𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴇꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ 4

A Halloween Wedding

AN: A little more on the gothic side of things, I loosely based this on my own dream wedding! ♡
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I glance out of the window to see the vibrant orange leaves scattering themselves across the grounds of the manor. I smile, gaze extending to the dark forest beyond where the actual wedding is going to take place. It's October 31st. Halloween. And I've never been more excited for the holiday in my life. It's always been a celebration of the strange and unusual, but today it's also going to be a celebration of eternal love and devotion.

I adjust my black wedding gown, feeling a little nervous about everything. So far the universe has blessed me with the perfect day, and all plans are in motion, but I've seen and heard how one slip up could ruin an entire wedding. I've dreamt about this for years, and whilst I'm no bridezilla, I still want this to be perfect. 

My mind drifts to my fiancé, Leon, and how initially he was reluctant to the whole 'Halloween wedding' idea. It wasn't because he's against it, but he didn't want the holiday to overshadow our special day. Eventually, after seeing how much I had my heart set on it, Leon caved and booked the manor to surprise me. With its gothic flair and air of eerieness, I couldn't have asked for a better setting.

I blow out a breath, careful to not smudge my dark lipstick as I finally feel ready. I pluck up the burgundy bouquet and check myself in the mirror, seeing the bride of my dreams staring back at me. My heart aches at the sight, and I blink away happy tears just as my maid of honour comes barging in with a fond smile and a gleam in her eye.

"You look so beautiful." She smiles, squeezing my shoulders. "You'll be glad to know that everything is still running smoothly. The candles are set up in the jack o' lanterns like you wanted, and Leon's already out there waiting for you."

I nod, a nervous flutter erupting until my best friend takes my hand and leads me out of the room, helping me get a move on. We rush through the halls of the manor like two heroines from a dark novel, then we make our way outside and into the forest, following the path until the chatter of guests and romantic Halloween decorations show me that we're here. The leaves crunch beneath my feet as everyone gets into position, and then the ceremony begins.

I walk down the 'aisle' to a classical rendition of Apocalypse by Cigarettes After Sex as my heart races. As soon as I see Leon at the altar, shining blue eyes wide and lips parted at the sight of me, I know I've done a good job of picking the man I'll be spending the rest of my life with. We share a secretive smile as I walk towards him, the scent of pine and pumpkin tingling my nose until I'm close enough to smell his cologne. I soak in the sight of his suit- no tie, and buttons undone at the top- and fall in love with him even more.

"You're...I can't believe you're mine." Leon murmurs, taking my hands once I stand next to him. I breathe out a sigh, the world fading away as I smile up at him.

"And I can't believe you're mine either." I reply as the officiant begins speaking. The man talks of love and commitment whilst Leon and I listen, but every so often we share a look, both holding back laughter since our romance isn't as delicate as the officiant seems to think. We're passionate and chaotic, and maybe even a little crazy, but I'd have it no other way. We exchange vows next, and Leon's calm, composed demeanor softens to something more vulnerable as he keeps his eyes on mine.

"I've never been good at words, so I can only make promises. I promise to always protect you, and to stand by your side no matter what. I promise to take care of you, and make you laugh until you can't anymore. I promise to always try and keep up, even if I'm fifty steps behind, and I promise to always love you, because I'm scared you'll bury me alive if I don't." He chuckles as I gently swat him, but then he clears his throat, tone now changing to something wobbly. "In all seriousness, I do swear to always love you, because I've never met anyone who's as kind, loving and understanding as you are. I'm in awe of you everyday, and I just want a million more of them with you."

I stifle my tears, as Leon clears his throat, rubbing his eyes as I smile and begin reciting my own vows. "Leon, you're a jerk for making me almost cry on my wedding day," that earns a few laughs, "but like always, I'm glad you're by my side as I do. I've always been obsessed with Halloween because it's mysterious and magical, and being with you feels no different. Everyday is a new adventure filled with laughs and warmth, and I'm so grateful to have you by my side. I'll love you through every season and month, as well as every year that passes, I'll love you every hour and every second, and I'll love you right now, because tomorrow isn't guaranteed, so I'll treat every moment with you as if it's the last."

With that, we exchange rings before ending the ceremony with a sweet, tearful kiss. The leaves swirl around us as the guests cheer, and when I pull back I immediately lean back in to kiss my husband again.

The wedding reception is held in the manor, compared to the ceremony Leon and I opted to have a laid back party with the spirit of Halloween in full swing. The main hall is filled with tables, all stocked with a variety of snacks and spooky themed treats, including our towering wedding cake. We stick by each other's side like magnets as we greet and thank guests, Leon's arm is draped protectively around my waist as he guides us around the people, his lips are in a constant upturn as if he's never been happier. We dance to 'Thriller' and 'Talking In Your Sleep' as we laugh, both clinging to each other as we forget about the eyes watching us.

Eventually, the evening arrives and both our social batteries begin to die out. I take Leon's hand, pulling him away from his third slice of wedding cake as he arches a brow in amusement but follows me anyway. We weave through the people until we're outside, the cool air refreshing as I link our fingers together and show him the gardens, where we can finally have just a moment to ourselves.

The stars shine above, and the full moon lights up the surroundings as if it were daytime. Leon tugs me close, wrapping his arms around me as I sigh and feel his lips press against my forehead. "I'm so glad to finally be married to you, but I'm also kind of sad that the day's almost over. Have you had fun?"

I nod, reaching onto my toes to press a kiss to his lips, lingering there as our noses brush. "Me too. I've had the best day though, thank you for giving me the wedding of my dreams." Leon hums in agreement, holding me close as we both gently sway with only the hoots of owls in the forest and the chilly breeze as our company. I shiver, and immediately Leon pulls away to slip off his jacket and set it around my shoulders.

"Here, I can't have my wife getting ill before our honeymoon." Leon smiles, taking my hand as we walk further into the gardens, ditching our wedding party for a stroll under the night sky. "Happy Halloween, Mrs Kennedy." Leon breathes out.

"Happy Halloween, Mr Kennedy." I grin as a few bats fly past the moon.