Rooftop Wedding At Sunrise in Mexico

The first golden rays of the sunrise began to bleed across the city skyline, painting the clouds in breathtaking strokes of violet, amber, and gold. Elysium had been right for suggesting we do a rooftop wedding at sunrise. Marrying my little Flame at the exact moment the sun broke through the night was the only backdrop grand enough for her. I stood at the altar in my tailored white tuxedo, the fabric a stark contrast to the shadows I usually inhabited, my chest tight with a nervous anticipation I had never felt in my entire life.

Our whole family was here seated on the rows on both sides and staring at us with bright encouraging smiles, soft music playing in the playground. I stared at my parents and then at Landon who was on my side with Elysium by his side with the golden pink wedding bands. My heart filled with gratitude and love for each of them, I smiled at Agnus who was seated next to Serena, both of them still pretending to hate each other and yet they were seated without any inch of space between their seats despite the initial space left in between each row.

I inclined my head towards Celine's mother just when the rooftop doors opened. And my heart stopped beating entirely.

Celine stepped out onto the aisle with her father by her side, and the breath left my lungs in a sharp, painful gasp. She was a vision of pure, ethereal light. Her magnificent wedding dress was a masterpiece of pink-gold tulle and intricate lace. The bodice was structured but delicate, covered in microscopic golden threads that caught the morning sun, shimmering like dew on a rose petal. The lace cascading down the flowing, layered skirt faded from a soft blush pink into a warm, metallic gold at the hemline, moving with a fluid, liquid grace that reminded me of her dancing.

Gods.. She looked absolutely divine.

My beautiful Bride.

Her hair was styled in a romantic, loose half-up do, with soft, cascading curls framing her face and a few real pink blossoms woven subtly into the dark strands. Her makeup was beautifully light and natural - just a touch of rose on her cheeks and a soft, glossy tint on her lips that let her natural, breathtaking beauty radiate through.

As she walked toward me with her moonflower bouquet in hand, her deep green eyes locked onto mine, completely bright with tears of pure joy. She looked so delicate, yet so incredibly strong. She was my salvation dressed in pink and gold, and as I reached out to take her hand, I knew I had found my home.

The morning breeze rustled the flower arrangements on the rooftop as the elderly priest stepped forward, his eyes warm as he looked between Celine and me. I held both of her hands in mine, her fingers slightly trembling but her gaze absolute.

"Dearly beloved," The priest's voice echoed across the quiet rooftop, framed by the glowing city skyline. "We are gathered here today at the breaking of a new dawn to witness the union of Eli Castillo and Celine De la Cruz. Love is not the absence of darkness, but the courage to choose the light together. If anyone objects to this union, speak now or forever hold your peace."

Agnus let out a soft, dramatic cough from the front row, earning himself an immediate, sharp elbow to the ribs from Serena. I didn't even look back. My eyes were locked entirely on my beautiful Bride.

"Eli, please repeat after me,"The priest instructed gently.

I swallowed the tightness in my throat, my fingers tightening around Celine's. "I, Eli, take you, Celine, to be my wife. I promise to protect your peace, to shield your light, and to honor the soul that saved my own. Through every shadow and every dawn, my heart belongs entirely to you. You are my anchor, my sanctuary, and my Eternity." Celine's green eyes pooled with fresh tears, a breathless, beautiful sob escaping her lips as she looked up at me.

"Celine, your vows," The priest smiled.

"I, Celine, take you, Eli, to be my husband," She whispered, her voice rich with an unyielding strength. "I promise to love you fiercely, to stand by your side through every storm, and to never let the darkness consume us. You are my home, Eli. You are the rhythm to my dance, the warmth to my heart, and my devoted protector. I choose you, today and for all the days of my life. For Eternity"

The priest smiled, gesturing to the green boxes held carefully by a beaming Elysium. "May we have the rings."

I picked up the feminine, delicate rose-gold band first. Gently engraved along the polished exterior of the metal were the words - My Little Flame. I slid it carefully onto her ring finger, a perfect seal of my devotion. Celine then picked up the heavier, wider rose-gold band meant for me. Etched into the outside of the gold, shining brightly in the sunrise, was her nickname for me - Mi Sol. She slid it onto my finger, the metal warm against my skin.

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the priest declared, a wide smile breaking across his face. "Eli, you may kiss your bride."

I didn't wait another second. I leaned down, my lips capturing hers in a deep, desperate, and fiercely loving kiss that tasted of sweet promises and pure relief.

The crowd erupted into cheers, Elysium clapping loudly, Agnus whistling, and even my father letting out a proud exhale. As I pulled back, the overwhelming joy inside my chest completely broke through my usual stoic composure. A bright, unbridled laugh left my throat. I bent down, wrapping my arms securely around her waist, and lifted Celine entirely off her feet.

Her pink-gold laced dress swirled around us like a beautiful, blooming flower as I twirled her around in circles under the brilliant morning sun. She threw her head back, her melodic, ringing laughter filling the morning air as her hands locked safely behind my neck.

For the first time in our lives, the weights were gone.

We were entirely free.

And together.

For all Eternity to Come.