The wedding of Daniel and Sarah
It is a perfect summer day on Shell Beach. Not a cloud appears in the brilliantly blue sky, and a pleasant sea breeze keeps the sun-kissed ground comfortable.
A white tent festooned with small paper lanterns provides shade for the wedding guests, although there is no chance of rain. On a raised dais, the groom's party waits -- Markus, looking distinguished, and Thorn, looking like he'd rather be anywhere else than in front of the audience. The groom himself cannot contain his nervousness, but it is a good kind of nervousness, the kind that keeps him anxious for his bride. His best man, John, seems more amused than anything, and says something quietly to Schreber to ease his nerves.
Guests are seated, and then the music begins -- a classical tune that plays softly through unobtrusive speakers. The bridesmaids are first -- Anna and Melinda. John steps forward to graciously escort both women in turn onto the dais. Then the flowergirl -- April -- practically glides down the aisle, taking her job quite seriously as she litters the ground with flower petals. Following at her heels is an unusual ring bearer, Sarah's pokemon Belle. The bellsprout is wearing a bow tie and carrying a small pillow with the rings, and periodically stops and waves at the guests.
Harley, Sarah's maid of honor, is next down the aisle, beaming proudly after her daughter. Then the music changes. A traditional bridal march plays, and Sarah steps onto the aisle, escorted by her brother Tom. Her hair is swept up and her ivory dress is classical elegance, lightly contrasted by her bouquet of sunflowers that suggest a more down-to-earth charm. The guests turn to watch her walk down the aisle, but she only has eyes for Daniel.
Tom steps off to the side and Harley takes Sarah's bouquet, which leaves her hands free for Daniel's. The music stops, and the officiant, a nondescript fellow who seems unfazed by the strange crowd, speaks. His pleasant speech is not of any particular denomination, but rather a story of love and how joyous it is.
He asks the bride and groom to exchange vows, and then rings. He proclaims that Daniel Schreber and Sarah Branigan are now husband and wife, and that the groom may certainly now kiss the bride. Which he does.
Ceremony over, guests are directed to the reception which is just a little further down the beach. Tables and chairs are set up so that guests can mingle. There are drinks, an assortment of fancy picnic foods to eat, and a three-tiered wedding cake decorated with sunflowers made of sugar. There is more music, all kinds, and guests are encouraged to eat, drink, dance, and be merry.
A white tent festooned with small paper lanterns provides shade for the wedding guests, although there is no chance of rain. On a raised dais, the groom's party waits -- Markus, looking distinguished, and Thorn, looking like he'd rather be anywhere else than in front of the audience. The groom himself cannot contain his nervousness, but it is a good kind of nervousness, the kind that keeps him anxious for his bride. His best man, John, seems more amused than anything, and says something quietly to Schreber to ease his nerves.
Guests are seated, and then the music begins -- a classical tune that plays softly through unobtrusive speakers. The bridesmaids are first -- Anna and Melinda. John steps forward to graciously escort both women in turn onto the dais. Then the flowergirl -- April -- practically glides down the aisle, taking her job quite seriously as she litters the ground with flower petals. Following at her heels is an unusual ring bearer, Sarah's pokemon Belle. The bellsprout is wearing a bow tie and carrying a small pillow with the rings, and periodically stops and waves at the guests.
Harley, Sarah's maid of honor, is next down the aisle, beaming proudly after her daughter. Then the music changes. A traditional bridal march plays, and Sarah steps onto the aisle, escorted by her brother Tom. Her hair is swept up and her ivory dress is classical elegance, lightly contrasted by her bouquet of sunflowers that suggest a more down-to-earth charm. The guests turn to watch her walk down the aisle, but she only has eyes for Daniel.
Tom steps off to the side and Harley takes Sarah's bouquet, which leaves her hands free for Daniel's. The music stops, and the officiant, a nondescript fellow who seems unfazed by the strange crowd, speaks. His pleasant speech is not of any particular denomination, but rather a story of love and how joyous it is.
He asks the bride and groom to exchange vows, and then rings. He proclaims that Daniel Schreber and Sarah Branigan are now husband and wife, and that the groom may certainly now kiss the bride. Which he does.
Ceremony over, guests are directed to the reception which is just a little further down the beach. Tables and chairs are set up so that guests can mingle. There are drinks, an assortment of fancy picnic foods to eat, and a three-tiered wedding cake decorated with sunflowers made of sugar. There is more music, all kinds, and guests are encouraged to eat, drink, dance, and be merry.