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his_sarah_janeSarah Jane had brought the guests from Milliways through to their flat in London, leaving them to James to take care of before she hurried off to the church, Barbara in tow. She had wanted to check on all the last minute arrangements: to make sure the flowers had arrived and that the minister was there.
Everything seems perfect now. The church, a small little Gothic-esque chapel close to the Notting Hill gate tube stop, is now decorated with garlands of wildflowers along the aisles. It's the one touch Sarah Jane wanted to add to an otherwise picture-perfect room. The sun shines through the stained glass windows, causing the pews to glow. The altar was simple enough, with an organ off to one side and a lovely rosette window behind it. Two bouquets sit to either side of where the couple will stand.
Overall: the impression is of a simple yet sophisticated chapel. Everything is set for the wedding, presuming, of course, nothing goes wrong.
Everything seems perfect now. The church, a small little Gothic-esque chapel close to the Notting Hill gate tube stop, is now decorated with garlands of wildflowers along the aisles. It's the one touch Sarah Jane wanted to add to an otherwise picture-perfect room. The sun shines through the stained glass windows, causing the pews to glow. The altar was simple enough, with an organ off to one side and a lovely rosette window behind it. Two bouquets sit to either side of where the couple will stand.
Overall: the impression is of a simple yet sophisticated chapel. Everything is set for the wedding, presuming, of course, nothing goes wrong.
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Re: Ceremony
Date: 2007-09-30 02:17 am (UTC)He can't touch her, but he hopes his grin can reassure her.
Re: Ceremony
Date: 2007-09-30 02:31 am (UTC)"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join James Bond and Sarah Jane Smith in matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore – is not by any – to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together – let them speak now or forever hold their peace."
Sarah holds her breath when that query is spoken, hoping no one rejects. She's had enough disappointments today. Right now, she only wants to marry James and forget everything that's led them to this point except for their happiness.
No one does speak, and the minister smiles softly, continuing his monologue. "It is often custom to begin a ceremony such as this with a definition of love and marriage. Madeline L'Engle once wrote that 'ultimately there comes a moment when a decision must be made. Ultimately two people who love each other must ask themselves how much they hope for as their love grows and deepens, and how much risk they are willing to take... It is indeed a fearful gamble... Because it is the nature of love to create, a marriage itself is something which has to be created, so that, together we become a new creature.
"'To marry is the biggest risk in human relations that a person can take... If we commit ourselves to one person for life this is not, as many people think, a rejection of freedom; rather it demands the courage to move into all the risks of freedom, and the risk of love which is permanent; into that love which is not possession, but participation...It takes a lifetime to learn another person...When love is not possession, but participation, then it is part of that co-creation which is our human calling, and which implies such risk that it is often rejected.
"Today, October sixth of the year of our lord two thousand and six, James and Sarah have opted to take such a risk. While I have not known neither for very long, I have been assured that neither is a stranger to adversity. Marriage will continue to forever test their bravery. This is not a path to be chosen lightly. Yet, it is a gamble that is more than worth its while.
"With this in mind, I will now ask James and Sarah to commit their vows in front of church, state, family, and friends."
Re: Ceremony
Date: 2007-09-30 03:29 am (UTC)"Sarah Jane," he begins, "you are my best friend, you are my lover, and you are the mother of my child. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life."
Re: Ceremony
Date: 2007-09-30 03:39 am (UTC)On the outside, however, she remains perfectly calm. She's going to do this. More than that, she wants to do this. She loves James and she loves the potential of what they can have together.
"James," she whispers, before bringing her voice to a louder level, "with all my love, I take you to be more than my friend and lover, but my husband, the father of this child that has sealed us together. I will love you through the good and the bad, through the joy and the sorrow. I will try to be understanding, and to trust in you completely. Together we will face life's experiences and share in one another's dreams and goals. I promise I will be your equal and your partner, cherishing and respecting you for as long as we both shall live."
As the minister nods, mentioning something about rings as tokens of these vows, Sarah looses herself in his blue eyes. It takes a clearing of a throat for her to continue. The minister hands her the wedding band she had picked out for James. She takes his left hand in hers, still staring up at his as she slides the ring on his hand.
"With this ring, I thee wed."
Re: Ceremony
Date: 2007-09-30 03:49 am (UTC)Can't run away, now, can he?
He takes Sarah's ring, and, staring her straight in the eyes, while sliding the ring onto her finger, says: "With this ring, I thee wed."
Re: Ceremony
Date: 2007-09-30 03:55 am (UTC)"Love is patient; love is kind. Love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices in truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things. Corinthians, 13:4-7. Today we have gathered to watch James and Sarah Jane unite in matrimony. With the exchange of vows and rings, they have done so. By the power vested in me by the church and state of England, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss."
Re: Ceremony
Date: 2007-09-30 04:05 am (UTC)James' favorite part of the ceremony!Well, in all seriousness, it is.
They're married, now. All that fear, all that resentment, all of that has failed. They're married. He hasn't run from it. Neither has she.
Why not celebrate that?
He leans in, hands on her cheek, and kisses her softly, tenderly, with all the love he has for her.
Re: Ceremony
Date: 2007-09-30 04:09 am (UTC)This kiss is returned eagerly and lovingly. Her hand goes to his cheek, caressing it gently. This is love and contentment. This is perfect.
Re: Ceremony
Date: 2007-09-30 04:12 am (UTC)Newlyweds.
With attention restored, he gestures towards the two. "I now present to you Mr James Bond and Mrs Sarah Smith-Bond."