Two weeks flew by and before Jenny knew it, they were immersed in the wondrous magic of Maui. Upon arrival, they’d been welcomed with the traditional Hawaiian greeting of fragrant, colorful fresh flower leis, and from that minute on, their cares dissolved.
With Gabe and her whole family here, as well as her best friend Alex and Ted, Jenny had everything she needed to make her wedding perfect.
The clean ocean air, perfumed with hints of salt, sunshine, and sweet exotic flowers, enchanted Jenny. The gentle, warm sun and rhythmic breaking waves soothed her soul and swept her worries away. After only a few days, Jenny felt refreshed and ready for her new life. Even George couldn’t spoil her good mood.
Jenny was relieved to note that Maui worked its magic on her mother, too—well Maui and the kids. Ted, Alex, and Michael never seemed far from Mom and Dad, whether at the pool, on the beach, shopping, or playing cards in the lobby. It was sweet to see how the generations enjoyed each other’s company.
Days later, Jenny stood before the non-denominational officiant and her new husband feeling beautiful and chic in her strapless sweetheart gown. Beaded lace appliques covered the fitted bodice, then spread through a dropped waist in an ever-dispersing flow that gave way to the delicate tulle pleats beneath, reminding her of dozens of little mini waterfalls.
Between the puffy skirt that brushed against her legs with every move, the way her train ever so slightly tugged at her butt and hips with each step, and the feel of her gauzy veil flowing from the crown of her head around her shoulders, Jenny felt like a princess going to a ball.
She’d parted her hair slightly to the side and a light French braid framed her face. The rest cascaded down her back in long ringlets. Jenny had tried to coax Gabe into more comfortable island wedding attire, but he’d insisted upon wearing a suit.
Freshly shaved, slightly sunburned, with the wind rustling his hair, wearing a suit that emphasized his broad shoulders, Gabe made her heart swell with happiness. A slow smile of awe spread across his face, and he nodded in approval when their gazes met as Dad walked her down the aisle. Jenny’s world was complete.
Then Jenny, Gabe, and the minister stood cocooned beneath a gauzy arch accented with white chiffon, pink roses, and hydrangea. A gentle late afternoon breeze skimmed her bare arms and shoulders in a cooling caress while the surf serenaded them, and the rest of the world dropped away until it was just Jenny and Gabe taking their vows and declaring their love. Rings exchanged and first kiss bestowed, they turned to the officiant.
“The butterfly symbolizes new beginnings, freedom, and happiness. In a few minutes, we’re going to celebrate Jenny’s and Gabe’s love and new beginning with the release of these butterflies.” He waved a hand at the white organza display that held a dozen sleepy Monarchs. Some of them clung to the side of the enclosure still while others slowly batted their wings as if fanning themselves.
“When Jenny was a little girl, she was enchanted with the American Indian legend that claimed that if one captured a butterfly, made a wish, and then freed it, in gratitude, the Great Spirit would always grant the wish. So in a minute I'm going to invite you to close your eyes and make a wish bestowing upon this couple our very best blessings to carry to God. But first, I’d like to read this poem Jenny and Gabe selected. Learn to Fly by Larry James.”
Jenny faced Gabe and held his hands between hers, wishing she’d written the beautiful lines because it so spoke to her heart. When she looked into Gabe’s dear face and saw his eyes glossy with unshed tears, she had to furiously blink back tears of her own. This poem was their truth and most fervent hope for their life together.
What happened before this day didn’t matter. It was what they made of themselves and their marriage from this day forward that counted, how they learned to soar together.
Like a butterfly emerges
And unfolds its graceful wings,
A marriage grows and it develops
With the love each partner brings.
Your flight through life together
Is what you make it, so reach high
Spread your wings and learn to soar
As if with wings of a butterfly
Share together life's great adventure
Now the two of you are one
Shower your lover with butterfly kisses
Your infinite journey has just begun
Be a lover, friend, and playmate
Learn to listen, laugh, and cry
God has given you your wings,
But, you teach each other how to fly.
“Please close your eyes and make your wishes,” the officiant instructed as he handed them the cage.
With unsteady hands, Jenny swiped a finger under each eye, hoping her mascara truly was waterproof. She blew out a deep breath and faced her new husband. Gabe held the box while Jenny reached for the lid.
Smiling, she looked up at Gabe. “One.”
“Two,” he said.
“Three,” they chorused as Jenny pulled the top off, freeing the butterflies.
There was a round of applause as a half dozen Monarchs burst free in a graceful, elegant release. Jenny gently scooped her hand into the box to encourage the stragglers. One flew immediately to Gabe’s boutonniere and settled there.
My favorite spot too, right over his heart.