We woke early, just before the sun, filled with excitement for the day ahead.
Of course, we knew what lay in store for us, but the audacity of what we were about to do made it all seem so unreal.
First, we had a light breakfast, and then it was off to get changed into our outfits for the morning. Initially, the thought of strapping a sword and light armor on for my wedding day was surreal, but it all disappeared when I saw her; my Evenstar, my fey princess. She was radiant in her Eldar gown the colour of seafoam and snow. The morning sunlight glinting from the silver and white flowers woven through her flaxen hair was mesmerizing. Her earrings held tiny bells so that when she turned to smile at me, they rang gently like something from a dream. I knew then that I would remember every moment of this magical day for the rest of my life.
Our first destination was to meet our companions for the day; horses.
Mine was the colour of a sandy pacific beach. Her name was Emmie. I stroked the horse's neck and let her nuzzle at my hand, looking for a treat. Then, Emmie's head lifted, and her ears pricked forward, alert. I turned to follow her gaze and was struck dumb by what I saw.
There she sat, high on a chestnut mare. The snowy blaze on the horse's regal forehead matched her dress, which was flowing down its flank and stirring in the breeze. Tears sprang unbidden into my eyes, and I kissed her white hands. I shook my head - I get to do this with the love of my life.
If someone had told me a year ago that we could have a wedding like this, I would have scoffed at the thought. But it was possible, thanks to our guide.
It was 9 am when we mounted up and rode towards the nearby forest.
We could hear the cicadas begin their chorus as the sun started its march down the side of the misty valley. It illuminated the tall pines as we drew closer, and we could smell the warm needles. As we entered the forest, the air became cool. It was a nice respite from the late summer sun. The pine needles muted the horses' hooves as we walked through the trees, following the gentle rise and fall of the land.
No sooner had that thought crossed my mind when the sound of jovial voices and swordplay reached our ears...
At the behest of our guide, we rose and returned to our horses.
We were off to discover what the commotion was. We soon came upon a group of young, green-clad rangers who were training some companions of ours! We didn't know we would meet up with them, so there was much excitement over the day's activities and the outfits we were wearing. Soon we were all being trained in swordplay by the young rangers. Next, they taught us archery, and we tossed axes into giant logs. Then there was a light sparring session followed by an archery competition. My Evenstar held her own! I must admit that while I took the archery trophy with ease, it was my best man that remained undefeated in the melee, much to the delight of the ladies in our party. I have a feeling we will attend his wedding someday soon!
Then our guide led us all back to the stable, and our growling stomachs told us it was midday. We brushed the horses and shared sweet apples with them. Cheese, fruits, cold beer, and sparkling wine allowed us to take the edge off of our hunger. But, it wasn't yet time for the feast! Making our way back to our accommodation, we bathed our sore muscles in the hot steam baths and took a much-needed nap.
We roused as the sun was beginning his slow descent across the sky. We were all famished, but we made sure to be arrayed in our evening finery first. By 4pm, we had all gathered together again, ready for the feast. There were many stories of tears and laughter, recollections of times long past, and friends lost to the sands of fate. But above all, there was rejoicing for the future. Then, our guide appeared. It was time.
As the sun began to set, he led us solemnly to a high point that overlooked the forests and gardens surrounding us.
Our party left us, standing vigil at the base of the final rise. Just the two of us, I and my Evenstar followed the guide to the summit.
Gentle lights lit the path like magic long forgotten, and the songs of night insects were the only music to accompany us. At the top of the rise stood an arch laden with late summer flowers and oak leaves. We stood in front of it, held hands, and spoke vows everlasting as the rising moon blessed us with her gentle light.
Our guide approached once more, and with a silken ribbon, fastened our hands together. He beckoned to us, and we passed through the arch. We shivered as we emerged on the other side, no longer two souls afloat in the tumult, but one - strong and ready to weather all that this world would throw at us.
Our friends silently watched our descent with tears of joy in their eyes, but when we reached them, some unspoken spell was broken, and they whooped and hollered in celebration. That is when the merrymaking began in earnest. I'm so happy we decided to break from the norm and create our own tradition, because this is a day I will never forget.
you can have an epic fantasy wedding, too
I promise you, this isn't something you have to beg forgiveness for wanting. You need not consult someone else about your wedding day, to see if you're "allowed" to do it the way you wish. It's your day. Let me be YOUR guide.
If you want to have a fantasy elopement like this, please contact me as soon as possible. This could be the exact change you need to make in your life. These decisions can empower you to be who you truly are, and your wedding will be a ceremony of your innermost self joining with your spouse. But you have to be decisive and call me now.
