Winter Wonderland

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Michael and Nina met in the month of January two years ago.  Their first date led to a second shortly after and every following date snowballed into a committed relationship.  In their first year as boyfriend and girlfriend, they took their time on an emotional and intellectual level to really know one another.  In December of the their first year together, they knew they were meant to be and were very much in love.  Michael, then, took this cue to propose to Nina.  She ecstatically said yes.

In their second year together, now engaged, there was so much to plan and agree upon.  Michael once proposed in a long ago previous relationship that was turned down before she could see the ring.  Therefore, he opted for a simple wedding.  She, on the other hand, wanted a formal wedding...but not necessarily black tie.  They both wanted a church wedding.  Details after that went back and forth.  Now, though, there were two considerations - one they both needed to agree on and one only she needed to decide.

The date was not yet set, but the month was - January.

The dress.  She could not decide because there were so many options she explored in every bridal salon she went to.  There was one, though, that caught her attention after her exhaustive search -

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In this moment, she was more in love with the gown than with Michael.  This was it.  This was the one.  Pure perfection.  She could now see herself as a bride and the month of January was around the corner...as was their decided date.

The day before the wedding presented a slight problem...

A blizzard.

All of the guests called in to say they were unable to attend with the same reason - they were snowed in.  The minister, however, was still available.  

"Gosh, Michael.  Such a winter wonderland outside.  But there is just no way we can get to the church.  I mean, we'll need to be in our wedding attire before we get there.  What do you think?"

The day of...

The power of the blizzard slowed to a standstill.  The sky was richly overcast.  The pavement was deeply covered in beautifully fresh white snow.

"Let's do it."

She smiled and said,

"Okay."

He was so handsome in his couture suit and tie.  He chose not to wear a winter coat.

She was breathtaking in her perfect wedding gown.  She chose not to wear a winter coat.

They and the minister were able to reach the church but stood just outside as the steps leading to the inside were too covered to walk through.

They held hand in hand and kissed sweetly after "I do" and "I now pronounce you husband and wife."

Their theme song with every following wedding anniversary was Let It Snow!  Let It Snow!  Let It Snow!

Autumn Leaves

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The peak of summer in the dead of August was brutally hot in the Southwestern desert.  They were both born and raised in New York City and when they met, fell in love, and found themselves in a serious relationship, they moved in together.  So did they end up in the brutally hot Southwestern desert in the dead of August?

"I cannot believe your company chose this region for your sales position.  Will this summer ever end?" said a very frustrated Rachel.

"Neither can I, but at least the salary is better," said Henry in a very unconvincing laugh.

They would take heat and humidity over oven-baked heat any day.

"Hey, why don't we watch When Harry Met Sally?  We can melt over the Autumn season scenes," said Henry in the hopes of cheering up his miserably feeling girlfriend.

"Oh all right," said Rachel as she collapsed into the section of the sofa just under the living room fan.

Henry had a secret behind his movie suggestion that had been in the back of his mind for a good month.  Rachel's birthday was in July, but the secret was in no way a belated gift.

As they watched the Autumn season backdrop, Henry paused the DVD...

"Why did you pause?"

...dropped to one knee and proposed.

She was speechless.  They were committed to each other, but she assumed they were not ready for marital commitment.

"I will always remember when we met.  We were jogging in different directions in Central Park, in the brisk Autumn weather, and as I was too busy scrolling through my iPod and not paying attention, I accidentally ran into you.  You weren't terribly hurt, but said,

'We seem to have run into each other for the same reason.  What were you listening to?'

"You didn't complain about any pain or possible injury.  You didn't get angry that a stranger ran into you.  You just began a conversation.  I love you so much for that part of your personality.

"If you say yes, I have another surprise for you."

She cleared her nervous throat and said,

"Um - um...What would that be?"

"My company told me just the other day that I am their best pharmaceutical salesman and want to promote me - with significant raise - to any of their offices of my choosing within the U.S."

"Gosh, I hate to say this, but we just moved here in May.  Packing, unpacking, settling in."

"I know, I know, but there is an availability in New York."

She briefly stared at him and then exclaimed,

"Seriously!  Oh my gosh!"

"Do you want to pack up and move?  Get out of nature's oven?"

"Yes! ... And yes!  I will marry you!"

Two months later, they were home - a newly purchased brownstone in Manhattan.  Two months later, crisp Autumn weather settled in to great relief.  Two months later, they were married - he in a formal suit and tie and she in a simple wedding dress.

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They held hand in hand in a historic chapel in the city, before the chaplain, and said,  "I do."

Summer Solstice

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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.

His Vow - A Love Story

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His vow

I was carefree, goofy, and always testing the limit.  I was never serious in relationships.  I suppose I would rather date than fall in love.  A date is a simple yes or no to a second.  A relationship has profound meaning, commitment, and work in order to last forever.  A date can lead to a second or cannot.  A relationship can lead to marriage and possibly a family.  A date is basic, with or without a spark.  A relationship is filled with love.  I was not ready to fall in love and until I met you, I never imagined ever falling in love.

When we met for the first time, there was spark.  When we met for the second time, I knew.  I did not know how I knew, but I did.  I was filled with giddy excitement every time I was with you.  When we established each other as friends, I knew.  When we moved forward together into a relationship, I knew.

I fell in love and I was ready...because of you.

I am now ready to move forward with only you.

I adore the tokens of love you shower me with because of the precious thought put behind them.  No other has shown sentiment.  This, then, means everything to me.

I shall shower you with tokens of love to show my sincere thought behind them.  I hope these tokens will mean the same to you.

I love you with my life because you are my life.

I am honored to say "I do" on a day I once never thought possible.

In the commitment I make today, I promise you always with words you already know.

This is my vow.

By Her Side Series 3 - Father of the Bride

By Her Side Series

"My little angel."

"Daddy, you are making me cry," she spoke, wiping away swelling happy tears.

"Oh honey, I...I am sorry.  They are hap...happy tears, right?  Yes.  Oh dear, now I am a mess."

Father and daughter laughed, grabbing tissue after tissue to wipe away the many tears.

He cleared his throat and said,

"There is something you need to know about your wedding gown.  Your mother and I wanted to share its history with you on the day of your wedding."

"Okay," she spoke in hesitation.

"The gown you are wearing has been passed down the family tree on your mother's side for more than a century.  The first bride to wear the gown was your great-great-grandmother, Maria Jane Coleman.  She designed and made the dress herself, knowing the history it would unfold."

Maria turned to face the standing mirror and deeply focused on the dress she never knew had such an extensive history.

Off white ballgown.  Large puffy shoulders.  Thick long sleeves.  Chest coverage as high as the middle of the neck.  No train, but long veil.  All satin (with exception of the veil having tulle fabric).

No trace of wear...ever.  So how would she know?

One other question -

"Dad, am I named after..."

My name is Maria Jane, she thought to herself.  She never knew.  She only assumed the name was unique to her.

"Never..."

"Yes you are," he said, answering her question before she asked and finishing her realized thought before she could complete the word "never mind."

"Dad, why do you call me your angel?"

"Because of her.  She has been loved dearly all this time and is a forever angel by every generation's side."

Knock, knock

"Come in," Maria called out one last time.

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

"Shall we?" he asked with raised arm.

On this day, so many loved ones were by her side.  In spirit, Maria was not alone.  Maria Jane Coleman stood by her side as she walked slowly down the long church aisle in a gown to pass on to a daughter she would one day have.

By Her Side Series
The End

By Her Side Series 2 - Mother of the Bride

"My precious Maria, I will always remember you playing dress up with my makeup and jewelry.  You tried so hard to fit into my clothes and heels.  So adorable!"

Mother and daughter laughed at the silly childhood memory.

"I still remember laying out your wedding gown and daydreaming wearing it someday on my wedding day."

"And now here you are - a daydream come true.  Lovely.  Absolutely lovely."

"As my mother - mother of the bride - you are lovely as well.  As my mom, you are timeless and classic in fashion.  You taught me well with all of the years you worked in the fashion industry.  I remember going to photo shoots with you and looking at the window displays when you were a visual merchandiser.  Do you remember sharing your first personal shopping trip with your very first client?  And your first styling session?"

Her mom lightly laughed and said,

"So many years ago and yes I still recall all of those many memories."

"Special memories passed down and to be treasured.  Mom, you are my inspiration.  You are my reason for being a fashion stylist.  Without your guidance, I would not be the person I am today, especially with  my career.

"Look how beautiful you are...dare say stealing the show," she said with a happy smile.

"Oh honey..."

Pastel pink satin fitted gown with pastel pink cashmere wrap.  Pastel pink suede kitten heels.  Sterling silver necklace with small but ornate silver locket...Inside, a photo of Maria's mother holding her daughter shortly after birth.  White rose corsage.  Dark blonde hair gathered into a bun with a clear crystal bun cuff.

Knock, knock

"Come in," Maria called out.

"Honey, it's time.  Oh look at you, my little angel."

"Daddy, you will make me cry..."

To Be Continued

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.

Second Time Around

"Oh Mom, I am so happy for you.  You truly deserve this joy and spotlight perhaps?"

She lightly laughed and said,

"Yes, I do suppose spotlight."

"You are so beautiful in your gown.  Of course, you are always beautiful."

She faintly sighed in disagreement with her daughter but replied,

"Thank you so much, my love.  Such kind words.  Nonetheless though, I've never really felt entirely beautiful..."

"Oh Mom, you are too hard on yourself."

"I suppose I can be, but in all honesty, I never thought I would look beautiful and in a wedding gown even.  I did not have enough money to afford a dress when I married your father, just a simple skirt and blouse.

"As the story has always gone and well aware to you especially, I was pregnant with you, so I naturally assumed the marriage would last and I would never need to buy a wedding gown...even if we were to celebrate a marriage milestone.  After your twin brothers were born, I definitely didn't get a chance to dress up and look beautiful.  The three of you kept me so busy, hectic, and at times quite frazzled..."

Her daughter lightly laughed because she and her brothers did cause frustration and raucous when they were very young and especially when the boys were teenagers.

"I am being serious, dear."

"I know, Mom.  I'm sorry.  Go on."

"Anyway, I never felt pretty and even feminine.  I know, I know..."

She anticipated her daughter's response before her daughter said anything.

"...After your father and I divorced, I felt horrible.  I thought I was in love but was left heartbroken and devastated.  If I was not meant to be married to your father, I felt like I was not meant for marriage at all.  Before I met Thomas, I was content to just have you and your brothers in my life.  Yet now, Thomas has shown me what love truly is."

She wiped away a tear no longer of sorrow, but of renewed happiness.

"That is a sweet sentiment, Mom.  I will always love Dad because he is my father.  Thomas, though, is the perfect find for you.  The two of you make sense together...far more than you and Dad did at least as we saw you.  I am so, so happy for you.  Thomas is the lucky one."

"Well, he may be the lucky one, but I am even more lucky.  Thomas is generously paying for my real wedding gown in a real bridal salon - luxury to boot..."

The two laughed happily.

"...I am wearing my dream dress by favorite designer and I finally feel beautiful.  I am so happy for me.  Yea to me!"

Mother and daughter laughed in pure joy and happiness.

"Your second time around, Mom.  How do you feel?"

"I feel great.  Let's keep going with the wedding plans!"

They clinked crystal flute glasses and sipped on champagne as she admired herself in the mirror until just before the salon closed.

The wedding plans were certain to be expensive in her second time around.

Princess

"A wedding fit for royalty," her father boldly declared.

"Thank you, Father, for the sentiment, but my fiance is not a prince and his parents do not sit on a throne.  A simple wedding, Father."

Her gown was royal style -

Couture design

Lace long sleeves, satin fitted shape, Swarovski crystals lining the sweetheart neckline, silk veil accenting the long length of the train, breathtaking white.

Her engagement ring was royal style -

Exclusive design

Princess cut with white gold band and sparkling diamonds surrounding a striking emerald stone set in the middle.

She was not royalty, though, and made such notion clear to her father.  Her wedding was not royal as her father was paying for what was a simple ceremony.  Her in-law family was not royal, again made clear to her father.

On the day of her wedding -

Knock, knock

"Come in," she called out as she fixed the finishing touches to her hair.

"A gift from your fiance, honey."

"Thank you, Father."

"You are beautiful and precious, sweetheart.  We may not be royal, but I will forever be honored to walk my little princess down the aisle on her magical wedding day."

"I love you, Father."

A sweet smile from both.  He left to give her privacy in opening the gift.

An intricate white box with royal embossed letterhead attached by light peach organza ribbon.

'My lovely princess,

I love you with all of my heart and soul.  You are my life.  On this our wedding day, may this gift to you be a token of how much you mean to me.

Always,

Prince Michael'

She was speechless.

The gift - a pearl- and diamond-encrusted tiara once worn by the queen of his family's origins.

She never knew.

He is royal.  The wedding will be royal.

She truly is a princess.