Unforgettable, My Love Has Come Along

by Ann Marie Bryan

  “Are we all good?” I asked boldly.

  “Yes. We’re good,” they responded in unison.

  “Okay. Let’s do another run but before we do, let’s get our timing right for tomorrow.”

  “Orane, Ridley and the groomsmen are to be here at 3:30 pm. The bridesmaids are to be here at 3:40 pm. Melissa and I will be here at 3:50 pm. Our celebration begins at…”

  “4:00 pm,” they hollered in unison.

  “4:00 pm it is,” I grinned.

  Yeah right! You’re going to be here on time?” Petra teased.

  “Yes,” Orane said as I giggled. “You are my witnesses. My wife-to-be promised to be early.”

  “Yes dear. I’ll be early,” I said sheepishly and laughter broke out. “Okay people, let’s do this.” I headed for the aisle.

  “Okay missy, you sit down. Let me handle this,” Petra said joining me.

  “Okay.” I gave her a thankful look.

  Petra grabbed her head. “I don’t want my friend to be Bridezilla!”

  I giggled, “Nope. Noooo that would not be…” We both grabbed each other laughing and concluded, “a good look.”

  No! Definitely not the look I hoped to achieve or the memory I wanted to hold.

  Thankfully, our second rehearsal went off without a hitch and shortly thereafter, we headed to the wedding party’s get-together, hosted by Melissa and Simon at their home, a five minute drive from the church. Hellos, hugs and the familiar aroma of Jamaican food greeted us as we entered the festive atmosphere.

  The sense of unity and lighthearted mood set the tone for the success of our wedding day. We presented gifts to our bridal party and thanked everyone for making this season extra special. Of course, the night would not have been completed without thanking our wonderful hosts, Simon and Melissa.

  Orane and I smiled perceptively at each other as we waved goodbye. Tomorrow would be a day of celebration. My heart danced in the intensity of the moment, as I journeyed to the hotel with members of my family. Within a few hours, my new reality would unfold. Deep within me, my exuberant spirit declared, I am ready for this.

  CHAPTER 33: READY SET GO

  My cell phone alarmed and I reached for it with a wide grin. Today, we say “I do”. I often thought of this day wondering who would be the man standing next to me.

  A wide smile broke out on my face. The mystery was over.

  Throwing back the sheets, I excitedly climbed out of bed, absolutely ready for my new beginning. Within minutes, I emerged from the bathroom and slipped into my navy jeans, red sleeveless ruffled neck polyester blouse and red sandals. Cheerful good mornings rang out from family members and friends as I entered the breakfast area in the hotel.

  “Good morning to you all!” I responded happily. “What special day is this?” I asked looking nonchalant.

  “Your wedding day,” they responded with much fanfare.

  A bright smile lit my face. “Just making sure you remembered.”

  “As if we could forget,” someone hollered.

  Verona nudged me playfully. “My baby sister is getting married!”

  “Oh yeah!” I danced around and everyone cheered.

  “You are way ‘off the chain’,” Verona grinned, taking me by the hand. “Breakfast is this way.”

  Breakfast was buffet style, a choice between continental or Jamaican cuisines. We prayed and ate heartily. After breakfast, my family members left for hair appointments and I returned to my room.

  A beautiful sunny day greeted me as I opened the balcony door. Brilliant sunlight filled the room with warmth and promise. Joyfully, I threw myself on the bed and read Psalm 91. God, my focal point brought me peace so soothing and comforting, for our tranquil and perfect day. God will forever be, at the center of our relationship.

  Half an hour later, I took my “Queen Esther” bath!

  At least, that’s what I called it; my luxurious warm bath in therapeutic organic lavender essential oil and natural mineral salts. With an added gentle cleanser, the lightly foaming soak softened my skin. I sighed as the intoxicating aroma filled the bathroom, transforming it into a calming sanctuary for my body and senses. Fixing my bath pillow, I reclined comfortably. Moments later, the scent of the oil lingered, leaving my skin lightly fragrant.

  As I dressed, Simon called to inform me that he had picked up my wedding gown from Dana, Melissa’s sister and was on his way to transport me to Genova All Suite Hotel. I packed my bags and headed for the reception area. While I waited, Orane called to whisper sweet nothings in my ear. I was laughing so hard that I had to beg him to stop.

  Some fifteen minutes later, I checked into my assigned suite, decorated with antique furniture and a plush multicolored carpet. Simon laid my wedding gown on the bed while I arranged my accessories for easy access. Before leaving for my hair appointment, Simon and I peeped in the Grand Persian Hall.

  It was a sight to behold.

  My spirit soared with excitement and it was hard to drag myself away. A team of “little elves” were feverishly preparing for the reception.

  I arrived at Reflections Beauty Salon to find some members of our bridal party still getting their hair styled. Being early for our wedding would definitely be a stretch for me. The arrangement was that only Melissa and I would be at the salon that time. I sat in the reception area and talked with family members until Alaine was ready for me. In the interest of time, Alaine asked one of her assistants to style Melissa’s hair.

  “Anna, I am ready for you,” Alaine beckoned.

  “Yes ma’am.” I smiled at her.

  I prayed quietly as she created her masterpiece. Forty five minutes later, I beamed with radiance when I inspected my hair and light makeup. Alaine created an updo with distinctive ties to form a high stylish bun in the center. At the back, my hair was brush straight and sleek, falling gently past my shoulder. My sparkling silver tiara was placed in front of the bun and my veil draped behind the bun.

  “Wow! It is fabulous. Thanks Alaine.”

  “Very Nice!” Melissa added.

  “Glad you like it,” Alaine said smiling. “Now, get out of here.”

  “Yes, got to run,” I said, grabbing my purse. “How much do I owe for this bit of pleasure?”

  “Anna go on! You owe nothing.”

  “Alaine!”

  “Go on, we’re good,” she said, waving me away. “I’ll meet you back at the hotel.”

  I hugged her. “Thank you so much.”

  “Anytime! Now go!”

  Melissa and I dashed out of the salon. On our way to the hotel, Arianna called to inform us that Mr. Somers, my driver had arrived. She paused to strike the right tone, before telling me that Orane, his dad, best man and groomsmen were standing in the hotel’s reception area waiting on their drivers. Melissa and I prayed that they would be gone by the time we arrived.

  We cautiously approached the hotel while Melissa called Arianna. Thankfully, the group had left. Sighs of relief and groans of “Thank you Jesus” were uttered as Melissa and I rushed to my room.

  Getting dressed was my priority.

  Dressing in a hurry, not my forte!

  But today, yes. I intended to impress myself.

  I had no intention of keeping our guests waiting. Not today!

  I rushed to the bathroom and within minutes freshened up, pulled on my accessories, stockings and bra then left the bathroom to find help to zip my bulky slip. In the bedroom, Melissa, Arianna, Anaya and Alaine were waiting to doll me up.

  Melissa smiled at me. “Let’s get your gown on.”

  “Ready when you are,” I beamed, gazing at my beautiful wedding gown, a priceless gift from my mother. I sat on the bed and the ladies slipped my dress on by way of my feet. After much effort, my feet emerged and I stood up.

  As they zipped my gown, they murmured to each other, pulling and tugging the gown to set it in place. I closed my eyes for a moment and thanked God for sending them.

  “Time for shoes! Lift your right foot,
” someone said and I obeyed.

  “Left foot!”

  “Thank you,” I responded as I felt my shoes in place.

  Melissa assisted me with my white elbow length gloves while Alaine refreshed my makeup. I giggled as squeals of admiration erupted and the ladies stood back to admire their handiwork.

  “Wow!”

  “Nice!”

  “Fabulous!”

  “You look wonderful!”

  I flashed them a grateful look. “Thank you ladies. You have been a blessing.”

  “You are welcome,” they said in unison.

  While Melissa dressed, I sauntered to the full length mirror. My face was flushed from excitement and my eyes sparkled with anticipation. Gorgeous! I looked stunning in my white satin strapless A-line gown with its beaded embroidered metallic bodice, inverted V empire waist and cathedral train.

  Hold that thought.

  “Help please!” I called out. “I need to change my bra, sagging bodice.” I had loss a little weight, most likely the result of my past ailment.

  Not a problem!

  The solution—A long line push up bra.

  “Where is the bra?’ Melissa asked.

  “In my carry-on please.”

  “Let me unzip you,” Anaya said.

  “Thanks, thanks so much,” I responded gratefully.

  Anaya smiled at me. “Not a problem.”

  “Look away, let me get it on,” I squealed.

  The ladies giggled and gave me privacy.

  “Okay. You can button me up.”

  We all stared happily at my reflection in the mirror.

  Perfect!

  “Problem solved!” Anaya said.

  I smiled widely. “Yes, very nicely too.”

  Melissa handed me my beautiful bouquet of fresh red roses and baby’s breath. She secured the rings then opened the door for Michael Kennedy, the photographer’s assistant, who started clicking away. I became a model, moving to his every command. He was still clicking as I descended the stairs and entered the reception area. I paused for a few shots along the way.

  Mr. Somers pulled up in his iridium silver metallic Mercedes-Benz and I wondered how to successfully enter the car. Sensing my dilemma, Melissa and the other ladies assisted me and I carefully sat on the back seat. Someone handed me my bouquet and put the rest of my train in, before closing the door. I made myself comfortable as Melissa slipped in the passenger seat.

  “Hello Mr. Somers! How are you?” I asked smiling.

  “Annalisa I’m great. I don’t have to ask how you are doing.”

  Melissa and I burst out laughing.

  “Ready!” Mr. Somers smiled at me.

  “I sure am.”

  My heart was glad as I smiled and gazed through the window. Let the celebrations begin.

  CHAPTER 34: WITH THIS RING

  My arrival at Laybrook Presbyterian Church set off a flurry of activities. I could see family members smiling, waving and mouthing, “She is here.” I smiled and waved vigorously.

  I caught sight of our four groomsmen, Aldane, Jamie, Pero and Rayton, each decked out in a classic two-button black tuxedo, white wing collar shirt, apple red vest and tie and black dress shoes. White rose boutonnières matched their outfits superbly. Ridley was dressed in a similar outfit except he wore a gold vest and tie. The gold rose boutonniere pinned to his lapel completed his sharp look.

  When Mr. Somers stopped the car at the main entrance of the church, Mr. Jalee, the videographer, signaled for me to roll the window down.

  “Hello Annalisa,” Mr. Jalee greeted me with his video tape rolling.

  I smiled at him. “Hello Mr. J, good to see you.”

  “Thank you. You may take the window up,” he said smiling. “I’m already set up in the sanctuary.”

  “Thank you Mr. J!”

  “Anna, Anna,” Petra called out, running from the door of the church.

  “Hey P.”

  “Wow! You look beautiful, my friend.”

  I giggled at her. “A little something I threw on. You looked great yourself.” Petra looked striking in a red sleeveless form fitting gown.

  “Thanks! Are you ready?”

  “Rock and roll baby!”

  “Girl behave yourself. Ah, forget that, have a blast.” Petra laughed as she moved away. “We are ready to begin,” she informed the bridal party.

  Thankfully, I was able to view the proceedings as the church had an open foyer. Instrumental music started and I caught a glimpse of Everton escorting Aunt Joy and Mama up the aisle. Mama looked amazing in a formal aqua blue skirt suit with a matching hat and silver accessories. Aunt Joy was adorned in a beautiful lilac beaded bodice evening gown and matching shawl. For an added touch of elegance, they both wore white rose corsages with sprinklings of baby’s breath.

  Our four bridesmaids, Dace, Nichelle and Shadae, my three nieces and Verona gracefully entered the sanctuary one at a time. We clearly hit the mark. They looked superb in apple red strapless satin evening gowns. The fitted bodice accentuated their graceful feminine figures. To complement their gowns, their bouquets were a beautiful mixture of gold, white and red roses.

  Melissa’s bright smile lit up the foyer as Petra signaled for her to proceed. She looked gorgeous in a lovely gold strapless light satin evening gown. She carried a bouquet of white and gold roses.

  My heart beat quickened when Petra signaled for me to exit the car. With the assistance of Anaya and Arianna, who were dressed in gorgeous hot pink evening gowns, I made it to the foyer. They murmured compliments as they fixed my wedding gown and train in place. My heart fluttered even more as Petra adjusted the veil over my face.

  “Looking wonderful my friend,” Petra murmured.

  I smiled at her. “Thanks P.”

  I glanced in the sanctuary then exhaled loudly as an overwhelming desire to cry hit me when I caught sight of Orane standing before Reverend Fuller. It’s a happy day! No tears, I cautioned myself. My heart was full, full of unspeakable joy. There was tranquility and splendor everywhere my eyes could see in this jubilant atmosphere. The sanctuary was breathtakingly beautiful. The aisle was lined on either side with impressive free-standing floral arrangements with cascading orchids and huge center candles. Each stand was elegantly draped with white tulle and a gold bow.

  A beautiful fresh floral arrangement dominated by red roses with sprinklings of baby’s breath, sat in the center of the communion table on the altar. Two lovely large free-standing floral arrangements with red roses, carnations and white larkspur, graced either side of the altar near the bridal party. Palms and other green plants were placed strategically to add to the elegant setting.

  I was brought out of my daze by a gentle tugging on my gown. I smiled as I looked down and saw Alcia, our mini-bride, touching my gown with childlike curiosity. I touched her shoulder and she smiled confidently at me. Alcia epitomized grace and elegance, dressed in a white spaghetti strap gown, silver tiara and white elbow gloves, stockings and shoes. She carried a miniature bouquet of red roses.

  Anaya signaled for Alcia to join Dalen, our ring bearer, at the entrance of the aisle. Dalen was decked out in a black three-button suit, white shirt, red bow tie and black shoes. A white rose boutonniere with a sprig of baby’s breath was pinned to his lapel.

  I could see trouble brewing when Alcia took a hold of Dalen’s hand. He began fussing at her, only to be restrained by Anaya. I could not hear what Dalen’s troubles were but he was vehemently pointing outside. A bathroom break I suspected! Anaya was not fazed by his little tirade; she would have none of it, and so she held him in place.

  After what seemed like an eternity, the music started for Alcia and Dalen to proceed. The guests cheered loudly as they walked up the aisle.

  Then it happened.

  A moment fit only for reality TV. My eyes widened and I placed my hand over my mouth to keep from laughing aloud.

  Half way up the aisle, Dalen began to drag one foot, only to be pulled along by Alcia. He drop
ped the pillow with the rings on the ground and refused to budge. Phew! Thankfully, the real rings were not on the pillow. A cold hard stare from Alcia gave him the much needed jolt to pick up the pillow but he began dragging his foot again. Alcia refused to be daunted by what was happening and kept moving up the aisle. The guests were totally tickled but encouraged them along. Finally, the pair made it to the top of the aisle and took their places with the assistance of two members of the bridal party.

  At the sound of Michael W Smith’s praise song “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”, two female dancers dressed in long sleeve white leotards and long gold satin skirts with red satin belts, leaped down the aisle towards me.

  “Yeah!” I shouted, clapping unreservedly.

  They danced for a few minutes then grabbed a hold of the white aisle runner which was being held to the ground by Melissa and Simon’s two sons. The dancers took the runner to the top of the aisle and laid it on the ground before gracefully exiting through the side doors.

  Our guests applauded enthusiastically.

  Next, the pretty flower girls graced the aisle as if they were on the red carpet! Crystalee and Tajay, my nieces, smiled proudly as they dropped white, red and gold petals on the runner from their small white baskets, before taking their places. The little princesses wore knee length off white dresses trimmed with gold, short gold gloves and white stockings and shoes.

  Finally, the moment I’ve been waiting for.

  This special moment!

  I have read about it, watched it in movies, seen it at weddings and heard fascinating stories about it. Now, it was my turn to write my own beautiful memory.

  I slipped my hand into the waiting arm of Mr. Mohan. He looked so proud, all dressed up in a single breasted navy suit, gold shirt, gold and blue striped tie and black dress shoes. A striking single white rose boutonniere rested on his lapel.

  I was all set to work the aisle when I was pleasantly surprised!

  My eyes stretched to their limit then a wide grin broke out across my face. Instead of hearing the recorded instrumental of Luther Vandross’ song, “So Amazing (to be loved)”, a flutist began to play the song.