I looked toward the doors as the music played. As they opened, she emerged into the aisle. It was the first time I had seen her in the wedding dress. She redefined beauty, just as Oscar had said.

As they walked the aisle, my breathing became labored. I knew if I were required to speak now, I’d be incapable. Overcome with emotion and joy, I simply wanted to watch my soon to be bride walk down the aisle.

I looked into the front row. My mother sat and softly cried. She hadn’t attended my first wedding, and I was grateful. Seeing her joy now was worth a lifetime of waiting. She raised her handkerchief to her mouth as they stopped at the bottom of the aisle, not further than fifteen feet from where I stood. 

“On this day, the 6^th of June, before our Lord Christ, who gives this woman to be married to this man?” the preacher asked.

“I do, sir. Oscar Brown, sir,” Oscar exclaimed with authority.

Oscar wore a black tuxedo with a tailed jacket. The tail from the jacket almost reached the floor. He looked magnificent. Although he had initially requested he be able to wear his Marine uniform, he decided against it when he learned I wanted no ties to the military in my wedding. The military was part of my past, and would remain so. Our lives were both beginning from scratch so to speak.

Karter had chosen the date of the wedding, June 6^th. I had something very precious taken from me on this date as a child. This had been a day I had spent a lifetime associating with loss. It would now forever remain a day to celebrate love and the union of two people deeply in love. My mother, as I, could not have been happier. Secretly, she wanted Karter to allow her to pick the day, and reserved this day in her mind as hopeful.

The fact Karter chose it on her own caused my mother and I both to believe there was involvement from no other than God above.

As the preacher spoke, I looked at Karter adoringly.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the house of the Lord, and in the face of this company, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace,” he paused and exchanged glances between us.

“Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy, and for the help and comfort given on another in prosperity and adversity. But more importantly, it is a means through which a stable and loving environment may be attained. Through marriage, Jak Kennedy and Karter Wilson make a commitment together to face their disappointments – embrace their dreams – realize their hopes – and accept each other’s failures. Jak and Karter will promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout their lives together – through mutual understanding, openness, and sensitivity to each other.”

“We are here today before God; because marriage is one of his most sacred wishes. We gather to witness the joining in marriage of Jak and Karter. This occasion marks the celebration of love and commitment with which this man and this woman begin their life together. And now, through me, he joins you together in one of the holiest bonds.”

He smiled and lifted his bible to his chest. This was the part we both decided we liked the most.

“This is a beginning and a continuation of Jak and Karter’s growth as individuals. With mutual care, respect, responsibility and knowledge comes the affirmation of each one’s own life happiness, growth and freedom. With respect for individual boundaries comes the freedom to love unconditionally. This relationship stands for love, loyalty, honesty and trust, but most of all for their friendship. These two fortunate souls have never known friendship; only the deepest of love, from the first day they met and her feet were lifted from the floor,” he grinned and nodded his head.

I smiled at Karter. God, I loved her. Only a few more minutes, and I could call her my wife.

“Do you, Jak, Take Karter to be your constant friend, faithful partner, and love from this day forward? In the presence of God, your family and friends, I ask you to provide your solemn vow to be her faithful riding partner and loyal friend in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. What say you, Jak?”

“I do,” I said proudly.

“Do you, Karter, Take Jak to be your constant friend, faithful partner, and love from this day forward? In the presence of God, your family and friends, I ask you to provide your solemn vow to be his faithful riding partner and loyal friend in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. What say you, Karter?”

“I do,” she responded.

He nodded his head. Oscar and my mother carried the rings to the preacher.

We placed our rings on each other’s fingers.

“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. After you lift Karter from the floor and her legs dangle, you may kiss the bride,” he grinned.

For the first time, I lifted her into my arms and kissed Karter as my beautiful wife.

And her legs dangled six inches from the floor.