Friday, August 16th, 2019

(Tatianna's wedding dress)

(Dress for Aiesha, Cass, and Bliss)

(Niko, Matti, Shane, and Cairo's suit is the red one)

Music

So Beautiful by Musiq Soulchild
I Wanna Be Loved by Eric Benet
Three Little Birds by Bob Marley
Giving Him Something He Could Feel by EnVogue

Tatianna's POV

Niko wanted me to wear a veil, so I had no problem complying with his requests. I took a couple of deep breaths before our wedding coordinator, Darcie, opened the double doors.

"Ready to shine, Tatianna?" Darcie asked me.

"I'm ready."

Once Darcie opened the doors, everyone stood up out of their seats. We had multiple photographers. And, I got the reaction I wanted from Niko - he was drooling, and I could tell he was trying to hold back tears. My dad and I paused, then we walked down the aisle. Cameras began flashing everywhere.

I saw Nana Dory whistling as I walked down the aisle. She had everyone chuckling except Niko. He was in a daze, staring at me while smiling now.

Once we made it to Niko, I kissed my dad's cheek as he hugged me.

"Thank yuh, daddy fi yuh support an always being there fi mi."

"Tati, as ah man wid ah family, it a mi job to always support yuh. Mi will always be there fi yuh. Always."

My dad kissed my cheek then gave my hand to Niko.

"I already know you will, but I need to emphasize it - Take care of my girl. Tatianna means the world to me. I'm trusting you and putting her health and well-being in your hands."

"Thank you, Jarvis. That's a promise I will guarantee," Niko replied. My dad then took his seat. I handed Aiesha my bouquet. Niko and I then walked onto the gazebo he had built just for our wedding. We had an English-speaking officiant with translators for our families.

Officiant - "A wedding is one of the most special occasions to have for a family. And, here we are today. Welcome, friends and family, to the marriage ceremony for Nikolaos Romanos Kostopoulos and Tatianna Kiyana Reid. You may be seated."

*********

Officiant - "That will conclude the wedding talk for Niko and Tatianna. Now comes the most important part of the ceremony - the vows. Niko and Tatianna, you may now face each other. Tatianna, you may recite your vows to Niko."

"I am a very emotional person and told myself now is not the time for tears. These are the most important words I have ever said to anyone. Niko, you pissed me off the first time we met. I was highly upset about how you hired me away from Memorial General."

Everyone chuckled, but I heard some throat clearing, and I'm guessing that is both of my grandfathers. My grandparents didn't know about that part. They may give Niko a hard time at the reception.

"But, I was highly impressed by how you treated your employees as family members. Family is important to both of us. I was able to adjust well to the new position. The most horrific thing happened to me, and I'm not going into detail. I was thoroughly impressed and grateful for what you did for me to help in my recovery."

"Over time, we became friends. Our friendship grew into a relationship. Niko, you are one of the sweetest, most caring people I have ever met. You helped me through so much. I tried to fight off the feelings that were growing towards you, but I couldn't. I love you very much, not only for what you have done for me but also for how you treat my family. You're the most special person in my life, and I'm extremely excited about the next step, which is our marriage."

"Nikolaos Romanos Kostopoulos, I vow to love you, cherish you, and be the best wife, and mother to your children. No one is EVER taking you away from me. That is my vow to you."

Niko's POV

I thought it was the bride who would be emotional, but it's me. I'm a nervous wreck. Plus, my hands are shaking from how nervous I am right now. Tatianna's dress is driving me insane.

I must have been staring too long because our officiant say, "Niko, you can say your vows now."

"Right. Sorry for staring, but I can't help it. You know I'm not one to be nervous. Well, I was when I met your grandfathers. They mean serious business when it comes to their family. But today is the most important day of my life. I'm a nervous wreck because I want our wedding day to be perfect. So far, it is off to a great start."

"Here I am standing before the most beautiful woman in the galaxy, soon to be my wife. I dated stupidly in the past, but no more. No, no, no. The moment I saw you, I made it my mission to woo you. I'm sorry about how I stole you from the hospital. I can be demanding at times."

"He sure can be demanding, stubborn, and hard-headed," my Nana Dory blurted out loud. Everybody laughed big time.

"I only do that because I want the best for my family. I will do anything, and I mean anything, to protect my family, which is everyone here today. I felt heartbroken that someone hurt you the way they did. I won't mention any names, but I made sure justice was served. The day you said you would give us a chance was one of the best days of my life. The day I proposed was, again, one of the best days of my life. No one will ever hurt you again. That is a guarantee."

"Tatianna Kiyana Reid, in front of our family today, vow to love and cherish every moment I spend together with you. I vow to be the only husband you will ever need. And, I vow to be the best and only father to our children. Our marriage bond will be one that is unbreakable. That's a guarantee and a promise. That's my vow to you."

I can't wait to lift Tatianna's veil.

Wedding Officiant - "Before we proceed, who is here to present the bride to Niko?"

Jarvis stood up and said, "I do."

Wedding Officiant - "Secondly, is there anyone here who objects to Niko and Tatianna getting married?"

Tatianna and I both turned around to our family.

"I swear that if anyone even thinks about raising their hand, I will make sure you never do it again. Got it?"

Wedding Officiant - "And now, Niko and Tatianna will exchange their rings as they say their I do's."

Aiesha and Matti handed us our rings. Here come the nerves again. I started twitching. Oh boy, wait until the reception. I need to prepare myself to be clowned by my family.

"I, Nikolaos Romanos Kostopoulos, take you, Tatianna Kiyana Reid, to be my lawfully, wedded wife

To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse,

For richer or for poorer,

In sickness and in health,

To love and to cherish until death do you part."

I looked into Tatianna's eyes as I placed the ring on her finger. "I do."

Tatianna took her turn next.

I, Tatianna Kiyana Reid, take you, Nikolaos Romanos Kostopoulos, to be my lawfully, wedded husband

To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse,

For richer or for poorer,

In sickness and in health,

To love and to cherish until death do you part."

Tatianna took my hand, placed the wedding band on my finger, then said, "I do."

The wedding officiant then proclaimed, "In front of this gathering before us, I now pronounce you, Niko and Tatianna, husband and wife. Niko, you may kiss your bride."

"I sure will." After lifting Tatianna's veil, I claimed her mouth and didn't care who was watching. I have been looking forward to this day. I heard whistles and knew who it was - Nana Dory. She was waiting for this day too.

Wedding Officiant - "Family and friends, introducing Mr. Niko Kostopoulos and his bride, Mrs. Dr. Tatianna Kostopoulos!"

Tatianna and I held hands as we walked down the aisle. We are not going to have a receiving line, so we're going to take our pictures. We picked a spot away from the house, so we walked to the limos waiting for us.

"You weren't joking when you said you wanted a lavish wedding. Rolls Royce Cullinan limos?"

"Yup. My baby is being spoiled today. As I said, Tatianna gets what Tatianna wants."

I rented two limos - one for our parents and grandparents. The other one is for us and the bridal party. Cris, Kami, Griffin, Sophia, Janiyah, and Graeme are coming with us too. I can't forget my best friends. Once we took our seats, the drivers took off for our picture location.

***********

While we are taking our pictures, we're having a cocktail party for our guests.

Tatianna and I both picked different locations to take our pictures. One of my favorite spots is the windmills at Kato Mili.

We took pictures with our grandparents and parents first. Tatianna's grandpa Evander squeezed my shoulder tight and whispered in my ear, "We'll talk later about what Tati said during her vows."

They are the only ones who make me nervous. Oh, and I can't forget my Nanas - Dory and, Ionna. I got plenty of beatings from them while growing up.

I took pictures with Bliss, Aiesha, and Cass. Tatianna took pictures with Shane, Matti, and Cairo. We took individual pictures too. Of course, I took a few pictures with my crew - Shane, Janiyah, Cris, and Griffin.

The bridal party took pictures in their couples - Matti, Aiesha, and Maia. Bliss took pictures with Shane. Cairo took pictures with Cass.

Our next location was more of an intimate, romantic location.

(Imagine it is evening. I couldn't find evening pictures that I liked.)

We took the same amount of pictures as we did at the mills.

"Let's make our way to the limos so we can make it back to the house."

"Thank goodness. I'm hungry. Niko, what possessed you to have us take so many pictures?" My Nana Dory said.

"Nana, I want our wedding to be the wedding of the century. Everyone will be talking about it. Nana, there is a surprise in the limo. Wait until you see it."

*******

As soon as Nana Dory stepped out of the limo, she had us cracking. My Yia Yia Ionna even chuckled. While we were taking pictures, I had the limo drivers receive a delivery from the restaurant.

"You the man, Niko. My belly thanks you."

I kissed my Yia Yia's cheek. "I'll do anything for you. I could never leave you hanging."

Aura and Cyrene came out of the house.

"Niko, the officiant needs you and Tatianna to sign your marriage certificate. He is in your office."

"Thanks."

"Bliss, Cass, and Aiesha, I'll meet you upstairs after signing the certificate," Tatianna said to the ladies.

"Now, Niko, do not keep us waiting any longer. Leave Tatianna alone until after the reception, understand?" Nana Dory said with arched eyebrows.

"Yes, Nana."

Geez, I just got called out by my grandma. We made our way inside the house and to my office.

Tatianna signed her name first. Then I signed my name.

"Congratulations, Niko and Tatianna. Thank you for allowing me to officiate your wedding ceremony. Enjoy the rest of your day."

"You're welcome, Judge Miller. You're welcome to stay for the reception. There is plenty of food and beverages. You can sit with my family."

"I think I will. Thanks."

"I'll let my father know that you'll be staying with us."

"Niko, it's time for me to change. And you remember what Nana Dory said while outside."

"I can't believe my own grandmother called me out at my wedding. Can I at least get a kiss?"

"I'll wait outside for you, Niko," Judge Miller said as he chuckled out of the room.

"Cubby, you and I will be alone in a few hours. We can do whatever we want to each other. And, I have a sexy, red negligee with your name on it. Now, kiss me so I can go change for the reception."

"Fine."

I sat Tatianna down on my desk and mugged her mouth.

"Now, go upstairs, change, and hurry back so we can get the reception over with."

"Yes, Mr. Kostopoulos," Tatianna said as she hopped off my desk.

"Woman, what did I tell you about calling me that?"

"Seriously, let's get moving." Tatianna grabbed my hand as we walked out of the room.

"See, Lukas is waving you over to him." I walked over to my father as Tatianna walked up the staircase.

Tatianna's POV

Aiesha, Bliss, and Cass had already changed. I thought it would be cute if we wore the same dress for the reception. We're quadruplets tonight. The dress is dainty and my style.

"Sorry, ladies. Can someone unzip my dress?"

"I got it, sis."

Aiesha unzipped my wedding dress. After stepping out of my wedding dress, Bliss helped me with my reception dress.

"Thanks, Bliss.

"You're welcome, Tati."

"I have some surprises for you during the reception. Let's go make our entrance."

We made our way downstairs and joined our guys. Niko then gave a hand signal to the MC.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, introducing the family of the bride and groom. First, we have parents of the bride, Jarvis and Pandora Reid!"

My parents waved to our guests while on the way to their seats.

"Next to enter the party is the parents of the groom, Lukas and Evangeline Kostopoulos!"

Evangeline and Lukas also waved as they took their seats.

"Now making their grand entrance, we have Dorcas Kostopoulos, Yia Yia to the groom!"

Nana Dory danced her way to her seat. I absolutely adore her. If anything ever happens to her, I will be heartbroken.

"Introducing grandparents of the bride, Evander, and Dalia Reid!"

My grandparents danced to their seats too. Niko and I have hip grandparents.

"Now making their grand entrance is grandparents of the groom, Ionna and Alexandros Papadakis!"

Niko's grandparents waved to the guests as they went to sit at the table with Lukas and the family.

"Ladies and gentlemen, introducing grandparents of the bride, Vea, and Santander Tomlinson!"

My grandparents also waved on their way to their seats.

"And, now, let's all rise for the bridal party! Introducing sister and brother of the bride and groom, along with their baby girl - Aiesha, Maia, and Matthais Kostopoulos!"

Matti sighed as they walked over to the bridal table. I'm guessing he doesn't like being called by his whole first name. He is a trip.

"Up next, we have Cassiane Kostopoulos and Cairo Mylonas, sister of the groom and her boyfriend!"

Cass and Cairo received a loud applause as they walked to their seats.

"Now entering is best friends of the bride and groom. And, let's add recently engaged. Introducing Ms. Bliss Sanders and her fiancé, Mr. Shane Landes!"

Bliss and Shane received a loud applause from the family. Bliss was blushing as they walked over to the bridal table.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let's give a rousing round of applause for the stars of the evening, Mr. & Mrs. Nikolaos and Tatianna Kostopoulos!!"

Niko and I waved to our guests as we walked to the center of the dance floor.

We are dancing first. Our first dance is to the song Niko used to propose to me - 'I Wanna Be Loved' by Eric Benet.

Throughout our dance, I rested my head on Niko's chest and cried. Niko caressed my back as we danced. We didn't say anything but the way he held me told me that with Niko in my corner, I would always feel safe and protected. That is all I ever wanted.

Once the song finished, we walked over to the bridal table. Niko signaled for the waiters to start bringing out each course.

For the appetizer course, we have lobster roll sliders, shrimp cocktails, olive and cheese rings, salmon mousse, steak bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, plus plenty of Greek and Jamaican appetizers.

"Bliss, sorry about the appetizers. But, we had a special assortment of appetizers made for you and Sophia. Here comes your waiter now."

"Girl, that's okay. And, thank you, Niko and Tati."

"You're welcome. I'll be right back." I walked over to Sophia, Cris, and Kami.

"Hi, you guys. I wanted to tell you that we ordered diet-friendly dishes for each course for you all. We specifically requested a waiter who would know about your food allergies. They also know about Cris and Kami."

"Thank you, Tatianna."

"That is too sweet. Thank you, Tatianna."

"You're welcome, Sophia, Kami, and Cris. You guys are my family now. We'll come by later for a chat. I'm hungry now."

I walked back over to our table."I'm starving. Let's eat."

******

The next course we are having is soup. We are having Jamaican Yellow Yam stew and Fasolada (Greek soup). Both soups are my favorites to eat. Nana Dory taught me how to make Fasolada. I fixed it for Niko, and he loved it. He said, "It tastes just like how my Nana makes it." Yes! Time to eat my soup now.

******

For the next course, we wanted our guests to have a choice of salads. We are having Tonosalata (a Greek salad) and Jamaican beef salad. I'm going to need a visit to the gym later.

******

Here comes the main course. Our guests have a variety of dishes to choose from - lobster, salmon, filet mignon, etc. There is also a selection of side dishes. We didn't want to choose the food for our guests. So, our guests get to choose what they want. Yup, it's that lavish. And, we haven't even gotten to the desserts.

******

"Niko and Tatianna, I feel spoiled and stuffed. Thank you so much for including us in your wedding."

Niko replied, "You're welcome, Bliss. We have a surprise for you and Shane too."

"We sure do."

The MC announced, "Family, it's time for Jarvis and Tatianna to make their way to the dance floor for their dance."

My dad came over and extended his hand to me.

"May I have this dance?"

My dad made me blush. "Yes."

My dad and I linked arms as we made it to the dance floor. I have no idea what my dad chose for our dance.

My dad chose a classic by Bob Marley - Three Little Birds. It's one of my favorite songs.

We danced to the beat of the music while my dad sang the song to me. While my dad twirled me around, I could see my family singing the song. Even Nana Dory started singing. She amazes me more and more every day. Niko's family was dancing.

Once the song ended, I waved Niko over as my dad took his seat. The DJ handed Niko a microphone.

"We have a surprise for a very special couple. My best friends recently got engaged in May, and their special day will be in December."

The DJ began playing 'Thinking Out Loud' by Ed Sheeran.

"Bliss and Shane, this is your pre-wedding dance. Join us on the dance floor."

I could tell Bliss had tears coming down her cheeks as they came over to dance. Niko and I took our seats.

Bliss and Shane are so great together. Their future is bright. Shane twirled Bliss around as they danced. Bliss and Shane came back to the table after the song was finished.

The DJ began to play music for our guests to dance. We requested a blend of Greek, American, and Reggae music. I have a surprise for Niko too.

"Thank you for the surprise."

"You're welcome, Bliss. Niko came up with the idea, and I agreed. I can't wait until December. I'm super excited. 2019 has been busy for weddings - Janiyah and Graeme in May, Sophia and Griffin in June, today for us, and your wedding in December. Cris and Kami got married last year."

My mom came over to our table.

"Tatianna and Niko, it's cake cutting time."

"Okay." Niko and I followed my mom over to our wedding cakes. We got two of the same cake.

Darcie handed me a knife to cut the cake. Niko stood behind me and then put his hand over mine. We cut two slices of the cake and placed them on plates.

Darcie then handed us two forks. We put some of the cake on our forks and fed it to each other. Then Niko purposely put some of the icing on my lips and kissed me.

"That was sneaky, Mr. Kostopoulos."

"You just wait until later."

"I'm looking forward to it. Let's cut the other cake."

Niko and I walked over to the other cake. My mom handed me the knife. Once again, Niko put his hand over mine and we cut the cake.

"Now, let's go talk to our crew." Niko and I carried our cake so we could chat with Janiyah and the crew.

"Niko and Tatianna, this is the most amazing wedding ever. You guys went all out for your family. Congratulations, you guys."

"You're welcome, Kami. You're our family too. We have gift tables too - one for the ladies and another for the guys. Niko wanted lavish, so he got his wish. We got gifts for Dia, Rocco, and the twins too."

Bliss and Shane joined us at the table.

"So, um Niko, did I notice you twitching during the ceremony?" Griffin asked. We all died laughing.

"I knew it was coming. Yes, I did. I couldn't help it. My dream has finally come true."

"Let's not forget the drool and tears," Cris said with arched eyebrows. "But I get it. I shed tears at both of our ceremonies."

Griffin added, "I did too. And I'm not ashamed about it. Shane, your next."

"I already know it. I got a little emotional during our dance."

"Ladies, we have some powerful but also emotional men. We're in good hands."

Griffin said, "I would like to propose a toast - Congratulations to Niko and Tatianna." We stood up from the table with our wine glasses, then clinked them together.

Janiyah added, "Also, let's toast to the most amazing group of friends. Our friendship bond will never be broken."

"Cheers. Let's take a picture." I waved one of the photographers over. We each stood in front of our spouses. The photographer then snapped a few pictures.

"We'll be sending out photos books to everyone in a month or two. Bliss, you ready for our surprise we talked about?"

"I'm ready. Let's go. Shane and Niko, you're both coming too."

"Shane, what are we getting dragged into?" Niko asked.

"I guess we shall see. And, we have no choice."

"I suggest you get moving Mr. Kostopoulos if you don't want a lonely wedding night."

Niko got up fast and followed me. I grabbed a microphone.

"May I have everyone's attention, please? Can everyone clear the dance floor before the next song? I have a surprise dance for my hubby. My bridal party will assist me."

Lukas and my dad brought four chairs on the dance floor for Niko, Shane, Matti, and Cairo.

"Now, have a seat."

We are dancing to 'Giving Him Something He Can Feel' by EnVogue.

All four guys were twitching in their seats and tugging on their ties. It was hilarious! Shane and Niko look like they were ready to pounce. We got a standing ovation once the song was over.

Niko came over and took the microphone.

"Before we dance, there is one thing I have to do." Niko walked me over to one of the chairs, and I sat down. Everyone gathered around the dance floor as Niko seductively lifted my dress. Once he took the garter off, Niko tucked it in his suit pocket. He got booed. I couldn't control my laughter.

Aiesha brought over my bouquet. The flower holder was jewel encrusted. It was hilarious because the single ladies made a path to catch the bouquet. But I'm not going to throw it. I walked over to Bliss, gave her my bouquet, and hugged her.

"Thanks, Tati."

"You're welcome, Bliss. We have one more surprise."

Cairo pulled out the engagement ring he had for Cass and proposed. I walked over to her and stood by her side.

"Cass, I was more nervous talking to your brothers about proposing to you. But I understand why they gave me a hard time. You're the only girl in the family, and any brother would be protective of you. My relationship with you has been special, and I want to make it permanent. So, Cassiane Kostopoulos, will you marry me?"

"Yes, I will, Cairo."

Cairo stood up and put the ring on Cass' finger. The family cheered for Cass and Cairo as they walked back to the bridal table.

Dance music started as the guys moved their chairs. Niko and I followed Cass and Cairo.

"Thank you, Niko and Tatianna, for letting me propose to Cass tonight."

"You're welcome, Cairo. And, congratulations."

"While everyone is occupied with dancing, let's get out of here."

"I'm right behind you. See you later, Bliss. We'll talk after the honeymoon."

"Get going, girl. Talk to you later."

I'm finally married. Yes! I get to spend the rest of my life as Mrs. Dr. Tatianna Kiyana Kostopoulos. See y'all soon.

~~~~~~~~~

The wedding cake picture is courtesy of Can Stock Photos.com - © Can Stock Photo / kittimages