Key could not take his eyes off his soon-to-be wife. Not even for a second. And Rika could not do the same for her soon-to-be husband. Both of their hearts were beating fast inside their chests.
"Marriage is a sacred ceremony. Today we observe the union of these two people with the respect the occasion warrants. What we honor with reverence, however, we also celebrate with great joy! For married life - a shared life - is a tremendous blessing. Now, as they embark on this journey together, they will be able to nurture a love that makes each of them better versions of themselves. Marriage is, indeed, the perfect garden from which to sow and harvest personal growth. And, learn to work together, laugh together, and love together. Don't get caught up in worldly things that will draw you apart. Instead, focus on your shared devotion and turn inward. As your relationship strengthens you will find that you come to share a remarkable love; a love that is both abundantly given and freely accepted. The joy you'll find as you pursue your shared lives will fuel you to face head-on the challenges you'll encounter on this Earth. On your journeys together, keep your spouse in the space of highest priority in your heart. The love you share must be guarded and cherished, it is your most valuable treasure." The mister also added, speaking to both the guests in attendance and the couple.
When the minister finished what he needed to say, he focused on Rika and Key. "Under the eyes of God, Key, do you take her to be your lawfully wedded Wife? By making this commitment, you are joining in the sacred covenant of marriage. Do you promise to honor her in love, to be sensitive to her needs, to comfort her in difficulty, and to put your complete trust in her, so long as you both shall live?" The minister asked. Key did not even hesitate to answer that. "I do with all my heart," Key replied.
"And under the eyes of God, Rika, do you take Key to be your lawfully wedded Husband? By making this commitment, you are joining in the covenant of marriage. Do you promise to honor him in love, to be sensitive to his needs, to comfort him in difficulty, and to put your complete trust in him, so long as you both shall live?" The minister asked Rika the same thing.
"I do. With all my heart, too." Rika answered as well, not hesitating to answer, too. Key just wanted to burst out and do a happy dance but stayed calm.
"Very well." The minister spoke. It was time for the engaged to speak their own words to one another.
"The couple may now speak their vows to one another. Who would like to go first." The minister asked the couple. Rika blushed.
"I can go first... if that would be okay with you, Rika." Key offered. Rika nodded, letting him know that she was fine with him going first. Key took a breath before he began to speak his vows to Rika.
"Rika, the love of my life, my partner, my soulmate, my world. I am so lucky to have you in my life and now that we are going to be married to one another, I feel such joy and happiness. You mean so much to me and I will always be here for you and be your comfort. I never thought that I would be with such an amazing person like you. And I can not wait to spend the rest of my life with the woman who makes me feel like the happiest man in the world. I love you." Key spoke his vows to Rika.
Rika was so touched by his words. Rika took a breath as well before she spoke her vows, too. "Key, the love of my life and my soulmate. I had never experienced such happiness until you showed up in my life. Never would I have thought that I would have been with such a person who truly loves and accepts me for who I am. I will also be here for you and your comfort, too. For the rest of my life, I am going to be the happiest woman alive. I love you, too, my love." Rika spoke to Key. Key started to tear up once again with tears of happiness in his eyes. Rika also began to do the same, too.
Some of their guests were also crying a little, too. Including a couple of Key's groomsmen and Rika's brother. It was becoming emotional for everyone but that was a good thing. It shows that everyone was truly happy for the couple. The minister continued with the ceremony after Rika and Key wiped away their tears.
"And now, it is time for the exchange of the wedding rings." The minister instructed. A little boy on Rika's side of the family came walking down the aisle with a pillow in both of his hands that had both wedding rings placed on top of it. When he stopped in front of the bride and groom both of them took the rings off of the pillow and thanked the little boy. He nodded and went back to where he was sitting before.
"To commemorate this union, you may now exchange rings. The circle formed by each ring symbolizes your eternal love and commitment to one another. Let these rings remind you always of that love, and of the promises, you have made here on this day. Will each of you please repeat after me as you place the ring on your loved one's hand?" The minister instructed the groom and bride.
"I, Key, give you this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment. With this ring, I thee wed." Key spoke as he placed the ring on Rika's finger. Next, it was Rika's turn to put a ring on Key's finger.
"I, Rika, give you this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment. With this ring, I thee wed." Rika spoke as well while putting her ring on Key's finger. The minister looked at the guests.
"If there is anyone in attendance who has cause to believe that this couple should not be joined in marriage, you may speak now or forever hold your peace." The minister told them. No one spoke a word nor even made a sound. Everyone who was there was all for and supportive of their marriage, which Rika and Key were truly happy about. However, it was expected since everyone has been so supportive of them being together since day one. The minister looked at Rika and Key once again before he spoke.
"By the power vested in me, by the Church of Mercy, I pronounce you as Husband and Wife, lawfully wedded before God." The minister said. The minister looked at Key.
"You may now kiss the bride, forever sealing your union." The minister instructed Key. Key could not wait to kiss her. Both of them leaned forward and kissed one another on the lips for a few seconds before pulling away and standing back up It was finally one of them who leaned forward and kissed one another on the lips for a few seconds before pulling away and standing back up. It was finally done with. Key and Rika are now officially and legally husband and wife. They turned to look at the guests with smiles on their faces as they were holding each others' hands.
The crowd cheered and clapped. Both of them smiled and they began to run happily down the aisle together while still holding hands out of the room. When they were out of the room, Rika and Key looked at each other then Key hugged her gently.
"We did it! We are a married couple! I am so happy!" Key told her. Rika hugged him back as well.
"I am so happy as well," Rika spoke. When they pulled away, they walked together.