They say there’s a certain peace in the things that are meant to be, a kind of calm that settles over you when you know you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. And today, of all days, Orm—who’s usually a bundle of nerves—is as calm as a breeze on a summer’s evening. In fact, she’s so at ease that even her mother, who’s always been the first to notice when Orm’s uneasy, can’t help but raise an eyebrow.
“Do you need a shot of tequila to take the edge off?” Mae Koy asked, digging through her bag with a playful grin.
She chuckled softly, shaking her head. “No, I’m good.”
She turned toward the mirror, taking a deep breath as she adjusted her dress. As her eyes landed on her own reflection, a feeling of pure joy washed over her, and she couldn’t help but smile—a smile that was so wide, so genuine, it lit up the room. She looked at herself not with nerves or uncertainty, but with an overwhelming sense of rightness. In that moment, she was ready for everything. The reflection staring back at her wasn’t just a bride—it was a woman who had found her home, her heart, and her forever.
It’s the day. THE DAY.
The day she would bind her heart to Lingling’s
Forever.
A word so simple, yet it carries an entire lifetime with it.
Forever.
A promise that stretches beyond time, unbreakable and unwavering.
Forever.
Right by her side, in every moment, for all the days to come.
“It’s time, sweetheart,” Papa Oct said gently, placing a hand on Orm’s shoulder. She nodded, her smile soft but filled with all the love she felt in her heart.
They had chosen a sunset beach wedding, knowing how much Lingling cherished the sea. She had always put Lingling—and for everything she held dear—above all else. And despite all the twists and turns life had thrown their way, one thing remained certain: Orm was still hopelessly, irrevocably in love. And that wasn’t changing anytime soon.
“I want to see you walking toward me,” Lingling whispered, her voice soft in the quiet of the morning, as they lay together in bed, the warmth and joy of the night still lingering between them.
“I want to see you in all your glory—you in white, my dreams unfolding with every step you take. My future, moving closer, coming toward me.” Lingling’s words were filled with a quiet reverence, and then she leaned in, her lips meeting Orm’s in a kiss that spoke of all the love and promises to come.
As they were walking towards the doors that lead outside, she looked at her father with a beaming smile.
“You look absolutely beautiful, sweetheart.” Papa Oct said.
“Thank you, Papa. Now please guide me to my future wife.” She said with a smile at her father.
As she steps forward and everything came to view, her breath catches in her throat, eyes locked onto the woman standing at the altar, waiting for her with a beaming smile. Her face, radiant and glowing with an almost ethereal beauty takes her breath away. The way her features come together, soft, yet strong, with an effortless elegance makes her heart skip a beat. Her eyes, those deep pools of warmth, shimmer with a quiet joy and something even deeper, an unspoken connection, a promise.
When she locked eyes with Lingling sporting her radiant smile, it’s as if the world itself brightened even more, and everything fell into place. Her lips, gently curved in that soft, knowing smile, make everything else fade into the background.
Her dress is everything she envisioned and more, soft, ethereal, and perfectly her. The off-shoulder design reflects her delicate yet free spirit, while the floral lace speaks of their love, tender but unbreakable. As the gown sways with the breeze, the fabric catches the light, each shimmer a reminder of the future they’re about to build.
It’s as though she belongs to a fairytale, but even in this breathtaking moment, it’s the raw emotion in her gaze, the love and warmth she radiates, that makes her more than just beautiful. She’s perfect—perfect in every way, and in this dress, she is everything the world should be. The woman she’s always dreamed of, right in front of her.
As they reached the altar, Lingling held out her hand waiting for her to take it. With a smile of her own, she took the pre-offered hand and as always it was steady and warm clutched with hers. Orm couldn’t look away from Lingling’s eyes, lost in the depth staring back at her. She could do this for hours but then, the clearing of the minister’s throat broke the moment, earning a few chuckles from the crowd, but Orm’s gaze remained locked on Lingling with her heart full.
“Our brides have prepared their own vows,” the minister announced, gesturing for Lingling to begin.
“My Love, In the whirlwind of our chaotic life, you are the stillness I’ve always longed for. In your arms, I’ve found more than I ever imagined: a true friend, an unshakable partner, a fierce and tender lover, and my very best friend. You are my safe space, my calm in the storm—and soon, you will be my wife.
Thank you for being the light in my life, for always supporting me with a strength that lifts me higher than I ever thought possible. Thank you for the endless love you've given me, for believing in me even when I faltered. Thank you for being exactly who you are—perfect in your imperfection, beautiful in every way.”
Lingling paused, taking a deep breath as she looked at her. A reassuring smile formed on her lips while looking at Lingling, who was clearly overwhelmed as tears begin to well in her eyes, struggling to say the words as her emotions swelled.
“Know this: no matter what life throws our way, my arms will always be your refuge. When the world feels overwhelming, I’ll be here, with you, beside you, as a constant reminder that together, we can face anything. In my heart, you have found your forever home, a place where you are loved beyond measure.
"I love you" doesn’t even come close to expressing the depth of what I feel for you. But I vow, with every part of me, to dedicate my life to making you happy. I pledge to cherish you every day, to nurture this love that grows stronger with each passing moment. You have my heart, my soul, my unwavering commitment. My love for you will never fade, forever, you are mine, and I am yours.
With all that I am, and all that I ever will be, I promise to walk this journey with you, hand in hand, for the rest of our days.”
Lingling finished her vow, her voice thick with emotion, and the world seemed in pause. She leaned down and gently kissed Orm’s hand that was tightly clasped in hers. It was a simple gesture but it spoke volumes, a vow without words, a love that needed no further explanation. Then she was looking at her earnestly after and with a shaky breath she started.
“My dearest Lingling Kwong, in you, I have found the very essence of happiness and contentment, wrapped up in a love I never knew was possible. Your unwavering love, your constant support, and your quiet strength have carried us through the years, even when the weight of the world felt too heavy. In your eyes, I have found peace; in your arms, I’ve found my home. You have answered every silent prayer, healed every hidden fear, and made my heart whole in ways I never imagined.
You are the dream I never knew I had, the wish I made without realizing. And I am so incredibly grateful that you waited for me to be ready, even when I couldn’t see it myself just yet. Through all the struggles, the heartaches, and the moments of doubt, you were the steady hand that held me together when I was falling apart. We’ve faced challenges that seemed insurmountable, but through it all, you were my rock.”
She took a deep breath and tried to steady her voice, but when she looked up all she could see were her love’s teary gaze staring back at her encouraging her to continue.
“Our journey together has never been perfect, but it has always been ours—beautiful in its own way, even in its imperfections. Every moment with you has shaped me, has made me better, and with you by my side, I know there is nothing we cannot overcome.
I vow, from the depths of my heart, to always challenge you to be the best version of yourself, just as you have done for me. Because beside you, the person I am, the person that I am so proud to be, will always be the best version of myself that will only be just for you. I will spend every day reminding you of the incredible strength, beauty, and love that you bring into this world and into my life.
With you, my love, I am complete. Forever and always, I am yours.”
As Orm finished speaking her vows, an overwhelming wave of emotion swept over her. Her chest tightened, and her eyes blurred with tears, each word she had spoken carrying the weight of a love so deep, it felt impossible to express before but for Lingling, it would always flow naturally.
Att handed Orm the small velvet box containing their rings. As Orm took Lingling’s hand in hers, the weight of the moment felt almost tangible. The exchange of rings wasn’t just a ritual—it was the sealing of their forever. She held Lingling’s hand gently, the cool metal of the ring smooth beneath her fingertips. As she slid it onto Lingling’s finger, her heart skipped a beat and her breath caught in her chest. The enormity of the moment overwhelmed her, and she could hardly believe this was real.
Lingling’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her hand trembling slightly as she took the ring from Orm. With a soft, steadying breath, she placed it on Orm’s finger, her touch tender but filled with a depth of meaning. Their eyes locked, a silent understanding passing between them. This wasn’t just a ring, it was a promise, a symbol of everything they had endured and everything they would build together. Their hearts were no longer just theirs, they were each other’s, bound together in this simple, beautiful act.
“With the power vested in me, I now pronounce you wives,” the minister declared, his voice steady and warm. “Ladies, you may kiss your bride.”
Orm couldn’t help but whisper.
“Finally,” a breath of relief escaping her lips. Her heart raced as she gently cupped Lingling’s cheek, her thumb brushing against the softness of her skin. Slowly, as if savoring the moment, Orm closed the distance between them and kissed Lingling for the first time as her wife. The kiss was deep and slow, a powerful wave of emotion that swept over them both. It was a promise, a celebration, and the culmination of everything they had been through, all wrapped in a single, perfect moment.
“I love you, Mrs. Orm,” Lingling whispered, her voice filled with emotion as they broke their kiss. Her eyes shone with an overwhelming love, and for a moment, everything else in the world faded away.
Orm’s heart swelled as she whispered back.
“I love you, my heart,” her breath soft and warm against Lingling’s skin. She leaned her forehead gently against hers, the connection between them so intimate, so deep, that words seemed unnecessary. All that mattered was the promise they’d just made to each other.
The minister’s voice broke through the tender moment, his words carrying an air of finality and joy.
“Please welcome, Mrs. and Mrs. Sirilak and Kornnaphat Sethratanaphong – Kwong.”
The announcement echoed through the air, and the weight of the words sank in as they erupted in applause, but to Orm and Lingling, it was just the beginning of their forever.