GENERATED BY META AI
I sat in the front seat holding my phone up so I could get a better view of the bride and groom as they marched in. It was a Sunday morning, and we were all at church for the wedding ceremony of Mr. Arinze and his soon-to-be wife, Miss Jennifer. The halls were filled with people all dressed in the color of the day, which was emerald green and silver. I myself was wearing a long silver gown with a pair of green heels and earrings to match the color.
The air was filled with excitement and anticipation as the ceremony began. Everyone took their respective seat, and the noise grew thin. Soon, the men on senators, all in emerald green, marched in gloriously with the groom and the ring bearer in front leading. The music began, playing in a soft rhythm. Not too loud but enough to get someone in the mood to dance. As they marched in, I couldn't help but notice the way people gawked at them. Everyone was watching them, eager to see how the groom looked. No one wanting to miss anything.
Soon, they had marched in, and the men on the senators took their respective seats, leaving the groom standing at the altar with the pastor patiently waiting for his bride to come. Everyone sat patiently in anticipation of the bride's arrival. No one had seen the bride since that morning. As tradition demands, the bride was not allowed to be seen outside in public view, especially by the groom, before the wedding ceremony. So some people were in a frenzy to see whom the bride was and what she looked like. While others were just excited to see the bride come in.
The moment everyone was waiting for finally arrived; the door swung open to reveal the bride standing there in a beautiful white ball gown that poured endlessly on the floor. The sequins and beading in the gown glittered as the lighting from the hall reflected on them. The music started playing in a very soft rhythm. The keyboardist and violinist working their magic as they created the perfect atmosphere.
The groom, on the other hand, was so entranced by the beauty standing before him that he couldn't take his eyes off her. As she walked in slowly, people couldn't help but admire her. She looked like an angel, a beautiful one at that. I couldn't help but tear up a little at that instant. Who would have ever thought that my cousin sister would eventually get married? Everyone had given up hope on her at one point or the other. She was beautiful, no doubt, but she wasn't the type that was interested in marriage or relationships. She often behaved like a man and was always so engrossed in work, not wanting to give love a chance.
My mom and her other siblings had often ganged up on her, trying to cajole her or force her into getting married. But she was always quite stubborn. They had even tried setting her up on countless occasions with different men, but each time she would find a way to ruin the whole thing. We had almost given up on her until one day she suddenly announced to everyone that she was getting married, taking us by surprise. I could never forget that day. The whole family was elated to say the least.
I smiled mischievously, looking down at the secret gift I had prepared for her. It was a wedding/Christmas present. It was definitely a surprise she wouldn't see coming. Jennifer was my favorite cousin, and I wanted to make this day extra special for her.
However, I was a bit apprehensive; we had a fight a week ago, and that was the last time we spoke. It was over a silly matter, but still we weren't on talking terms. So I was hoping this would close any enmity that was there between us and strengthen our friendship.
The wedding ceremony went on, the priest leading as he asked them to say their vows to one another. They exchanged their wedding rings and kissed a short but tender kiss that elicited a cheer from the crowd watching them. The ceremony continued with the newly wedded couples lost in one another, dancing so heartily to whatever music was playing while people busied themselves with the foods and drinks and, of course, spraying them money.
As the party came to an end, people began leaving one after the other, after giving their gifts to the newlyweds and wishing them the best. Soon it was my turn, and I couldn't help but feel tense as I approached them.
"Hey Jenny, congratulations," I said awkwardly to them.
She looked at me with a smile on her face and pulled me in for a hug. I felt myself relax and the tension. Off of me.
"For a moment there I didn't think you would come." She said letting me go
"Are you kidding? I wouldn't miss your wedding for the world." I answered back.
"So here's your gift. I hope you'll love it." I said with a mischievous smile on my face.
I knew she would love it, probably even tear up a little when she opened it. It was a painting of her on the beach plus other baby items. She had always told me how she wanted a huge painting of herself hung in her house and often fantasized about how it would look. So here was I, making her fantasy come true.
