The weather report had been pessimistically dreary and wet for a Washington, D.C. wedding all week, and as often happens, getting everything prepared for a reception and traveling hadn't gone completely as planned. But even the torrents of rain hitting windshields and windows the night before as the already absent sun set couldn't break Bekah and Skyler's belief that they would have a beautiful wedding day. There were prayers by more than one nightstand for happier weather as everyone pulled back the covers that night and surrendered to the patter of rain.
Then, the next morning, a gray glow emanated from the windows and a glistening mist, like a shower of dissolving diamonds was all that fell from the sky.
Their faith bolstered by the promise of possibly better weather, Bekah and Skyler prepared to enter the Washington, D.C. Latter-day Saint Temple where their sealing ceremony would begin at 11 a.m. with some of their dear friends and family.
The skies had been holding off everything but a gossamer haze of moisture when the clocks read 12:15 p.m. and family and friends began to emerge through the breezeway and the sliding glass doors to the covered entrance. Even the slightest silhouette of a couple had Mom and Dad and sisters and friends on edge, phones and cameras at the ready for the big reveal.
Then finally, as if they were bringing the sun with them, a warm gust of air escaped the building as the doors slid open and the new Mr. and Mrs. Sorensen fist-pumped their way into cheers, hugs and summery smiles.
An untouchable bubble of light surrounded everyone as the gathering skipped down the sidewalk for some group photos. The rich-colored earth and the deep marble stone of the temple shone in it's glory, fresh and bright like Skyler's eyes when he gazed at his new wife. Warm embraces surrounded the couple and peals of laughter bounced around the courtyard as the Sorensens swung around to practice their "blue steel" look in true squad fashion.
As the group shrank, running to their individual cars to begin the trip back to Buena Vista, VA, Bekah and Skyler took a breath and looked into each others' eyes, truly looked, for perhaps the first time. The world fell away. Skyler carried Bekah's shoes as they walked from the back of the temple to the front, stopping to meet in a sweet kiss near the sky-bridge. The same tender kiss, even though things had changed so much so suddenly. So wonderfully.
Maybe there were people there as they soaked each other in with the light mist of rain, but you couldn't see them--not with the radiance beaming off of Bekah's face as she nestled into Skyler's side.
Later that day, the Pence Home had been transformed into a lush garden of peonies, chiffon and vibrant vines of deep green leaves. The clouds had disappeared, missing Buena Vista entirely, as guests started to arrive in the early twilight. Welcoming guests at the front door, Bekah happily told them about falling for Skyler's facial hair and their chance meeting in Utah months after their first meeting there in "BV" when Skyler was serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
On the steps of their home, the Pences joined Bekah and Skyler for their family photos, entertaining all the arriving guests in true, exciting and grin-inducing Pence fashion. No one could refuse when one young guest politely tiptoed up to Bekah and asked if she could take a photo with the bride.
Stuffed with deliciously decadent waffles and fresh fruit, it was the immaculate cake everyone was eyeing. Mom called everyone to order in the living room and carefully feeding the first slice to each other (but with their backs to each other) Skyler and Bekah cut the cake.
Moving into the family room, Bekah climbed he staircase to toss the bouquet where her younger sister Michaela happily grabbed it out of the air. "No rush please," Someone said jovially.
Finally, the last light of sunset fading on the horizon, Skyler led Bekah onto the patio for a dance, just for them. The quiet hum of crickets and cicadas played as they held each other close under the glimmering lights strung through the trees. Skyler kissed Bekah's forehead, and her eyes twinkled. Gentle echoes of the voices inside the house resonated through the lawn, intermingled with laughter and the soft swish of the silky folds of the bride's dress, as she met her husband for a long kiss. And everything was complete; everything was perfect.
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