Our wedding day. Alex and I decided to get married at Meadowood in Napa Valley. As much as we loved the beach, we picked a place that had a special meaning to us, and Napa was one of those places. Besides, we both loved wine, and what better place to get married than surrounded by vineyards and wineries.
I stood in front of the full-length mirror and stared at my elegant white strapless, sweetheart neckline, delicate lace, and beaded mermaid-style dress. I couldn’t believe this day had finally come, and I was about to become Mrs. Alex Parker.
“You look so beautiful.” Jenna smiled with a tear in her eye.
“Thank you. I’m so nervous.”
“Don’t be. Just think of how nervous Alex is right now.”
“True. He’s probably more nervous than I am.” I lightly laughed.
“Wow. Wow. Wow. Look at you!” Adam exclaimed as he stepped inside the room. Tears began to fill his eyes.
“God, Adam, don’t get all weepy.”
“I have something for you.”
“What is it?” I smiled.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver bracelet with a small diamond heart dangling from it.
“This was Mom’s. Do you remember it?”
“Yes. She only wore it on special occasions.”
“I remember sitting in her room one night while she was getting ready to go out with Dad. It was their anniversary. She had asked me to help her put it on and told me that she would pass it on to you and Emily on your wedding days. After they died, I found it when I was cleaning out her jewelry box, and I saved it because I knew someday you’d want to wear it.”
A tear fell from my eye as he put it on my wrist. “It’s something old, and now it’s yours.” He wiped the tear from my eye. “I couldn’t be prouder to take Dad’s place and walk you down the aisle.” More tears started to fill my eyes. “Don’t cry. Please. If I hand you over to Alex with mascara under your eyes, he’ll kill me.”
I laughed and looked up at the ceiling to prevent the tears from falling. “Thank you, Adam.”
“You’re welcome, Emerson.” He held out his arm. “It’s time. Are you ready?”
I took in a deep breath. “Yes. I am more than ready.”
The set-up outside was stunning. White chairs for two hundred and fifty people were lined up on each side of the grass. At the end of the walkway stood two stands that housed beautiful tall floral arrangements in white flowers. Beyond the small stone wall that sat in front of us was the most beautiful view of the vineyards. The music began to play as Renee walked down the aisle and took her place as my bridesmaid. Jenna followed as my maid of honor next to Parker, who carried the rings around his neck. The bridal march began, and I held my breath for a moment.
“Let’s get you to your future husband.” Adam smiled as he gave my hand around his arm a gentle squeeze.
I couldn’t focus on anything but Alex as I walked with Adam down the aisle. The grin on his face told me everything. When we reached the end of the aisle, Adam took my hand and placed it in Alex’s, and then he took his place by his side.
“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered.
“So are you.” My lips formed a smile.
The minister spoke a few words, and Alex and I said our vows. After saying “I do” and placing the ring on each other’s fingers, we were pronounced husband and wife.
“You may kiss your beautiful bride, Alex.”
He smiled as he leaned over, and our lips locked tightly, sharing our very first kiss as husband and wife. Our guests clapped and whistled as the music played, and we walked up the aisle hand in hand. This was the most magical day of my life.
Alex
Seeing my wife in that dress was the most beautiful sight I’d ever seen. She was glowing from head to toe, making me the happiest man alive. After the ceremony, our guests entered the big white fabric tent lined with lights, elegantly decorated tables, and fresh flowers. Emerson and I headed over to the lake, where swans swam to take pictures.
“How does it feel to be Mrs. Alex Parker?” I asked.
“It feels amazing. Keep calling me that. It turns me on.” She winked.