The morning sun streamed through the stained glass windows of the chapel, casting colorful patterns on the polished floor. Guests filled the pews, their excited whispers creating a gentle hum that echoed in the air. Yet, in the quiet sanctuary behind the altar, Lukas stood frozen, his heart racing.
He adjusted his tie for the third time, the fabric feeling constricting around his neck. 'What if I'm not ready?' The thought gnawed at him, a creeping doubt that threatened to overshadow the joy of the day. He glanced at his best man, Max, who was busy checking his phone, oblivious to Lukas' internal turmoil.
"Max," Lukas said, his voice barely above a whisper. "What if I mess this up?"
Max looked up, his expression shifting from casual to serious. "You won't. You love her, and she loves you. That's all that matters."
"But what if—"
"Stop right there," Max interrupted, stepping closer. "You're not allowed to think like that today. Just focus on Stella. She's about to walk down that aisle, and you need to be ready to catch her."
Lukas took a deep breath, trying to shake off the anxiety. He could hear the soft strains of music beginning to play, signaling that the moment was near.
~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~
As the music swelled, I took a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest. My parents stood beside me, their hands gently guiding me forward. The chapel doors swung open, revealing the sea of faces, but all I could see was Lukas at the altar, his eyes locked onto mine.
He looked breathtaking in his tailored suit, but it was the way he smiled—pure, unguarded joy—that made my heart flutter. In that moment, all my doubts faded away.
With each step, the world around me blurred, and it felt as if time had slowed. The soft rustle of my gown, the gentle squeeze of my father's hand, and the warmth of my mother's encouraging smile were the only things grounding me.
As I approached Lukas, his expression shifted from nervousness to unwavering focus. It was as if he had been waiting for this moment his entire life, and now that I was here, everything else fell away.
I could see the love in his eyes, a depth that reassured me. This is it. This is where I belong.
When I finally reached him, the world around us faded into silence. It was just the two of us, standing on the precipice of forever.
~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~
As I stood before Lukas, the officiant began the ceremony, his voice steady and warm. The words washed over me, but my focus remained solely on the man in front of me. I could see the slight tremor in his hands as he held mine, a mirror of my own nervousness.
"Dearly beloved," the officiant began, "we are gathered here today to witness the union of Lukas and Stella in marriage. This is a sacred bond, a promise to love and support one another through all of life's challenges and joys."
I felt the weight of those words settle around us, a tangible reminder of the commitment we were about to make.
"Lukas," the officiant prompted, turning to him. "Please share your vows."
Lukas took a deep breath, his gaze unwavering as he looked into my eyes. "Stella," he began, his voice steady but laced with emotion, "from the moment we met, you've changed my life in ways I never thought possible. You've shown me what it means to love and be loved. I promise to stand by your side, to support you in your dreams, and to cherish you every day. I vow to be your partner, your confidant, and your greatest fan. I will love you fiercely, through every challenge and every triumph, for all the days of my life."
Tears welled in my eyes as I listened, my heart swelling with love.
"Now, Stella," the officiant said, turning to me. "Please share your vows."
I took a deep breath, steadying myself as I spoke. "Lukas," I began, my voice trembling with emotion, "you are my rock, my safe haven, and my greatest adventure. You've taught me to embrace life with open arms and to face challenges with courage. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in all your endeavors, and to stand by your side through every storm. I vow to laugh with you in times of joy and comfort you in times of sorrow. Together, we will build a life filled with love, laughter, and endless memories. I choose you today and every day for the rest of my life."
As I finished, I could see the glimmer of tears in Lukas's eyes, and it filled me with warmth.
The officiant smiled, his voice carrying a sense of finality. "Now, by the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. Lukas, you may kiss your bride."
Lukas stepped forward, his hands cradling my face as he leaned in. The kiss was soft at first, a gentle promise, but it quickly deepened, igniting a spark that sent a thrill through me. The world around us erupted in applause, but all I could feel was the warmth of his lips and the love radiating between us.