Summer Solstice

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Duchess Pendant

Stella & Dot

The wedding date was the first day of summer...the summer solstice.  Solstice came with intrigue and a magical sense.  The wedding and reception were to be magical and grand...a black tie affair.

She shopped in a couture bridal boutique - Bridal Boutique at Kiyonna.com! - for a luxury gown fit for royalty.  She was inspired by the duchesses of England.

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The ceremony was to be held in a centuries old church in the heart of a major metropolis.

She was to arrive by an upscale limousine generally reserved for A-list visiting celebrities...and detailed in newly polished shiny black with slick silver lining.  He was to arrive in an upscale vintage automobile...a style often used in Hollywood film.

Her father was to give her away and his attire was very regal and royally proper.

His mother was to walk with him to the alter and her dress was a beautiful sun kissed yellow.

The guest list was at full capacity and everyone was royally impressive in tuxedos and dresses.

The reception was to be held in the penthouse of the city's most prestigious and oldest hotel.  The atmosphere was meant to reflect the history of the hotel dating to the turn of the 20th century.  A truly grand affair.

They were last to arrive as they took a horse-led carriage slowly trotting down the luxury avenue to the hotel.  They went with notice and received occasional shouts of congratulations from crowds of pedestrians seeing them share a romantic newly marital kiss.

The ceremony was set to begin at exactly noon.  The reception was set to last well into the afternoon and evening.  The bride and groom were to stay the night as the penthouse  was also rented as a honeymoon suite.

As the sun set on this solstice wedding, she in this moment was a duchess and he in this moment was a duke.  

A grand day to a magical love story.

By Her Side Series 1 - Maid of Honor

"You are so beautiful, Maria.  I am truly honored to be your maid of honor.

"And Christopher is so lucky.  I cannot imagine two people more perfect for each other, more meant to be, more in love, and more prepared for the journey of marriage.  I am certain, then, how happy and content married life will be for you two."

"I do love Christopher so much.  He will always be my soulmate.  I am so happy for me!"

The two laughed at Maria's eager exclamation.

"In all seriousness, though, you are beautiful too, Cindy.  And I should be so honored to have you by my side this evening.  You are my best gal pal..."

The two lifelong best friends lightly laughed at their special nickname, tears beginning to form at the corners of their eyes.

"Oh gosh, Maria, there goes our makeup."

"Oh no!  Oh I don't care.  Happy tears can ruin our makeup.  But you...you are a stunning maid of honor.  The dress you chose is breathtaking.  Navy blue is a gorgeous color on you."

Navy blue satin A-line dress with sweetheart neckline and wide straps.  Long silver heart pendant necklace.  Navy blue suede low heels.  White carnation and green leaf mix bouquet.  Long jet black hair styled with clear crystal bobby pins on either side.

If not for being maid of honor at her best friend's lavish wedding, she would be a breathtaking bride in her gown.  She knew she would impress her boyfriend, Dustin, of so many years when the ceremony was set to begin.  (He in fact was going to propose at the end of the reception.)

Knock, knock

"Come in," Maria called out.

"It's time," said her wedding planner.

Cue the violin.

"Congratulations, Maria.  I love you, best gal pal."

Cindy walked arm in arm with the best man down the aisle.

Today was Maria's day, but her maid of honor was by her side.