The sun on your face, the breeze in your hair, and the soft lapping of the waves sliding across the sand just down at the edge of the grass make you feel euphoric. The time is almost here.

As the warmth of the midday sun escalates the excitement, the bride slips into her dress. The groom arrives and amidst the flurry delegates out the last few tasks. And then, in a quiet corner of the Malibu estate under a massive tree, she comes through a gate and taps him on the shoulder. Tears well up, smiles shine bright, and they hold each other tight.  

The warm afternoon flows into a balmy evening, and as the sun slips down below the trees the rainbow of hues in the sky begins to glow. Ashley, arm and arm with her father comes down the aisle. I flip around just in time to catch tears of joy in Samuel’s eyes, and the richness of excitement on Ashley’s face. 

They come together and make their vows. They hug and kiss, and then in a blur, as the sun dips below the waves, everyone flows into an evening of joy and celebration.