He took a deep breath.

Ever since he was about thirteen or fourteen years old (he couldn’t remember exactly when, but what did that matter anyway?), he had sworn that no matter what, he would write his own vows. He wasn’t having any of that unscriptural, for-better-for-worse, for-richer-for-poorer nonsense. “Who says that?” He would remark with the tone he always used when something greatly agitated him, along with his complimentary hand gestures.

“I don’t know about you guys, but I’ve been promised wealth, health and abundance by God! Why would I negate that with what I say? When I say ‘in sickness and in health…’ doesn’t that indicate that I’m expecting sickness? Doesn’t that indicate that I’m making God a liar, when he has said that I am already healed? No now…you guys are laughing but I’m serious. That’s how I see it sha. And I can’t act differently from the revelation I have.”

He snapped out of his reverie to admire the breathtaking beauty that stood before him. She was dark, no doubt. Dark and lovely. Her voice was music to his ears, even when she simply whispered. Her smile brightened his day, and her eyes captured the attention of his heart. Everytime.

She wore no veil. He was absolutely adamant on that point, as well as several other dismissals of popular wedding culture, as much as he could get away with doing away with.

He cupped her face in one hand, and she responded to his touch. As always. His eyes, expressive as ever, communicated the depth and sincerity of his love. Then he spoke, his voice sure, steady, as confident as his love for her, her love for him, and God’s love for them.

“My love, my bride, my precious one, my jewel, my crown, my dove. My pride and joy, my priceless gem, my diamond…finally. Finally the day has come. The day when the world witnesses our union, the union our Father ordained before the foundation of the world. Not as though we haven’t already been united; for you were in me when I was created. The Father created one man, male and female created He us.

I have no doubt whatsoever that we stand here right now in the centre of the will of God. I believe and so I speak. I call forth those things that are not like they are, and they begin to exist.

And so today, as it was in the beginning, when God brought Eve to Adam, I recognize you as my suitable helper and companion. I declare in the assembly of the brethren: you are now bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh. I call you my Queen, for royalty we are. Three nations are in your womb. Today I call you blessed. Today I call you my wife. Today I call you me, for you were taken out of me.

I will be the man you need, in every way, at every time, always following the leading of the Spirit of God, even as I lead you. You have no need to fear, my love, for I honour my word more than my name, and I will zealously watch over it, and perform it.

I love you as Christ loves the Church. We are going to show the world what love means. Nothing can ever separate you from my love. Nothing. I love you forever, no matter what, with all my heart, and even death cannot separate us because we live forever.”

He paused the video and looked at her face. She was blushing furiously, trying to use her hands to hide her face. He gently drew her hand from her face, looking at her straight in the eyes.

“How am I doing, so far? Rate me.” 

“Baby, I rate you a hundred percent! You are ma shaa Allah”. He laughed. Then he kissed her, and she felt her body melt for the millionth time.

“Jeez! Guys! Take it inside! I’m going to have a visitor very soon. Didn’t you hear me! Hey! Break it up!”

“Ooooh…Taiye, what’s your own? Go and marry! Abi,is it your wife? Baby we need to go on our second honeymoon sharp sharp jare…all these jealous children!”

Written by @FIFtheMyth