Luke and Laura's Wedding

As the afternoon sun transitions to the evening sun. Guests slowly begin to arrive. Isolde and James chat quietly with Aric and Roxie. Cynthia has made it and immediately finds her son, who is standing under the arbor talking with his two buddies. And last Benjamin sits with Michelle. She is still nervous about seeing Penelope. Benjamin could care less, but he tries to be understanding for her sake.

*Cynthia* "Hi, Sweetie!!"

*Luke* "Hey, Mom..."

*Cynthia* "Nervous?"

*Luke* "Um....A little, I guess."

 Over by the  grouping of chairs and all alone are Michelle and Benjamin.

*Benjamin* "It's all right Darlin'...."

*Michelle* "But what if she does start something?"

*Benjamin* "I seriously doubt it, but if she does, it's not gonna change anything! You know I love you, I never felt that way about her."

*Michelle* "Yeah, I know...but still, it's just awkward."

Across the isle where Aric and Roxie sit. They chat with Isolde and James.

*Aric* "How's work treating ya?"

*James* "Okay....I'm thinking about transferring into an office job."

*Aric* "Hard to stay away, huh?"

*James smiles* "Yeah...."

*Isolde* "Oh, Aric! Stop grilling him....He up for a promotion."

A short while passes and more guests arrive, the justice of the peace scheduled to perform the ceremony also shows up. She walks over and keeps Luke company. Everyone else that was with him has scattered, because it is almost time to start.

*Mrs. Jackson* "We ready to get this wedding started?"
*Luke* "Almost. I think we are just waiting for a few more..."

Michelle is sitting and chatting with her cousin Amari and a friend. (My daughter insisted that one of her dolls attend the wedding and I only had room for one more, so she chose Barbie who she calls Brooklyn as the last and final guest.)

*Amari* "That is messed up but she'd be a fool to try anything..."
*Michelle* "Yeah, she would be, but I wouldn't put it past her, she was always the daring one of the bunch."
*Amari* "Well let's hope she's on her best behavior....."

*Michelle* "I guess we'll find out....Cuz she's here!"

*Penelope* "Hi! You look beautiful Michelle..."
*Michelle* "Hey! Thank you..How have you been?"

*Penelope* "Good...Really good."
While Michelle greets Penelope, Amari and Brooklyn 
sits quietly and talk.
 *Brooklyn twirling her hair* "He's so dreamy, Laura is a lucky doll.
I wish I had a Ken that looked like that!....."

 *Amari* "Brook, you don't need no Ken to make you happy, just a closet full of the hottest, trendiest clothes."
 *Brooklyn* "Yeah, a fully stocked closet does make me happy."

Benjamin meanwhile is talking with Aric when he sees Michelle and Penelope talking. Everyone else is seated and it's now time to begin.

*Benjamin* "I better go git her. It's time to start."

*Aric* "Yes go on, let's git this show on the road...."

Benjamin darts over to get Michelle, can't keep the bride from her man anymore....

*Benjamin* "You ready Darlin' it's time....."
*Michelle* "Yes....I guess we'll talk more later."
*Penelope* "Yes, of course."

*Benjamin nods* "Penelope."
*Penelope smiles* "Hi Benjamin..."
Then he turns, his arm around Michelle taking her with him.
The first to walk the isle are Cynthia and Peter.

 *Peter* "You ready?"
*Cynthia smiles* "I sure am...lead the way."

Peter escorts Cynthia to her seat then takes his place next to Luke.
Up next is Krystal, along with Baby Phoenix.

Krystal poses for a quick pic of her and her grandson then she heads off down the isle to her seat.

Up next in the wedding party is Michelle escorted by Benjamin.
*Benjamin* "You ready, Beautiful?"

Michelle smiles and nods at him, then Benjamin starts off down the isle.
Luke smiles when he sees them. He knows Laura will be next.
The anticipation is starting to get to him.....

And finally is Laura and her Father. Scott stops and looks down at her. She is aglow with happiness and seeing his little girl happy brings a tear to his eye.

*Scott* "You ready, Sweetheart?"
*Laura* "More than ever, Daddy..."

As Scott turns and takes is daughter down the isle Luke and Laura lock eyes with each other and smile. It's been nearly 24 hours since they have seen each other. Laura insisted he stay at Peter's the night before. She wanted the whole day to get ready.

Mrs. Jackson speaks loudly and clearly so that everyone can hear...

*Mrs. Jackson* "We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, The Joining of 2 hearts and to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes to the words which shall unite this couple in marriage.

Should there be anyone who has cause why this couple should not be united in marriage?...."

*Mrs. Jackson continues* "Who Gives this Woman today to be married?"

*Scott* "I do..."
Scott gives Laura over to Luke and takes a seat next to his wife. Laura takes Luke's outstretched hand, guiding her to stand and face him. Michelle takes Laura's bouquet of flowers, so they can begin.

Mrs. Jackson continues with the ceremony....

  *Mrs. Jackson* "Today we have come together to witness the joining of these two lives. For them, out of the routine of ordinary life, the extraordinary has happened. They met each other, fell in love and are finalizing it with their wedding...."
*Luke whispers to Laura* "You look beautiful..."

Both of them holding hands tightly, they seem to have tunnel vision only seeing each other and listening to the words flowing from Mrs. Jackson.
*Mrs. Jackson still speaking* "A good marriage must be created. It is never being too old to hold hands. It’s remembering to say I love you every day and it is not just marrying the right person its being the right partner."

 *Laura smiles and whispers back* "And your as handsome as always..."
 Mrs. Jackson continues on the vows.
*Mrs Jackson* "Luke repeat after me..."

*Luke repeats* "I, Luke Allen Cooper take you, Laura Ophelia Lavigne, to be my wife.
 My partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever."

*Mrs Jackson continues with the vows* "Laura repeat after me..."
*Laura repeats* "I, Laura Ophelia Lavigne take you, Luke Allen Cooper, to be my husband.
 My partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever."
 Everyone sits quietly and watches while Phoenix lets out a small sound.

  Krystal consoles him, knowing he will want his mother soon.
*Mrs. Jackson moves on to the 'I do's'...*

  "Luke, do you take Laura to be your wife?"
*Luke* "I do."

*Mrs Jackson* "Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only unto her?"

*Luke* "I do"

Mrs. Jackson turns to Laura....

 *Mrs. Jackson* "Laura, do you take Luke to be your husband?"

*Laura* "I do."

*Mrs Jackson* "Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only unto him?"

*Laura* "I do"
 As she speaks Peter hands her the rings for the next and final part of the ceremony.

*Mrs. Jackson* "Wedding rings are an unbroken circle of love, signifying to all, the union of this couple in marriage."
 Luke repeats after her... 

*Luke* "Laura, This ring is my sacred gift, with my promise that I will always love you, cherish you and honor you all the days of my life..."

*Luke continues as he place the ring on her finger* "And with this ring, I thee wed."

Laura takes his ring and repeats....

*Laura* "Luke, This ring is my sacred gift, with my promise that I will always love you, cherish you and honor you all the days of my life...."

 *Laura* "And with this ring, I thee wed."
 They both smile at each other, waiting for Mrs. Jackson to give the very last and final, most anticipated part of the ceremony.

*Mrs. Jackson smiles brightly* "By the power vested in me, by the state of Louisiana...
 I now pronounce you .....

Mr. and Mrs. Luke Allen Cooper!"

*Mrs. Jackson* "Luke....You may kiss your bride."

Luke pulls her in studying her face for a second 
taking in the moment... 

then kisses her very softly....
 leaving her hanging for much more.

 Krystal sits with tears of joy streaming down her face.
*Scott* "You did it Darling, pulled off a beautiful wedding for our little girl..."
 He pulls her in tight, in a reassuring gesture.

Cynthia is the opposite she claps and cheers loudly. 
 *Cynthia* "Whoo! hoo!"

She is happy beyond words for her son and Laura.

After that little tease of a kiss, Luke pulls her in tighter wrapping his arms around her, for a much bolder, deeper kiss.

 Cheers and applause rise as they kiss.

They both pull away and turn to face the family and friends who have just witnessed their union.

*Mrs. Jackson* "I present to you our happy couple!"

 *Luke* "I love you....Babe."
*Laura smiles at him* "And I love you..."
Cheers and applause begin to rise again as they relish in the moment 
and each other. While everyone is clapping, it seems Penelope takes the opportunity to steal a nice long look at Benjamin.

 I wonder what she is thinking? 
That she regrets what happened between the two of them or the fact that she overheard a very important little tidbit about his relationship with Michelle. Or maybe she just likes to look....



The night's not over yet folks! 
Join them next week for the reception!
^_^