Who: Nessa McGrath nmcgrath & Trace Arnett trace_ and their invited guests
Where: The James Hotel
When: Saturday July 17, 2010 at 4pm
What: The Wedding Ceremony
Status: Complete


Trace: Trace was standing in the room he was assigned to as he was getting ready, standing in front of a 3 way mirror to make sure he looked all put together. Ever since he'd gotten up that morning, he'd had a permanent smile plastered on his face and he hadn't been able to remove it. Anyone who had seen him had wished him the best, hoping that this day was a day to remember and he knew it would be. He had no doubts, he was getting married and there was nothing in the world that could trump this day, at least no day he'd already experienced. As he slipped his suit jacket over his arms and adjusted his tie he glanced at himself in the mirror just as Tonya walked in. "Look at you," she called softly walking up beside him to help make sure he was all smoothed out. "I'm so proud of you," she whispered. Opening her purse she took out a small dish of baked apples. "Here I brought these for you to eat so you don't stand up there with your stomach growling and so you don't pass out," She took out a plastic spoon and began to feed him. "I don't need you to feed me," he said with his mouth full. "Yes you do, I'm not risking you spilling anything on yourself, so hush up and eat,"

Nessa: Nessa was a bundle of nervous energy. She'd tried to talk herself into treating it as if it were opening night jitters. Her cousin Deb luckily knew her very well because even though Nessa was trying to put on the cool a s a cucumber exterior, little things that she'd done ever since she was a little girl tipped her older cousin off. Smiling, she took Nessa in the bridal parlor and helped her finish getting ready. They talked of everything and anything and as Nessa quickly rambled on, Deb patiently added her "Mhms" and interjects when she thought Nessa was going to take a breath. And after a few minutes, the bride was dressed. "Okay Ness, take a look.." Deb said stepping away from the mirror. And when Nessa turned to look, she was caught her mind sentence and stopped. She'd tried on the gown several times before for getting but it was different now that her hair, and makeup were in place. She grinned at Deb looking at her cousin's reflection in the mirror as she stood beside her. "Oh my god, Deb... I'm really getting married today.."

Trace: Tonya finished feeding Trace and then made sure he was still just as spiffy as ever. Once she was satisfied with his appearance and had given him several mints, she allowed him out of the room he was in. Walking out to where the ceremony was to take place, he smiled. The place was amazing and he really had to hand it to the hotel for doing such an great job. It was definitely something he wasn't going to forget any time soon. Walking around he spoke to a few people as he made his way to the front, pausing of course to speak to his mother. She sat front row along with Tonya and Cliff and Richard and she had on a very nice dress. "You look great mom," he smiled at her. She placed her hand on her cheek, tears present in her eyes. "No you look great. Now you get up and there an take your place before she starts walking," she urged him after a quick hug took his appropriate place at the head of the room, arms behind his back as he waited.

Nessa: She heard someone letting the people in the outer room know it was time to get to their places to start the ceremony. Nessa was helped one last time by Deb and the hair stylist to place her veil on right before her father stopped by to come get her to take her to the doors of the wedding hall. Her father was thinking ahead and snapped a couple of pictures of Hagrid, dressing in his best collar and doggie tux, for her to see. "How did he do Daddy?" She was picturing the pooch making a beeline for Trace or better yet him stopping to greet and sniff as many people as possible up the aisle. "He did great. He did pause to try and say hello to a few more familiar people but he did great." She grinned as she looked at the pictures and then quickly handed him back the camera as she heard her entrance music start. She looped her arm with her father's and he placed his other hand on top of hers, "I love you, Pumpkin. Be happy." He smiled at her. She smiled back up at him, taking a deep breath and nodding. "I love you too, Daddy." And just as she said that, the doors opened and she and her father started down the aisle.

Trace: As the ceremony began and the groomsmen and bridesmaids came down the aisle Trace smiled as he knew soon enough his bride would be following them. As Hagrid came down the aisle, Trace tried to hold in his laugh but was proud of how he seemed to be able to keep it together, though Trace did help by slightly whistling to him when he got distracted. so far the highlight of his day was definitely seeing Sam in her tux and he once again was having a hard time trying to keep his laughter down, since he shouldn't be laughing. Once he heard the music and saw everyone standing up he turned his attention to the aisle and that was when he saw her. His jaw fell open slightly and his eyes went wide. Out of all the times he thought she looked beautiful or gorgeous in one outfit or another, seeing her in that white gown, simply beat all the others. Closing his mouth he smiled, one of the largest smiles as his heart began to swell with love for her. The closer she got to him the more it was sinking in just how much he loved her and how lucky he was to be this man in this position about to be bound to her for the rest of his life. Blinking he could feel the tears at the edges of his eyes and didn't even fight them as one slid down his cheek. He was happy and in love and he didn't care who saw it.

Nessa: It was such and awe filled moment for her when she saw everyone standing and turning to watch her. All the faces of people she and Trace knew and loved, there to share the day with them. Looking back on the moments walking down the aisle, she would only recall very few faces; her brothers'- Dom in particular standing near the girls in the bridal party in his dress uniform, her mom and Lauryl. But the one that remained clearly in her mind was Trace. When she finally saw him all dressed up in his tuxedo, she could feel her heart beating that much faster and it took restraint to get her not to pick up the pace to get down the aisle to stand next to him that much quicker. Her grin she was sure matched his, keeping her gaze primarily on him as she walked to him. once there, her father released her arm, lifted her veil just enough to kiss her forehead and then presented her to Trace giving him a hug. Nessa took her place by Trace's side and turned to face him, looking up she could see the tears sliding down his cheek and she reached up the gently wipe one away.

Trace: As she closed the distance between them it was as if with each step everything else seemed to melt away. The only thing being left was her in the exquisite gown that she wore and that smile on her face. Seeing it, just made his heart leap and he suddenly understood the feeling that took until that moment to sweep over him. That sudden nervousness and a tinge of fear, but overall hope and pride and unending love that he held for the woman before him. As he father let her go, he hugged him in return and watched as Nessa stood next to him. As he turned to face her taking her hand like he knew he was supposed to he brought it to his lips, not able to help himself. He kissed her hand as her other wiped away his tears. Together they moved to the area they were supposed to be and turned as the ceremony truly began.

Nessa: All the nerves she had disappeared when she looked into his eyes. The energy the buzzing in her when she normally was around him remained, strong as ever, but she wasn't scared or nervous or anxious any more. She whispered that she loved him before they turned to let the minister start, not letting go of his hand. "We are here today to join Vanessa and Trace in a life of mutual commitment. It is fitting and appropriate that you, the family and friends of Vanessa and Trace, be here to witness and to participate in their union. For the ideals, the understanding, and the mutual respect which they bring to their life together had their roots in the love and friendship and guidance you have given them. The union of two people makes us aware of the changes wrought by time. But the new relationship will continue to draw much of its beauty and meaning from the intimate associations of their past. Trace and Vanessa, today you are surrounded by your friends and family, all of whom have gathered here to witness your marriage and to share in the joy of this special occasion. Today, as you join yourselves in marriage, there is a vast and unknown future stretching out before you. The possibilities and potentials of your married life are great; and now falls upon your shoulders the task of choosing your values and making real your dreams. Through your commitment to each other, may you grow and nurture a love that makes both of you better people, a love that continues to give you great joy, and also a passion for living that provides you with energy and patience to face the responsibilities of life."

Trace: Trace could feel his heart settling now that his hand was holding fast to Nessa's. It felt to him that if he let her loose then this moment would fade it would still be decades in the future to him and he didn't want that. As she whispered, he whispered back before the minister was speaking and hi heart was all aflutter once more knowing they were getting closer and closer to officially being joined and being united as one for the remainder of their days. That moment was the one he craved the most, to kiss his bride and make her his wife, it was what his heart was steadily beating for.

Nessa: Nessa, as much as she was paying careful attention to what the minster was was saying could also hear the sniffles of her mother seated somewhere behind her and it made want to turn and smile at her. Instead she gently squeezed Trace's hand as the minister continued: "Vanessa and Trace: Treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Take responsibility for making the other feel safe, and give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulty and fear assail your relationship, as they threaten all relationships at some time or another, remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part that seems wrong. In this way, you can survive the times when clouds drift across the face of the sun in your lives, remembering that, just because you may lose sight of it for a moment, does not mean the sun has gone away. And, if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight." All of what he said she made a silent vow to take heed to. "Now face each other...Vanessa: your vows.." Nessa took a deep breath exhaling softly as she looked up into Trace's eyes, "I, Vanessa Denise, take you Trace Richard, to be my lawfully wedded husband to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part."

Trace: Trace was paying attention as well but with the women sniffling behind him he knew that included with her mother was his mother and Tonya. It made him proud that both of them were there and not only that but that they were sitting next to each other. Out of the corner of his eye he could have sworn he even saw them holding hands. As the minister continued he truly took in his words, letting them echo in his head until he was sure he'd remember them. Turning to face his bride, whose face was still partially hidden under her veil he smiled as she began to recite her vows. He made sure to breath slowly as she spoke letting his ears capture her every word and let it sink into his head. "Now Trace: your vows" The minster said. He could feel a slight tremble in his stomach as it was his turn but urged himself to get through it. "I-I-I, Trace Richard, take you, Vanessa Denise to be my lawfully wedded wife. To have and to hold from this day forward. For better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part." He cursed himself inwardly for stuttering in the beginning but was unable to stop that sudden trembling in his lips as he first began to speak the words to bind them.

Nessa: Nessa gave him a reassuring smile once he finished, beyond happy that they were finally able to exchange With all the sniffling, Hagrid was wanting to comfort people but he couldn't since he was on a leash and was supposed to sit right where he was. And since he couldn't move to comfort, he started to whine a little. Nessa was glad that he didn't start up while Trace was saying his vows. She glance over at him as the ministers said a little joke about how wonderful things were going that even the animals were touched by it. She called to Hagrid softly telling him that it was alright and how proud that he was being such a good boy. Then smiling, she turned back to Trace. "Hagrid must have known his cue was coming up," the minster joked once more, "Because it's now time for the rings..." Hagrid was lead over to the couple and the rings were taken out of the small pouch attached to his collar. The minister blessed the rings and gave Nessa Trace's ring. Nessa took his hand and as best she could slipped the band on his finger, "Trace, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love for you. Let it be a reminder that I am always by your side and that I will always be a faithful partner to you.”

Trace: He sighed softly at her smile and felt assured and as Hagrid began to whine he couldn't help but laugh as the minister was doing a good job at keeping it from being distracting. As Nessa quieted him, Trace watched and realized he loved that about her as well, her ability to just say a few words and get a reaction like that, he knew it would pass over to their children. As Hagrid was led to them and their rings were given to them he let her hold his hand as his eyes were on hers. As she slipped it onto his finger he looked down at it before he took her hand and took an slow breath to make sure he said this right. "Vanessa, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love for you. Let it be a reminder that I am always by your side and that I will always be a faithful partner to you.” It was weird for him to call her Vanessa but he made sure he said it trying to remember that she had more to her first name.

Nessa: The facts that he called her Vanessa made her smile since she could only recall one other time when she called her by her full name and it was attached to very similar words. Her grin was considerably wider by the time he was finished, glancing down at the band on her finger. “By the power vested in me by the State of Illinois, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” The minster turned with a glint in his eye. “I know you've been waiting for this Trace: You may kiss your bride.”

Trace: As he slipped the ring onto her finger settling it next to the engagement ring he gave her he slowly raised his head to look at her. That smile on her face just made him smile at her in return. He glanced at the minister as he officially pronounced them husband and wife and let one of his classic laughs leave his mouth, since it was true, he had been waiting for this moment. Pulling his hands from hers he lifted the veil from her face slowly tucking it back as he let a smile slip over his face once more. "I love you Nessa," he whispered to her as he cupped her face gently and brought her lips to his own. The kiss was sweet, tender and gentle, but full of the love he had for her and had been dying to express. It was reminiscent of their first kiss but more meaningful. He held his lips to her for just a few moments more as cheers roared from their guests and his smile broke their lips apart.

Nessa: When the minister pronounced them officially husband and wife, she felt that lovely dip in the pit of her stomach which was followed by some giggling as the minister teased Trace. And as he cupped her face to kiss her she searched his eyes and smiled into the kiss. The minister continued, “I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Trace Arnett." And once he said that the soft smile she'd had when Trace kissed her turned into a huge grin as they turned to face the applauding audience.

Trace: Those words, they would be the ones that would forever remain in his head. I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Trace Arnett. Out of everything that was said that he'd remember hearing that she was now officially Mrs. Trace Arnett just completely sent his heart into some rapid beating and he couldn't stop the laughter he felt and the sudden overwhelming sense of elation. He stood there as people clapped for them and turned to his wife smiling at her. He knew they had to walk down the aisle together but he couldn't help himself. He leaned down and picked her up in his arms kissing her once again as he stepped down and began to carry here down the aisle, not giving a damn what anyone thought, this was his day after all.