Reception 1st dance song - 'My Love, Sweet Love' by Patti Labelle

Reception songs - 'Giving Him Something He Can Feel' by EnVogue

'If It's Lovin' That You Want' by Rihanna

Layla's POV

I could not wait for this day. Yes, it is our second time. But, it is important to us to share this special day with all of our family and friends. We just hope it is drama free this time. And, we will have a stress-free honeymoon. I am so looking forward to that. We are going back to the hotel for the night. And, Sunday afternoon, we are leaving for three, glorious weeks in Fiji. Can't wait.

I was already up and showered before everyone. So, I went to wake up the kids, so they can eat something for breakfast and take their baths. I pre-ordered a breakfast buffet to be delivered to the room. We are going to have eggs, bacon, pancakes, waffles, orange juice, home fries, fried apples, apple juice and cereal. I didn't order any coffee because it makes me nauseous.

"Lollipop, Katie, and Día time to wake up." Neither one of them was waking up, so I tickled them. They woke up then.

"Mommy, that tickles."

"Come on, sweetie. Time to get up. Go downstairs and Nana will get you breakfast." Katie and Día heard Braelyn giggle. They are three peas in a pod - too cute. All three got out of the bed and went to get something to eat.

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Once the kids were done eating, it was bath time. I gave Katie her bath, Noeli helped Día, and my mom gave Braelyn her bath.

After the kids were done with their baths and getting their hair done, it was time for them to get dressed.

"I like my dress, mommy. It is pretty."

"I am glad you like it, Lollipop. Go downstairs with Nana." She skipped downstairs. I went to take a shower.

Once I was done, I went to get my hair done. I skipped makeup again, just like our other ceremony. Kam and Bliss came in. I loved the dress I picked for my girls. Mouths will be dropped.

"Wait until Shane and Cris see you ladies." Kam and Bliss primped, then said, "We do look fly, don't we? Come on Layla, let's help you get dressed."

"Absolutely beautiful, Layla. No one will ever believe you had to get a new dress, and this was it."

"I love it too, Layla. The detail on it is amazing."

"Thank you, Bliss and Kam."

My mother came in my room. "Look at how beautiful you ladies look. The limo is here, so let's start making our way downstairs."

While all of the ladies, including myself, walked down the steps, the photographer snapped pictures.

We took a short elevator ride down to the lobby. And, then outside to the limo. It was a beautiful day - sun was shining bright. Thank goodness.

As we got in the limo, Lollipop tells me, "You look pretty, mommy."

"Thank you, baby." We then made our way to the ceremony.

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Ryan's POV

I am just as nervous as the ceremony in Jamaica. And, it has been a year since Layla and I met at Dean's party. I am so glad that I went because I never would have met Layla.

"Ryan, Olivia just called. The ladies are on their way."

"Thanks."

The wedding director made an announcement. "Friends and family, the bride and her party are on the way. Please begin to take your seats." Shane and Julian had the twins, so we sat them up in the front row.

"I'm going back so that I can walk with Bliss. Don't be nervous. You can do it."

"Thanks, Austin."

20 minutes later, the music started playing. We chose the same songs. The ladies will be walking down the aisle to, "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran.

The ladies were entering from the left and the guys from the right.

The first ones to enter was Olivia and William. Both my mom and Olivia picked the same dress to be twins.

Then, my mom and dad entered.

Cris and Kam were next. The look on his face was classic when he saw Kam in the dress Layla chose for them. He was ready to take her to one of the limos. When Shane saw the dress, he couldn't wait to see Bliss, who is next with Austin.

Shane's POV

My goodness, what is Layla trying to do to the guys? If Cris looks like that with Kam, I am in trouble.

Layla had the ladies lace arms with the groomsmen. She asked if I would be okay with that. I told her it was okay and thanked her for considering how I felt. Watching Bliss walk with Austin made me picture our future wedding day. She smiled the whole way down the aisle. I could not get too excited like Cris did because I am holding Isabella. When Austin and Bliss took their spot, she looked my way and blew a kiss. I pretended to grab it, then place the kiss on my cheek.

Ryan's POV

Watching all the guys' faces when they saw the ladies dresses was hilarious. And, the photographer got each facial expression. I noticed Julia's reaction when she saw Austin lace arms with Bliss. She is just pathetic. She looked angry. But guess what? Who cares. I hope Austin gets rid of her soon.

After Sophie and Michael walked down the aisle, it was time for cute overload. Rocco came down first with our rings. He is Cris' twin. Rocco held Cris' gaze and made it down the aisle. Austin held the pillow with our rings, then I gave Rocco a high-five.

Next, it was the girls - Braelyn, Katie, and Día. They looked so adorable in their sparkly dresses. They tossed the multi-color rose petals on the ground and walked straight to my mom and Olivia.

Now, it was Layla and William. Everyone that came to the ceremony, stood up as Layla made her way to the aisle. She told me she had to get a new dress to accommodate Logan. When I saw the dress she got, I was floored. It was beyond beautiful. It was exquisite, elegant and classy, all wrapped up in one. When her father met her, they started the walk.

Layla's POV

"You look beautiful, Layla. Once again, I am proud of you. Look at the way Ryan is smiling at you."

"Thank you, daddy. Is it just me or does this aisle seem to be extra-long?"

"Sweetheart, it is you. If you start feeling tired, just let Ryan know." My dad touched my belly and talked to Logan. "Be good in there, son. Grandpa can't wait to meet you in June."

"Daddy, let's go before I start crying."

Then, we proceeded down the aisle. I took my time walking - let me rephrase that, waddling down the aisle. It was cute. I started crying anyway. Doing this walk a second time with my family and friends is special.

Once we reached Ryan, I turned to my dad, gave him a kiss, and said, "Thank you and I love you dad."

"You're welcome, sweetheart." Then, he gave Ryan my hand.

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Just like our ceremony in Jamaica, we had Braelyn come join us to say our vows. After we said our vows, it was time to say, 'I do."

"Before Layla and Ryan say, 'I do,' who is here to give the bride and her daughter away?

My dad proudly said, "I do." And Austin said, "I do" for Braelyn.

"Secondly, is there anyone here who objects to Ryan and Layla getting married?" No one raised their hands. But, I heard someone clearing their throat. Everyone turned around and we saw that it was Julia. Austin needs to get rid of her soon.

"And now the wedding couple will exchange their rings as they say their 'I do's.'" Rocco carried the pillow over that had our rings. Boy was I surprised.

"You got me a new ring? It's beautiful. Thank you." I couldn't control my emotions, so I started crying. Braelyn grabbed my hand. "It's pretty mommy."

"You have my heart, and I have yours."

He even got new wedding bands.

Do you, Ryan Alexander Meyers, take Layla Danielle Meyers, again to be your lawfully, wedded wife and Braelyn Alexis Mitchell to be your stepdaughter?

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?

Ryan grabs my hand, places the rings on my finger, and says, "I do."

"And Layla,

Do you, Layla Danielle Meyers, take Ryan Alexander Meyers, again to be your 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?"

I grabbed his hand, placed the ring on his finger, and said, "I do."

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

Because my protruding belly was in the way, we sat down in two chairs. Then, I got to kiss him like I wanted. His cologne was driving me crazy. I grabbed his face and crashed our mouths together. Our heads were in sync. It got a little heated because he grabbed my hands and sat me in his lap, not breaking the kiss.

"Layla and Ryan, can you both at least think about the kids?"

"Sorry."

"Family and friends, introducing Mr. & Mrs. Meyers, Ryan and Layla."

Everyone clapped, then the wedding director made an announcement. "Ladies and gentlemen, there will not be a receiving line. If you would like to offer well wishes, please do so at the reception. The bridal party will now exit for their pictures. Family and friends, please head to the reception."

Ryan's POV

Shane and Julian walked out first, with Isabella and Kekoa in their arms. Then, our parents. Afterwards, Kam with Cris, Bliss with Austin, then the rest of the party. Lastly, Layla waddled, and I walked. There was quite a bit of press coverage of each pairing, just getting in the limo. This was the perfect location for our pictures. And, it was still located in Central Park.

The first one I really loved. The ladies stood on the left side of the steps, while the guys stood on the right. Layla, myself, and the kids walked to the center of the stairs. Then, the photographer snapped the picture. Layla took most of her pictures, sitting down in the gazebo. It took close to 45 minutes for the pictures. Then, we loaded the limos to go to the reception.

Shane's POV

Julian and I carried the twins to where the tent was set up, then we took our seats.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let's get the festivities started. First, we have parents of the bride, Olivia and William Jordan. Right behind them are the parents of the groom, Valerie and Jason Meyers."

Everyone gave them a round of applause as they took their seats. Layla and Ryan's grandparents were already seated.

"Next, matron-of-honor, Kamea Fiore, and her husband, Cris Fiore."

Just like at the ceremony, the ladies are going to link their arms to the groomsmen.

"Next, maid-of-honor, Bliss Sanders, and best man, Austin Mitchell."

I couldn't clap because I had Isabella in my arms. When she came and sat next to me, I did the next best thing - got a taste of those lips with a kiss.

"Bridesmaid, Victoria Meyers, and Groomsmen, Joshua Meyers."

When they got to Marco, he got quite the applause. "Super Male Model, Marco Fiore and his fiance, Noeliani Palu." It was the loudest applause so far. Marco gave a huge smile and waved to everyone.

The cutest intro was for the kids. "Ring bearer and son of Cris and Kamea, Rocco Fiore." He ran to Cris and Kam real fast. Everyone got a chuckle.

"Now, we have the flower girls - Día Fiore, Braelyn Mitchell, and Katie Meyers." The girls dropped rose petals, like they did at the ceremony.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for the stars of the evening, Mr. & Mrs. Meyers, with their baby boy due to be born June 4th - Layla, Logan and Ryan. The bride and groom will now take their first dance."

Layla and Ryan went to the center. They danced to the song Layla chose for their first ceremony.

After they finished, everyone sat down, and dinner was served.

I leaned over to Bliss and whispered, "That dress would look even better on the floor." She blushed, "You are fortunate you have Isabella in your arms, mister. Here, you need some help eating." She gave me a spoonful or forkful of food. Layla and Ryan went out for their second ceremony. And, they requested no gifts. They just wanted everyone to enjoy spending the day with them.

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The wedding director announced that Layla and Ryan are about to cut the cake.

Ryan, Layla, and Braelyn stood at the cake. They all had their hands on the knife handle.

"One."

"Two."

"Three."

They cut slices for the kids and helped them bring it back to the table.

Uh-oh, it must be dance time because I saw Kam and Bliss whispering. Then, Kam says, "Shane buddy, it is time to hand Isabella over to Austin. Cris, Shane, and Marco, follow us." Julian and Austin just sat there laughing at us as we got up and walked to the dance stage. Oh goodness, what are they going to do to us?

Bliss' POV

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the dance clinic with Jessica, myself, Kam, and Andrea. But first, will the following names called come on the platform and sit in the chairs in front of your spouses - William, Jason, Cris, Shane, Marco, Mason and Ryan."

Layla and Ryan's father started shaking their head, 'no.' But, Olivia and Valerie were pretty convincing, and the guys made their way to the stage. Shane shook his head at my intro.

"Kam and I wanted to do a dance with Layla, so this one is slow. This is one that the ladies did in Jamaica. DJ cue the music."

The song just started, and the guys were already tugging on their ties and twitching in their chair. Oh my goodness, this is hilarious! But, I can't laugh yet. Kam and I took turns with taking the lead singing. We heard whistles and cat calls. I read Shane's lips, "Wait until we get home."

We each gave our guys a hug and kiss. "Ladies and gentlemen, let's give the fellas a round of applause." Everyone clapped as the guys carried their chairs off the stage. Now, it will be myself, Kam, Jessica, and Andrea.

Kam's POV

We all have some horny men. That was so funny watching them sweat and twitch in their chairs.

"Ladies and gentlemen, my good friends on stage with me have Caribbean roots. The next few dances are going to knock your socks off. Feel free to dance to the music. DJ cue the music."

Before we proceeded with the next song, Cris and Shane brought each of us a glass of water. Then, the DJ resumed the music.

I noticed Cris and Shane stayed right in front of the stage. Any guy that ogled us, they gave them dirty looks. Mason eventually joined them. And, Julian came over to protect Jessica.

Once we were done, we got a thunderous applause. "We have one more dance for you tonight. And, here it is."

We got another thunderous applause as we exited the stage. Then, we went to grab a piece of cake and go back to our table.

"That was some impressive dancing there, ladies."

"Thanks, Austin. That was too much fun."

"Excuse us for a moment." Shane grabbed Bliss' hand and they left the table.

"Guess he is not going to wait until after the reception."

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Julia's POV

"I can't wait to get out of this reception. I wish Austin would hurry up and get ready to go."

"Julia, what is your problem? His daughter's mother was kind enough to add us as guest to her wedding. She is not paying Austin any mind at all. Stop being petty and insecure."

"I am not insecure!!"

"Yes you are. You got angry when Austin walked down the aisle with that woman that was just dancing. You coughed, on purpose might I add, through the ceremony. And, now you are sitting here sulking. Why didn't you go dance or even sit with Austin?"

"Why don't you mind your business?"

"I should have done this a long time ago. Consider our friendship over. Austin deserves so much better than you."

"Whatever." As soon as I stood up from the table to go get a drink, I felt someone bump into me. I then bumped into the table, and water spilled all over me. I heard them say, "I'm sorry, Ms. Julia." It sounded like a kid. Whoever it was, I pushed them out of my way. I saw it was Austin's brat, Braelyn. "Watch where you are going, you little brat!!!"

She screamed and started crying. "My arm hurts!"

"Julia, why did you just do that to Austin's daughter?! She is a child, for goodness sakes!!"

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Bliss' POV

I had no idea where Shane was dragging me, but we immediately stopped when we saw Braelyn accidentally bump into Julia. She then shoves Braelyn to the ground. I went into mom mode. We ran over to where it happened. Then, I shoved Julia to the ground. "What is your problem?! She said she was sorry!!"

"Braelyn sweetie, are you hurt?"

"My arm hurts, Aunt Bliss."

"Shane, carry Braelyn to the first aid station. And, get Ryan and Austin over here because Julia is about to get a taste of her own medicine."

Shane picked up Braelyn and carried her away.

Austin's POV

I went to find Julia, so we could spend some time together. But, when I saw Shane carrying a crying Braelyn, I was beyond livid!

"Austin, I am taking Braelyn over to first aid. Bliss and I saw Julia shove Braelyn to the ground. Have someone call the police. And, you and Ryan are going to need to save Julia because Bliss is about to beat her to a pulp."

"Thanks, Shane. I'll be right back, Lollipop."

Layla and Ryan were talking to their parents, so I made a beeline over to them.

"Somebody will need to walk with Layla to first aid. Julia shoved Braelyn to the ground. Shane carried her over to first aid. And, we need to have the police called. Ryan, you and I need to go grab Bliss, so she is not hauled to jail."

"SHE DID WHAT TO MY CHILD?!!"

Layla's mom said, "Calm down, honey. Austin is handling it. Let's go see how Lollipop is doing." They went to first aid, and we went to grab Bliss.

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Bliss' POV

I know how to defend myself. So, Julia was easy to take on. "How does it feel being shoved?!! Braelyn is a five-year old child?!!" Julia stumbled back and fell. "Ow!!"

Then, she called me a, "witch!"

I got a hold of this chick's arm and picked her up off the ground. I was two seconds from knocking her out with a right hook to her face when I heard Austin and Ryan scream, "DON'T DO IT, BLISS!!"

Austin marched right up in Julia's face. "You shoved my daughter to the ground because she bumped into you?!!! You have lost your mind, Julia!!! She is freaking, five-years old!!! If you don't know by now, WE ARE DONE!!"

She then says, "Good! I don't have to see that bratty kid of yours anymore!!"

No she did not call Braelyn a brat!! I took my hands to scoot Austin out of the way. "Excuse me, Austin."

"What did you just call my best friends' daughter?!"

"You heard me loud and clear! She is a brat!"

"That is what I thought you said." I couldn't take it anymore. So, I gave her a right hook to her face. She dropped to the ground and was knocked out cold.

"Thank you for doing that. I have been wanting to knock her out all evening. We used to be friends, but I just cut her off. All she did was whine and complain all day since the ceremony. Austin, I was Julia's friend, Michelle. I hope you find someone better than Julia. And, thank you all for inviting me to your wedding and reception. And, congratulations. Have a good night everyone." Then, she left.

The police came. I pointed to the ground. "Arrest her, please. She assaulted a five-year old child."

The officers saw my dress, then looked at me up and down. Ryan and Austin cleared their throats. Then, Austin says, "Can you all do your job and get her out of here, please?! I will not have anyone laying a hand on my daughter."

"Right away sir." She was still knocked out when they handcuffed her and took her off the premises.

I grabbed both Ryan and Austin's arms and we walked to first aid.

Austin says while walking. "I am really sorry about the drama that just happened at your wedding. She never changed since she opened her darn mouth to Layla. I think I am going to give dating a break and concentrate on co-parenting for Braelyn. And, thank you, Bliss for caring about Braelyn. That means a lot to me."

"You're welcome, Austin. I love Braelyn like she is my own daughter, which I hope to have one day. I love having Braelyn spend the night at my house. She didn't deserve what happened. I hope she will be okay. I'm sorry things didn't work out with Julia. You deserve better, Austin."

"Thank you, Bliss."

"You're welcome, Austin. That is what aunties are for. And, thank you both for clearing your throats."

"Hey, that is what brothers are for. They were called to haul away Julia, not stare at my family."

By the time we made it to the first aid station, we saw Layla, Braelyn, Shane, and Olivia leaving. They walked our way. Braelyn ran over to Austin, and he picked her up.

Austin's POV

"How do you feel, baby girl?"

"I got a boo boo on my arm." She had a big patch on her left arm.

"If she complains about her arm being sore, the doctor said to give her children's Tylenol."

"Okay, Layla. And, I need to apologize for the drama. I thought Julia would have changed, but she didn't. I am done dating for a while. Braelyn is the only girl that I need in my life."

"Austin, it is not your fault that she was that way. You gave her several chances, and she blew it. Shane though, told me that Bliss beat her up."

"Bliss didn't just beat her up, she knocked her out. When Julia was taken to jail, she was still knocked out."

"I may not be a mom yet, but my instincts kicked in. Julia had no business whatsoever putting her hands-on Braelyn. When she called Braelyn a brat, I lost it and punched her in the mouth. And, you are pregnant and don't need any stress. That is what aunt Bliss is for. Now, I am ready for some cake because 'Happy Hands' dragged me away. But, I am glad because we saw what happened."

We all chuckled, but stopped when Braelyn asked, "Why is Uncle Shane 'Happy Hands?'"

"Lollipop, how about we get you some cake?" I was not going to tell her why Shane is called that. We will have that discussion when she is older. So, we all walked back towards' the reception.

Shane's POV

I grabbed Bliss' hand while everyone else walked back to the table. "I have been waiting to kiss you like this all day. So, jump."

She jumped, and we stood there, in full view of whoever was around, making out. Her hands were in my hair and tongue in my mouth. My hands traveled down to her booty for a squeeze. We heard somebody say, "The nerve of some people," as they walked by. Meh, we didn't care.

Neither one of us wanted to pull away, but we did. "I don't need no cake after that." Bliss said before she jumped down. "But, I want it anyway. Let's go." She grabbed my hand and we went to get cake.

We heard snickers when we finally appeared. I really gave them something to laugh about when I tickled Bliss. Suddenly, I became irritated because that man that Marco is talking to is ogling Bliss.

After cutting our slices of cake, we went to sit down with the rest.

"Oh, hey Shane and Bliss. This is Mr. Ashton Black. He represents me and Layla. He is one of the best in the business. And, I wanted to introduce you all to a few model friends - Christina Hayes, Gunner Campbell, Erica Fisher and Grayson Kendall."

So, his name is Grayson? All I am going to say is if he touches Bliss with the tip of his finger, his life will end.

"It is nice to meet you, Mr. Black. I am Bliss Sanders, and this is my boyfriend, Shane Landes."

That's right buddy. This queen standing next to me is mine. There were no chairs left, so like the good boyfriend I am, I sat Bliss in my lap.

Bliss' POV

"Ms. Sanders, I wanted to ask you have you ever considered modeling? You would be a excellent model."

"I never really thought about it. But, I don't have any experience as a model."

One of the ladies that was sitting at the table mentioned, "I would have thought you were one by the way you walked down the aisle at the ceremony. You were poised, focused, and sophisticated. I agree with Ashton, you would be a great model."

Marco added, "Bliss you have me and Layla to help you. I think you should give it a shot. And, if it is not for you, you can say you tried it."

I looked back at Shane. "Like Marco said, just try it out. I will support your decision, whatever you decide."

Layla overhead the conversation and came over. "Bliss, we could be model buddies. We could do photo shoots together. Christina and Erica are really sweet, and they will help you too."

"I don't know how he would help, but I am sure Grayson will help you too." Suddenly, Shane wrapped his arms really tight around my waist when Marco said that. I guess Shane does not like him, so he whispers, "Be careful around that Grayson character. I caught him staring at you."

So, I nodded my head at Shane to tell him 'okay.'

"Okay, so what would I need to do to become a model?"

"Get some snapshots of yourself with different poses. Once you have those, you can either mail them or come into my office. I am based right here in New York. And, I will send out your pictures to a few companies and wait to hear back from them. But, you will not have to worry because I can feel it already that I will get a call back, probably the same day."

I was really excited about this opportunity. Shane kissed my cheek and said, "The whole world may see how beautiful you are, but you are mine."

"April is pretty busy for me with meetings and all, so how about May? I will set an appointment to get my pictures taken and send them over to you."

"Perfect. You are going places, Ms. Sanders. I guarantee."

Grayson's POV

You are right about that Mr. Landes. She is very beautiful.

Layla's POV

"I am about ready to crash on the bed. Sugar let's do the bouquet and garter toss." I saw the way Grayson was staring at Bliss. He seemed nice the times I was around him. I just hope he doesn't cause Bliss or Shane any trouble.

Ryan grabs a chair for me to sit in near the dance stage. Then, I take a seat.

He gets on his knees and starts to lift up my dress. My dad hollered, "Keep it PG because kids are here."

He did. Ryan put his hands on the garter, slipped it off, and then stood up. "On the count of three."

"One."

"Two."

"Three."

It flew right in the hands of Grayson.

Then, I stood up, and readied myself to throw the bouquet.

"One."

"Two."

"Three."

The bouquet flew right into Bliss' hands, and she wasn't even trying to catch it. Grayson smirked, Shane was pissed and Bliss blushed.

"I just wanted to say a few words before we left. Ryan and I both thank each and every one of you for sharing this day with us. It means a lot to both of us that you all came. Thank you and enjoy the rest of the reception. Layla is out."

I was very tired, and my handsome hubby noticed. He scooped me up and carried me to the limo.

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Thank you all for reading chapter 26.

Grayson Kendall will be a new character coming soon to Miss Independent. Will he be a good character, or bad?" Stay tuned.

1. Dress for the flower girls is courtesy of PNG Tree - ©pngtree.com / Osan Digital

2. The opening picture is courtesy of PNG Tree - ©pngtree.com / Rince T

3. Layla's wedding dress is courtesy of PNG Tree - ©pngtree.com / Nicoli Vega

4. Wedding ceremony picture courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / andykazie

5. Suit for the groom & groomsmen is courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / lafuente11

6. Olivia and Valerie's dress is courtesy of PNG Tree - ©pngtree.com / ranfu

7. Layla's heart wedding ring courtesy of PNG Tree - ©pngtree.com / Marcelo Santana Santos

8. Wedding bands picture courtesy of PNG Tree - ©pngtree.com / tyf22

9. Wedding reception venue is courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / tsezarina

10. Wedding cake is courtesy of PNG Tree - ©pngtree.com / Cerebus Max

11. Soca dance videos, Rihanna, Patti LaBelle, and EnVogue videos are courtesy of YouTube