Welcome to love

Having donned the black robe, the tarnished man at least gives an initial appearance of holiness. He stands waiting as they approach one by one. Upon reaching him, half take their places on his right and half on his left. He watches each of them, locking eyes and witnessing their smiles. He glimpses faces in the audience though remains focused on the procession.

Finally, he sees her, standing there more beautiful than she's ever been though she was already beautiful. She walks slowly, purposely, full of joy. The ocean breeze blows wisps of her blond hair, the setting sun radiates her face and a choir of seagulls sing praise.

She is standing before him now but her eyes are on the man standing to his left. Their eyes are locked as they share a smile, before holding hands, making vows and giving themselves completely away. Then they turn and stare at him in anticipation.

The ones on the right and the ones on the left turn and face him too, also waiting.

People sitting or standing around the semi-circle cock their heads or crane their necks also setting their eyes on him, straining to hear as the ocean breeze blows, waves roll onto the shore and seagulls sing.

It is the most pregnant of moments and it hangs there.

What can he possibly have to say?

He's not the most creditable person on the earth when it comes to marriage. Everyone witnessed his own heart shatter into millions of pieces and slowly put together again by the few who loved him anyway. They watched him reluctantly pull himself up and stand on wobbly knees. Surprise hit them when he began to dance and it quickly turned to shock when he himself stood where the couple are standing now.

Say what you will, he still believes in love.

He steals a glance at his wife sitting in audience reaffirming their own vows and sharing their own smile in the pregnant moment.

Then he clears his throat and gets down to business.

Looking at his little girl holding the hands of the man she loves, he says to the fishes in the ocean, the people on the beach, the seagulls in the sky, the audience sitting or standing, the wedding party and to God himself ...

"Dear friends, welcome to love."