HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!! It’s still Feb. 14th here, so I’m not late! HA HA! I got this finished this morning and had to go to work right after, so I have been WAITING ALL DAY to post this.
I’m so excited to show this off! A friend of mine said it needed to be an outdoor wedding, sooo, why not in the mountains?
God I love how they came out 🥹💜 I finally got to do a picture that shows off Bradley’s tail! Gaaah, it’s the boys! Do they get married on Valentine’s Day? Is this a Spring wedding??
I just love the idea of them wearing black and silver for their tuxes, but like the opposite of each other!
I added in a couple of close up shots of their faces (look at their blush!! Aww, they’re so happy and in love!), of their labels (Bradley is wearing a red flower for Max and Max is wearing a blue one for Bradley! Also, they’re both wearing label pocket things, GU for Goof Uppercrust and UG for Uppercrust Goof!), and of their rings!! The boys designed them for each other. Bradley made sure to have lightning bolts engraved and Max was like “make it pretty”, haha.
To be honest, I threw together the background in like 10ish minutes or so. They needed something more than a blank bg. Close ups below the cut!
I just found this in my email inbox this morning, sent to me by my father with a winky face emoji - which is already odd in and by itself. This is a snippet from The Times - from AUGUST 11TH, 2018 (!!!).
How did he know, when we hadn’t told anyone till August 12th, 2018? 🤔 @rylbenzo #jeremyirons #foreveramystery
Location/Date: Royal Greenwich Observatory, London | August 12th, 2018
Synopsis: They had planned a very special kind of stargazing event with a wedding on top
@rylbenzo (with mentions of @royalmiller, @rylhiddleston)
“Wow.” Over the past year, he had seen Ashley in quite a few states of dress and undress, but none of these moments had prepared him for this one, where she appeared in the door, Sienna not far behind, looking more wonderful and stunning than he could have imagined. His gaze fixed on her, he hardly noticed everyone turning to look her way, too, until he was nudged in the ribs by his brother with a muttered “what are you up to now?”. His nudge was enough to get him out of his stupor and move towards his fiancée - soon to be wife - and take her hand. “You look absolutely incredible,” he muttered, as he bent his head and kissed her cheek, then took her hand to pull her into the room. With them standing side by side now, facing their families, there wouldn’t be a better time to announce to them what they had truly been invited for. Max could see it in their eyes that the realisation was dawning that something other than stargazing and spending the evening in good company. Catching his mother’s inquisitive gaze, he gave her a little smile, then turned back to Ashley, and nudged her gently. “Are you ready?” he asked her quietly - they would have to say something, before this moment became awkward.
---
It was funny how even after just a couple of months of planning, this had felt like it had been a lifetime. In the end they had chosen to invite their families, and just happened to do so at the last minute and leave out the exact details of what was going on. As much as Ashley didn’t want to admit it, she was nervous. This was one of the moments that she’d dreamed as a little girl, and it was surreal to think that it was actually happening. Sienna had helped her pick out her dress, and find someone trusted to do her hair and make-up for the day. She was happy with her final look… And by the way that her soon to be husband was staring back at her, he was too. “Hi,” She greeted with a smile. “You don’t look so bad yourself,” She gave him a once over, and was amused at the fact he had chosen not to wear a tie for the occasion. “No tie?” They’d decided that they were going to walk out together for this and explain themselves before proceeding with the ceremony. Ashley squeezed his hand gently as they walked through together. “As I’ll ever be,” She had to stop herself from laughing at the room of faces in front of them trying to figure out what was going on. “So… You’re probably all wondering why we invited you here and what’s going on.” She turned to look up at Max, encouraging for him to step in too.
---
Max had to chuckle at her comment. “Why, thank you. The missing tie is just for you, because I know you’d hate me playing around with it, trying to loosen it.” She had berated him more times than he could count, and rightly so, because he disliked them and preferred not to wear one, if possible. Her little squeeze calmed his fraying nerves, and made him feel more at ease, especially with this many inquisitive stares on them, waiting for them to finally reveal the real reason they had been invited. “Here goes nothing.” He could see the realisation dawn on his parents’ faces, the dress’ colour was the largest hint to what they were getting up to, and his mother’s surprise and happiness shining through her smile was one of the biggest encouragements, besides having Ashley by his side, to speak up. “The invitation was pretty obvious, and we are going to keep up the family tradition of stargazing. But we have invited you for another reason, tonight.” For a moment, he bit his lip, then he continued with a small smile tugging at his lips. Saying these words out loud to his family felt a lot more freeing and exciting than he had imagined it would. “We’ve brought you out to celebrate with us, because a month and a few days ago we decided to get married, and it wouldn’t be the same without all of you around.” Turning away from them, he smiled down at Ashley.
---
All of a sudden, with Max by her side, Ashley felt a lot less nervous and far more at ease. She had to laugh, mainly because it was true and knew that he had never had any intention to wear a tie for their wedding in the first place. “Are you sure you aren’t just using me as an excuse for not wearing one?” She asked him with a chuckle, before leaning in and pecking his cheek. “I find the open collar more attractive.” The first she had noticed of Sam was the sniggering sound behind them, and a comment about how they should both get a room. He couldn’t even let them have it on their wedding day. She was pretty sure that just by taking a look at the way they were dressed, and even the ring placed on her finger would be a give away that this wasn’t just a regular stargazing event. She chose to focus on Max rather than the crowd of curious faces in front of them, and nodded her head with every word. This was the most fitting way - watching the Perseid Meteor Shower had always been an Irons family tradition, and now she was becoming a family member. “We’re decided to keep it to ourselves for a little while and really wanted this to be a surprise and something special.” Flashing a grin, she showed her ring and for the first time had a look at the faces in front of them.
---
“Hmm, perhaps, but it’s a good excuse. You like it.” Her words had him chuckle, her next comment and kiss had him blush just a little bit, which of course his brother would notice. He was right, in some way, that they should just get on and not leave people waiting. Murmurs erupted in the room, when they addressed their families; surprise, excitement and dared he say happiness were etched on the faces of their loved ones. Max didn’t quite dare look at Ashley’s father, but instead kept his eyes on his own family, and he could see his dad trying very unsuccessfully to hide his amusement. Perhaps he had known all along, he thought, when they had arrived in London ahead of the “The Wife” premiere, because he had dropped a comment, when they had been talking the other day, which had stuck to his mind. “It seems that it’s time to make new wishes this year.” And he was to be right about that. Ashley’s comment was followed by their families closing in, everyone talking over the other, wanting to ask a million questions, congratulate or see the ring, and it was then, finally, that he caught Jeff’s eye. “I’m glad to see that you meant it, when you said she means the world to you.” Max smiled at him, he remembered that comment all too well - it still rang true, although just “world” might not be very accurate anymore. “I don’t think that feeling will ever cease, if only it’s grown over the past year.” They had had their differences, and didn’t see eye to eye on some things, but he could see her father being really happy for his daughter, and that really counted for something. “Good - and thank you for including us, I don’t think that Shan’ would’ve survived being excluded from this. Or I.”
---
The reactions seemed to be mixed, but all had an underlying look of happiness. Sinead was looking up at them with the biggest of smiles and with almost tears in her eyes. Jeremy seemed to be terribly amused over something, that she would need to ask Max about later. Shannon looked as if she was about to jump out of her seat and run up to give them both a hug. And Jeff? She was sure that he was smiling too. It seemed to be a rush from everybody there to get up, congratulate them, hug them, see the ring. It came to no surprise that between them, Sinead and Shannon managed to drag her away from Max were doing the most of the gushing over everything. Thankfully, Jeremy swooped in and stole her away with a knowing laugh. “You look lovely, darling… Just in case Max hasn’t told you already.” She could feel herself begin to blush. The only person that she was yet to be congratulated by was her Dad, and sweeping the room in search of him she caught sight of him and Max engaged in conversation. By the time she made her way over to Max, her Dad had slipped away in front of her. “I think our Mom’s are happy, they just about crushed me over there.” She laughed softly and looked up at him. “What was that? Is he happy for us? He looks as if he might be smiling…”
---
For such a small group there was a flurry of activity, and he was patted on the shoulder, congratulated and talked to - and taken further and further away from Ashley until their hands weren’t able to touch anymore. Of course, everyone wanted to talk to his fiancée and it was especially funny to him, when his dad whisked her away with a smile that could rival his own. “Seems like your family love my daughter as much as we do.” Jeff’s voice brought him out of his thoughts, and Max turned to him and smiled. “They met under amusing circumstances - and she gave as good as she got from him, and didn’t back down. Does that sound familiar to you?” Her father chuckled and shook his head. “That’s my daughter - of course she would, even in front of someone as intimidating as your father. And yes, I find your father intimidating, I admit it.” “He’s a big, old, grumpy bear, but he adores her, my mum does, too.” Max could hardly tear his eyes from Ashley, but turned to look at Jeff and was met with a smile, which widened, when his daughter approached. With a nod, he made himself scarce, just so Max and Ashley could get a moment to themselves. “That went well,” he chuckled, and leaned in to kiss her. “He is, I think, mostly because he sees you so happy. And I get it - your happiness is what counts, ours, too.” Gently, he took her hand and entwined their fingers. “The registrar will arrive soon - any last thoughts, before we marry?”
---
The curiosity over what had happened in her short absence was starting to eat her away. After months, had Max somehow finally just gotten her father’s blessing? With the way that Jeff had gone away with a grin on his lips, and was now embracing Sinead and Jeremy, it surely looked that way. “It did? I really thought he was coming over to kill you.” Knowing that they were getting along, and that everyone was happy made her feel a sense of relief. Ashley closed his eyes when he leaned in to kiss her, and took a moment to step back and taste him. “I couldn’t be happier than what I am right now, with you.” She hoped that it was obvious to everyone in the room too. Max knew that by now but it felt right to remind him, especially on a day like this. The past year had been the best of her life, and things were about to become even more amazing. She looked down at their intertwined fingers with a smile, before gazing up at him. “Any last thoughts? That sounds intense,” She laughed and shook her head. “I love you, how is that for a last thought?” She leaned in to steal another kiss, there was something about today that made her feel more in love with him than ever. “How about you? Are you feeling nervous? If you’re having cold feet, this is your chance to run.” She teased.
---
“You and me both,” Max laughed at her, and nuzzled her cheek. “But he didn’t - not sure we’ll ever be the best of friends, but he surely knows that we love each other, and that my family adores you. You’re one of us, and we’re a little bit one of you, too.” As different as they were, his family and hers were meshing quite well, and it was because of them that they did - they were the reason two families had come together, especially tonight, and now that he was seeing them being so joyous, so excited for the evening, he finally felt relief wash over him. “I love you,” he blurted out, adding a grin to his words, “I’m excited and nervous and just a little afraid to stumble over my words.” His hand tugged on hers, making her step closer. “I like that as a last thought. And a first thought. And a thought in-between.” Her kiss both raised his heartbeat and calmed him down in a way he hadn’t expected to. Max drew away, but only to press his lips against hers once more, a smile firmly on them. “Running? Hm. You know how much I hate to run in Oxfords. I guess you are stuck with me, luv’.” One last kiss and he stepped back, or he would never want to leave her side again. While they had been wrapped up in each other, the registrar had arrived, and Max and Ashley greeted him, before he went to set up. Since this was going to be a civil wedding, the procedure would be rather short and sweet - which was something they both were grateful for. Looking up at her from across the room, where he stood with Tom by his side, he smiled at her. “Would everyone please take their seats?” the registrar asked - Max could see Jeff go up to his daughter instead. Apparently, a little tradition had to be upheld, after all.
---
Her Dad’s reaction was the one Ashley had been most worried about. Now that she knew that everything was okay on that front and that he approved, she felt as a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. This was their day, and everyone in the room shared the same love for both Max and Ashley. “I’m just glad that he can see it, and that I don’t need to worry about going on our honeymoon alone.” She couldn’t stop herself from teasing about it. She nodded her head at the second part of his words, this was what it was all about, becoming as one. “I think despite all the differences, we all work quite well together.” She nodded to their parents whom were engrossed in conversation with each other. Max’s words brought her attention back to him and made her smile, those three words made her feel warm inside. “I promise not to laugh if you do. Just keep your eyes on me, and you’ll be fine.” She found his nervousness adorable, especially as she was surprisingly relaxed about it all. “It’s why we’re here, isn’t it?” The answer was a definitive yes. As he kissed her, she smiled into his lips. “And I hate running in heels, so I guess we’re stuck with each other.” She teased and chuckled. Out of the corner of her eye she caught sight of the registrar arriving and squeezed at his hand, silently asking if he was ready for this and after a brief greeting it was time to prepare for the ceremony. She originally wanted to walk the aisle herself, but she wasn’t about to take the moment away from her father and looked up at him with a smile as he took her arm. “I’m so happy for you, baby. You’ve found someone who thinks the world and more of you.”
---
“When am I not fine, when I’m looking at you?” he asked cheekily, adding a mockingly pensive, “unless I’m stumbling over my own two feet, because I’m not looking where I’m going…” Max raised his hand and pushed some of her hair behind her ear tenderly, then cupped her cheek. “We could still elope from eloping… but I’d rather like to tell you that I’ll be yours, whether you steal my blankets and take over my space or not.” When they had talked to the registrar, they had decided against long-winded vows, rather opting to keep the ceremony short and sweet. Their little back and forth was so familiar, so calming that it was difficult to stop, but they did, so they could finally commence their little ceremony under the stars. The sun was just going down and painted the room in a wonderfully warm light, and seeing Ashley standing next to her dad and talking to him made him smile. His eyes never left hers, as she approached, and even when they stopped in front of him, he couldn’t tear his gaze away from her, not until Tom’s rather enthusiastic nudge. Nodding at Jeff with a smile, he took her hand and kept it in his, as she took her place next to him and Sienna. With their friends as their witnesses the ceremony could finally begin, and it did with the most British thing the registrar could say. “Let’s hope the weather holds up and you will get to celebrate under the stars tonight.” Max gave Ashley a look and smile, the stars were something really special for them. “And now, I’d like to ask once, whether there is anyone objecting against this matrimony.” They could quite literally hear crickets, whose sound came loudly through the open windows, and he breathed out a sigh of relief, when the registrar continued to explain what was going to happen. “Ashley, Max - shall we begin?”
---
His mischievous comment earned him a playful glare in return before laughing at the second part. “That’s only happened once or twice when you’ve been too busy looking down my dress.” She quipped back, there was something amusing, and yet extremely relaxing about how they could be in their back and forth ways and not be taking things too seriously, even in a moment like this. Ashley didn’t know what other couples spoke about before getting married, but she was almost certain it wasn’t like this. “And I promise to always steal those blankets and invade your space just so you can stick to that very promise.” She stuck her tongue out at him. They had settled on keeping things short and sweet, which suited perfectly well. She didn’t need proper vows to know that they were going to live happily and be together for the rest of their lives. “You look beautiful. I’m pretty sure I looked at your mother the same way as Max is looking at you on our wedding day.” Everybody rose up from their seats and they started to walk down what there was of an aisle. All she could focus on was Max and the way he was looking at her, because in her eyes, they were the only people in the room. “Thanks Dad,” she said softly as they stopped at the front and he gave her over to Max. “You look after her for me now, Max.” With a smile and a kiss to her cheek, he went to go and sit down. “Hi you,” She said quietly enough for Max to hear and brushed her thumb over the back of his hand. She had to bite back a chuckle at the registrar’s words and resisted mouthing a “seriously?” The silence to the objections was a comfort. The registrar briefly explained the proceedings, and how this was only going to be a short service but they would still be leaving as husband and wife. “Are you ready?” She murmured into his ear before nodding her head. She was as ready as she would ever be.
---
Their bickering made him feel at ease in ways he probably couldn’t explain to anyone, it was familiar, it was comforting - and it was something they did whenever they could. Even without trying, they could quip at each other, and then change topic all of a sudden, or break down with laughter and stop all together. “It is quite a sight, I can’t help it,” he shot back playfully, and his grin only grew in size, when he heard her reply to his earlier words. “Well, we should have decided on doing vows, after all. They’re spot on.” While he had something in mind, he wasn’t sure whether he wouldn’t just tell her later on, when they had a moment to breathe. Seeing her next to her father, and the rest of their families to either side made him happy that they had decided to include them in their wedding instead of “eloping properly”, as they had talked about beforehand. While none of them had been involved, and he knew that they would hear about that sooner rather than later, they seemed happy and excited to be able to witness this moment, and that was all that counted. Max looked at Jeff and nodded, “I will. And she’ll look after me, because I surely need it more than she does.” He wasn’t sure whether her father understood his reference, but he knew Ashley would, because out of the two of them, he was the one with his head in the clouds, forgetting about anything else most of the time. At the registrar’s first words, the British part of the family, Sienna and Tom included, had to chuckle - but then the room fell silent and Max smiled down at Ashley, mouthing back a cheeky, “seriously”. The registrar, pleased with the silence, caught their attention once more. “The purpose of marriage is that you always love, care for and support each other through both the joys and sorrows of life, “ he began, and continued through well rehearsed words until he finished with, “Marriage in this country is the union of two people voluntarily entered into for life to the exclusion of all others. I am now going to ask you each in turn to declare that you know of no legal reason why you may not be joined together in marriage.” It was now upon Max and Ashley to recite the words, which they had decided on, a little different, and he turned to her and smiled encouragingly. “We, Ashley and Max, do solemnly declare that we know not of any lawful impediment why we may not be joined in marriage to each other.”
---
Max’s answer to Jeff was met with a knowing laugh from Ashley. One thing that was for sure was that she knew how to keep him on his toes and keep him right with the simplest of things, like when she would sent him down to the store to go and get the right milk. The reactions to the registrar’s opening joke was met with mixed reactions, whilst the majority of the room was British and laughed the American side remained silent. She grinned up at him with his cheeky reply of mouthing ‘seriously’ back to her and had to bite down on the inside of her cheek to stop herself from laughing and keep a neutral expression - Max knew that she didn’t understand the obsession with weather in the slightest. She cleared her throat and had a listen to what the registrar had to say, even though they had decided on a civil, and one of the shorter services to have Ashley still couldn’t help but feel that the words were still slightly long winded when the purpose of marriage was spoken about. She caught sight of him out of the corner of her eye and wondered if he was having the same thought. It came for their bit to speak, and with a clear of her throat, she recited the words that they had altered and settled upon. Once finished, she smiled up at Max and squeezed his hand, she was proud of the fact that neither one of them had managed to stumble over their words yet. The next part was amusing because they’d decided on doing it a little differently and have the bride go first "Ashley, will you take Max to be your lawful wedded husband, to be loving, faithful and loyal to him for the rest of your married life together?" She gave Max a broad smile and nodded her head, her gaze never leaving his as she spoke her two words with affirmation. “I will.” It was Max’s turn next. “And Max, will you take Ashley to be your lawful wedded wife, to be loving, faithful and loyal to her for the rest of your married life together?”
---
It was funny how, if you looked at such a wedding service objectively, this was nothing more than learning a few lines - some of which they had changed around, because they were long-winded, for once, and because they liked the idea of switching things up from the traditional ways. Their first confirming words were spoken in unison, and as odd and formal as they were, they were also really comforting. Her little squeeze of his hand tore his attention away from the registrar and to Ashley and he smiled back at her, let the registrar’s voice wash over him while never dropping her gaze. Her smile and nod were confirmation enough for him, but her voice made it real all of a sudden. At the sound of his name, he looked up and away from Ashley, only to have his gaze drop back to her. “I will.” It was as easy as that, two words, a legal confirmation of love - but to him, it meant a lot more than that. “I will” meant more than that he would take her as his wife, but that he promised to spend the rest of their lives together, and that promise meant the world to him. “I love you,” he mouthed to her, while the registrar gave an explanation about the upcoming ring exchange, “The rings are an unbroken circle, symbolising unending and everlasting love, they’re an outward sign of the lifelong promise you had just made for each other,” while Tom came forward to hand over the first ring to Max. “I give you this ring as a token of our love,” he started, as he took her hand, his thumb running over the back of it tenderly, “I’ve just recently heard that there are infinite ways to love someone, and I promise you to try a new way every day.” Then he slowly slid the ring onto her ring finger, right in front of her engagement ring.
---
The promises that they were making went a lot deeper than a simple two words. They were giving themselves to each other, as husband and wife, and to be faithful to each other for the rest of their lives. Ashley had to swallow back her tears when Max gave his own pledge. She couldn’t put into words just how much hearing it meant to her, or just how much she loved him. She had everything that she could ever want or need right in front of her, and exactly a year ago whilst learning about shooting stars and wishes, couldn’t have imagined herself standing where she was today. It was the most incredible feeling. “I love you too,” She mouthed back and squeezed his hand that she hadn’t let go of this entire time, he was what was keeping her calm. When the exchanging of the rings was mentioned she inhaled a breath, she hoped to god that Tom had remembered the rings and hadn’t done something stupid with them. She almost breathed a sigh of relief when he approached Max with hers - maybe she wouldn’t have to kill him after all. The emotions were starting to get to her now, and as he reached for her hand could feel her heart begin to hammer against her chest. She didn’t know what was coming out of his mouth next… If she had struggled with trying to hold it together a few moments ago then she most certainly was now. She was sure that she felt her heart burst over how beautiful those words had been, and if it had been appropriate right now, would have kissed him. She looked down at her new ring to accompany her engagement ring, before looking up at him with a smile. Thankfully, Tom had remembered the other ring too, and as he placed it into her extended hand, made a point of thanking him. "I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage and this new journey together,” she took his hand and placed the ring at the tip of his finger, “You are my moon, all of my stars and everything I could ever want or need. I promise to love you, support you and remain by your side to keep you right every single day for the rest of our lives.” She slid the ring down to the base of his finger and looked into his eyes lovingly.
---
He could feel her hand shake and squeezed it, not letting go just yet after placing the ring on her finger. Neither did he look away, his eyes firmly trained on her, hoping that she would know that he was here with her, for her, and that she didn’t have to struggle with feeling overwhelmed - they had all the time in the world, if she needed a moment, he would give it to her. His ring gleamed in the light of the room, as it was passed from Tom to Ashley, and he could hear her quiet words of thanks, and feel the slight tremor of her fingers and his, when she slid the ring onto his finger, a little further with each word she spoke. Her words made him tear up and smile, especially towards the end, and he reached for her hand the moment she starting pulling her fingers away and entwined them. In this moment, even if he should have spoken, he didn’t think he could have uttered a word - overwhelmed with joy and happiness, he simply looked at her, a smile on his face that was purely reserved for her, and he almost missed the registrar’s light cough, and explanation that they were to sign the papers now. Max was handed the pen first, but he shook his head and passed it on to Ashley. “Ladies first,” he told her gently, but didn’t let go of her hand until he was sure that the light tremor was gone. Only when she had signed with her new name did he sign his name on the paper, and then looked at their signatures for a moment, while Sienna and Tom signed as their witnesses. There it was, in their own writing, their names on their marriage certificate - and Max’s hand sought out hers again, as the registrar took their papers and stood straight once more. “It gives me great pleasure to tell you that you are now legally husband and wife,” he started, then addressed their families, who were all still seated. “Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present to you Mr and Mrs Irons. Congratulations!” Max didn’t even hear those last words anymore, having leaned in to finally kiss his wife for the first time. “I love you,” he muttered between kisses, which he wanted to last, but was soon distracted by the approaching crowd. Even through hugs and kisses and congratulatory words, he didn’t let go of her hand.
---
It occurred to her when she felt his fingers brush against hers that this was the first time during the ceremony where they hadn’t been holding each other’s hand for support. The contact alone was probably just about the only thing stopping her from shaking too right now, in an attempt to try and calm down his slight tremor she started to stroke the back of his hand. In that moment of looking at each other with smiles and with tears of joy brimming in their eyes was for them. To Ashley, Max was the only other person in the room right now because nobody else mattered. They had done it, all without stumbling over a word or without a single seconds hesitation and right now she was finding it difficult not to jump into his arms, tell him how much she loved him and kiss him, she couldn’t put into words just how happy she felt. She had to laugh to herself when the registrar cleared his throat for their attention, they’d gotten so lost in each other for a moment that they’d hadn’t realised the ceremony wasn’t quite over and they had to sign the register next. They were lead away into a part sectioned off and hidden in order to do that. “Are you sure?” But the pen was pushed into her hand. It took Ashley a moment to figure out what parts of the document that she was signing, and once she had done so passed the pen over to Max and stepped back to allow him to do the same. It was funny how a piece of paper with both of their names and both of their signatures could have so much emotion and sentiment behind it. “Is that it?” She whispered to him softly when it was Tom and Sienna’s turn to sign the bit of paper, “After this are we married?” It felt strange to say out loud, but completely unreal to think about. As they were announced to be husband and wife, she looked up at him with a grin and couldn’t hide her joy. The smile didn’t vanish when he leaned in, and she returned his kiss and their first as a married couple. Mrs Irons was a name that she was going to need to get used to over the next few days, but she already liked the sound of it. “I love you, more than you’ll ever know,” She couldn’t tell him that enough times today. Their moment was interrupted by the sudden mass of people coming to congratulate them. Once things quietened down, and they were by themselves again she leaned up to kiss his cheek. “So, now what,” She paused and looked up at him to add a final word, “Husband?!
---
“Would you like the ceremony to be any longer?” Max grinned at her, while their friends signed the certificate as well, affirming that they were the witnesses in their marriage. Her grin at the registrar’s final words made his heart skip a beat or two and he grinned back. Admittedly, their first kiss felt like any other they had shared, but yet it felt just a little differently. “I might have an inkling,” he told her gently, and kissed her again, before they were surrounded by their families again. His mother hugged him just a little too tightly and too long, muttering about “her baby boy” until his father finally pried her off. “You two are something else - and here we thought we had been sneaky, when we got married.” Sinéad hit her husband in the arm gently, but smiled anyway, when she turned to Ashley. “I’m so happy for you and Max,” she told her, as she gave her a heartfelt hug, “it isn’t every day that I get to see my son become the best version of himself, supported by an equally amazing partner.” While he would have wanted to see his wife - now that was something he would have to become used to calling her - being gushed over by his mother, his attention was diverted to first Sam, then Tom and Sienna, and finally Shannon, who had tears in her eyes. “Why didn’t you say anything? I would’ve helped you with your planning!” Max didn’t quite know what to say to that, but gave a little shrug and a smile. “We felt this was the best way to go about it, and we wanted you here, and not worrying about any preparations.” Eventually, everyone had had their say and their families moved on to the drinks and food that had been set up for them on the terrace above, where they would be able to see the stars once darkness fell completely. “Husband, hm?” Max grinned at her and stole a kiss, and then pointed to her shoes. “If we were to elope now, and spend the evening together, they’d never forgive us - and they seem in a very forgiving mood now… so we’ll leave that for later, but for now...” He pulled her towards the coat room with an ever widening grin. “How about you get out of those heels? I’m sure Sienna put your bag somewhere...” This was the last thing on his mind, but it would give them a few minutes to spend wrapped up in each other, before they would join their families and friends upstairs. And he took complete advantage of that.
---
The ceremony had been the perfect length - it hadn’t felt too long, and whilst it had been short, that was the way that they had chosen for it to be. Ashley stood back, and had to bite down on her cheek to stop herself from laughing when Sinead went to hug - or maybe crush - Max. Both she and Jeremy exchanged an amused expression at the embrace before he tried to pry his wife away. Somehow, he managed to congratulate them in the most Jeremy Irons way possible, and she could see where Max got it from. It was her turn to be gushed over by Sinead next, and she couldn’t stop herself from laughing when she was pulled in for a hug. She considered herself incredibly lucky when it came to her now inlaws. They’d gotten on with, and accepted her from the unusual moment that they had met. Sinead’s words, and to see her so happy meant a lot to her. Ashley had barely gotten away for a second when it was Shannon’s turn to come and give her a hug, and insist that she’d known something was going on the second she’d been invited to London. Finally, they had a moment to themselves, and somehow she had a feeling that there weren’t going to be too many until later on. “Husband,” She repeated with an even bigger grin, finally being able to say it made her happy. “It’s what you are now, isn’t it?” She closed her eyes and smiled into his lips as they kissed, now that they were alone it felt even better. She laughed softly at his words because he had a point, they weren’t going to get away with eloping from eloping now. “I think that they can spare us a few minutes to ourselves, and who knows, we might have to make a sharpish exit at the party.” The coat room was better than nothing, and she wasn’t aware until he had brought it up just how much those shoes were bothering her. “You don’t have to tell me twice, these shoes are destroying my feet. ” She kicked her heels off and wiggled her toes happily as they were finally set free. “How long do you think we have before need to go back there? I want you to myself for a moment.”
---
“Wife,” he replied to her teasingly, with as regal a nod as he could muster, before breaking down with laughter. It was amazing how much power one word could have - the simple word “husband” rolling off her lips made him happy in ways he couldn’t even explain. He took a deep breath, when their families went ahead and left them be by themselves, he felt like he needed just one moment alone with her, to gather his thoughts, and most of all, to kiss her properly. The coat room was mostly empty, it was simply too hot to bring a coat along, and Max backed her into a wall away from the door, away from prying eyes with an ever widening grin. “Sharpish exit? If you are ready to jump off the terrace, please tell me first? It’s a long way down,” he joked with her, his breath ghosting over her cheek, as he leaned in. Laughter bubbled up within him the moment she took off her heels and stood proud and tiny as she was, a good head shorter than he was. “I like you like this more,” he muttered, closing in, “my cute tiny gremlin queen.” Their lips finally met, and he sighed happily, in no hurry to deepen the kiss. Unless their families sent out a search party for them within a few minutes, which his father hopefully stalled for as long as he could, they had time and he didn’t feel like rushing anything. “We should aim for joining them in ten minutes or so,” he muttered against her lips, before he bent down to kiss her again. His arms snaked around her and pulled her against him, fingers eager to explore her gentle curves, but mindful not to bunch up her dress. Suddenly, he laughed against her lips, “this dress is truly Maxi-friendly,” and pressed a sweet kiss to them with each amused word - he hadn’t even realised that very flirty slit in the skirt before, but now that he had… Max gave her the broadest, most boyish grin. “Perhaps more than ten minutes. They’ll get over it.”
