The first step is the one you believe in

[handing]

Who: Pepper Potts, Tony Stark, and everyone who has gathered there today.
What: A wedding and reception
When: Sept 14, All Day
Where: Cherry Blossom Hill / The Battle Dome
Summary: Pepper and Tony are getting married finally officially finally.
Rating: PG/PG-13 max? There's at least one kid here.
The decorations on the hill are simple ones; they've chosen this spot because it's naturally beautiful without the need for embellishments. Chairs have been set up for the expected guests, with a clear path laid out for the wedding party. And of course up front there is a place for those people to stand, in sight of everyone gathered so Tony won't be able to tell Pepper "I told you so" as color commentary won't be necessary.

After the ceremony everyone will be invited to go to the Battle Dome for the reception. There Tony's programmed an expansive hall with tables and seating enough for everyone. There's also a dance floor, which everyone is encouraged to take advantage of. The atmosphere is warm and vibrant, clearly intended to help all in attendance have a good time. Dinner will be served, and there's an open bar, with rum by request of the officiant.

Just don't get too rowdy, okay kids?

{{ooc: Visual references and details can be found here. Link is very image heavy. There will be separate threads for before the ceremony, during, and the reception.

EDIT: Now with a sign up to catch the bouquet!}}

Comments

[handing]

To no one's surprise, Pepper is radiant throughout the reception. Whether she's at Tony's side (which she will be whenever she can) or on her own, she really can't seem to stop smiling. Now that the ceremony is done and she can officially declare herself Mrs. Potts-Stark to the world, Pepper is very happy to do so. So she's available for talking, dancing, or even sharing a celebratory drink which won't be alcohol in Billy's case. Through it all, she's definitely having the time of her life.

[neversurrender]

Steve waits until the crowd around Pepper thins out before making his approach. He'd decided against visiting her before the ceremony, not wanting to chance making her even more nervous than she'd probably been already. Then the reception had started and he'd wanted to make sure he didn't lose any good photo opportunities. But right now he's taking a break from the camera and couldn't help but notice that Pepper's glass was almost empty. He picks up two full glasses on his way over and greets the bride with a wide smile.

"I think a congratulatory drink is in order."

[handing]

"Steve! Oh, thank you." Pepper took the offered drink, then quickly set it to the side. She'd definitely share some celebratory sips with him, but first? She moved to give him him a warm hug. She'd seen him hard at work, but now she was very happy to see him taking a break.

"I'm so glad you made it...and that you're not spending the whole time taking pictures."

[neversurrender]

He accepts the hug easily, engulfing her into a gentle embrace. He's careful not to hold her too hard or too long, he doesn't want to chance wrinkling her dress or worse-spilling his drink on it.

"I wouldn't have missed it. I would have passed on that mission if it meant not being here. I promised I would be your professional photographer for the day." He grins widely. "Just a little break. You look beautiful by the way."

[250mhzwabl]

[Once he gets out from behind the DJ's stand, Jack's first order of business is of course to go congratulate the happy couple - or whichever element of it he finds first, really. That happens to be Pepper, and he swings up, holding out the arm not attached to a drink for a congratulatory half-embrace.]

One of us, as they ever-so-eerily say. [He grins with the salutation, just a bit toasted on the drinks that kind souls have been bringing his hardworking self, but earnestly happy for her.] Congratulations, everything's gorgeous. Yourself included, of course.

[handing]

Mmm. So I'm officially inducted? [Pepper laughs as she returns that hug, even going so far as to quickly kiss Jack on the cheek. She's definitely a bit light-headed herself, but for all the best reasons. She's practically exuding delight.]

Thank you. Everything has gone so well, which you are partially responsible for. [Eclectic though the playlist may be, it's rather perfect for the occasion. Maybe it's a good thing Jack sided with Tony a little.]

[250mhzwabl]

Officially! New title and everything. [Jack grins, returning the cheek-kiss in turn, just soaking in how happy she is. She deserves it, with all the work she's evidently put into pulling this event together on relatively short notice.]

Tsch, stop it. I am responsible for precisely two things. One- [He holds up a finger in illustration.] -the choices from which the playlist was drawn. And two- [He adds a second finger, grin turning devious.] -everyone at the reception knowing the cue to make you kiss.

[alloys]

The first chance he got, Tony planned on stealing his bride for a dance. The both of them were quite popular, naturally, but he wasn't about to forego spending time with her if he could possibly help it.

He caught her elbow gently to get her attention. "May I have this dance?"

[handing]

As joyous as she was, no one in that room made her expression light up like her husband. Of course they had guests to entertain, together and apart, but when he touched her arm and asked to steal her away, Pepper was very eager to agree.

"You absolutely may." She turned to face him, hand slipping into his so he could lead her properly to the dance floor. Even that simple gesture gave her a thrill, as Pepper could feel the ring he now wore against her fingers, carefully designed and crafted to compliment hers.

[alloys]

He led her by the hand to the dance floor, feeling unusually light and breathless and he glanced back at her for the nth time that day. God, she was a vision, and no matter how many times he took in the sight of her, she still amazed him. Forget what he said about not understanding the process of dress-making - it was definitely worth the time it took.

The tune that the sound system started to whistle out was an old classic, and his free hand fell to that familiar place at her waist to lead her in the dance. It was hardly the first they had shared over the course of their relationship, and even before, but he was willing to bet that this would be one of the best.

[z_jay]

Eugene could finally make his appearance post ceremony, grinning in delight after they'd gotten the cake settled. Seriously, he never wanted to look at another cake again-- or at least not until Tony's birthday, which he hoped was mercifully far away. Occasionally he made his way to check on what number Jack was putting on next for music, but once he finally pried himself away from responsibility he went to go check on the lady of the evening.

So, since he could, he plucked a drink for her and brought it over, bowing just slightly to get her attention.

"Y'know I heard there's this awesome cake just waiting to be cut into. I'm sure that there's a ton of people just dying to have a piece." Truthfully he just wanted to show off and see the couple enjoying something that he'd worked on, but no rush. "By the way, congratulations."

[handing]

"Eugene!" Provider of cakes that neither came in pies nor were made of skittles. But that was hardly the only reason Pepper was happy to see him, and she took the drink from his hand only to carefully set it aside. The first order of business wasn't alcohol, but warm embraces as she greeted her friend.

"I'll have to fetch my husband, then." And Pepper didn't even try to hide her smile as she said that. But Tony was occupied at the moment, accepting good wishes of his own, so Pepper didn't pull away just yet. "Thank you. Today has been incredible."

[z_jay]

The way she set his offering aside made him blink but the surprised way he chuffed out a laugh was met pleasant as he slid his arms around her and gave a squeeze and a solid pat on her back. "Have to confess, you both look amazing. I haven't seen you this happy in ever."

Which was quite the improvement over a few months past. To be here from there, he couldn't deny she was an incredibly strong woman. Tony was lucky and cursed.

"Today should be incredible for you. It's a good reason to celebrate. Ahh, I love weddings." he sighed wistfully and pulled away from her, giving her a look over. To say he was completely over her was an understatement, but he knew they hadn't had a future from the start. There wasn't a point to bringing it up, either, just acceptance. In the end, he wasn't going to lose sleep over it, and the way her smile lit up the room was well worth it. "Just let me know when you want someone to cook dinner, I'd be happy to try out a few novelty cuisines I've come across."

[ex_tessen852]

"Pepper!" Suki waved happily to the newly married Pepper. "Spirits you look amazing."

She couldn't help but admire her for a bit. Pepper looked stunning, and Suki was just speechless.

"How does it feel to be married?"

[handing]

"You do too. That dress is lovely." Pepper smiled graciously, looking down for a moment as Suki gathered herself. She couldn't be happier with how things turned out, and the question may have been answered by the spark in her eyes alone.

"Pretty amazing, I have to admit. I hope you're having a good time?"

[voidseeing]

Celebratory drink? Gai can get behind that idea. In fact, she'll likely encounter him getting a glass of champagne for himself... despite technically being underage. But Pepper won't say anything about that fact, right?

When he sees her, he grins and holds his glass aloft in a sort of toast. "Congratulations. You actually pulled it off."

[handing]

So long as there are no incidents? She doesn't mind. And the impromptu toast, as it were, earns a quiet laugh on her part.

"Thank you. Fortunately Tony and I know a lot of people we can count on." There are a number of them, ones who have made the day what it is, and Pepper is almost as taken back by the love they've shown her and Tony as she is by the significance of the day itself.

"Are you enjoying yourself?"

[calmbeforethe]

It's understandably difficult to find a moment to offer her congratulations to the happy couple, or even just half of the happy couple. So when Ororo sees Pepper has a free minute while mingling, she wastes to time in gliding up to her with a smile.

"Mrs. Stark," she can't help but grin. "How are you holding up?"

[handing]

Thankfully Pepper has energy and enthusiasm enough to keep up with the social demands. She's riding high on the rush of being a married woman now, and her smile is easy as Ororo wanders over.

"Fairly well, I think. Natasha's been doing an excellent job of keeping me hydrated." Water in between celebratory glasses of champagne, which many have gifted her. But she laughs, giving Ororo a wink.

"And technically it's Mrs. Potts-Stark. Considering 'Pepper' came from Tony already, I can't give him all of my last name too."

[tryit]

She hasn't really had a chance to meet this Pepper Potts yet and a wedding seems as good a time as any. Besides, it's rude not to congratulate the bride on her happy day.

So during one of those rare moments of time that Pepper has to herself, Kate approaches. She flashes her one of her politest smiles. "Congratulations, Mrs. Stark. The ceremony was beautiful."

[handing]

It isn't too surprising that Pepper runs across people she doesn't know; Tony's been in Luceti longer, and their activities from day to day are fairly different. So her greeting is of course polite, and genuinely joyful; she's having the time of her life.

"Well, our officiant did give a rather unique speech." But there's a teasing tone to her voice; Jack is Jack, and Pepper had known that going in. She also knows that Kate isn't commenting strictly on the spoken words of the ceremony. "But thank you. I hope you're enjoying yourself, Miss...?"

[voiceinthedark]

Sam approaches a little later, once the party is in full swing, bringing up a couple of glasses of champagne which... well, she's probably already had moe than enough of it but it seems appropriate.

"Congratulations! That was really beautiful."

[handing]

Pepper is trying to pace herself, but thankfully Natasha has been very good about making sure things other than alcohol end up in Pepper's system during the day. So when Sam offers her a glass, Pepper graciously accepts, bowing her head slightly.

"Thank you. I don't think I'll ever forget it." Even if beautiful isn't quite the right word in her mind, it has definitely been special. She takes a sip, then motions toward Sam with her free hand. "And look at you. Who knew you'd dress up so well?"

[breezing]

Ikki will locate Pepper on her own at least once - and she approaches from behind, throwing her arms around Pepper's waist. She's at a good height to do that. "Pepper! Your dress is really, really, super pretty! I know I said that already but it's still really true. Is that a magic star potion?"

...She...means the celebratory drink...

[handing]

Pepper is a little surprised to suddenly have arms around her, but thankfully she's able to steady herself enough to avoid falls and spills. The voice is unmistakable, and Pepper smiles as she hears Ikki's chatter.

"Thank you. And you look beautiful in your dress too." Which Pepper can only hope is holding up well with how she assumes Ikki has been running around. But the question of a potion leaves her wondering, and Pepper turns to try and look down at the girl.

"Potion? I'm not sure what you mean."