June 15, 2002

I sat at the vanity getting my hair curled. I kept fidgeting and bouncing in the chair.

“Would you calm down? You’re like a hyperactive five year old.” Nia teased.

I couldn’t help it. Today was the most exciting day of my life. I was marrying the man of my dreams. We had been engaged since 1998. I was ready to become Mrs. Ashton Carter.

“I can’t help it. I’m so excited.” I giggled.

“I know you’ve been waiting for this day since forever.”

“It’s finally real. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for all my life. I hope my marriage is as awesome as yours.”

“It will be. Marriage has a lot of ups and downs. You have nothing to worry about. Nick loves you more than life itself. Your relationship has grown so much in the last few years. I’m so happy for you.” Nia let the last curl fall.

Kevin walked into the room. He smiled at me.

“You look absolutely stunning.” He looked at me in awe.

I stood up and straightened my white knee length sundress. I felt like a princess.

“Nick is going to be drooling over you. He’s been whining about missing you for the last two days.” Kevin chuckled.

“It’s hard to him to be away from me for a few hours let alone a week.” I giggled as I slipped on my white flip flops.

“I can’t believe you him you wouldn’t see him for a week.”

“I wanted him to be in awe when he saw me at the alter. Is Tim ready to get started?”

“Yes and so is Nick.”

“Let’s go then.” I didn’t move. “I just wanted to say thank you, Kevin. I know Nick and I drove you nuts in the beginning, but thank you for letting us grow and mature. It meant a lot to me.”

“You’re welcome. I’m proud of you.”

We walked outside. Nick was standing on the beach. He looked amazing. He was wearing loose khakis and a white button down shirt.

Our family and close friends were sitting there smiling at Nick. Slowly Kevin walked me down to where Nick was standing.

“Welcome family and friends to the blessed marriage of Nick and Ashton. Let us enjoy the union of two of God’s children. It is a very important moment in their lives. They have been together for many years. Their love and understanding of each other has grown and matured over time. It is now time for them to become husband and wife. ” Tim smiled at us and winked at me.

I looked at Nick as he looked at me. I had never seen him so happy. I wasn’t nervous anymore. I knew this was the most important day of my life.

“Who supports this woman in her marriage to this man?”

“I do.” My mom, Kevin, and Jerald replied.

“Who supports this man in his marriage to this woman?”

“We do.” Bob and Jane Carter announced.

“Marriage is one of the greatest and challenging adventures in a couple’s life. No ceremony can create a marriage, only Nick and Ashton can do that. Through love, a lot of patience, commitment, communication, support, faith, laughter, tears, forgiveness, and knowing what is important and what to let go will their marriage be one of joy. The ceremony symbolizes and affirms the choice you have made to stand together as lifetime partners.” Tim spoke eloquently.

Nick took my hand and held it in his. I squeezed his hand.

“Nick and Ashton have taken the time to write their own vows. Each would like to share in words the special bond they have created and will continue to affirm for the rest of their lives.”

Tim motioned for me to start. I took a breath of fresh air and composed my thoughts. I looked deep into nick’s darkened blue eyes. He took both of my hands and held them in his. Electricity coursed through my body.

“I, Ashton, promise to be your best friend, lover, and mother of your children. You are my partner and one true love. I will cherish our marriage and love you more each day. Our love has no end. We have been through so much since the day I met you in 1993. We’ve had our share of laughter, tears, joys, and pains.  I promise to trust and respect you. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love. From this day forward we will truly be one. I love you, Nickolas Gene Carter.” Tears fell down my face. Nick had tears falling from his eyes. He kissed my hand.

“Ashton Jeanette, I love you more than life itself. I remember the first kiss you ever gave me as a present for my birthday. At that point I would have never guessed we would become husband and wife. I look forward to growing together and falling in love a little more each day. I promise to love and cherish you through whatever life may bring us. We’ve been through a lot of ups and downs of life. There is no one else I would want learn about life with. You are the smartest, kindest, generous, most beautiful woman I know. I look forward to growing old with you. I plan to honor and cherish you for the rest of my life. I love you Ashton Jeannette.” He placed a kiss on my cheek.

I looked at my mom. She was wiping her eyes with a handkerchief. Kevin had his arms around Nia. Even hard nosed Jerald was wiping his eyes.

“Will those present here today, surround this couple in love, offering them the joys of your friendship? Will you support this couple in their relationship? At times of conflict will you offer them the strength of your wisest counsel and the comfort of your thoughtful concern? At times of joy, will you celebrate with them, nourishing their love for one another?”

“We will.” Everyone chorused.

“Now for the exchanging of the rings.  These rings will give Nick and Ashton a reminder of their love and the vows they make here today.” Tim held up the rings. “Nick repeat after me. I give you this ring as a token of my love. As a ring has no end, my enduring love for you will never end.”

Nick took my left hand and gently placed the ring on my finger. He held my hand for a few seconds before he placed a kiss on it. My eyes were misting with tears.

“I will forever wear this ring as a symbol of my commitment and love for you. When I look at it, I will be reminded of the vows we have made.” I choked out.

“Ashton, repeat after me. I give you this ring as a token of my love. As a ring has no end, my enduring love for you will never end.” I placed the ring on Nick’s finger. I kissed his hand.

“I will forever wear this ring as a symbol of my commitment and love for you. When I look at it, I will be reminded of the vows we have made.” Nick’s voice grew hoarse. He was overcome with emotion.

I forgot that anyone else was at the wedding. My thoughts and feelings were only of Nick. He was the only one that mattered at the moment. I knew he felt the same way about me.

“By the power vested in my by the State of Florida, I now pronounce husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.” Time smiled at us.

Nick moved closer to me. Our faces met. Slowly our lips met in a slow beautiful kiss.

“Go Nicky.” Aaron yelled. Everyone laughed as we broke apart

“I present to you the happy couple, Nickolas and Ashton Carter.”

I looked at the sky which was a mix of bright pinks, oranges, reds and a hint of purple. It was a beautiful sunset to complete the beautiful wedding. Nick and I walked down the aisle hand in hand. My face was hurting from smiling so much. I couldn’t stop myself from beaming. I was the happiest woman in the world.