The morning sun rose over the lush green lawn of the private estate garden.
White floral arches lined the pristine aisle, looking perfect against the green hedges.
An American flag hung proudly behind the wooden altar near the front chairs.
Guests began filling the white seats while softly whispering among themselves.
Inside the bridal suite, Sarah finished putting on her delicate silver earrings.
Her heart pounded against her ribs as the sound of soft violin music drifted inside.
Mark walked into the room wearing a sharp black tuxedo with a red rose pin.
He looked nervous, and his eyes kept darting toward the heavy wooden door.
Sarah: Is everything okay outside, Mark?
Mark: My family is just stressed about the press photographers at the gate.
Sarah: You promised me today would be about us and our future child.
Mark: It is, Sarah, I swear it is.
Mark reached out and held Sarah's hands in a firm, warm grip.
However, Sarah noticed that his palms were clammy and trembling slightly.
She wondered if he was truly ready to stand up against his powerful parents.
A knock at the door signaled that it was time for the ceremony to start.
Sarah took a deep breath and grabbed her small bouquet of white roses.
She stepped out into the hallway with Mark walking quickly by her side.
The outdoor air felt fresh and cool against her warm skin.
She looked down the pristine white aisle and saw dozens of wealthy guests watching.
In the front row, Victoria sat next to her husband, Richard Vance, with cold faces.
Neither of them smiled as Sarah made her way toward the waiting altar.
Sarah kept her focus entirely on the promise of a peaceful life ahead.
She reached the altar and took her place beside Mark under the bright daylight.
The minister opened his book and began reading the formal marriage vows.
Everything seemed calm for a brief, beautiful moment under the open sky.