A State of the Union

Adorned in shimmering stones.

Face aglow she imagines the sanctity of the union that is about to take place.

She no longer dreams of reams of crinoline and spools of satin that span the diameter of her dress, as expansive as an elaborate parasol in circumference, as she glides across the floor.

Instead, she sees a svelte silhouette and envisions baptizing his feet in rose water blessings.

Her hair is half down half up and it is clear she has a crown grown from her own head.

Three to five intricate braids are deliberately placed to frame her face as she stares into the halo of his presence, a natural glow emanates from a smile so sweet that she melts every time he smiles.

A gathering of pearls and foreign shells representing the seven seas with 57 distinct pearls from each of the smaller seas and their tributaries adorn her body, shoulders and head.

She has a veil that represent her culture and his in intricate detail. Prayers and poetry sewn into the hem of her dress hopes to step foot with him in new lands, new adventures, to rekindle an ancient calling that is hard to explain in words.

An exchange of bonds not easily broken pass their four lips, two hearts intertwined in silken blue and red rope created by two.

He like the sailor as handsome as they come and she like the mermaid cloaked in natural opulence born of the sea, both committed to service for the greater good.

A vow is but a prayer and a blessing not meant to be uttered lightly.

It is a risk we take both in love and this state of union.

To hold and to have, they day

Why are most vows and blessings so stoic in nature? Some merge sand, candles, jumping brooms, and I hope to create my own traditions that like us have room to grow.

This is my wish and prayer.

An impenetrable bond is formed from before we met. She manifested this man a dream come true.

As he was the most authentic version of himself as was she.

She knew not of his profession or his faith, she only knew is heart.