That morning, the sky stretched clear and blue, not a single cloud to block the sunlight. The air was still fresh, carrying the scent of morning dew mixed with the fragrance of jasmine flowers that adorned the small hall in the backyard of Maya's family home. The atmosphere was warm yet filled with emotion, as if welcoming the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of two people in love.
Adi stood on a small stage draped in white fabric and decorated with fresh jasmine blossoms. He wore a charcoal gray suit with a bow tie that his best friend, Rudi, had adjusted three times. On the other side, Anita was busy fixing his collar while cheering him on with a smile.
But Adi's eyes were locked on a single point the entrance to the hall. That was where Maya would appear. His heartbeat was out of control, his hands sweaty despite the mild weather. He knew this was the most important day of his life. And somehow, it felt even more nerve-wracking than defending his thesis.
Meanwhile, in the back room of the hall, Maya stood in front of a large mirror. Her ivory white kebaya was made of delicate brocade, specially designed by her mother's hands. Her hair was neatly styled in a bun, adorned with jasmine flowers cascading gracefully on the right side of her head.
Maya's hands were trembling. She clutched the end of her shawl tightly.
"Sis... I'm scared." she whispered to her mother, who gently embraced her from the side.
"Don't worry, dear. You look so beautiful today. Just like your late grandmother on her wedding day." her mother said with a smile.
Maya nodded slowly, holding back tears. "I remember our promise, Mom. A vow of eternal love."
"I believe in you. You and Adi complete each other. You don't need to be perfect to love each other. Just trust and hold on to each other, no matter what."
The makeup artist gently dabbed Maya's cheeks as tears began to fall. Maya took a deep breath, gazing at her reflection in the mirror. Memories began to flood her mind. Their first meeting in the campus library, awkward chats under the acacia tree, the nervous wait for Adi's reply on WhatsApp.
Now, all those memories led to this moment, the day she would speak her sacred vow.
The hall doors opened. The guests stood. The soft sound of a violin began to play, as if welcoming the queen of this special day.
Maya walked in slowly but confidently. Her high heels tapped softly against the wooden floor, matching the quickening rhythm of Adi's heartbeat. She walked arm in arm with her mother, carrying a bouquet of jasmine and white orchids.
When they finally stood facing each other, the world seemed to fall silent. Adi couldn't find the words. Neither could Maya. Only their eyes spoke, the eyes that held love, hope, and a little fear for the future.
The officiant began with a short greeting. Then time seemed to stop when the moment of vows arrived.
Maya took a deep breath.
"Adi… since the day we met, I knew there was something different. You're not a perfect man, and I'm not a perfect woman. But in our imperfections, I found comfort. Today, I vow to be your wife, your friend, your support in every step of life. I promise to walk beside you through joy and sorrow, health and sickness, wealth and poverty. Until death do us part."
Adi smiled tenderly, his eyes glistening. He pulled a jasmine flower from his pocket and gently tucked it into Maya's kebaya collar.
"Maya… I'm not a man of many words. But from the first moment I saw you, I knew my heart had stopped searching. Today, I vow to be your loyal husband, the one who will always try to make you smile, even when the world turns against us. I promise to hold you in joy and support you in pain. I don't know what the future holds, but I know I want to face it with you. Until death do us part."
For a moment, silence hung in the air, before it was broken by soft applause and emotional cheers from the guests. A photographer swiftly captured the moment, two people, gazing at each other with trust, love and their heartfelt vows.
After the ceremony, the celebration continued on the veranda. A long table was filled with traditional delicacies lemper, pastel, kue lapis, fruit punch, and a large nasi tumpeng garnished with marinated eggs and roasted chicken. Yellow coconut leaves hung in the corners, adding a warm and modest traditional touch.
Guests gathered around the newlyweds, offering congratulations, smiles, flowers, and the occasional family joke. Some brought gifts, others simply brought prayers.
Adi stood and raised a glass of melon juice.
"To Maya, my love, my best friend, and now, my wife. May we live our lives together with strength and a love that never fades."
Maya smiled shyly and raised her glass as well.
"To Adi, the man who never stopped believing in me, who always makes me feel loved just as I am. Thank you for choosing me to be your home."
Laughter and small cheers followed. Joy flowed like a stream of clear water, touching every heart present.
As night fell and the guests began to leave, Adi and Maya sat together on the porch, enjoying the silence of the night. The garden lights glowed softly, casting romantic shadows among the frangipani trees and hanging orchid pots.
Maya rested her head on Adi's shoulder.
"We're really married, huh?"
Adi gently stroked her arm.
"Yes. Starting today, we're not just two people in love. We're a team."
Maya smiled, looking up at the starry night sky.
"If one day we grow tired… you'll still stay, right?"
Adi nodded and kissed her forehead.
"I promise, love. We made a vow of eternal love. It's not just words. It's a commitment we'll fight for day by day."