It had taken some favors, some cash, and a few bullying tactics; but finally Marie had managed to secure a small chapel, a wedding decorator, floralist, and a justice of the peace quickly.  Luca and she had decided that they did not want to wait.  Life for a mafioso was often short and they did not want to waste the time they had been given.  It was not surprising really as both of them were very passionate and deeply driven individuals.  When they sat their minds to something they went for it heart, soul, and body.  

The chapel had been beautifully decorated in draping sheer white chiffon tulle, various white and pink flowers, vine arches and tons of candles that gave off a very romantic atmosphere.  It was perfect and exactly as Marie had wanted it.

The door to the bride's preparation room opened up and Rumrunner815 came out first in her soft pink bride's maid dress.  Walking into the Chapel she made her way down the aisle where Salvatore_Lucania and Roadrunner815 were already waiting their arrival with the Justice of Peace.  Next from the room emerged MarieCosta wearing a beautiful white wedding grown. Marie looked at Don Joseph_Ligambi and her nervousness was washed away.  She smile at him.  She had never thought he would be one of those guys to get all teary eyed, but there he was with a teardrop already streaking down his face.  She gently reached up to wipe the tear away.  "Thank you for doing this Uncle Joe.  I really do appreciate it."  He kissed both of her cheeks and told her that she looked beautiful.  When she indicated to him that she was ready he escorted her around the corner and into the chapel.  

Luca had been standing and quietly chatting to Road and the Justice of the peace. He was excited that it was finally time and waited for MarieCosta to come down the aisle. He watched as Rum came down first smiling at him, he smiled back as she took her place. 

When Marie came around the corner escorted by Don Joe his jaw about hit the ground. "WOW," he mouthed quietly.

"I am the luckiest man alive," he thought to himself.

Marie smiled lovingly at Luca.  She had eyes only for him as Joe escorted her down the aisle.  When they arrived at the front, Luca moved to stand on the other side of Joe and two exchanged a nervous laugh at seeing the other.  The giving their attention over to the Justice of Peace he began.  

"We are gathered together on this day to witness and celebrate the marriage of Salvatore and Marie. We come together not to mark the start of a relationship, but to acknowledge and strengthen a bond that already exists. This ceremony is a public affirmation of that bond and as their dearest family and friends, it is our honor and privilege to stand witness to this event. This day is made possible not only because of your love for each other, but through the grace and support of your family and friends. It is our hope that your fulfillment and joy in each other will increase with each passing year."

"Marriage is a commitment in life, where two people can find and bring out the very best in each other. It offers opportunities for sharing and growth that no other human relationship can equal, a physical and emotional joining that has the promise of a lifetime. It deepens and enriches every facet of life. Happiness is fuller; memories are fresher; commitment is stronger. Marriage understands and forgives the mistakes life is unable to avoid. It encourages and nurtures new life, new experiences and new ways of expressing love through the seasons of life."

"While the commitment begins with the two of you, its effect radiates outward. It touches your family and friends and ultimately all of society. When this commitment is seriously made and continuously fulfilled, it leads to the richest and most rewarding of human relationships."

"This is, I am sure, what you Salvatore, want for Marie and it is also what you, Marie, want for Salvatore. It is also what your family and friends who are gathered here want for the two of you. When a couple treats each other with kindness, love, and respect, the best of what marriage has to offer is the result."

"Your relationship will take more than love. It will take trust, to know in your hearts that you want only the best for each other. Dedication, to stay open to one another, to learn and grow, even when it is difficult to do so. And faith, to go forward together without knowing what the future holds for you both."

"While love is our natural state of being, these other qualities are not as easy to come by. They are not a destination, but a journey. Marriage is a give and take between two personalities, a mingling of two endowments which diminishes neither, but enhances both."

"Who presents this woman to be married to this man?"

Joseph Ligambi spoke up, "On behalf of all that have gathered here, and of all those not able to be with us today, I do."

Marie smiled at Joe as he offered her arm to Luca before stepping back and allowing them to stand next to each other.  They again turned their attention to the official.

"Seeing that no moment is without meaning, we ask that you take this marriage as a beginning of your lives together. Today signifies the creation of a new home and a new family for you both. May you be fulfilled by each other’s love and friendship. May you be overjoyed by the promises you are about to make and the life together you will create."

"Remember that in every marriage, there are good times and bad, times of joy and times of sorrow. Marriage is a journey – a time of adventure and excitement enhanced by the love, trust, dedication and faith you share in one another."

"You are mature enough to know the difference between dreams and realities. You have youth and hope. You also know that good times are sweeter when shared and that difficult times are less harsh when borne by two. Continue to work to build a foundation that will support the lasting relationship that is marriage."

"May the promises you make to one another today, be lived out to the end of your lives. Tomorrow can bring you the greatest of joys, but today is the day it all begins."

"Salvatore and Marie, do you, with your family and friends as your witnesses, present yourselves willingly and of your own accord to be joined in marriage?"

The couple responded as one, "We do."

"Will you promise to care for each other in the joys and sorrows of life, come what may, and to share the responsibility for growth and enrichment of your life together?"

Again Luca and Marie responded together, "We will"

"We are now ready for the exchange of the vows and rings."

Luca turned faced Marie and looked deeply into her eyes. 

"My darling Marie, remember the very first day we met? From the moment I saw you, I knew, I just knew that you were The One, the one I MUST spend my life with. Our courtship has been the happiest period of my life because, in that time, you become not just my lover and companion, but also my best friend. 

I want to be your lover, your companion and your best friend for the rest of my life. I promise to love and cherish you, to keep you close and, with faithfulness, to be your support and help in times of need, to make you laugh and to take care of anyone that makes you cry and to always show you the respect and honor you so deserve until I close my eyes on this Earth for the very last time" he says before putting the ring on her finger. 

"My beloved Salvatore, I never knew that I was incomplete until you came into my life.  Since we have began our courtship I have come to not only see you as my lover and friend, but the one who brings fullness and completion to my life.  I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

"I promise to stay by your side, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, through the good times and the bad. I promise to love you without reservation, comfort you in times of distress, encourage you to achieve all of your goals, laugh with you and cry with you, always be open and honest with you, and cherish you for as long as we both shall live."  She slipped the ring on his finger and then held both his hands with hers as the official continued the ceremony.

"Today you have pledged yourselves to a lifetime of caring for one another. May this be a commitment made in love, kept in faith, lived in hope and eternally renewed. As you stand before us, it is our hope that you will go through life loving, trusting, and caring for one another, completely and forever."

"Having pledged their fidelity to one another, to love, honor and cherish one another in the presence of this gathering and by the authority vested in me by the constitution and the laws of this state, it is my honor to now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Polviski was there, sitting along with others. He felt so happy. The smile on his face could only describe what he felt. He stood up and gave a big clap along with others.