To Have & To Hold
Vows
"Today as I give myself wholeheartedly to this experiment, my mind is clear and my commitment is strong and without reservations.
"Being a strong-willed woman you'd be forgiven for missing that I'm someone that loves to be cared for, listened to and forever appreciated.
"It might seem like I ask for a lot at first, but I give a lot.”
"This is just the beginning of our journey together and I cannot wait to make it the best experience of our lives. So let's have fun in love."
V O W S
“ Well, I’ve thought quite hard about what I’d want to say to you — my wife. I decided this would be the perfect opportunity to make my intentions known. Right here, in front of you and the people we hold dear.
I understand that we’ve come into this as strangers, two people with their own experiences and paths in love. And despite those experiences, good or bad, and the unorthodox road to marriage — here we both stand.
I want you to know I am committed to this process, and through it I intend and vow to give you the utmost respect. To listen to you, to learn you, and to offer understanding and honesty above all.
I intend to enjoy this time with you, to evolve with you — and become not only your husband in title, but to become your partner as well.
Thank you for embarking on this journey with me. ”
He seemed to be everything she had hoped for, and her gut was telling her that he may have been the right one.
When it was time to give one another the rings, she made one last promise to him.
“With this ring, I promise to uphold the morals and standards of our oneness. I promise to honor and respect our vows from this day forth to forevermore.” Ry’s eyes sparkled...she then got emotional for a second. Marriage meant a lot to her. She has been through so much throughout the years and to finally take this huge step within her life, was a huge relief. She prayed that this marriage experiment would not only help her grow, but to help her love as well.
She placed the band on his finger and gave him one of the brightest smiles.
“ With this ring, I Antoine Hill … “
Brown eyes beamed as ANT began to recite after the officiant, the corners of his mouth trying their hardest to turn upward into a smile while he spoke. He reached forward, tenderly taking the hand of his bride into his own before placing the diamond on her finger.
He felt a sense of calm rush over his being, a large contrast to just moments ago when he was a bag of nerves. In his mind, the hardest part was over — the waiting and anticipation almost took him out, but now he was here with the person specially matched with him. And all they had to do from this moment on would be to get to know each other. What could be so hard about that?
“ By the power vested in me — I now pronounce you husband and wife … “
Without hesitation, Ant moved forward — barely breaking the eye contact they’ve held since their vows. “May I?” He questioned, his tunnel vision even more narrow than before. His determination to make their first kiss count was made obvious in how he so easily shut out everyone else in the room, brows furrowing as his gaze deepened, taking in the woman before him. He reached to move a curl from her profile, before he leaned forward — their lips meeting sweetly. He closed his eyes, melting into the moment, the sounds of his family’s cheering being his only signal to pull away.
The kiss was nothing short of amazing. Ry had to admit, she lost herself at first. As far as she was concerned, there was no one else around. It felt as if they were the only two sharing the space that they were in.
“Well, I’ll say...” She chuckled, and added just another peck to make it complete. The two turned to the on lookers and walked down the aisle together.
+Later+
Food was being served, and the two newlyweds conversed over their glass of Champagne. “So Antoine,” She started, “To formerly introduce myself. I’m Ry...and I just have to say that I am looking forward to doing this with you.” She placed that same strand of hair that he helped her out with earlier, out of her focus. “So where are you from originally?”
ANT brought the glass to his lips, soaking in the atmosphere of the reception. He enjoyed making conversation, and now that the nerves were long gone he could be more of his usual easy-going self. “Originally? I’m from South London and moved to the States when I was young. Thinking I should start claiming New York as a second home by now.” He grinned, nodding his head to indicate reciprocation. “And you? Where were you before Vegas?”
“London. I’ve always wanted to go there...still do.”
The recent question caused her to laugh wholeheartedly, “Oh wow,” she covered her hand over her head, blushing at this new revelation, “New York.” She smiled. “I moved from California recently, and with my job, it just felt like home to me...it was a perfect fit, I’m a fashion blogger by the way, so I get paid to talk about fashion and post content fashion related.” Ry took a sip of her Champagne, and peered with her eyes to look at him. “Have you ever thought about moving back?”
