Saturday came with the kind of sky that painters dream of—clear, soft blue with streaks of ivory clouds brushing past.
The church stood tall and elegant, the white stone façade glimmering as if freshly polished for the occasion. Bells chimed faintly, calling guests to gather, while the faint scent of roses and lilies spilled from the arrangements that lined the pathway leading to the church doors.
Inside, the air hummed with quiet excitement. The wooden pews had been draped with delicate white ribbons, and in between each row, small bouquets of white roses tied with satin bows leaned slightly toward the aisle. At the front, the altar gleamed under soft golden light. Candles flickered gently, framing the large wooden crucifix above the priest's stand.
As they walked to find a perfect seat to get a full attention ,people turned to stare at them admiring the flow of their dress while they tried hard not laugh out and make a scene .
The two found their seats halfway down the aisle. Jane leaned closer, whispering, " I can't stop admiring this setup. Pure Pinterest board."
Raye smirked, brushing a loose strand from her shoulder. "Pinterest board? Feels more like a bridal magazine threw up in here."
Jane snorted softly, earning a quick glance from the woman seated in front of them again . She mouthed a silent sorry before turning back to Raye. "Shh, don't get me started or I'll laugh through the whole thing."
The music shifted—soft piano keys paired with violins. The chatter in the church fell into silence as everyone rose.
At the doors, the bride appeared. She was stunning in a white lace gown that hugged her form before flowing out into a grand train, her veil trailing behind her like a stream of mist. Her bouquet was a mix of red and white roses, tied with a silk ribbon that brushed her wrist. Her father held her arm, his face a mixture of pride and emotion as he guided her down the aisle.
Gasps and murmurs rose softly around the church.
"Wow," Jane whispered, her eyes glimmering. "She looks like she walked straight out of a movie."
Raye couldn't even deny it. "I don't even like weddings that much, but… okay, I get the hype."
The groom Luis ,stood at the altar, eyes shining as he watched his bride come closer. His black tuxedo fit perfectly, but it wasn't the outfit that caught attention—it was the way his entire face softened, lit with that kind of love people only dream about.
When the bride reached him, her father lifted her veil slowly before pressing a kiss to her forehead. He then placed her hand into the groom's, and with a shaky smile, stepped back.
The priest, a tall man with kind eyes and a calm presence, raised his hands.
"Dearly beloved," he began, his voice resonating through the vaulted ceiling, "we are gathered here today in the sight of God to witness and bless the union of this man and this woman in holy matrimony."
Raye and Jane both sat straighter, as if they had been called to attention.
The priest continued, speaking about love not as fleeting passion but as a bond built on patience, trust, and sacrifice. He spoke of unity, the way two souls intertwine to become one, stronger together than apart.
Raye found herself strangely moved. She nudged Jane. "Don't cry."
Jane sniffed dramatically. "Too late."
Then came the vows. Luis took the bride's hands gently, his voice slightly trembling at first but steadying as he spoke.
"I promise to stand by your side in the brightest of days and in the darkest of nights. To cherish you, to honor you, and to love you endlessly. Today, I give you not just my name, but my heart, my soul, and my every tomorrow."
The bride's eyes welled with tears, her voice soft but clear.
"I promise to love you as fiercely on the hard days as I do on the easy ones. To share in your laughter, to wipe away your tears, and to hold your hand through every season of life. With you, I have found home, and today, I give myself to you fully and forever."
Raye blinked hard, pretending she wasn't touched. But when Jane sniffed again beside her, she whispered, "If you start bawling, I'm leaving you here."
Jane shoved her shoulder playfully, wiping her eyes quickly.
" He didn't say money though , but am just in tears ".
Raye choked on a laugh as she cleared her throat receiving some glances ,she turned to glare at Jane who was smiling softly .
The priest then blessed the rings. "May these rings be a symbol of unending love and fidelity. As they are without end, so shall your love be."
The groom slipped the ring onto his bride's finger, his hands shaking ever so slightly. "With this ring, I thee wed."
The bride did the same, her smile radiant through her tears. "With this ring, I thee wed."
The priest raised his hands once more. "By the power vested in me by God and this congregation, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
The groom pulled her in, their kiss soft but full of emotion. The church erupted into applause, cheers filling the air as the couple beamed.
Jane clapped enthusiastically, whispering to Raye, "And that, my friend, is how it's done."
Raye rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "Yeah, yeah. Good for them."
The couple turned, hand in hand, walking back down the aisle as husband and wife while the music swelled joyfully. Rose petals were tossed gently from the pews, fluttering down around them like confetti.
Raye and Jane stepped outside with the rest of the guests, the warm afternoon sun spilling over the church courtyard. The bells tolled again, ringing out in celebration as the newlyweds prepared to greet their loved ones.
Jane let out a content sigh. "You know… if I ever get married, it better look at least half this pretty."
Raye smirked. "Half? Knowing you, you'll probably go for triple."
Jane laughed, looping her arm with Raye's as they made their way toward the reception. "And you'll be right there, making sarcastic comments the whole way through."
"Obviously," Raye said, flicking her bangs from her eyes. "What else am I here for?"
Together, they disappeared into the sea of guests, laughter spilling between them as the celebration carried on.