A Not-So-Royal Las Pegasus Wedding

Stellar Flare gasped when she walked into the chapel as one of the first ponies to arrive. Beautiful white ribbons weaved their way across the ceiling, mingling with lavender on one side and tangerine on the other – just like her Sunburst. The two colors met at the altar and intertwined around the poles to symbolize the union between Sunburst and his new bride.

The end table next to the podium held a pot filled with lavender flowers and orange roses. Clusters of purple and orange balloons adorned the area around the podium, and each pew had been meticulously decorated with purple, orange and white garland.

It was elegant, beautiful and yet simple. A tear crawled down Stellar’s cheek and she sniffed as she realized this was all just for her son and the love of his life. That Rarity pony really did know what she was doing.

“Stellar Flare,” Rarity huffed as she arrived in the chapel wearing a shimmering red gown. “Here to criticize my work, I suppose?”

“Actually, I would like to compliment you on the fantastic job you’ve done. This is everything my Sunburst deserves, and I’m sorry for doubting you.”

That was all Rarity needed to hear.

“Well, consider it water under the bridge. This day isn’t about me, after all.” Rarity paused, noting the mascara trickling down Stellar’s cheeks. “Oh, Stellar, you’re crying. Here, allow me.”

Knowing that many in the procession-herself included-might need them, Rarity had brought a box of facial tissues. She pulled one out and offered it to Stellar.

Stellar looked at the tissue for a moment, then smiled at Rarity and accepted it. “Thank you, Rarity.” She dabbed her eyes with the tissue and then blew into it. “Ugh, just look at me. The wedding hasn’t even started yet and I’m already ruining my makeup.”

“It’s an emotional day, darling. There is no shame in crying, especially for the groom’s mother.” As Rarity looked at Stellar, she didn’t see the ‘old crone’ she met the day before, but a good mother, her eyes glittering with pride. It was enough to move Rarity to tears herself. She grabbed another tissue and wiped her face, being careful not to smear her own mascara. “You must be so proud of your Sunburst.”

“Of course I am! And I caught a peek at the wedding dress you made for Starlight. I must say, you did a flawless job. It’s absolutely gorgeous.”

Rarity nodded. “Why thank you. It is what I do. But I suppose I’d better find a seat, and you’d better get into position. The wedding will be starting any moment!”

***

Meanwhile, in the groom’s room, Spike helped Sunburst straighten his bowtie, but his legs quivered with anxiety. All of the groomscolts, even Discord, were dressed in gentlemanly tuxedos.

“Relax,” Spike said. “I’ve seen Fluttershy shake less when she’s nervous!”

Sunburst let out a sigh, trying to compose himself. “This could wind up being both one of the best and most ‘I may throw up’ days of my life.”

Satisfied that Sunburst’s sleeves were perfect, Shining stepped back and smiled at him. “You’ll do great out there, pal. Once you see your bride walking down the aisle in her wedding dress, you’ll realize that this is the happiest day of your life.”

“Eeyup,” Big Mac agreed as he combed Sunburst’s mane. Both he and Shining were the voices of experience, as they’d already been married and knew exactly what Sunburst should expect.

“Well, she is my oldest friend…”

“All the more reason not to worry,” Discord said. He snapped his talons and a pot of coffee materialized in front of him. “Perhaps you should switch to decaf. I mean, how bad could this be? Let’s be honest, how many timelines did Starlight doom because of how you left her when you were foals? Nothing says ‘I love you’ like nearly destroying Equestria several times over.”

“Stuff I’d rather not bring up today,” Sunburst answered, his voice a warning as Discord took a drink from the coffee pot.

Discord wrinkled his nose in disgust. “Ugh. Decaf.” He snapped his fingers and the coffee pot vanished. “That's why you ponies are so neurotic! You internalize everything and then it comes out in bursts of unbridled emotion.”

Discord snapped his fingers again and Sunburst found himself lying on his back on a psychiatrist’s couch next to Discord, who was now wearing a sweater vest with a necktie and glasses. He also carried a pen and clipboard. “Now, why don’t you start by bringing your feelings out in the open? Let it all out! It’s good for the psyche.”

Sunburst stood up from the couch. “Actually, I’m not sure I like that idea.”

Discord raised an eyebrow at Sunburst for a moment. “Well, if you’re not going to play along, why am I even bothering?” He snapped his fingers and the couch, along with his psychiatric attire, vanished.

Spike grumbled and began smoothing out the back of Sunburst’s suit. “Great, now you’ve got his tux all wrinkled. I just finished fixing that, too.”

There was a knock at the door and Twilight Sparkle poked her head in. “Ok, Sunburst, it’s time!”

“Right,” Sunburst sighed, his heartbeat quickening. “Right, right, right.”

“Everything will be perfect, trust me,” Twilight said. “I’m heading to the podium now. Best not to keep everypony waiting.”

Twilight left the room and Sunburst took a deep breath to gather his nerve.

“Relax,” Spike said. “You totally got this. Hey, who helped the two of you meet up again in the Crystal Empire?”

Sunburst smiled down at him. “You did, Spike.”

“Then listen to me: there’s nothing to worry about!”

“You’re right.” Sunburst nodded with resolve. “Okay, guys, let’s break a leg!”

Everyone stood up and marched to the start of the aisle where Stellar Flare, wearing an elegant red dress, met her son with a hug.

“I’m so proud of you, Sunburst,” she said. She pulled away, keeping a hoof on Sunburst’s shoulder and beamed at him, her eyes glittering. “Just look at you, so handsome.”

“Thanks, mom,” Sunburst said, fighting back tears. “I guess if you put an expensive suit on an average looking guy like me, he can be quite the stud, huh?”

Stellar gave him a light smack on the cheek. “Now you stop that. You look very handsome.”

“Just kidding, mom. So, which of my esteemed groomscolts would you like to walk you down the aisle?”

Stellar Flare smiled and looked around at the entourage. "I think I'll ask Big Macintosh. He's a strong and steady presence, just what I need right now."

Sunburst nodded. "Sounds good to me. Thanks, Big Mac, I owe you one."

Big Mac simply nodded and offered his foreleg to Stellar Flare. "Eeyup.”

***

Meanwhile, Starlight paced the bridal room back and forth, her dress rustling and her chest rising and falling with frantic breaths. Trixie, wearing a sky-blue dress adorned with tiny shimmering stars, finished tying Starlight’s hair into an elegant bun while Sunset spritzed her with an elegant perfume she’d brought from the human world.

“Just relax,” Trixie said. “This wedding is going to be perfect, and if not, you can always go back in time and try again until it is. It won’t be the first time you’ve torn the fabric of space and time over Sunburst.”

“Oh, can we not?!” Starlight facehoofed while Applejack gave Trixie a sharp glare.

Trixie put a comforting hoof on Starlight's shoulder. "Okay, okay, no time travel jokes, got it. But seriously, you’ve got nothing to worry about. Sunburst loves you! You two are meant to be together, and today is just the beginning of your happily ever after."

Starlight took a deep breath and nodded. "You're right, Trix. I just can't believe this is finally happening. I've waited so long for this day."

“You remind me of a piece of basalt,” Maud said, dressed in a plain gray gown not unlike the frock she usually wore.

Applejack chuckled, wearing the same dress she’d worn to the Grand Galloping Gala several years ago. “What in the hay is that supposed to mean, Maud?”

"Basalt is formed from volcanic lava flows, which can create a lot of pressure and tension. But once it cools and solidifies, it becomes incredibly strong and durable. I see the same kind of strength and durability in your relationship with Sunburst.”

“I think what she’s trying to say is you’re tense now, but once your nerves cool, you and my brother will be rock solid together,” Sunset said.

Starlight looked at Sunset, then to Maud who nodded in confirmation and then to Trixie. “Thanks, everypony.”

A soft piano melody found its way into Starlight’s ears, signaling that the procession had begun.

“You hear that?” Trixie asked.

“Yup,” Starlight sighed, heart thumping. “It’s time.”

“Then what are sittin’ around here for? Let’s mosey on out there and get y’all hitched!” Applejack shouted.

“Yeah!” Sunset added. “What are you so nervous for? This is supposed to be the happiest day of your life! Are you gonna keep my brother waiting forever?”

“Go on, Starlight,” Trixie said, nudging Starlight with her elbow. “You’re gonna knock Sunburst dead in that dress!”

Starlight smiled, allowing their enthusiasm to quiet her nerves. “You’re right. Let’s do this!”

They all cheered except for Maud. Even though her expression hadn’t changed, Starlight knew Maud was cheering for her on the inside. Together they left the room; the music grew louder as they approached the aisle entrance where Firelight waited, wearing a dapper tuxedo. He smiled at Starlight, his eyes telling her that he was fighting back tears.

“There’s my pumpkin,” he said, putting a hoof on her shoulder. “Gosh, you look beautiful. That Sunburst is one lucky stallion.”

Starlight smiled back and hugged him. “Thanks, dad.”

Firelight returned the hug and offered Starlight his foreleg.

“Are you ready, Starlight?”

Starlight smiled and took his leg in her own. “I am. Are you?”

Firelight smiled and nodded; his eyes gleaming.

***

Sunburst stood at the altar, looking back at the beginning of the aisle. Princess Flurry Heart emerged next, sprinkling flower petals as she walked. Ring bearer Pound Cake followed close behind and gave Twilight the tiny black box when he reached the altar.

Then the start of the aisle remained empty. All was still for what seemed like an eternity, but Sunburst finally saw a bit of movement. His heart flew as Twilight nodded to the pianist. The music stopped for a moment. Then a bridal tune filled the cathedral with Fluttershy’s birds singing in tandem.

Sunburst’s jaw hung open and his anxiety washed away, replaced by awe as he watched the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen in his life saunter down the aisle towards him, arm-in-arm with her father. Starlight’s dress shimmered in the light as she moved, flowing like a river of white silk. Lacy stars and flowers adorned the front of it, and Starlight’s bridal veil had been pulled backward, beautifying her already perfectly-bunned mane.

Shining Armor’s words echoed in Sunburst’s mind: Once you see your bride walking down that aisle in her wedding dress, you’ll realize this is the happiest day of your life.

The Prince of the Crystal Empire had been right.

It still amazed Sunburst how a dork like him managed to win over such a radiant mare…

***

Just like in her dream, Starlight found herself looking at the most handsome stallion in Equestria. Dressed in a black tuxedo, Sunburst beckoned his bride with flared cheeks and a fascinated smile.

Flames seemed to burn in Starlight’s face, and her heart thumped so hard she figured her dad could feel it, too.

“I’m so proud of you, pumpkin,” Firelight whispered into her ear. Starlight didn’t look at him, but knew he had tears in his eyes. “You grew up way too fast but know that I’ll always love you like a little filly.”

“I love you, too, dad.”

The nightmare poked at Starlight’s mind, but she kept a smile as she reached the podium and lost herself in Sunburst’s blue eyes. An aroma of masculine cologne invigorated her desire.

Princess Twilight Sparkle stood at the podium, beaming with pride at how far her student had come. Then she addressed the crowd. “Welcome, everypony! You may all be seated.”

Everypony did so.

A nervous knot formed in Starlight’s gut. It’s exactly like the nightmare…

“Before we begin, may I ask who gives away this bride?”

Firelight stood up. “As her father, I do, your highness.”

Well, that’s different, at least… Starlight smiled at him, then returned her gaze to Sunburst.

“Thank you, Firelight.” As Firelight took his seat, Twilight continued, “Fillies and gentlecolts, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst in holy matrimony. They have chosen to join their lives together in front of all of us, their friends and family. Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst; together you bring out the best in each other, and I have no doubt that your love will continue to flourish and shine brighter with each passing day. As you stand here today, ready to take your vows, I want you to remember the love, trust, and commitment that brought you to this point. May your marriage be blessed with joy, laughter, and endless adventures. May it inspire others to believe in the power of love and the magic of friendship. And so, without further ado; I ask that you two hold each other’s hoof.”

Starlight felt her nerves settle as Sunburst reached for her hoof, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“Starlight Glimmer,” Twilight began, “do you take Sunburst to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold and to cherish, through both happiness and strife, and both sickness and health, as long as you both shall live?”

As Starlight gazed into Sunburst’s eyes, she knew there was only one answer. “I do.”

“And do you, Sunburst, take Starlight Glimmer to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold and to cherish, through both happiness and strife, and both sickness and health, as long as you both shall live?”

Sunburst smiled, his eyes radiating love. “I do.”

Flinching ever so slightly, Starlight braced herself—this was the moment he turned into Chrysalis in her nightmares.

With a gentle nod, Twilight handed the little black box to Sunburst, who pulled from it a beautiful white diamond ring and fitted it onto Starlight’s horn. Starlight’s heart swelled with joy and relief, a rush of emotion washing away the lingering fear of her nightmare.

Twilight watched this with a proud smile. “Now, by my power as Princess of Equestria, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. Sunburst, you may kiss your bride.”

The room's lighting began to dim, casting a gentle, intimate ambiance. Out of the corner of her eye, Starlight noticed Discord controlling the lights with his talon. At the same time he raised his lionlike paw, summoning a spotlight that focused solely on the couple at the altar.

Sunburst rubbed Starlight’s cheek with a tender touch, looking deeply and longingly into her eyes as he went in for the kiss.

It was the sweetest, longest kiss Starlight had ever experienced. She savored the warmth of his lips and caught a pleasant aroma as he sighed through his nose. Mint? Sunburst must have taken some before the ceremony. And the love in that kiss was so tangible she could almost taste it. It was just the two of them now, locked in a moment of pure bliss.

When the lights came back on, Starlight realized everypony was standing and clapping. Starlight wiped a tear away and threw herself into her husband’s embrace.

“I told you it would be perfect,” Sunburst whispered into her ear.

A triumphant wedding march played on the piano, filling the cathedral with its joyful melody, while Fluttershy's birds chirped in chorus. Starlight and Sunburst turned to face the crowd; their forelegs interlocked. Among them, Starlight spotted her father wiping his eyes, while Stellar Flare dabbed at her own tears with a tissue.

“Three cheers for the newlyweds!” Pinkie screamed at the top of her lungs.

Starlight shook her head, unable to lose her smile as she and Sunburst walked down the aisle to shouts of “hip, hip, hooray!”

Starlight couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness and relief wash over her. All the anxiety and fear that had been gnawing at her for days had melted away, leaving only pure joy in its wake.

Once they reached the end of the aisle, Sunburst scooped Starlight up in his forelegs and tried to twirl her around, but his rear legs crumbled under Starlight’s weight and she shrieked as she felt herself fall, landing right on top of Sunburst’s chest. Sunburst wheezed, as the impact knocked the wind out of him. They shared a brief gaze of disbelief, then both giggled as Starlight kissed him on the mouth. Several onlookers shared their laughter.

“Smooth,” Starlight said, smirking at him. She rose to her hooves and offered Sunburst her foreleg.

“Yeah, that might have been a little bit out of my skill set,” Sunburst said as Starlight hoisted him back up.

“Way to go, little bro!” Sunset said with a chuckle. She stepped up and hugged Sunburst, which the photographer captured in a burst of light. "Congratulations."

Sunburst returned the hug. "Thanks, big sis. I miss you; you know?"

"I miss you, too, Sunburst. One of these days we need to sit down and talk about the good old days." Sunset moved on to Starlight and hugged her as well. The camera flashed again. "And I don't think I could've asked for a better sister in-law."

Starlight giggled. "That's kind of funny. I guess we are sisters in-law now, huh?"

The photographer approached them. "Excuse me, but may I have the bride and groom step up to the podium for the photos? I want to get each individual group as well, and the parents, of course."

After a round of photography with the newlyweds and their guests, Starlight called out to her party. “Okay, every creature, let’s meet up in banquet hall #2 on the third floor for the reception. The hotel will be catering a lunch.”

Starlight’s eyes met Yona and Smolder. “And I’d better not see any dragon peppers or another food fight.”

Some of them chuckled at that and Starlight grinned. The food fight had already become something to look back and laugh at.

“No food fight! Yona promise!”

“And I don’t even have any more peppers, so don’t worry,” Smolder added.

One by one the guests filtered out of the cathedral, hugging and congratulating the newlyweds as they went until only Starlight, Sunburst and Twilight remained. The newlyweds stayed behind for a moment, taking in the beauty of the cathedral and the significance of the occasion.

Finally, Starlight turned to Sunburst with a wide smile. "We did it! We're married!"

Sunburst grinned back at her. "Yes, we are. And it was perfect, just like I told you it would be."

Starlight leaned in for a kiss, but a clearing of the throat behind them stopped her. They turned to see Twilight standing in the doorway with a smile.

"Congratulations, you two," she said, hugging them both.

"Thanks, Twilight," Starlight said, returning the hug.

Twilight gestured toward the exit. "Shall we head to the reception? I hear that Ponylaggio’s food is amazing."

Starlight and Sunburst exchanged a look, their eyes sparkling with excitement. "Lead the way, Twilight," Sunburst said.

With Twilight in the lead, they made their way to the reception hall, eager to continue the celebration with their friends and family.