HWA Message Board: The Wedding of Sean Parker and Michelle Leaner (Part 1)

The Wedding of Sean Parker and Michelle Leaner (Part 1): The Morning Of

Eight months ago as he lay in the hospital, somewhere between both physical and mental pain, Sean found some mental clarity past his heavily medicated state and he uttered the words “Will You Mary Me?” as he looked into the eyes of Michelle who had just sung him a lullaby. Months have past and what began as glances in wedding magazines and talks of “what abouts” brainstorming plans, decisions had been made, preparations had been organized, invitations sent, and travel undertaken…the day was here.

A morning chill nestled in the hills of Cairneyhill, soft as breath upon glass, as if the land itself were holding anticipation in its chest. The road curved gently toward Cairneyhill Parish Church, a small stone sanctuary standing with humble dignity against the pale Scottish sky. Its weathered walls bore the memory of centuries from baptisms to funerals, where whispered prayers carried upward like smoke, but today, they carried joy. Once more, the Parker name would echo outward from within and its bells would chime to the heavens a declaration of love.

In and of itself the service they planned was a marriage of sorts. The melding of her Mormon beliefs and traditions coupled with his less committal approach. For one, the idea of serving alcohol at a Mormon wedding alongside the idea of not serving alcohol at a Scottish wedding were equally blasphemous. Being that it was close friends and family attending and they would be in Scotland, a compromise was made, one of many. While Michelle had agreed to serving alcohol to guests, Sean had agreed to scrub the phrase “Til Death Do You Part,” from the service, for the Mormon tradition of saying “For Time and All Eternity.”

Last night Sean and Michelle had said their goodbyes to one another, pulling themselves away from one another for the ritual of spending the night apart. They had foregone the familiar bachelor or bachelorette parties, for self-care and reflection. Their eyes would not meet again until she entered the church and walked the aisle to take his hand.

The morning arrived and the scene in Cairneyhill illuminated like a movie transitioning from black screen to live action. Cars and service trucks rolled in one by one, tires crunching over gravel. Doors opened with soft thuds as vendors arrived to set up. The wedding planner skillfully coordinated cleaners, florists, decorators, and caterers on site like a controlled tornado whirling from one spot to the next. The hours pass, and the quaint venue had truly been transformed. Vendor vehicles dispersed giving way to the next round of traffic…the wedding guests.

Vans pull up dropping off collected family and friends from their hotels. They gather in the now carpeted car park turned makeshift outdoor waiting area, where light refreshments are being served prior to the service. A few eyes from Michelle’s side of the family glare across at the cemetery in unease but divert their attention back to conversation. Laughter rises in small white puffs into the chill air. Heels click along the worn pathway. An elderly aunt adjusts her scarf against a playful breeze; a young cousin tugs impatiently at his bow tie. A young server rehearsed the careful choreography of pouring champagne without a single spill. In a quiet corner, the wedding planner checks her watch, then her list, then her watch again…timing was everything, and today would not falter. A Parker wedding would put her on the map, she knew this could make or break her career and everything had to be perfect.

Inside, the transformation was nearly complete. The planners’ assistants moved with quiet precision down the narrow aisle, their voices low but urgent. One smoothed ribbons tied to pew ends, another adjusted a cluster of heather and roses at the altar, turning a single bloom so it caught the light streaming through the stained-glass windows. Programs were aligned like disciplined soldiers in every seat. Candles flickered nervously, their flames bowing whenever nearby doors opened to admit another gust of highland air.

More and more friends and family gathered in small, exceedingly tight constellations outside. Members of the Parker and Learner families meeting each other’s extended families. There were embraces, laughs, moments of star struck at seeing faces from HWA programming, conversations layered with memories of Sean and Michelle being shared.

“Do you remember when Michelle….”

“Can you believe Sean…”

“Her mother wouldn’t let her wear her old dress…”

“He looks just like his uncle did...”

“I remember when she was this tall…”

“You know his dad is buried just over there (pointing)...”

“Did they say where they were honeymooning...”

“That’s right…both of them retired…can you believe it...”

“I know…they’re just the cutest thing ever...”

The final van approached, and all heads turned to the doors sliding open. Out darts an adorable little David Parker first, his beautiful sister Evina fast on his heels to catch him before he falls and scuffs his knees or dirties his kilt. But it’s the portrait of the Rampant Lion himself, debonair from head to toe in his own kilt that rouses the crowd. Butch holds his hand out which is taken by Wisdom who exits the van. Her elegance is as radiant as the morning’s sun, her hair flowing like a golden lion’s mane as she smiles at Butch. Her sultry legs step from the vehicle as her heels tap the pavement. They are accompanied by Michelle’s parents, Leslie and Gary, her brothers and join other relatives already in attendance.

As much as both Butch, Wisdom, Leslie and Gary had wished to be the dotting parents and loved ones, they knew Sean and Michelle welcomed their support…but wished to make all major decisions by themselves and so they had all gracefully taken steps back these past months as not to be too pushy. Leslie caught herself numerous times desperate for some crumb of information.

“What about the flowers?”

“Did you get the…”

“Are you inviting…”

“Cousin Mildred can’t make it so that’s an extra seat, maybe you can ask…”

It was hard for her as a mom, a Mormon mom at that not to have as watchful an eye as she’d liked. It was easier for Sean’s family, other than deciding to continue his career in wrestling years back, this was the most adult thing he would have undertaken in his life and they recognized the importance of him being his own man and not standing in the shadow of the Parker name with the towering, mighty uncle and domineering (in the best way) aunt, standing over him.

(Leslie): Butch, Wisdom, this is my eldest sister Emmeline.

They both smile as the greeted her, Butch laying on the Scottish charm taking her by the hand with a nod and kissing it.

(Butch): A pleasure!

If she weren’t in her 70’s you’d think she was having a hot flash as he releases her hand. Over the next half hour they all mingled with guests as a whirlwind of introductions are made. A piper, waiting discreetly to the side, tested a quiet note just enough to ensure the reeds would sing when called upon. The wedding is set for 10:00 a.m. which is fast approaching, and everyone is invited to finish conversations and head into the church to be seated. They are informed that the groom and his party would be next to arrive, followed last by the bride and her party and the ceremony would begin.

Right on queue, a car rolls to a slow, deliberate stop outside Cairneyhill Parish Church, tires crunching softly over gravel. Moments later, Sean steps out, polished brogues touching the ground with a quiet certainty. The air is sharp, carrying that familiar Fife chill that bites at the lungs and clears the mind. He straightens himself to full height, the weight of his lily settling naturally around him, the tartan falling clean and precise, pleats knife-edged and his sporran centered perfectly against his waist. His Prince Charlie jacket snugly hugged Sean’s shoulders; the silver buttons and cuff details catch the pale morning night.

On the other side of the car, the second door opens and Sensei Kiriyama himself steps out with measured composure, his posture - as usual - immaculate, his presence calm but unmistakable. Even in formal Western attire, there is something unmistakably martial in the way the man known as the Red Dragon carries himself. He inclines his head towards Sean, placing a hand on his shoulder.

(Red Dragon): Are you ready, Sean-kun?

Sean gives a faint smirk, puffing his cheeks out.

(Sean): Trying to be. Thank you, Sensei.

A small nod of approval comes from Red Dragon.

(Red Dragon): No need to thank me, Sean-kun. Today is about you and Michelle-chan. No one else.

He gives Sean a knowing look and before either can say more, the church doors open and Michelle’s parents descend the steps to greet them alongside Sean's aunt Diana whom they had been conversing with. Her eyes immediately well at the sight of Sean in full his kilted dress.

(Diana): Oh, Sean! Heavens, you look wonderful.

Sean greets Diana with a hug and she kisses him on both cheeks eagerly. He turns and dips his head respectfully, shaking Gary’s hand firmly but warmly, and gives Leslie a hug, she too giving him a kiss on the cheek.

(Sean): Thank you and thank you for agreeing to have the wedding here. I know it’s not a traditional Mormon setting but I wanted to try and honour your beliefs and… this place is very important to me.

(Leslie): Of course, Sean, and thank you for being so understanding. This place is beautiful.

From the side of the churchyard then come Butch and Wisdom. Butch approaches first, his face a picture of unadulterated pride. Beside him, Wisdom moves with a fierce but elegant grace, her eyes just as sharp, just as protective. Sean’s expression shifts the moment he sees them.

(Butch): Wow… you look… you look so much like your dad… I’m looking at you and I see the man your dad dreamed you’d be. I’m proud of you, Sean.

Sean smiles warmly and gives Butch a hug, trying not to cry as he sees Butch himself struggling to keep it together.

(Sean): Thanks, Uncle Butch. I mean it.

As the two end their hug, they keep their hands on each other’s shoulders, and just nod at one another. A silent message between uncle and nephew. Wisdom follows suit, pressing a soft kiss against Sean’s cheek, holding his face and stroking his cheek with her thumb.

(Wisdom): You look so handsome, Sean!

The two then beam as they see Red Dragon, an unexpected but greatly welcomed surprise guest. Butch pulls him into a hug.

(Butch): Good to see you, old friend.

(Red Dragon): You too, Butch-san.

(Wisdom): Matthew, it’s great to see you, you’re looking well.

She kisses him on the cheek too.

(Red Dragon): Thank you, Wisdoma-chan. You look beautiful.

There was so much they needed, wanted to say to one another but that was not their purpose in this moment and to remind them of that, the church bells then began again, fuller this time, final signal. Guests are settling after steeling backwards glances towards the front doors. The organ hums softly through the doorway. Sean adjusts his cuffs once more, breathing in slowly.

(Butch): We’re going to go and grab our seats, see you inside!

Sean nods to his uncle as he and Wisdom make their way back inside the church with the Learners as Red Dragon steps closer to Sean’s side.

(Red Dragon): Are you ready?

Sean looks toward the open doors of Cairneyhill Parish Church, light spilling out across ancient stone He squares his shoulders.

(Sean): Aye. Let’s do it.

The two men, student and sensei, walk in, striding down towards the altar, Sean exchanging smiles and polite waves with friends and family as he does, including a nod to his little cousin David who waves furiously before being ushered to sit down by his mother. As they reach the altar, Sean takes a deep breath, and turns, waiting for his bride-to-be. The church doors close, and moments later the muffled crunch of gravel is head once more as the final vans pulls up front. Just outside the doors, everyone knew that the bride had just arrived and the anticipation was almost overwhelming.

The organ began a soft prelude. Guests turned in their pews as the first notes of a beloved hymn filled the small sanctuary. There was no theatrical flourish only reverence. The doors at the back of the church opened and a hush fell over the gathering as Michelle stepped into view locked onto her father’s arm. The morning light streamed through the stained glass and caught in her veil, illuminating her like something briefly celestial. She was stunning in her gown, each taper accentuating her athletic figure while delivering a degree of humbleness and modesty. The skirt and hemline gently sway with her every step. Before her, Laney dribbles flowers in the path a proud smile on her face. When her job is complete she returns to sit next to her father Stu-E, an unlikely but on this occasion, because of his daughter’s friendship with the bride…a welcomed guest.

Overwhelming gratefulness hits Michelle in waves as she passes the rows of pews. Smiling face, after smiling face watch her entrance in awe. A small pang hits her heart as she sees Sarah, the miracles of make-up covering her many bruises, and the spaces beside her where they had expected Jeremy and Matt to be are filled with other loved ones. Her hand tightened on her fathers arm blocking out everything from the ppv and he patted it reassuringly unaware of her immediate thoughts merely assuming jitters. While Gary stared ahead at Sean, the man to whom he would give his daughter away…Michelle had yet to make eye contact him. She knew if she did that she wouldn’t be able to hold it together. Her knees would give way to a run into his arms, and she wouldn’t be able to hold back her tears.

The wedding photographer and videographer had followed both her and Sean from outside in. Now tucked into the corners of the room, they captured every smile, every step, every breath and blink in these moments that seemed like a lifetime. Michelle and her father marched in rhythm to the beautiful music filling the church. As she looked between the pews she saw two worlds sitting side by side in unexpected harmony. Some guests dabbed at their eyes; others smiled knowingly at the tender gravity of it all. Mormons, Scots, Wrestlers, Blue and White Collar family and friends all gathered to share in this glorious event. All she can think of is how wonderful God is to have the power to bring people together, and what a gift he has given her in Sean the reason they are all here. Michelle and her father reach the alter, it sparkles in colors from the windows and candle flickers around them. She takes the last step up, her heart beating like a racehorse in her chest as they begin….