Walking the Path of Life Together (Joint Post)
Post of the Month - December 2007
Joint Post by Daniel Butterworth, Connie Butterworth, Vanessa Baron, Kimberley Harper & Matthew Thomas
OFF: And here's a full version for those who want to read it as one big post.
ON:
-Botanical Gardens Earth-
The driver pulled back on the reigns of the two horses, easing the beautiful horses out of their steady trot. Connie's heart skipped a beat, upon realising that they had finally arrived at the Botanical Gardens, where she would soon be married. Their ride to the gardens had been wonderful and the carriage had been full of aura of excitement. Kelly, Vanessa and her Mother had been talking excitably amongst each other for most of the trip. Connie on the other hand had been pretty quiet and had been tightly holding both her mother and father's hand the entire time.
The butterflies had returned in force to the bride's stomach during the ride to the gardens. The day had gotten off to slow a start for her, but that was no longer the case, everything was now moving along at a rapid rate of knots and Connie wanted nothing more then to slow it all down. It wasn't out of nerves or fears; all she wanted to do was to saviour every single moment of what was about to begin and she was finding that hard to do.
All of the chatter in the large carriage started to die down, as they pulled up outside the ceremony. Replaced quickly by the lovely sound of music coming from the Pacifica's band, which was coming from the ceremony area. Connie squeezed her mother and father's hands before her father climbed down out of the carriage. She waited and took a number of deep and long breaths in the hope of calming your raging nerves, as her father turned around and looked back up at her offering his hand to help her from the carriage.
-At the Altar-
Daniel and Jason had been standing at the altar for close to five minutes, but it a whole lot longer then that to Daniel. He had been growing more excited with each passing minute and increasingly anxious. He had reached the point, where the only thing that was on his mind was seeing Connie for that very first time. Anxiously he straightened his jacket before looking to his best man who was standing beside him.
Daniel: Did you check to make sure that Samuel still has the rings?
Jason: ;;nods;; Yes I did, now relax and try to enjoy yourself.
Daniel: Easier said then done.
Jason smiled, as Daniel took a quick look around in an attempt to relax him ever so slightly. Everything around him was looking perfect, all the guests appeared to be in attendance and Commodore Harper who was going to be conducting the ceremony was looking fully prepared and relaxed. He felt a slight tap on his shoulder and looked back to Jason, who quickly gestured towards the back.
Jason: By the looks of things here we go.
Daniel followed Jason's gesture and looked towards the back of the ceremony. The band on cue stopped playing the song that they had been playing for the past couple of minutes and started a new melody that he knew would soon lead to the Bridal March that seemed to repeateJason's words. He quickly started to prepare and brace himself for the wonderful sight that he waited to see for the past couple of days, as his mother and Elizabeth who were being escorting by some of his friends stepped through the curtain into view and started to make their way down the aisle. It had finally begun.
-Behind the Curtain-
Vanessa stood silently and watched her friend as she received a final hug and some words of encouragement from her mother, before Elizabeth and Butterworth's mother Vicki were escorted down the aisle by some of the Commodore's friends. Connie had become quiet nervous again since pulling up at ceremony and Vanessa sensed it, but more importantly she senses a outpouring of positive emotions coming from the bride, which Vanessa found to be almost intoxicating. She was excited for both the Commodore and for Connie, as they were starting a wonderful journey together. It was a journey that Vanessa knew would be almost unbreakable, just like the love that they shared for each other, which was pure and strong.
Vanessa smiled at the blushing bride and wished her all the best as she gave Connie a quick hug. Connie thanked her, as Vanessa turned around and was greeted by the groomsman who was going to be escorting her down the aisle. Vanessa smiled at him as they linked arms and slowly walked across to the open curtain. She looked back over her shoulder and smiled at the bride one final time before stepping foot out onto the aisle, where the two of them were greeted by a sea of warm faces.
She looked down the aisle as they made their way down it, and up at Commodore Butterworth who was standing at the altar where he was waiting to see the bride for the very first time. Much like Connie was he appeared to brimming with raw emotion and he was standing there like a warm positive beacon.
-Behind the Curtain-
Connie watched Vanessa then Kelly disappear behind the curtain, before she turned around nervously to face her Dad, seeking words of encouragement from him like he had given to her plenty of times when she had growing up. Patrick took hold of her hands and smiled at her, as he issued his own last words to his daughter, before she married the man of her dreams.
Patrick: You look beautiful today Connie, your mother and I are so very proud of you.
Connie: Thank you Dad.
Patrick: Daniel is a lucky man to have you, and he loves you with all his heart. Treasure every moment you spend together and remember that he will always be by your side as are the rest of us.
Connie slowly nodded her head and smiled, her father�s words reinforcing what she already knew in her own heart.
Connie: I will.
Patrick: ;;nods;; Are you ready?
Connie nodded her head without any hesitation whatsoever. She had been dreaming about this day since she was a child and she was ready to turn her dreams into a reality by marrying her one and only true love.
Connie: I'm ready.
-At the Altar-
Daniel rocked slightly back and forth on his feet as watched the procession proceeded down the aisle, all the time on the lookout for Connie. His heart was beating faster then it ever had before, he never felt as happy or as excited as he was right now. Looking down the long flower lined aisle Daniel could see Connie's father slowly come into view behind the certain. The band began the bridal march sending a cold shiver rushing down Daniel's spine, as everyone rose from their seats.
He held his breath as he waited for Connie to emerge from behind the curtain, and finally she did with her father close by her side. It was almost as if Connie was stepping directly out of his dreams, dressed in white, she was looking absolutely beautiful, it was the most beautiful sight that he had seen and it something that Daniel was never going to forget. He watched silently from the altar as his beautiful bride was slowly walked down the asile by her father.
Connie gripped her father's hand tightly as they started their slow walk down the aisle. Her eyes gazed out around the crowd, before her eyes locked and stayed very man who was waiting for her at the altar. Everything instantly clicked into place for Connie, upon laying her eyes on Daniel for the first time. A part of her wanted to rush down the aisle and throw her arms around her husband to be, but instead she held firm and continued steadly down the aisle her eyes not leaving Daniel's even for an instant
Daniel stepped down and greeted them as they neared the end of the aisle. She continued to smile happily as Daniel shook hands with her father before offering her his hand.
Daniel: You look amazing.
Connie smiled and looked back up into his eyes as she took hold of his hand, linking and locking their arms together they continued up to the altar as one where a smiling Commodore Harper was waiting for them. They continued to stare longingly into each other's eyes, while Harper waited for everyone to be seated before she began the ceremony.
Kimberley: One of the greatest privileges that comes with rank is being able to unite two people in the union of marriage, and it is my honour to be able to preform that very duty here today. ;;smiles;; We are gathered here on this beautiful sunny day to witness the coming together of two people Daniel and Connie, who through their eternal love for each other have chosen to walk the road of life together as husband and wife.
They turned around to face each other and their free hands found each other as Harper continued to speak. The words were slightly a blur to both Connie and Daniel who were transfixed on each other, words couldn't explain what they feeling for each other.
Kimberley: Daniel, do you take Connie to be your lawful wedded wife, to live together in the estate of matrimony? To love, honour, comfort, and cherish her from this day forward, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?
Daniel: ;;nods;; I do.
Kimberley: Connie, do you take Daniel to be your lawful wedded husband, to live together in the estate of matrimony? To love, honour, comfort, and cherish him from this day forward, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?
Connie: ;;smiling;; I do.
Kimberley: As a sign of their love and devotion to each other Connie and Daniel have decided to exchange their own wedding vows as well.
Kimberley looked at Daniel and nodded her head giving him the okay to begin. He took a deep breath and looked back down into Connie�s beautiful brown eyes as he shared his vows with her.
Daniel: Connie, standing here before you today I feel like the luckiest man in the entire universe and I really am. ;;smiles;; I pledge to you today to always encourage and to 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. ;;pauses;; I love you.
Kimberley: Connie?
Kimberley looked to Connie whose eyes were fully fixed on Daniel, the bride stood silently smiling for a few minutes, before sharing her vows with Daniel.
Connie: Daniel, I love you with all my heart. You are my best friend and my soul mate. I will cherish our time together and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you. Loving you faithfully through the good times and the bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live.
Kimberley: ;;looks to Daniel;; Do you have the rings?
Daniel nodded his head as he almost reluctantly let go of Connie's hands and turned to face his nephew Samuel who had been safekeeping the wedding rings. Samuel reached into his jacket pocket and produced the two silver rings, which he carefully gave to Daniel. Daniel thanked Samuel for keeping the rings safe with a pat on the shoulder and a smile, before he turned back around to face Connie.
Kimberley: You may place your ring on Connie's finger.
Daniel smiled as he took hold of Connie's hand and gently slid the ring onto her finger.
Daniel: Connie, I give you this ring as a symbol of my eternal love for you and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honour you as my beloved wife.
Kimberley: ;;looks to Connie;; Connie you may place your ring on Daniel's finger.
Connie pulled her eyes away from Daniel's as she looked down and took hold of his hand, carefully sliding the ring into place, before repeating beloved partner's words.
Connie: Daniel, I give you this ring as a symbol of my eternal love for you and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honour you as my beloved husband.
She looked back up into Daniel's eyes smiling brightly as he took hold of both her hands. The voice of Commodore Harper rang softly in her ears, signifying the start of the rest of their lives together, as husband and wife.
Kimberley: United here today by love and friendship in front of family and friends, Daniel and Connie have started their journey together as husband and wife. I wish you both many long and wonderful years together. So, by the power invested in me by the United Federation of Planets I hereby announce you as husband and wife. ;; pauses and smiles;; Daniel, you may kiss the bride.
Daniel slid a hand down to Connie's waist and gently stepped closer to his wife. Not letting go of her hand, he leant towards her and tenderly kissed her soft lips, encasing their first kiss as husband and wife away in his memories forever.
Gently squeezing her husband's hand Connie tilted her head up and their lips slowly found each other's, as they gently locked in their first kiss. Time seemed to halt for them, as they held the kiss, becoming completely oblivious to the outside world. Connie was starting to overflow with emotion, like a rushing river that had broken through it's banks. She had never felt like this before, never in her entire life had Connie been filled with so many wonderful thoughts and feeling then she was right now. Everything had been perfect, she couldn't of asked for anything more then what she had right now, and more importantly it all felt right.
Connie closed opened her eyes, upon breaking their first kiss, she smiled brightly at her husband as Harper addressed the guests.
Kimberley: Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to present to you for the time as husband and wife, Daniel and Connie Butterworth.
At that point everyone who had witnessed the ceremony broke out into loud applause and celebration, bringing both Daniel and Connie who were still tucked away in their own little world back to reality. Daniel gave Connie's hand a gentle reassuring squeeze, before they started making their way down the aisle, closely followed by the rest of the bridal party. They were congratulated, as they walked hand in hand down the aisle and disappeared behind the open drape that Connie had made her grand entrance through.
-Behind the Curtain-
Once they were out of view Connie overcome by the moment quickly threw her hands around Daniel and passionately kissed him. Daniel returned the kiss swinging her around as he did. The realisation had finally sunk into both of them that they were now husband and wife. Connie placed her hand on his cheek as they broke the kiss and stared longingly into his eyes, Daniel was the first to speak.
Daniel: I love you so much!
Connie: I love you too.
Daniel smiled and shook his head, as he felt so relieved and happy. They continued to stare longingly at each other and sneaked another long passionate kiss before the rest of the bridal party joined them in the back. Hugs, kisses and handshakes were shared all around, as they all congratulated them on their nuptials; Commodore Harper who was carrying with her a PADD finally joined them, after hanging out front for the past couple of minutes.
Kimberley: Congratulations again you two.
Daniel looked down at Connie and smiled before looking back at Kim to thank her for everything that she had done.
Daniel: Thanks Kim.
Connie: Yes, thank you so much for doing the ceremony for us it was wonderful.
Kimberley: ;;shakes her head;; It was my pleasure ;;holds up the PADD;; I just need you two and your witnesses to sign the registry.
Vanessa watched as Connie and Daniel stole another quick glance at each other before they nodded their heads in agreement. She was very happy for both of them, as they were so suited for each other and madly in love. Vanessa smiled as Daniel then Connie signed the registry, her attention was pulled away from the signing by Petty Officer Matthew Thomas who had just popped into sight.
Matthew come over to let the happy couple know that he had just finished setting up the equipment to take the official pictures of the everyone and that he was ready to go. The images were to be taking in the Japanese Gardens section of the botanical gardens, which was just as beautiful as the area that the married couple had selected for the ceremony itself. The scenery itself was quite beautiful and gave Matthew plenty of options to work with. In the end after consultation with Janice he had decided to use the bridge that crossed the small pond as the centrepiece for the pictures. He had already made a very good recording of the ceremony and had a number of photos done already, but he was keen to make the next round of photos even better.
Looking around at everyone Matthew noticed that the bride and groom were busy signing something, so he looked to the counselor who was standing to the side.
Thomas: Excuse me Counselor.
Vanessa: Yes?
Thomas: I'm set up and ready to do the portraits now Ma'am.
Vanessa: ;;smiles and nods;; I'll let them know, we should be along in a minute or two.
Thomas: Ok.
Matthew nodded his head and excused himself as Vanessa walked to join the happy couple. The two witnesses, Jason and Kelly had signed the registry and Commodore Harper was putting the final touches on it.
Vanessa: If you guys are ready, we can get started on taking the main photos.
Daniel looked down at Connie who nodded her head.
Daniel: Sure if we are done here?
Kimberley: ;;nods;; Yeah we're done.
Daniel: Then let's do it.
He smiled as he felt Connie take hold of his hand.
-A Short While Later-
After taking a number of photos to remember the day by Connie and Daniel headed back to the carriage that Connie had arrived in. Emerging from the drape they were greeted by shower of falling flowers thrown by all of the guests who had gathered around to see them off before departing for the reception. They thanked everyone who had waited around as best as they could as Daniel helped Connie up into the carriage before climbing up there with her. He sat down beside who was still frantically waving and thanking everyone, as the driver got the horses underway causing a little jolt through the carriage.
Daniel joined Connie in waving goodbye to everyone as the carriage started to move away. Connie continued to wave at everyone until they disappeared out of site, before she turned around and sat down properly in her chair. She looked up at Daniel and continued to smile at him, as he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close. Connie tilted her head up and kissed him on the cheek, before she rested her head down on his shoulder, savouring the moment. Their journey together through life had just started and she knew that it would only get better from here, as they forged a lifetime of memories together.
OFF: Okay guys that's it, all done. We will give you all a couple of days to post your characters reactions to the ceremony before we start the reception.
This was a Joint Post by:
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Doctor Connie Butterworth
Chief Medical Officer
USS Pacifica
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Commodore Daniel Butterworth
Commanding Officer
USS Pacifica NCC-72545
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LT. CMDR. Vanessa Baron
Ship's Counselor
USS PACIFICA
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Commodore Kimberley Harper
Commanding Officer
USS Jacinta
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Petty Officer Matthew Thomas
Materials Officer
USS Pacifica NCC-72545
