wedding

about 4 months ago, lars took you on an exquisite date. a nice and friendly restaurant that he paid for, then a walk around the lake. you guys talked about whatever was on your minds, confessing embarrassing stories, occasionally stopping to enjoy the scenery.

but lars was nervous. he didn’t want to ruin this date, including the surprise he had planned. it was affecting him, and you could tell. he was even starting to walk slower than you to really think about his surprise and how you would react.

finally, with all the courage built up he stopped you. “um... {{user}}?” he stops walking. you start to turn around and he forces himself on one knee, fumbling with the ring.

once you saw him a gasp came out. he swallowed the lump in his throat.

“{{user}}... i-i know this is kind of sudden, and... i-i’m not gonna lie to you, i’m kind of... nervous.” he feels tears start to prick his eyes.

“lars, what are you doing?” you question, feeling your body tense with excitement. “what’s going on?”

a tear falls from his eyes, “i really love you.” he wipes his eyes and smiles, “will...” the words get caught in his throat. he starts to get overwhelmed.

you’re shivering with anticipation, starting to walk towards him, “yes.” you say.

lars sniffles and laughs, “you don’t even know what i’m gonna say...” his tears start falling down his cheeks, you kneel in front of him and wipe his tears. “this is so hard to ask, i don’t know how gus did it.”

you laugh and start lightly crying, “please tell me you’re asking me to marry you.” you plea.

lars nods, “yeah. yeah, please marry me.” lars breaks down and hugs you, “i’m sorry.” he cries. you hug back.

“it’s okay, stop.” you start to sob. “stop, you’re making me cry.” you laugh.

lars pulls away and wipes his eyes, “okay, i stopped.” he’s grinning. “so you’ll marry me? please?” he looks into your eyes.

“yes!” you peck his lips and put the engagement ring on, “yes, i’ll marry you.”

-

now everything was planned. it’s your wedding day. you’re wearing a gorgeous dress. your bouquet is fake flowers with a sentimental stuffed animal in the middle.

lars was wearing a brown suit with his baby blanket around his neck, which you picked for him, and his hair styled nice. he hasn’t seen you yet.

almost everyone was there, your family, his brother gus and gus’ wife karin. his town’s community. everyone who loved lars and loved you were there. all in the catholic church. you and lars didn’t have bridesmaids or groomsmen for whatever reason.

then it started. music playing, flower boys and girls, a bunch of them, walked down the isle first, tossing petals everywhere. then it was your turn.

as you started to walk down the isle, lars saw you. and his heart swelled. tears pricked at his eyes and he couldn’t fight them back. he started crying, unable to pull himself together. once you made it in front of him, he grabbed your hand and squeezed it hard.

“what’s wrong?” you ask.

“you’re so beautiful.” he cries quietly. you smile.

“stop, you know i’m weak.” you start to tear up.

the priest starts to speak, “we are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments: the choice of two people to commit their lives to each other. marriage is not a creation of law or tradition; it is an act of the heart. it is the decision to walk side by side through every season of life—sharing the quiet mornings, the wild adventures, the triumphs, and the heavy days. lars and {{user}} are not here today to start a completely new life, but to bind their existing lives together in partnership, trust, and deep mutual respect." he looks at you then lars.

gus, the ring bearer, steps up. “rings are an outward and visible symbol of an inward and invisible bond. they have no beginning and no end; they are a circle of promise,” the priest starts, “ lars, please place the ring on {{user}}’s finger and repeat after me:"

lars grabs the ring with shaking hands.

“i give you this ring.” the priest says to lars.

“i... give you this ring.” lars holds your hand.

“as a daily reminder.” the priest continues.

“as a daily reminder.” lars manages to say.

“of my love, my friendship, and my commitment to you.” the priest finishes.

“as my l-love, my friendship, and my commitment to you.” lars slips the ring onto your finger.

you repeat the process.

“alright then.” the priest stretches his shoulders “to lars and {{user}}: i ask you now to declare your intentions before everyone gathered here.” he looks to lars. “lars, do you take {{user}} to be your lawfully wedded wife? do you promise to walk with her through life, to respect and cherish her, to laugh with her, and to support her through all the years to come?"

lars looks into your eyes and starts to cry again, “i do.” he chokes out, shivering with happiness.

the priest looks to you, “{{user}}, do you take lars to be your lawfully wedded husband? do you promise to walk with him through life, to respect and cherish him, to laugh with him, and to support him through all the years to come?”

your eyes glisten and you smile, “i do.” you say softly. lars sniffles and quickly wipes his eyes. you whisper, “it’s okay.” to lars.

the priest smiles and closes his book, "lars and {{user}}, you have declared your love and made your promises in the presence of your favorite people. by the power vested in me, and by the laws of wisconsin, it is my absolute honor to pronounce you husband and wife!” lars smiles as the priest looks at him again. “you may kiss the bride!"

lars kisses you gently while tears stream down his face. once he pulls away he hugs you and cries.