At the reception

The reception itself was at a large extravagant hotel, they walked through the lobby across soft, plush carpet (which Jasper found tricky in the heels), that was laid out over a marble floor. Marble columns raised up on either side that held up a vaulted roof, and ornate sculpted details could be seen in the high ceiling.

Overwhelmed by this, Jasper didn't notice he was leaning a bit further into the man for support.

They walked by the reception and towards a large corridor that had a great big sign and arrow with fancy cursive writing on it: "Reception for the wedding of James and Jasmine" It took Jasper a moment to register that James was the man that was right beside him. They walked down the brightly lit corridor. A huge swarm of people followed, far back enough to give space, but close to make their presence felt.

The couple went through another double doors and the next thing Jasper knew, they were in a huge room with a whole crowd of flickering of faces.

"Congratulations James! And Jasmine, I don't believe we've had the pleasure?" Jasper hesitated, then shook the guy's hand. Someone else came up, "I wish you the very best in happiness, if there's anything you need..." It went on, Jasper tried to remember some of the faces, some elderly, some young, one was a little girl who just said "I want to be as pretty as you when I get married" and Jasper found himself blushing. James smiled as it went on and offered quick replies.

Then a somewhat elderly couple came up and James switched his tone to a more sincere voice. "Mum, Dad, I'd like you to meet my wife Jasmine. Jasmine, these are my parents." Out of sheer awkwardness ("wife"), Jasper smiled and shook their hands. Part of him wondered if with some of that mature parental wisdom, they'd instantly be able to see through the sham and know what was going on. If that was the case, they certainly didn't show it.

"Jasmine," the father said, "To be honest, my wife and I still find this a bit surprised by all this, but we know our boy James knows what he wants. We wish you the most happy returns."

"You look so beautiful," the mother said, "I know you're both going to have many happy years together."