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Post by Benita Hendrix-London on Jan 13, 2008 14:02:40 GMT -5
The priest looked from the two, and began the introduction.
"Friends, we have come here today to celebrate love.
"We see it in the faces of Benita and Benjamin who stand before us, but we experience it in our own hearts as well. This love is powerful enough to untie the strong entangled knot of life. It is a love which is spoken of in all religions, which kindles our souls with hope and which is our true home, our true meeting place."
Beni was still as she heard this, as if she never heard of this before. It was as if he was telling the guests all the secrets of their love, but it was not a secret of shame. She sneaked a peek at Ben and smiled at him as if there was no such thing as a frown or even a blank look. I love you, she mouthed very quietly, unable to keep it to herself even if it was coming up soon enough.
"Benjamin and Benita have opened their hearts to one another, and today in just a few moments will share their vows of marriage together. We are deeply grateful to them for opening their hearts to us as well, inviting us to witness and share in this precious moment. To this day they bring the fullness of their being as a treasure to share with one another. Their marriage is being entered into reverently, with the recognition of a true union which has been discovered. For what greater joy is there for two human souls than to join together to strengthen each other in all their endeavors, to support each other through all sorrow, and to share with each other in all gladness?"
The words struck her with excitement in her heart that was so intense... that it did not surprise her when her eyes watered and silent tears fell. She was just so naturally able to cry at anything emotional or anything important to people's lives. It was a celebratory cry. She gripped Ben's hand. They were getting so close...
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Jan 13, 2008 14:22:40 GMT -5
Drew, dressed in his blue suit and matching tie, slipped in the side entrance just before the music had started, giving a friendly punch and a hey to Hiro as he passed through. He wasn't sure he was exactly invited, but seeing as it was on school grounds, and he knew most of the wedding party, he figured sitting through the ceremony would be okay. Most who knew him would probably watch him warily, wondering what he had planned for this blessed event, but Drew liked Beni and wasn't about to mess up anything for her this day.
As the bridesmades came in, he tried to catch his sister's eye and give her a wink, his height giving him an advantage over most in the congregation. He knew Brittany of course, and while he didn't know the third girl, he knew her escort more than he cared to.
Then Beni came down the aisle. Drew thought the dress looked like a humongous quilt on the bottom, but it looked pretty good on the former Gryffindor. He took his seat as the priest started speaking and looked around to see if there was anyone else he knew.
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Post by Brittany Garland on Jan 13, 2008 21:40:46 GMT -5
Brittany silently sighed as Beni and Ben joined hands and the priest began. Taking in the setting and lovely set-up she couldn't help but be overwhelmed with desire. She wanted this all for her one day, she knew that for sure. Of course, she had the task of finding something like the couple that stood before her had first but she still had high hopes that one day it would happen. Every bad thing that the world beyond Hogwarts held seemed to melt away with the emotion that flowed freely from them.
The young woman watched Ben and her good friend closely as the priest went on with the ceremony. Ben looked delighted and in awe at Beni as they took hands. When glancing at Beni she saw her eyes well-up with tears and watched as they rolled down her face feeling her own come on as well. It was hard to not be taken in by it all and she found her self unable to keep a small smile across her face.
They looked so happy, so much in love, and so sure of the promises that they would soon be taking. Brittany couldn't have been more happier for the two of them. They deserved each other. Not wanting to miss a moment of it, the woman didn't notice any of the crowd or even the camera going off in the background. Her focus was soley on the lovely couple that were about to become husband and wife.
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Post by Tamis Raynor on Jan 13, 2008 21:58:22 GMT -5
The request to use Hogwarts as a site for the particular wedding had come barely two months after the fiasco with the Deva had ended, and while the anxiety of allowing the school open to various members of the public had been nauseating, it was too perfect of a political move. It showed the rest of the world that while Hogwarts had become more cautious, it was not quivering in fear. And, weddings were usually joyous and celebratory occasions full of smiles and warm feelings. Hogwarts needed that; the students and staff needed that. And so when the request had come, she had amorously agreed.
The Headmistress wished she could feel the same.
If she had not been the Headmistress and was obligated to be there as host of the premises (and if it had not been between two of her former students) she would not have attended. The topic of two souls binding in holy matrimony was not currently topping her lists of favorites. In fact, it was the least. It only served as a reminder to the husband she had recently lost and the child she never saw. Tamis Raynor would be a stranger by the time Leah Kailee Gallaudet met her mother – if she ever got a chance to, she thought ruefully. Shaw would have to be firmly locked away or six feet under by then.
Nonetheless there she was, respectfully standing guard in the back, watching the proceedings. True to her old fashion wizarding background, she was sporting formal wizarding robes of deep purple and gold embroidery. They were fitting of the occasion, but plain enough to where the eye passed over her as easily as it did the rest of the crowd. Hair not-as-modestly-as-she-hoped streaked with gray was hanging down her back, having foregone the effort of magic-ing it into a particular style.
Despite her own angst, a small smile pressed upward on the Headmistress’ lips. Benjamin London and Benita Hendrix (soon to be London as well) had not been of her house, but it still warmed her heart to see their faces again. That was Brittany Garland playing the part of bridesmaid. And she believed she had spotted both Sora Blake and Shay Loire at one point. It gladdened her heart to see former students making it in the wizarding world; that Hogwarts had hopefully done them right.
Trying not to concentrate on the words, Raynor watched the happy couple, hands clasped behind her back.
It was comforting that happiness was still alive and going strong in the world.
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Ben London
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
benjanita
Posts: 324
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Post by Ben London on Jan 20, 2008 11:39:01 GMT -5
It took everything Ben had to not cry as he heard the words that the priest was saying. He glanced sideways at Beni and saw her mouth those words to him. For some reason, right here, right now, just in this moment, those words meant more to him than anything else anyone could ever say. Ben thought his heart was going to explode when he saw it, and he couldn't help but mouth it back as a single tear trickled down his cheek as well. He noticed Beni's and reached over, wiping them away softly as he smiled at her. He felt her grip on his hand tighten and Ben return the favour. His heart was pounding in his chest and in his ears so loudly that he could barely hear anything else. And then one tiny word stuck out from the rest.
Vow.
Ben mulled over his vows again in his head, remembering them word for word and just hoping he'd be able to spit it all out, now that he had his chance to say it all to the love of his life.
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Post by Benita Hendrix-London on Jan 20, 2008 12:13:43 GMT -5
"We hope that the words and spirit of our gathering may be filled with a truth that will deepen with the passing years. We hope, too, that the meaning of the vows that Benjamin and Benita are about to share with one another will deepen as well, as they discover the endless possibilities of this life together. This is a love which need not be tarnished by common events, but which can flower both in deepest adversity and in greatest joy. As the years go by, you will find more and more in one another a loveliness which neither comes nor goes, which neither flowers nor fades, no longer even taking the form of face or hand or words or knowing. Everything in your marriage can partake of this mysterious beauty beyond beauty, until wherever you turn you see reflections of this loveliness.
"We ask that the vision you have of one another be always informed by that radiant power which first brought you together. Love is stronger than your conflicts, bigger than life's changes, the miracle always inviting you to learn, to blossom, to expand. It is to love that you must always return."
Beni struggled not to have her heart beat itself a new record. They were getting closer and closer to the vows. And after the vows, the rings... And after that... the declarations.
"Benita and Benjamin, you are about to make vows and promises to one another. Today, these vows are beautiful words representing even more beautiful intentions. My prayer for you is that as you live these vows over the years, offering freely your time and your love to one another, the meaning of these words will deepen, and the happy times of your life will be twice as joyous, because you'll be sharing them with someone you love. And when life gets tough, it will only be half as difficult, because there will be someone by your side to help carry the burden. For those times when life presents all of us with challenges, I would like to offer you this simple prayer to remember:
"Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
"You may declare your vows..."
Beni gulped to herself. In a fit of nerves, she almost forgot her vows. She looked back for a moment to watch their guests and sighed when she saw all the familiar faces and even some unfamiliars that she was still happy to welcome them in. I can do it! she told herself, and regained her memory of her vows.
"Benjamin, I hope you know what your life means to me, here and now and forever. Your life is my beacon of hope, your smile is my window of happiness, and your embrace is my refuge. There's no one else for me...." Her tears came full on, and it choked her up. She sighed. "... but you. And each day I want you to remember that, so that you may know that in those dark times and in the worst, that my heart is your heart."
She giggled a bit and exhaled her last bit. She smiled at last, bigger than a mile could see.
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Ben London
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
benjanita
Posts: 324
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Post by Ben London on Jan 20, 2008 12:32:54 GMT -5
All Ben could do was stand there. He looked at Beni as she spoke those words to him and a huge smile spread across his face as the tears continued to roll down his cheeks. He knew everyone there could see it, but for the first time, Ben didn't care at all. All he cared about was trying to get his feelings into words and tell Beni how much he cared about her and loved her. Taking a deep breath, Ben dove into it.
"Beni," he began, his voice shaking, as well as his hands and pretty much the rest of him. Even auror training wasn't this terrifying. "Beni, from the first moment I saw you in that spaceman-like, snowball protective suit in this very courtyard, on the coldest day of the year, I knew there was something different about you. You're unlike anyone I've ever known. You're crazy, but you're also beautiful, and smart and just...the most incredible person and I am so lucky to have found you."
"Through the good times and bad, you're the one I want standing next to me. You're the one I want to come home to every night and the one I was to wake up to every morning, and do everything in between with. I choose you, Benita and I will love you until my last breath. You are my life and my heart and I can't be without you," Ben continued on, struggling through the tears as he spoke, "I love you more than anything and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you." With one last sigh, Ben smiled at his soon-to-be wife, happier than he had ever been in his entire life.
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Post by Benita Hendrix-London on Jan 20, 2008 14:38:22 GMT -5
"What tokens of your love and devotion do you have to offer one another?"
Beni nodded eagerly and nodded at Juan, who stepped out from the line of men and held out a pillow with two tied down rings. She took a silver one and posed it towards Ben's finger, ready to listen to what the priest had to say.
"May these rings be blessed as a symbol of this affectionate unity. Your two lives are being joined today in one unbroken circle. Wherever you go, may you always return to one another in your togetherness. May you find in one another the love for which all men and women yearn. May you grow in understanding and compassion. May the home which you establish together be such a place of sanctuary that all who are here today and others through the years will find there true friends. May these rings, soon to be on your fingers, symbolize the touch of the spirit of love that is in both your hearts. "Benita, in placing the ring on Benjamin's left hand, please repeat after me: Benjamin, I give you this ring as a pledge of my love, and as a symbol of our unity."
She cleared her throat and tried to clean away all of her choked back tears and repeated after the stout priest.
"Benjamin, I give you this ring as a pledge of my love, and as a symbol of our unity," She said with a teary smile as she slipped on the ring. "Now you! Now you!" She said randomly, but it helped to curve the flow of tears.
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Post by alfonztytusjedynak on Jan 21, 2008 13:34:45 GMT -5
Still leaning against the stone walls of the castle, slightly covered by shadows, Alfonz Jedynak looked and studied the events that were taking place. Two people…joyful, young, and obviously deranged people were being joined together creating a family unit in which to have to look over and protect. Alfonz only hoped the guy at the alter actually knew what he was doing.
It was something Alfonz wouldn’t allow himself the luxerry of having. Another to look after. Another to care for. Another to open himself up to only to create for him a weakness, a void, and above all else, a reason to give his life for. Why should he take another into his life and risk everything he had ever worked for to protect? When did any of what was happening become about him?? He shook the thoughts from his mind.
That was it…it wasn’t about him…and he didn’t care.
Or at least he didn’t want to care.
Alfonz could only just, from behind the whole seen, see that there were emotions being felt that he just wanted to shake his head at. He didn’t. Not wanted to bring more attention to himself than he may have already done, but at the same time he wanted to ask both at the alter…why and how can you allow yourselves to join in such times? A pang in himself only angered Alfonz…
Jealousy? Never. Why would he be jealous of those he did not even know?
Because my dear Alfonz, said the writer to her friend…because you have not allowed yourself the luxury of feeling love as the two at the alter, right now, have both found within each other.
Alfonz scoffed quietly, and yet, did not move away from the darkness in which he stood…for out of the corner of his eye he saw…not one, but two women he’d rather not have see him leaving the event…
Let alone being there in the first place.
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Hiro McVeil
Wizard
Recent Graduate
They can smash your cookie but you'll always have your fortune[on:Sweet!][of:off working]
Posts: 1,201
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Post by Hiro McVeil on Jan 23, 2008 21:28:21 GMT -5
As an usher Hiro took his job very seriously. Even during the wedding he stood at attention ready to open the doors at a moments notice. From all the people that were crying Hiro thought that he should have brought some tissues, it sounded like there wasn't a dry eye in the whole courtyard. Of course this couldn't be right, he knew of at least two that remained dry and hidden from the guests. Unlike the last wedding he went to Hiro felt happy for the people involved and it was a nice feeling.
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Ben London
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
benjanita
Posts: 324
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Post by Ben London on Jan 27, 2008 18:35:46 GMT -5
This was really it. This was the end. All Ben had to do was put the ring on Beni's finger, and she would be his forever. Another tear trickled down his cheek as he listened to what was said and then heard Beni's voice again. His grin grew even broader as she slid the ring on his finger and he looked down at it for a moment. When his eyes looked back up at beautiful Beni, the rest of the people seemed to just fade away. All Ben could see was her, and she was all he really wanted to see. He took the other ring and slid it onto Beni's hand, his eyes focused on her, letting himself get lost in their overwhelming beauty.
"Benita, I give you this ring as a pledge of my love, and as a symbol of our unity," Ben repeated, his voice still shaking as another tear trickled out. He took Beni's hands in his and gave them a light squeeze before turning back to the priest and waiting for him to tell Ben he could kiss his wife.
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Post by Benita Hendrix-London on Jan 27, 2008 19:09:20 GMT -5
"Benjamin and Benita," the priest spoke, and hovered his hand over their intertwined hands. Beni's heart would have shot up if it had the chance-- it was breaking records with heartbeats and nothing remained in her stomach but dozens of butterflies. It was amazing to feel the nerves one could feel when it came to having one's name mentioned. But it was nothing short of ordinary for this girl.
Beni could not dare to look at the guests, but she could imagine the various faces, the people she knew to be close to her. She could feel how the setting enchanted the scene. The sun had set low behind the forest, and the more it was darker outside, the more light from the fireflies was produced to create a lovely glow. No one would be left in the dark, not her guests. She loved them for being there, including those whom she'd never known. Strangers were her family for today, and if she was happy, then she wanted everyone to be happy. Her eyes were fully set on Ben's now, drowning in tears, but ever determined to stay on him.
"You have consented together to marriage before this company, pledged your faith and declared your unity by each giving and receiving a ring, and, as you are now joined together in mutual esteem and devotion, it is my privilege as an ordained minister to pronounce that you are married, and to offer you this Benediction of the Apaches: 'Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter to the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there is no more loneliness for you, but there is only one life before you. Go now to your dwelling place, to enter into the days of your togetherness, and may your days be good, and long upon, the earth.'
Congratulations, you may now kiss the bride!"
Beni's grandmother brought up her violin once again and played a cheerful tune. She knew her grandmother to be a great violinist, and she usually loved to listen to her... but she could only think to do one thing. Her grasp on Ben's hands were gone as she wrapped them around his neck, and she touched his lips with her own.
"Ladies and gentlemen, may I present Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin London."
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Post by forstner on Jan 28, 2008 23:57:24 GMT -5
A late arrival to an open wedding? What other choice did Rael have? The announcement was in the Daily Prophet, the first thing the brunette picked up upon arriving to Diagon Alley. How could she miss out on something that was truly a spectacular moment between two lives, bringing people together, a binding contract? When it was for Benita Hendrix, Rael couldn't just let the chance pass.
Well over a year had passed since the girl had gone missing from Hogwarts, gone into a hell that was supposed to be a family life with attendance to a new school. It was horrid, and she was glad to finally have been able to leave. While her mother was sure to find her soon enough, it didn't matter. She was of age and it wasn't as though her mother could just force her back to France. France was a memory she preferred to leave behind.
A place to live, a new job, and dress appropriate for such an occasion, and Rael was set to attend. Of course, her reasons for being late were with Beni being in needed attendance at the wedding, she couldn't very well find a hairdresser, that and she had only arrived the night before. Things moved quickly as ever inside London, and thankfully they'd moved quickly enough for her to not miss the announcement of the newest couple.
London? The name sounded vaguely familiar, but not enough to actually recall the man standing beside the beautiful bride.
Staying toward the back of the wedding, not wanting to get in the way or make too much of an interruption, the best she could do was smile for the time being and hope she was welcome to be there. It had been a bit of a time lapse, but hopefully not too long of one.
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Post by Devin Brady on Jan 29, 2008 1:29:08 GMT -5
A wedding, not one of Devin Brady's choice events, but he knew it would be wrong not to go. He had so many reasons for being there really. As a member of staff and Gryffindor Head of House, he would be a representative for the school. As a... well almost former colleague, of course Devin had been an actual auror and London was still in training, but it was close enough. And of course he found himself coming as extra security, there would be no way he allowed the school to be taken again. So in the back of the courtyard removed from both Raynor and Jedynak, stood Devin Brady. He wore impeccable dress robes and a blue tie that matched his eyes. He was clean shaved, his hair was pushed back, and he would have looked great if he had worn his usual charming smile.
Instead Brady's face looked as it were perpetually carved into a grim frown. Really though, no one could blame the man. He had a terrible track record with weddings, and too many memories were sparked by them. One would only expect the man to want to bolt out of there. Luckily that did not happen. No, Devin had no plans to leave before the ceremony was over, but as soon as that time came he would be quickly on his way back to his office. There it was just a matter of drinking oneself into a peaceful bliss.
So on Devin watched, his eyes scanning the crowd constantly, his ears always alert for unusual sounds. He of course noticed various people he knew, students, Brittany Garland, and a couple others, but today he had no time for them. Today he was here doing a job and currently he looked all the part. So he sat silently and waited preparing for his quick release.
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Jan 29, 2008 10:10:30 GMT -5
The vows were exchanged and Beni was pronounced the new Mrs. London. As the music started up again, Drew whooped and clapped, knowing it wasn't the most dignified of behaviour, but figuring he was 17 and could get away with it. Besides, he doubted Beni would mind a few enthusiastic cheers.
During his scan of the guests, he had noticed Raynor and then Jedynak, and finally Brady. While he had been aware of the dangers that an open wedding on the grounds would hold, their presence reminded him... as did the appearance of a familiar face. A former Gryffindor he knew mostly as being in Allegra's class came in. He was pretty sure she was okay, an invited guest even, but what kind of security had actually been set up at the gates? Who else could just walk in on them all?
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