The bride walked down the aisle, slowly. In a dress of traditional white, pearls adorned her ear lobes, a chain of gold with a delicate cross around her neck, her veil attached to a halo of tiny white flowers, she was radiant. Everyone turned to see her. Except the groom. He stood with his back to her, even as his groomsmen turned to see her. The groom listened to the parish reactions, the whispered compliments, the "ohs and ahs". He listened to the wedding march, knew the premise moment she would arrive at the parent's pew. He knew the exact moment he wished to see her. As he turned, he let out his breath, that he hadn't realized he'd been holding. His deep sigh echoed in the nave. He was beholden. He felt a rush of his deep love for her. He thought in the never ending moment of his first view of his bride that he was starting a new life. He was reborn. How many lives we lead, seasons in our century. No matter how long we are blessed to live on this earth, we pass through many lives; the life of childhood, the teen years, young adulthood, perhaps spouse, parent, grandparent. We may not experience all, but we have so much life to live. He felt as though he had just finally been born. Today this beautiful woman would make him a man. Her love, her beauty, her quiet determination, her faith, her life, pledged to his as he pledged himself to her. Today was the first day of his new life. He pledged his remaining life to be entwined with hers, alongside her, supporting her, enjoying life together. Right in that moment, before the I dos, before the blessing, right then, he already married her.
