Green for good?!

...And the first day of being a 'Mrs'

Everything she'd done in the past 6 months had been leading up to this. All the planning, stressing, shopping, cake-tasting and overall panic had led up to this moment. Now, as she stood slightly behind the church door, her right arm linked with her father's left, it dawned on her that she was actually getting married. At nineteen! And since she wasn't pregnant (though she had semi-recently had a baby), trying to get a visa which allowed her to stay in the country or suffering from a terminal illness, the only conclusion she could come up with as to why on earth she was getting married so young, was that she was completely crazy. I mean, sure she loved Jackson, but she had to admit that this wasn't the average age a person got married. Despite all this she was extremely excited, and obviously nervous, but she also worried. The fact that they were younger than most engaged couples made her worry that they were more likely to divorce. But she trusted Jackson, and she trusted herself. She just had to work hard to  make sure that their marriage was a successful one. 

All day Caitlin had been prepped, powdered, bathed, shaved, cleaned and preened like she was a contestant for a beauty contest. Lucy had made it her job to hire Sara and Mags, the sweetest girls you could ever meet who also happened to be a fabulous beauty team, a hilarious hairstylist called Jon who was like a milder version of Gok Wan and Joseph, her ridiculously astonishing stylist. If it wasn't for them, Caitlin was sure, her fatigue, panic and stress would be broad-casted all over her well made-up face. 

Suddenly, interrupting her thoughts, the music began. Caitlin looked at her dad, her face full of anxious energy. He squeezed her arm and whispered: "I'm right here sweetheart." She nodded slowly and took a long, deep, cleansing breath. "Ok." "Ready?" "Yeah. Lets do this!" Father and daughter shared a grin and then gracefully headed down the aisle.

To Caitlin none of it felt real. It was as though she were floating, and she was the main character in a long ago forgotten children's story book. With a few blinks she was back into reality. She directed all her attention to Jackson, who was standing at the altar looking simply astonishing in his neat, perfect tux. And those green eyes, they were brighter than ever and sparkling like spring grass fresh with dew.  They shared a sweet, perfect smile and with just one look they shared their every emotion with one another. It was that face that gave her her the courage to walk all the way down the aisle, in front of her friends and family, and right next to her husband-to-be. When she reached Jackson, and her father placed her hand in his, she let out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding. Together, they faced the vicar. The vicar said his opening speech, then read from the bible and then continued: "If anyone here has any reasons why these two should not be joined in Holy Matrimony, may you speak now or forever hold your peace." At this point Austin made an in-audible sound that vaguely resembled the word 'me'. To this, everyone, including the bride, groom and vicar, all laughed heartily. Then the vicar got back to the mater at hand. "Well, assuming that wasn't a real objection, we shall continue. At this time I'll ask you, Jackson, and you, Caitlin, to face each other and take each other's hands." Instantly Caitlin and Jackson did as was asked of them. "Jackson, will you take Caitlin to be your wife, your partner in life, and your one true love? Do you promise to cherish her friendship and love her today, tomorrow, and forever? Do you swear to trust and honour her, laugh with her, and cry with her? Do you vow to be faithful to Caitlin through good times and bad, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?" The male vicar asked. "I do." Jackson promised. Then the same was asked of Caitlin. "I do." she swore. "Then I now pronounce you man and wife." He then turned to Jackson. "You may kiss your bride." Apparently, Jackson didn't need to be asked twice. He swept Caitlin into his arms and kissed her like their lives depended on it. This action encourage many whistles and rapturous applause from their loved ones. Jackson wrapped his arm around Caitlin's shoulder and they shared an elated grin. "That was some kiss, husband. It almost knocked me off my feet." Caitlin whispered. "Well, that was my intention, dear wife." They giggled quietly and then walked towards the church pews to mingle with their guests.