidered on her long skirt. Her bodice was white with a sweetheart neckline. Half of her brown hair was up in a hair tie, and all of her hair was in curls. She was not wearing a veil.
I had not made my presence known yet as Franny clapped to get everyone's attention.
"We have one more activity to do before we have to take our positions. Lily, Tallulah, are you ready?"
Both women nodded as Franny turned around to grab the fanciest pair of white boots I had ever seen.
"Something old: a pair of Victorian boots," Franny announced, kneeling on the ground while Karena slipped her feet into them. "These were my mom's boots when she got married."
"Franny, they're absolutely beautiful!" Karena replied with a teary smile on her face.
Lily stepped forward, holding a veil made of lace.
"Something new," Lily announced, placing the veil on Karena's head. "I made this myself."
"Aw, Lily..."
"Something borrowed and something blue," Tallulah announced, slipping a sapphire necklace around Karena's neck. "My mom gave this to me before she died. I figured that by wearing this, it would also be a sign that your mom is here with you."
"Oh, Tallulah, it's beautiful!"
"Alright, everyone, it's two-thirty!" Franny announced. "Let's go downstairs!"
I glanced at Shinigami, who had taken pictures of this event. Then my eyes fell on my two girls. I smiled as Lily and April walked up to me.
"You look odd without your mask, Dad," Lily said with her gap-toothed grin.
I chuckled.
"Karena must still have it," I replied before letting out a sigh. "You girls look absolutely gorgeous."
"But we can't top Karena," April replied with a big smile. "She's a beautiful bride. Wilbur's gonna be in heaven today."
"You girls go on down. I think Karena needs me now."
I watched Lily and April follow the other women out of the room and down the stairs. Now it was only me, Shinigami, and Karena in the room. Karena glanced up with a big smile on her face. I walked towards her and hugged her, and she hugged me back.
"Oh!" Karena exclaimed, realizing she was still holding my mask. "Here. I'm sorry I had it for so long."
"It's alright, Karena," I replied.
"May I?"
I gave her a firm nod with my gap-toothed grin. She walked behind me and tied my purple mask behind my head. I felt so much better now that it was back on. I turned around.
"You look so amazing, Karena," I complimented her. "Do you feel ready?"
"Yes, I do. I've probably said this so many times, but thank you for being my father today, Donnie. It means a lot that you accepted my request."
"I'm very happy to walk the girl who changed our lives down the aisle. And you've helped me, too. It's not just good practice for when I walk Lily down the aisle someday, but also to help me learn to let her be when I need to."
"Do you have any advice for me, Donnie? As a husband?"
I pondered for a moment before giving her my answer.
"One of the first things April learned after we got married was patience. I was still trying to undo all of the mutations of Shredder's minions to go back to their human selves, and then Cornelius gave me all those tests to be a doctor. I was not able to spend much time with her, but at the end of the day, we both wanted to be in each other's company. We cuddled ourselves to sleep every night. Yes, marriage is about two people going through life together, but they still have their individual lives to live too. Be patient, Karena. Wilbur's going to be in college for a few more years. The best thing April did was her supporting me through all my trials, and it helped me a lot knowing I had her back. Just let Wilbur know every day that you are standing behind him in his trials."
"Thank you, Donnie, for everything."
We hugged one more time, and we smiled fondly at each other.
"Let me call Raph real quick," I spoke after a few moments. "I don't want the guests to see you yet."
"Go ahead."
I took my phone out and called my older brother.
"What's up, Donnie?" Raph asked.
"Hey, are all the guests here? I want to be sure Karena isn't seen as we're walking down the stairs, through the living room, and into the dining room."
"Take five more minutes. It's two-fifty now. After five minutes, you can walk Karena down."
"Thanks, Raph."
I hung up.
"Well, we got five minutes. Should I pray for you?"
"Let's pray together, Donnie."
"Let me set a four-minute timer."
I set the timer, and then I held Karena's small hands in my big ones. I started to pray out loud, with Karena chiming in every so often.
LILIANNA'S POV
Three o'clock quickly came. Michael W Smith's I Will Be Here For You started playing as Uncle Leo and Auntie Karai started the processional, walking around the bushes and out of sight. After some time, Bud and Lucille did their walk, and then Franny and Cornelius followed them shortly after. When the chorus began to play for the second time, Wilbur walked alone around the bushes.
When the chorus finished, the music transitioned into Savage Garden's Truly Madly Deeply. Uncle Raph and Auntie Mona opened the doors, and Athena and Ryan walked outside with their arms linked. When our cue came, James and I walked outside with our arms linked. We glanced at each other as we walked along the bushes. Once the audience was in view, we waited until Athena and Ryan were at the end of the aisle before we took our turn. We watched Athena and Ryan separate as we walked forward with smiles on our faces. Shinigami took our picture while Casey videotaped the entire ceremony with his drone.
James and I separated once we reached the altar. I stood next to Athena as I watched Lindsey and Randy do their walk. Lindsey stood next to me as Tallulah and Laszlo walked down the aisle, and then my mom was accompanied by Carl. When my mom and Carl parted ways, Billie walked down the aisles carrying the rings with Auntie Renet just yards behind her, dropping flower petals all around her with a big smile.
Once Billie and Renet took their seats, Pachelbel's Canon in D started to play. I took a glance at Venus, who was sitting with Billie and Renet. We exchanged smiles, and then Karena appeared with my dad. The guests stood up and turned around. I carried a big grin as I watched my dad walk Karena down the aisle, his head held high and wearing his purple cloak with pride. Karena could only smile at Wilbur. I glanced at the groom, and he was crying and smiling at the same time at the sight of his bride.
"I love that look," I whispered to my cousin.
"I know!" Athena replied in a whisper. "I just love weddings. It really brings out the best in a couple."
My eyes returned to my Dad and Karena, who were now approaching the end of the aisle. Wilbur walked down to greet them. Karena shared one more hug with my dad, and then my dad shook Wilbur's hand. Wilbur walked Karena to the altar, and my dad took a seat next to Auntie Renet. Everyone else sat down as well as the song ended.
"Dearly beloved," Uncle Leo started the ceremony with a proud smile on his face. "We are gathered today to unite this man and this woman in holy matrimony. This is not the beginning of a new relationship but an acknowledgement of the next chapter in their lives together. Wilbur and Karena have spent years getting to know each other, and now we bear witness to what their relationship has become. Today, they will affirm this bond formally and publicly."
"Wilbur and Karena will mark their transition as a couple not only by celebrating the love between themselves," Auntie Karai continued. "But by also celebrating the love between all of us - including the love of their parents, siblings, extended family, and best friends. Without that love, today would be far less joyous. Join us now, for a moment of silence, honoring those who are not here to celebrate Wilbur and Karena. Karena's parents, Evelyn who had died at an early age and Jonathan who could not be here today."
We bowed our heads and prayed that Evelyn and Jonathan would be with Karena in spirit.
"Wilbur and Karena, each soul and spirit, prior to its entering into this world, consists of male and female united into one being," Uncle Leo read "When it descends on this earth, the two parts separate and animate two different bodies. At the time of marriage, the Holy One, blessed he be, who knows all souls and spirits unites them again as they were before, and they again constitute one body and one soul, forming as it were the right and left of one individual."
"Do not deceive," Karai read from the Buddha's sermon. "Do not despise each other anywhere. Do not be angry nor bear secret resentments; for as a mother will risk her life and watches over her child, so boundless be your love to all, so tender, kind, and mild. Cherish good will right and left, early and late, and without hindrance, without stint, be free of hate and envy, while standing and walking and sitting down, whatever you have in mind, the rule of life that is always best is to be loving-kind."
Uncle Mikey took the microphone and handed it to Athena, and it was passed to each of us after each reading.
"Home is not where you are from," Athena read from a piece of paper. "It is where you belong. Some of us travel the whole world to find it. Others... find it in a person."
"The little things are the big things," Ryan read. "It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say, I love you, at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through all the years. It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is not expecting the husband to wear a halo or the wife to have wings of an angel. It is not looking for perfection in each other. It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding, and a sense of humor. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It is finding room for the things of the spirit. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful. It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal. It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner."
"If I speak in the tongues of me or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal," I read from 1st Corinthians. "If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
"My beloved speaks and says to me," James read from the Song of Songs. "Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time for singing has come, and the voice of the turtle dove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away."
"Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments," Lindsey read a Shakespeare passage. "Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds, or bends with the remover to remove. O no! It is an ever-fixed mark that looks on tempests and is never shaken. It is to the star to every wand'ring bark, whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken. Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks within his bending sickle's compass come; love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, but bears it out even to the edge of doom. If this be error and upon me prov'd, I never writ, nor no man ever lov'd."
"All demands nullify love," Randy read. "Love never decays. It is ever full, eternal, one, pure, undeniable, all-pervading. Unless one understands love in its unified grandeur, how could one love?"
"Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you," Tallulah read from the book of Ruth. "Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me."
"His hello was the end of her endings," Laszlo read from Sex and the City. "Her laugh was their first step down the aisle. His hand would be hers to hold forever. His forever was as simple as her smile. He said she was what was missing. She said she instantly knew. She was a question to be answered. And his answer was, I do."
"Remember tonight," Mom read from One Tree Hill. "For it is the beginning of always. A promise. Like a reward for persisting through life so long alone. A belief in each other and the possibility of love. A decision to ignore, simply rise above the pain of the past. A covenant, which at once binds two souls and yet severs prior ties. A celebration of the chance taken and the challenge that lies ahead. For two will always be stronger than one, like a team braced against the tempest civil world. And love will always be the guiding force in our lives. For tonight is a mere formality. Only an announcement to the world of feelings long held. Promises made long ago. In the sacred spaces of our heart."
"The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another," Carl read. "You know all those things we've promised and hoped and dreamed -- well, I meant it all, every word. Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment, you have been many things to one another -- acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, and even teacher, for you have learned much from one another in these last few years. Now you shall say a few words that will take you across a threshold of life, and things will not quite be the same between you. For after these vows, you shall say to the world, this... is my husband, this... is my wife."
Carl handed the microphone back to Uncle Mikey.
"Wilbur, Karena, you have chosen to write your vows," Uncle Leo announced. "And it is with these words you express your binding promises to love, honor, and cherish one another. When you are ready to make these promises to each other, I invite you to face each other and declare your intentions."
Wilbur and Karena turned to face each other, and Wilbur took our a piece of paper from his back pocket.
"My dearest Karena, usually people write their vows in a before-and-after format, but I thought of a different way to show you that I love you and that I promise to be with you forever. I had always known from the moment I met you that you were going to be a big part of my life, but I was unsure of how to tell you. It wasn't until you called me wise at the one time I thought I was a failure that I realized I wanted you as my partner in life. We have gone through so much in the last five years, Karena, and today, on the anniversary of starting our relationship, I am making a promise to both of us that I will always put you first. I promise that I will always love you. I promise that I will always stay by your side, to infinity and beyond. I promise that I will be understanding and compassionate. Lastly, I promise that I will take you on all my adventures, because that is what marriage is about: a lifelong adventure. I love you, Karena Michelle, forever."
Carl handed Wilbur a ring, which he then placed on Karena's finger. I heard Karena sniff a few times, looking into Wilbur's brown eyes before she started to speak.
"My darling Wilbur, I didn't write my vows because I wanted to tell you from the heart. Before I met you, I never imagined I would be here. I had plans of my own, but the truth is, those plans would not have led to my happiness. Wilbur, you showed me what it means to not only keep moving forward, but you also showed me what happiness and love are. Happiness is you, never giving up on yourself and inspiring me to do the same. Happiness is you, never giving up on me and encouraging me to show my passions and show who I am to the world. Love is you, helping me get up when I get knocked down. Love is you, allowing me to lean on your shoulders when the burden is heavy. Love is us, creating a future with each other together, for better or worse, in sickness and in health. Just like you said, love is an adventure not only on this earth, but also through space and time. I would give you my heart, but the truth is, you've had it for five years and forever from this day forward. So today, I am giving you my soul, just as you have given me yours. I am yours, until God calls me home."
Karena turned towards my mom. Karena gave her bouquet to my mom while my mom gave her Wilbur's wedding band. Right after Karena placed the ring on Wilbur's finger, Uncle Mikey started playing Celine Dion's How Does a Moment Last Forever. I stepped out of my position and walked right next to the DJ station. I picked up the microphone. I sang the entirety of the song sweetly. When I didn't sing, I glanced back at Karena and Wilbur, lighting the unity candle Uncle Leo and Auntie Karai set up for them. As I sang, my eyes fell on all of our guests. At some point, they landed on my dad, who looked at me proudly. When I finished, I smiled, gazing at the bride and groom, who were now gazing at each other with love in their eyes. When the music ended, everyone applauded. I put the microphone back on the DJ station and walked back to my position among the wedding party. Uncle Leo gave me a smile before turning back to the couple.
"Before these witnesses, you have pledged to be joined in marriage. You have know sealed this pledge with your written vows, your wedding rings, and your unity candle."
"By the authority vested in us by the great State of North Montana," Uncle Leo and Auntie Karai spoke at the same time. "We now pronounce you husband and wife!"
I could not tell what Karena's expression was, but I imagined that her grin was just as big as Wilbur's. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my dad getting up, walking to the DJ station to take the microphone. My dad closed his eyes, preparing to pray.
"Dear God, thank You for this joyous day," Dad prayed, and I closed my eyes and bowed my head. "Thank You for Your light that has entered Wilbur and Karena's life. Thank You for all the miracles and blessings. Please bless this union. Help Karena and Wilbur find the perfect place in this world for their love to flourish. Let the radiant light of their love shine on all those around them. May all their future creations be blessed. God, bless then with the inner gifts of trust, compassion, forgiveness, and truth that they may live and grow together in love and peace. Amen."
"Amen!" the guests echoed.
"Wilbur, you may kiss your bride," Auntie Karai told the groom.
Wilbur cupped his bride's chin, and he pulled her in for a sweet kiss. The guests cheered, as did all of us standing with them.
"It is our pleasure to present to you for the first time..." Uncle Leo and Auntie Karai paused for a moment. "Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Robinson!"
We all cheered again as Yiruma's It's Your Day played on the speakers. Karena and Wilbur walked back down the aisle with huge smiles on their faces, lifting their hands high in the air as they passed everybody. My mom and Carl were the next to walk down the aisle. Tallulah and Laszlo followed them, and then Lindsey and Randy. When Lindsey and Randy reached the aisle, James and I reunited and walked down the aisle together. We walked back around the bushes and inside the dining room to meet everyone else. I walked up to Karena and Wilbur.
"Congratulations, you two," I said with a big smile on my face.
"Thanks!" they replied at the same time.
"I can't believe this is the real thing," Karena said, gazing at her ring.
"May I look at it?" I asked.
Karena held out her hand. Her engagement ring had one amethyst heart and an emerald heart. Her wedding ring had two diamond hearts that perfectly fit on top of her engagement ring.
"Your rings are absolutely beautiful!" I complimented her.
"So now what's going to happen?" Athena asked behind me.
"The rest of the wedding pictures," Mom explained. "We just need the guests cleared out and on their way to Robinson Industries first. We're going to do family photos also."
We had to wait for some time. The rest of the Robinson and Hamato families eventually showed up in the dining room while the guests had walked around the house to the front yard. The last people to show up were Shinigami and Casey.
"Okay, everybody, we're going to go back to the garden!" Shinigami announced. "Casey's going to help me get everyone set up."
We all walked back outside to the altar at the garden.
"Wedding party, you're up first!" Casey announced. "Exact positions you were before!"
The six of us went back up to the altar in the same positions as before, but this time, we were touching each other. We smiled big as Shinigami snapped the photos.
"Now, let's have the bride with the groomsmen!" Casey announced again.
The other bridesmaids and I stepped off to the side, waiting for our opportunity to do a fun pose with Wilbur. Before we knew it, our chance came, and we posed all around Wilbur, who ended up laughing.
"Robinson family, you're up!" Casey yelled.
The entire Robinson family had their photo taken at the altar. One photo included Karena while another did not include her. The family took individual photos also. Bud and Lucille had theirs taken first, and then Franny and Cornelius were included as well as Wilbur and Karena. Then Franny and Cornelius took their photo with Wilbur and Karena. Karena had stepped out for the three of them to take a photo, and then Wilbur stepped out for just his parents to have a photo. Billie and Joe were the next couple to have their picture taken, and then Fritz had his picture taken with Tallulah and Laszlo, even including the puppet of his late wife Petunia. Art and Gaston had their picture taken before they immediately left for Robinson Industries.
"Turtles, you're up!" Casey yelled. "Are we including Karena with you guys?"
"Yes," Dad answered. "We're her family today."
Karena smiled fondly at that. Karena and Wilbur participated in the photo, and Wilbur stepped out. Four more pictures were taken: each Turtle with their families. Once we were finished, we did not hesitate to ride Billie's train into Todayland to head to Robinson Industries. The celebration of Wilbur and Karena's marriage was about to begin.