It was hot and sticky, and I just knew that my makeup was melting. My heart started beating faster as my mind rushed through a checklist of music, notes, rings, steps, and my breathing started to rush and I felt lightheaded. “Tash, do you have your notes? Do you have the ring? Are the speakers set up?” She turned around, smiled knowingly and put her hands on my shoulders. “Everything is beautiful. You are beautiful. I love you.” She turned around and walked up the aisle to join the rest of the wedding party and my fiance, leaving me standing in the foyer with my parents. Her words sunk in, as did the reality of what was about to happen. The details no longer mattered. I was about to marry the love of my life.
As the first soft notes of my song began to play – Liz on Top of the World”, my parents started to lead me forward through the foyer but I held them back. “Not yet. Almost.” The song swung to a crescendo as we crossed the threshold, the music that had always made my heart soar. And I looked up. Looked up to see the smiling grey eyes of my soon to be husband blinking back tears. I couldn’t look at him, I would cry. I turned my eyes to meet my little sister, and was shocked to see tears pouring down her face. She never cries. I felt the tears starting to spring up and I turned my head away.
I left my parents halfway up the aisle and continued forward alone. Our wedding had begun.
Natasha stepped forward and welcomed the small crowd gathered in the chapel, then my soon to be sisters in law took their turns speaking. She lifted her violin to her chin and played a song I’d heard her practice a thousand times during the time we lived together, a song that already had so many happy memories and now is wrapped up in even more beautiful moments.
Finally, it was time. My love took a deep breath and began.
“In the last eight years I have learned to love you for who you have been, who you are, and for the many possibilities that lie before us. Thank you for coming so far with me and for always seeing in me the person that I strive to be, even when I have stumbled along the way. Thank you for being my sanctuary, my comfort and my light when life is dark. I promise you that though the world may change and we may change with it, I will always love you, always treasure you, and will always share my life and all that I am with you.
I love you because you remind me to always be the person that I want to be. I love you because your soul and spirit are as beautiful as you are. I love you because loving you gives me the feeling that the best is still ahead.
Because I love you, I promise to stand by you through laughter and hardship. Because I love you, I can’t wait to go where God leads us together. Te dua dhe per kete arsye une betoj para perendi te mbroj, dashurpj, dhe mbaje per jet.
Wherever our path leads us, it leads us together. I am proud, from this day forward, to be called your husband.”
The Albanian words brought an extra touch of emotion to his voice. This would always be his language, the one that he used in moments where English words would not suffice. He squeezed my hand and looked into my eyes, willing me to stay steady. Now it was my turn.
“Today I join my life with yours to share with you in all that is to come, not just to grow old together, but to grow together, as we have over these last eight years. I look forward to getting to know the man you already are and the man you are becoming, and falling in love with you a little more every day. I promise that although our path may take us into darkness and into the unknown, our path will always be one.
I love you because your undying faith and trust in me keeps me striving to be the person that you see in me. I love you because your heart and soul are always ready to stand by me, support, protect, and love me. I love you because loving you makes me look forward to the rest of my life with a beautiful excitement and joy.
Because I love you, I promise to stand by you and support you in any place, in anything, at any time. Because I love you, I am ready to go out into the world and spend the rest of my life working for God together with you. Because I love you, my world is forever changed.
Wherever our path leads us, it leads us together. I am proud, from this day forward, to be called your wife.”
His little sister and “best woman” stepped forward and slipped the ring into his hand. “I give you this ring as an outward symbol of the love and devotion I have for you as I join my life to yours. It is a visible and constant token of the promise we have made today. With this ring, I make you my wife.”
I turned and met Natasha’s smiling eyes again as she handed me the ring and I turned back to my soon-to-be husband. “I give you this ring as a symbol of the love and promises I have made to you today. Because this ring has no end or beginning, it signifies the continuation of true love. It will be an outward symbol of the inner commitment we have made today. With this ring, I make you my husband.”
My little sister straightened and turned to look at me for assurance. I smile and nod. “Yes, it’s your turn.” She wiped the last tear from her eye and steadied her voice. “This is a moment of celebration. Let it also be a moment of dedication. The world does a good job of reminding us of how fragile we are. Individuals are fragile; relationships are fragile, too. Every marriage needs the love, nurture, and support of a network of friends and family.
She turned to face us. “May the love you have found grow in meaning and strength until its beauty is shown in a common devotion to all that is, and the light in your hearts be visible to everyone around you. May the flow of your love help brighten the lives of many, and may the Source of all love touch and bless you as you begin your lives together.”
It was almost over. My other best friend, the one who had looked at me with raised eyebrows when I asked him to be my “bridesman” but then agreed and happily accompanied me dress shopping. The one who was even more surprised when I asked him to officiate our wedding. The one who was always there for me and agreed to every crazy request I threw at him. It was Luis’ turn.
“Do you…?” We did. “Then by the power vested in me by the state of Florida, and because of the vows and promises you have made to each other this day, I am now happy to declare you husband and wife. You may kiss.”
And it was done. Sealed with a kiss. Together for all eternity.
The memories of our wedding will always remind me of my husband’s soft grey eyes gazing into my soul as he read his vows to love me forever.
I will also never forget the other important people so dear to my heart that made my day beautiful. My maid of honor’s calm reassurance, my little sister’s sweet tears, and my “bridesman’s” constant spirit of supportiveness and willingness to help wherever needed. They are also irreplaceable elements of the beautiful memories of our special day. And for that, I am forever grateful. I love all of you guys.
I will also never forget the other important people so dear to my heart that made my day beautiful. My maid of honor’s calm reassurance, my little sister’s sweet tears, and my “bridesman’s” constant spirit of supportiveness and willingness to help wherever needed. They are also irreplaceable elements of the beautiful memories of our special day. And for that, I am forever grateful. I love all of you guys.
