A Purrfect Wedding

Posted on Mon Nov 19, 2018 @ 7:42pm by Commodore Michael Aravan & 2nd Lieutenant Gage Aravan & Captain Madelina Weisz & Lieutenant Colonel S'er'in'e & Lieutenant Commander Arrda & Lieutenant Martha Cusack & Lieutenant Commander Kelani Tetanal & Lieutenant JG Logan Hunter & Master Chief Petty Officer Thomas Barnes & Major Kasia S'er'in'e & Lieutenant JG Lucia Cusack & Spencer Aravan & Piper Aravan & Elsie Cusack
Edited on on Fri May 3, 2019 @ 9:23pm

Mission: An Oceanic Shoreleave
Location: Pacifica
Timeline: MD 4 || 1500 Hours

Today was the big day, the day that had taken up most of his thoughts and considerable planning to bring it to fruition. He had spent many hours reading up on traditions, cultural requirements, wedding procedures, attire and other things of importance. Invitations had gone out inviting people and though the gathering would be small, he came to understand that small weddings amongst closest friends and family was considered intimate. The rings lay with Gage Aravan, whom S'er'in'e had asked to act as 'Best Man' which he had come to understand was an important position in such occasions.

After careful thought and some sneaky getaways S'er'in'e had made a formal suit for the wedding, including top hat and a jacket with tails. Kasia had done so much to accommodate his ways, through the ups and downs, the risks he poses, the dangers he can be to her through his size and weight. He knew his culture could be picky, his Father proved that and yet that didn't sway her, she pushed on, made her feelings known and asked him the one question that was the biggest honour a male Caitian could be asked.

So now S'er'in'e stood, on the beach dressed and ready to become a Husband, with Gage standing beside him, Michael also at the end of aisle made by rows of lovely white chairs flanked by flowers. He had read that it was the woman's right to arrive when she arrived, late or otherwise. Even now as he stood there he wondered what the future would bring, what changes would embrace them and more. He turned to Gage slightly. "I hope she likes the setting." Pre-wedding jitters sneaking in.

The sound of the waves gently rolling to the side, a pleasant breeze just enough to wisp ever so lightly the people attending and a clear blue sky above.

Gage stood beside of the giant Marine dressed in conservative black and white tuxedo with a bow tie and looked up at the Colonel. He had to admit that the Caitian cut a spectacular figure in his custom made tuxedo but focused on the question. "She'll love it, Colonel," he assured S'er'in'e. He had been honored to be asked to be the best man and he had the rings in a small pocket in his tuxedo for when the time came. "Who wouldn't want to be married in paradise?"

Gage was right, paradise was the perfect word for this moment. Everything was in its proper place, everyone that had helped set the venue up, flowers, even the food had gone far beyond what he expected of them. He had never been more proud of anything than this moment now as he stood, awaiting his future Wife.

At the head of the aisle, Michael stood dressed in an immaculate white dress uniform with his sharp green eyes taking in the sight of the Caitian Marine Colonel next to his brother and even from where he stood, he could see the tension in the large felinoid. He hadn't received any notification that the two Marines had decided on personal vows, or if he were just going to do standard Starfleet wedding vows, but he had brushed up on several different versions of them.

The last wedding Spencer could remember going to was when her sister and Gage, who was serving as best man, got married. It rained that day, and she recalled her mother reassuring Piper that rain was good luck. She supposed there was some truth to that considering how happy the young couple was. As her mind wandered, her eyes drifted to Michael standing front and center as he prepared to perform the ceremony.

Their own wedding was an affair to remember. Like this one, it was held outdoors, but wasn't a beach setting. No, they'd opted for something a little less traditional, opting to join together as one in a wonderland of flowers, trees and everything natural. It was one of the best days of her life. A day she only hoped to be able to relive some day.

Next to her, Piper stood with Liam asleep in her arms. She always had a feeling the Marine CO and XO would make their way down the aisle. They were the kind of couple that fairy tales were made of. And to be able to witness such a happening truly honored her.

Maddy stood with her hands clasped in front of her. Weddings, while wonderful occasions, didn't really hold find memories for her as they did for others. After all, she'd been stood up on what should have been her special day years ago. Still, the redhead refused to let that spoil what was guaranteed to be a beautiful ceremony. The Colonel and Major definitely deserved this happiness, and she was glad to be a part of it.

Next to Maddy stood Tom Barnes with a smile on his face. Over his twenty years of service, he'd attended a variety of weddings, from a single starship's chapel to those that were quite extravagant. This event here on Pacifica was definitely among the most beautiful that he'd seen, and it hadn't even started yet.

Kelani stood quietly, soaking in the beauty of the scene. She was so happy for the Colonel and the Major and she wished them a long and happy life.

She took a deep breath, a gentle smile on her face.

Logan came up next to Kelani, glancing briefly at her. He was here as Kelani's plus one, having never met the two most senior Marines. "This is amazing. I've never been to a wedding for two officers. Actually, I've never been to a wedding of any kind."

Kelani turned and smiled at Logan, taking his hand in hers, saying softly, “It is quite beautiful, isn’t it, my Logan? It is—I think the expression is—something from a fairy tale...”

Antonio sat with the other guests glad that Chloe had accepted the invite to attend with him. Things were going well between them and it was good to get off the ship and actually enjoy some time planetside. Some of the guests he knew or recognised, others he didn't but it was hard to miss the towering mass that was the Colonel. Up to now Antonio had only seen him in the green uniform, he'd heard about him wearing what appeared to be Caitian garb before though but never saw for himself.

Seeing him now though cut in a very fine looking black suit, a patterned white waistcoat and shirt the whole thing looked pretty damn impressive with his black fur markings. "He looks great." He leaned towards Chloe and spoke softly.

Chloe had chosen to wear a blue flowing dress and her hair was styled in a French braid. She leaned in to Antonio and whispered. "He does and thank you for inviting me, Antonio. I've never been to a Starfleet wedding before. It's amazing."

A few moments later Martha arrived at the ceremony with Lucia and Elsie. Martha had chosen to wear her favourite ruby red dress whilst her wife was wearing a blue dress which she had purchased especially for the occasion. Elsie had decided to wear a smart casual outfit.

"Do you remember our wedding Martha?" Lucia asked.

Martha nodded. "Of course I do. It was the best day of my life"

Arrda sat quietly next to his own wife, studying the surroundings thoughtfully. He had been married three times now, counting Danielle, and each had been beautiful in its own way. This one was not like any of his, set in a venue he had not used. He now wondered why he had not thought of it. He could have used Blade's beach house, he was sure. And the groom looked rather dapper in that custom-designed suit. When he had met S'er'in'e, he had not imagined the big Cat in a tuxedo, but here he was. It was rather... odd in a way, but in a good way.

He did not really know Kasia Petrova, but he hoped the two would be happy together. He silently took Danielle's hand in his and sat back to watch, smiling.

And now the time had come. Kasia took a deep calming breath inside the tent that obscured her from the view of everyone and looked toward the attendant standing by the opening. She gave a nod, and as the flaps were parted, she moved outside, closing her eyes for only a moment to calm the butterflies in her stomach.

Her dress, kept hidden from her groom until this moment, sparkled as the sun hit it. The bride's hair was done in a simple bun at the back of her head, and a pair of earrings graced her ears. The last thing she wanted to do was take away from the gorgeousness that was her gown.

Kasia opened her eyes and looked over the group gathered with a smile, then began to make her way forward. Though, no one could tell, she was barefoot as she walked through the sand toward her groom. Her groom. She looked to S'er'in'e and smiled. Soon they would be married, and she found she couldn't wait for it.

S'er'in'e could only look on, Kasia looked beyond words could describe to do the visage justice. The dress was incredible and he did read that it would be hidden from him until the final moment. The sheer beauty of Kasia however made him feel slightly under dressed, not even close to her level of attractive image. He saw her smile and everything from then on seemed worry free. He was so proud, so happy that a rolling purr could be heard, especially by Gage and Michael who were not far from him.

This was to be the woman he'd marry, his Mate, his Wife and one day Mother to their offspring and even still, he was utterly captivated by her.

It didn't take long before Kasia was standing by S'er'in'e's side and listening to the low purr he was giving off. She smiled up at him, then gave a little wink before turning her attention to Michael so the ceremony could begin.

S'er'in'e turned with her to face Michael, his purr continued, his smile broad as he stood proudly next to Kasia.

Michael cleared his throat as Kasia joined S'er'in'e at the front of the aisle. "Today we are gathered for a new journey of S'er'in'e of Cait and Kasia Petrova. They have chosen each other to take their first steps together to a new frontier. In the maritime tradition, they have asked me, their Commanding Officer, to do the honor of joining them today and the honor is mine to do such."

"If anyone has any objections, speak now or forever hold your peace," he said after a moment and looked over the assembled officers and guests.

"I've been told that S'er'in'e and Kasia have decided to say their own vows," the Commodore continued before he looked at the two of them with a warm smile. "S'er'in'e?"

S'er'in'e turned to face Kasia, the smile still present and the moment the purring too. "Kasia, I love you unconditionally and without hesitation. I vow to love you, encourage you, trust you, and respect you. As a family, we will create a home filled with learning, laughter, and compassion. I promise to work with you to foster and cherish a relationship of equality knowing that together we will build a life far better than either of us could imagine alone. Today, I choose you to be my wife. I accept you as you are, and I offer myself in return. I will care for you, stand beside you, and share with you all of life’s adversities. Let us be partners, friends, and lovers, today and all of the days that follow." S'er'in'e paused for a fractional moment.

"I vow not just to grow old together, but to grow together. I will love you faithfully through the difficult and the easy. What may come, I will always be there, each one believing that love never dies." S'er'in'e had put considerable thought into these vows, he understood that these vows were vital in a wedding and he wanted to do it justice.

Kasia took a deep breath as she listened to him speak. She was a Marine, supposed to be tough as nails and show no signs of weakness. However, she was also a woman, and emotions were a part of that. With tears in her eyes, she began to speak her own vows to him, knowing she'd be crying before this was over. "I believe in you, the person you will grow to be and the couple we will be together. With my whole heart, I take you as my husband, acknowledging and accepting your faults and strengths, as you do mine."

She called it as the tears began to flow freely. "I promise to be faithful and supportive and to always make our family's love and happiness my priority. I will be yours in plenty and in want, in sickness and in health, in failure and in triumph. I will dream with you, celebrate with you and walk beside you through whatever our lives may bring. You are my heart—my love and my life, today and always."

"Do you have the rings?" Michael asked as he listened to each of them speak of the love and commitment they spoke to each other.

Gage stepped forward and presented one ring to S'er'in'e and one to Kasia, each ring for the other person before he stepped back.

Taking the ring from Gage he looked at it. Such a small thing and yet meaning so much, a symbol, of unity, companionship, love. With it in his hand he looked at the tearful Kasia and smiled.

Kasia took the larger ring and placed it on his hand with a smile. They were officially one step closer to being married. "I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment and love for you."

It was at first a little difficult to hold such a small ring in a manner to slip it onto a finger, that and S'er'in'e had to remember the most important of all, left hand, third finger. "I give you this ring as a reminder that I will love, honour, and cherish you, In all times, In all places. And in all ways, forever." Then he slipped it onto her finger as he held her hand.

"By the power vested in me by Starfleet Command, I pronounce you husband and wife," Michael said. "You may kiss the bride."

S'er'in'e smiled, he knew this bit. He smiled, the tips of his fangs appeared and as with other times his whiskers flush to his face lest he tickle her he leaned down. With on hand to the side of her head gently holding it, showing how large his hand truly was, he put his lips to hers, his eyes closed.

Kasia returned the smile. It was official now. They were husband and wife, and their new journey together would be starting as of this moment. She leaned in, and getting on her tip toes, she returned the kiss to deal the declaration that they were officially married.

Once the kiss broke as softly as it had started S'er'in'e placed his head to her brow. His eyes closed in a moment of utter tranquillity and wholeness. When he pulled away slightly a few seconds later looking down at his now Wife, the smile still present he looked at the gathered guests.

Kasia slipped her hand into her new husband's and looked toward the guests who gathered to help celebrate the new journey in their lives. "Thank you all for coming," she said with a smile.

Kelani’s heart swelled as she watched—this was the most beautiful wedding! She was glad for the Colonel—such a noble soul and he had found his Imzadi...

She squeezed Logan’s hand, whispering, “It is beautiful is it not, my Logan? They are so happy...”

Arrda smiled at the pair, exceedingly pleased for them. To Kasia's statement of gratitude, he stood and said, "We are honored that you allowed us to share this with you. We wish you many happy years together." He then sat once more with his own wife, putting his arm around her shoulders. All of this made him think of their own wedding.

The Cusacks all smiled at and shared the happiness of the newly married couple. Martha and Lucia's wedding had taken place four years ago and today's wedding had brought back some happy memories of their special day.

Michael smiled as the other officers and guests present erupted in cheers. "Now go on your honeymoon," he told the newlyweds. "There's a boat with your name on it waiting to take you on a week long cruise around the planet." He pointed offshore where a sleek designed ship with a tall tower on it was cutting through the water towards the resort. "As our wedding present to you."

Kasia blinked. It wasn't often she was rendered speechless, but Michael had managed to do just that. She turned toward him with a genuine smile and leaned in to hug him. "Thank you," she said softly.

Michael was surprised at the hug but returned it. "You're welcome. Now go celebrate your honeymoon."

With that, the officers and guests cheered as the ship pulled into the dock and the newlyweds were escorted to it under a rain of flower blossoms native to their two worlds and banners fell from the sky with many blessings.