SIXTEEN #3
Jio told her last night that weddings in his family were different from what she probably was used to, but per usual, he didn’t offer any context.
One thing that she appreciated was that even though there were so many staff members running around, wealth didn’t remove or replace the bride’s village.
There was a layer of intimacy that wafted through the rooms. Everyone worked together to make today perfect for the bride and groom.
The ceremony space had been arranged on the lawn facing the water.
Rows of white chairs were framed with the most exquisite arrangements she’d ever seen.
Nina made sure to get the florist’s business card.
At the same time, servers moved quietly with trays of sparkling water and champagne and passed bites nobody was supposed to eat yet, but everybody absolutely did, including her.
When she went looking for Jio, she was able to witness the mother of the bride fasten a button on her dress as multiple generations stood close by dabbing tears away from the corners of their eyes. The dress was gorgeous, but the moment was way better.
She wondered briefly if she would ever get the chance to stand in a room like this with women adjusting her veil, someone praying over her, and another telling her not to lock her knees or to receive something borrowed for her big day.
Nina knew that she would probably never be able to experience that with her own mom, but it was beautiful to witness.
The thought was too tender to hold for long, so she let it go. God knew her heart and she had faith that everything she desired would soon come to pass.
She found her baby with a glass of champagne in his hand. He looked incredibly handsome in a cream-colored suit, dark sunglasses, and his gold Marcelle watch. One hand was stuffed in his pocket and the other was reaching for hers before he even said hello.
“Hi babe,” he greeted her with a kiss to her lips.
“Hey baby, you look so good!” she complimented him.
He studied her too. His gaze moved over her face, her dress, and down to the hand that rested on her stomach. Nina noticed him staring and moved her hand so fast that he didn’t even bother to make a comment.
“Let’s take our seats.”
The wedding started shortly after and Nina had chills watching the groom tear up at the sight of his wife coming down the aisle.
The groom cried before the bride reached the aisle. Not a single dignified tear either. The man’s entire face broke open the moment he saw her, and every auntie within a fifty-foot radius collectively lost their mind.
“That’s love right there,” a woman whispered loudly enough for three rows to hear.
The bride laughed through her tears, her father holding her steady as the cool breeze lifted the edge of her veil. There wasn’t a dry eye in sight and Nina took it all in as Jio held her hand.
During the vows, her attention drifted away every few lines. Jio’s family was huge.
Marriage brought everyone together. It braided two families and everything that came with both sides.
The good, the bad, and the ugly. The history, traditions, expectations, wounds, and most importantly, a shared love.
Marriage was more than dating a person that you liked because they treated you decent enough and the sex was good.
It was a big deal. Marriage scared and excited her at the same time.
She picked up Jio’s hands and kissed them both as tears fell down her face.
Jio chalked her emotions up to his seed inside of her.
She expected the reception to be just as grand as the wedding was and Nina wasn’t let down.
Crystal chandeliers hung above long tables dressed in ivory linens and gold flatware.
Candles flickered in hurricane glass even in the early evening light.
Tall floral arrangements spilled over with white roses, orchids, and greenery, with smaller bowls of citrus placed between them.
She loved the twist on the centerpieces.
Nina was in awe at the dinner spread. The Gottis spared no expense.
They didn’t have your typical wedding food. Jio introduced her to the Chef and sung his praises.
Sea bass with lemon butter. Braised short ribs. Lobster pasta. Roasted vegetables. Fried calamari. Grilled oysters and lemon pepper Cornish hens was what she had on her first plate after hitting the buffet. She planned on trying everything throughout the night.
Champagne was poured endlessly and everyone’s wine glasses stayed full. The DJ moved through generations. His timing was perfect and he knew exactly when to let the old folks have their moment and when to bring the younger cousins back to the dance floor.
Nina loved it and she was having a grand ole time.
She leaned toward Jio after the cake cutting. “I understand what you meant now,” she whispered into his ear.
He looked down at her. “About what?”
“Mob weddings.”
“It’s a lot I know.”
“They’re everything.” Her eyes sparkled.
Before he could respond, everyone started standing once the DJ put a song on that Nina didn’t know.
The bride was guided toward the center of the dance floor, laughing as older women circled her with bills already folded between their fingers.
“What’s happening?”
Jio leaned close enough for his lips to brush her ear.
“It’s time for her money dress.”
She looked at him.
“What’s that?” Her interest was piqued.
“You about to see.”
One by one, women approached the bride and pinned money to her gown.
Each bill was folded, kissed, blessed, waved over her head, or pressed briefly against someone’s heart before it was attached to the dress.
Twenties. Fifties. Hundreds. Stacks. The bride danced in place, laughing and crying as the women around her cheered.
She watched in awe, and it wasn’t because of the money, but she understood what it all represented. They were covering the bride in prayer, community, love, and tradition. It was a silent reminder that she wasn’t walking into her marriage alone. Her family would be there to uphold her if needed.
Auntie Vee saw Nina observing and came over with her arms out.
“Every bride in this family gets sent into marriage covered, but you gotta cover others first. Jio, give the girl some money.”
He went into his pocket and pulled out a few bills before handing them over.
Nina followed her into the circle.
She heard the women praying, shouting, and celebrating the new union. Nina pinned the money on her. She looked up and said, “Thank you so much.”
Nina nodded. “God bless you on this new journey.”
She didn’t know what else to say.
From the corner of the tent, Jio watched his baby eyes soften as his family brought her out of her shell. Before he knew it, Nina was bouncing around with the Gottis. He loved to see it.
The groom’s family went next. His mother pinned money with both hands trembling. His sisters danced around the bride. Old ladies shouted and his cousins threw bills in the air, and someone yelled that love needed seed money. The tent erupted in laughter.