“He’s a keeper for sure.”
Mags looked up at me and wiped the tiny tear away from her cheek. “Let’s not keep my man waiting. I have a very important walk to get to.”
Liz popped her head in. “It’s time ladies. See you out there.”
Right as Mags’ eyes locked on the arch and she saw everyone looking at her, tears flowed, which of course cued my waterworks.
“Let’s do this.” I handed her the bouquet of purple orchids and looped her arm around mine, gripping my flowers in the other hand.
Mags took a deep breath. “Here goes nothing.”
Our walk down the aisle felt like it took forever. Flash after flash went off, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the entire yard as Randy took Mags’ hand. He mouthed “Thank you” to me as I took my spot right next to my best friend.
Barb smiled at Mags and Randy. “Please be seated.” She waited a few seconds before continuing. “Today is a wonderful celebration, one of love, commitment, partnership, family, and two people who are in it for forever. All of us here today have our own love stories. Some short, others extensive. Some are yet to be written, while others are just getting to the good part, just like Margaret and Randall. There are chapters in all our stories that are sad or disappointing, and others that are thrilling and full of adventure.
“I have had the pleasure of getting to know this young couple a bit in preparation for this joyous occasion, and their love story is one that is beautiful. Starting in college, this couple has blossomed into a strong union that will withstand the test of time and the trials that life will throw at them, together. And that brings them here. A time to pause, look back, and smile at all the moments that brought them here. A time to look ahead at all the moments that are still to come. Without further ado, Randall and Margaret have written their own vows. Margaret, we’ll get started with you.”
Mags cleared her throat and looked into Randy’s eyes, clutching his hands in hers. “Today, encircled by all the people who love and support us, I, Margaret Ridgeway, choose you, Randall McManus, to be my life partner. I am so proud and excited to be your wife and to join our lives together. I vow to support you, push you, inspire you, and above all, love you, for better or worse, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer, as long as we both shall live.”
Randy’s voice shook. “All right, my turn.” He cleared his throat. “I do have to say, doesn’t my bride look stunning?” He twirled Mags around, smiling at her while everyone clapped. “Okay. Here it goes. I, Randall McManus, take you, Margaret Ridgeway, to be the wife of my days, the companion of my home, the partner of my life. We shall stand together and face whatever trouble or sorrow life may lay upon us, and we shall share together whatever good and joyful things life may bring us. With these words, and all the words I possess in my heart, I marry you and bind my life to yours.”
The rings were exchanged and the rest of the ceremony was short and sweet. It passed by in a blur as I continued to smile so much my cheeks hurt and cried to the point that I knew my eyes must have been bloodshot.
“With the power vested in me by the State of Florida, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Randy, you may kiss your beautiful bride.”
The crowd erupted into cheers and clapping as Barb yelled, “It is my great pleasure to introduce, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Randall McManus!”