This day was going to be perfect

Like the kind I've dreamed since I was young

But instead of light romance, my friends and a dance

It's turned into a show for everyone!

"Fluttershy, dear, do come out. I still have some finishing touches to make, your wedding is just a few hours away!"

Fluttershy all but cowered... Actually, she was cowering under a pile of dress-making materials. Gentle, panicked sobbing was muffled by mounds of lace. Rarity lifted up a bolt of cloth to uncover her friend's face. Fluttershy whimpered.

"Right, so why is nothing like what I wanted?"

…

The Week Before

Big Macintosh sat at the breakfast table, going over a pile of letters. Normally, it would be bills or shopping catalogs of farming equipment. But today, it was masses of letters from friends and relatives. Applejack was across from him, going over her own pile. Worry etched into both their features.

"Big Mac, we've got a bit uva problem. Everypony's comin' ta visit for the service! Most of the family that was at the reunion is gonna be here, Cousin Braeburn is ridin' up with Little Strongheart. Even Aunt and Uncle Orange are comin' from Manehattan! I didn't send any invitations but-"

The door slammed open and Fluttershy bolted in with a saddlebag bursting with envelopes.

"Help! I don't know how to handle this. please, please..."

Applejack stood up in shock, her brother already out of his chair. Seeing no immediate danger, Big Mac hugged the yellow mare until she calmed down enough to speak. Applejack gave the still-shaking pegasus a glass of water, which she accepted gratefully. Taking the bag off, Fluttershy set it on the table, where it promptly fell over to reveal she had received letters from relatives as well.

"I didn't send out any invitations, and I even asked Father and he said he didn't either. So, how could they have known? But none of that matters right now. The horrifying thing is most of the letters are dated several days ago, they could be here any minute!"

Big Mac looked at the piles of paper, astonished at the sheer number of ponies coming. He opened another, sighing at the news more were coming. Then he paused, setting the letter down. Mac coughed, just loud enough to interrupt the mares. He pointed at the line, and both mares knew the mystery was solved. Applejack snorted in annoyance.

"Well, at least they're all here for a sleepover. Of all the... Cutie Mark Crusaders Wedding Planners... Girls, come down here. NOW."

Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle all marched downstairs. They didn't know why they were called down, but the tone of voice told them it wasn't going to be good. The trio rushed down, tripping over each other and wound up totem-pole-d in the order mentioned. Applebloom shoved the others off and stood.

"Yes ma'am?"

Applejack gestured to the stacks of letters.

"You mind tellin' us why half of Equestria is showing up?"

The Crusaders gasped in delight, running over to the stacks of paper.

"They got 'em? Alright! Step One completed girls! Let's see if Twilight wants us to-"

"Hold on there, what in tarnation are you talkin' about?"

Applebloom took a deep breath, and unleashed the flood of exposition.

"Since Twilight sent Celestia a letter saying she'd like her to come down for the service, Celestia replied asking if Luna could come too. Well, of course no one was gonna say no, so that how SHE found out. When Luna found out it wasn't just anypony, but one of the Elements of Harmony, she was stunned. She told Twilight to get together a bunch of invitations, and had a whole army of Royal Messengers get them to everypony. The royal cooks are gonna make a huge banquet and decorators and everything. Important ponies from all over are comin', mayors and big wig Canterlot ponies and all kinds of fancy folk! Ah heard the Princesses have prepared a wedding bigger than Shining Armor and Princess Cadence's!"

There was a whimper, followed shortly by a thud. Five heads turned to the fainted form of Fluttershy, head resting on the table. The Crusaders looked at the floor in shame as Big Mac tried to rouse her.

"We didn't want to make y'all upset. We just thought we'd help and ya know... Cutie marks..."

"Look girls, we're not mad at you. It's just, we'd made plans ourselves, so finding this out now is a bit much to handle. We're gonna step out for a bit. Applejack, can you handle this?"

As his sister handled the girls, Big Mac half-walk, half-carried the bride-to-be outside for a stroll. The snow was already starting to melt, Winter Wrap-Up was right around the corner. Fluttershy came around fully after a few moments walking through the orchard. The pair walked in silence, a rare moment alone together. Fluttershy sighed, leaning against the trunk of a barren tree.

"I can't do it in front of all those ponies. I could barely move during the play at Hearth's Warming. What are we going to do? We can't reject it, the Princesses aren't doing this to be mean but..."

Big Mac put his forehead to hers, smiling softly.

"Big Mac, why are you grinning, this isn't..."

"Aren't you the same pony who helped save Equestria, not once, not twice, not even three times, but over and over? You've faced down dragons, changelings and all sorts of mean critters. We'll get through this, just stay strong for me, okay?"

The reply of "okay" would have had to be many times louder to count as a whisper.

"Maybe we can, you know, compromise? At the least, we should be able to handle the catering. THAT much should go smoothly."

…

And now we return to our wedding preparations in progress:

"THE BLAZES YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!"

"Sorry boss. I thought maybe the meringue wasn't firm enough and..."

CLANG CLANG CLANG

"I'm sorry. You come to me on the day of my daughter's wedding, bearing over-beaten egg and all you can say is 'Sorry boss'? Know what," CLANG CLANG CLANG, "I'll forgive you this day. Go and make it again, and hurry. But don't over-mix. Hey, cowgirl, get away from that fruit."

"Ah'm tryin' ta make a pie, Mister Gusts!"

CLANG CLANG CLANG

"Pie? A pie! Listen, I'm in no mood for lip and I need those strawberries for the dolce and," CLANG CLANG CLANG, "WOULD YOU STOP THAT RACKET!?"

"MY RACKET? HOW ABOUT YOU STOP YELLING!"

"Oh, so you want me to tone it down Mister Golden Ladle? I'll hush when I can hear myself think over you banging the sides of the pot! What sort of greasy spoon have you been working in to stir like that?"

It was chaos fit for a dragonequss in the large Canterlot Castle kitchen. There were three parties working hard at making food. Applejack was paired with a random assortment of Apple Family members, while Devastating Gusts had brought along a group of very businesslike pegasi he claimed were "friends and trusted employees I'd like to have there on the day of my daughter's wedding, thank you very much for questioning my judgment of character," all of which were sharing space with the regular Royal staff. The usual kitchen workers were being headed by Golden Ladle, a rather rotund mint green unicorn stallion who's mane had long fallen out from stress and age, though this fact was hidden by the chef's hat perched upon his head. A rather plainer ladle than the one on his flank was pointed accusingly at Fluttershy's father.

"Pot and kettle if I ever heard it! You may not know who I am sir, but I'm quite well informed. You're a common chef, you make food for the masses. I've have you know I've worked in these kitchens my entire life. I've cooked for banquets, handled strange diplomats meals, and the odd midnight snack for the Princesses."

"Yeah? Well here's something I bet you don't think about. Maybe, just maybe, all those aristocratici are just too polite to say your food is bad. My customers, however, will turn your stronzo inside out if you mess up their orders."

There was a silence between the arguing heads, the bustle of activity continuing around them. Applejack and Ladle mouthed the word to themselves. Applejack broke first.

"Ah give, what the hay is a strong-so?"

"Eh, forget it. Shouldn't be using that kind of language today. At any rate, this giullare wouldn't know his collander from his collared greens if everything in this place wasn't labeled like a science project."

"You have a prolem with how I organize my kitchen, Mister Gusts? It is in perfect order, with vegetables and fruits and grains all stored in the proper humidities and temperatures for maximum longevity and taste. Even somepony like you can realize not all plants are made the same."

Gusts turned to face Ladle, snorting angrily, wings popped out in an aggressive display.

"Yeah, but more importantly, I'm gonna re-make your face if you keep using that tone with me. Don't think just because you work for the royals, and may be about three times wider than I am, don't mean I won't hesitate to tenderize that fat flank!"

"What so now we're going to take pot shots like that, shorty?"

Applejack managed to get between them before a real fight ensued. Some of the workers stop, a wave of silence taking over the bustle..

"Whoa, hold on there pardner. Listen, mah brother and yer daughter are gonna be married here in a bit. We're professionals ain't we? Know what, Ladle, you take over. The father of the bride and Ah gotta get ready for the ceremony. Ah'm the best mare, and he has to give the bride away, and he can't do that with a dirty apron."

Applejack pulled Gusts out of the kitchen and into an empty corridor. Behind them, the sounds of cooking started up again. Still fuming, Gusts flicked his tail in the direction of the door.

"Che meanie grande stupido."

"Now, jes' calm down already. Yer wound up like Winnona before a bath. What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

There was nothing but the sounds of hooves on tile for a moment. Applejack tried again.

"Now that Ah got the chance, how're you feelin' about all this?"

"Well, Ladle could stick his-"

"Ah mean, the weddin' as a whole, and the whole er bam bee no thing."

The pegasus flapped his wings a few times as they walked the long hallway. He always had something to say, but for a question like that, the words have to be right.

"Well... I wish I'd known sooner. When your little fiore tells you she's getting married and oh, by the way, you're going to be a grandfather... A bit of warning is good, ya know? I'm not upset with what's happened, I want that clear. I could never be ashamed or disappointed in her. This whole thing, it just..."

Devastating Gusts stopped, making Applejack half turn to look at him. The pony so full of rightous anger before now seemed quite weary.

"Makes me feel so old."

Applejack didn't know what to say to that. With a nod to point the way, they began walking again. Ah wonder where Big Macintosh is, and what he's doin'.

At that moment, he was in his own dressing room in the suit Rarity had whipped up. Big Mac looked over every inch in the mirror. It fit wonderfully, the whole suit made of black wool. Three bags full had gone into making enough material. The undershirt was the slightest bit snug, by Rarity had dismissed that with a sly wink.

"Now, darling, you're just not used to wearing clothes very often. Applejack made a point of mentioning that several times. It's perfectly acceptable, and has the benefit of not quite hiding the form crafted from years of hard farm work. Why, I couldn't tell you how many envious glances I've seen other boys give you when you show off those muscles. Now, pardon me, but Fluttershy is still panicking."

"Maybe I-"

"No. It's bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding. I'm sure us girls will get her up to the altar on time. You just keep that tuxedo clean and stay handsome."

Macintosh reddened, insofar as that was possible. Then the mare left, leaving him utterly alone. Why is it even fully dressed I feel naked without my collar. The stallion moved somewhat stiffly to a table with a few note cards on it. With all the other drama going on, vows had been pushed back in his mind. He wasn't very good with this sort of thing, and the cards were scrawled with a few lines. Love and cherish for as long I hold you, and similar phrases. This ain't how I talk though... well, it's what everypony is expectin' so I guess I better learn them.

Big Mac recited the lines a few times over for practice. There wasn't too much to remember at least. He'd just finished when Applejack and Applebloom came into the room.

"Well, we got 'er ready as she'll ever be. Time to get hitched?"

Big Macintosh nodded, headed to the door. Applejack stopped him before he opened it, and both of them hugged him. Applebloom's voice was muffled against him.

"This won't change a thing right? Fluttershy needs you, but so do we."

"Nothing's gonna change."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

The Apple siblings seperated, Applebloom rushing off to grab her flowerbasket. Applejack smiled softly at her brother as they walked up to the altar. Princess Luna stood behind the altar, filled with a sense of eager purpose. Celestia, who sat in the front row with a few guards, gave a small wave of encouragement to her sister. Most of the Apple clan was present, most of whom gave silent cheers or were grinning at the groom. Fluttershy's own extended family of pegasi and a smattering of other ponies sat on the other side, equally joyful.

Big Macintosh took his place on the right, Applejack behind him. A hush fell over everypony. Anticpation hung thick in the air, awaiting the begining of the ceremony proper.

Finally, the music started, and all turned to the doorway. The Crusaders spread the petals in merry bounces, all of them grinning madly in happiness. All their hard work wedding planning had come to fruitition! Fluttershy walked slowly, wing locked with her father's while behind them trailed Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Twilight. Flutteshy's eyes darted from side to side, her breathing turning ragged with the realization of the sheer number of ponies around them. Her father looked at the groom, winking before he whispered something in his daughter's ear. She looked up to see Big Macintosh, smiling a tenderly as ever. Thier eyes stayed locked until they both had to turn to Luna. The princess cleared her throat, the volume of the Royal Canterlot Voice echoing in the halls.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the binding of two souls in an ever-lasting bond of love and friendship. Fluttershy, Element of Kindness, who was so shy and timid that when we first formally met, she fainted from the experience. Today, she stands before the whole of Equestria to declare the depth of her love for Big Macintosh Apple, older brother of Applejack, Element of Honesty. I've no doubt it is with his help Applejack is as trustworthy and... Forgive me, this is not HER day. Now, I know neither of them wanted much pageantry, and so I will allow them to speak their vows without futher delay."

The pair looked at each other, both opening their mouth at the same time. They stopped, trying to let the other go first. There was a polite cough from the princess. Big Mac sighed softly, a look of peace taking over. All the rehearsal was for nothing, and a few choice words came to mind.

"Fluttershy, you don't have to say anything. We can stand here talkin' about how we'll love each other 'til the stars fall from the sky and how we're so happy to be together... But there ain't any words for what we feel. Everythin' else is just... Time wasted we could be spending together."

Fluttershy sniffed, and could only manage an enthuasiatic nod. Macintosh nodded, and turned to Luna.

"Your Highness, I think we bother have only two more words to say to you."

If she was surprised, Luna hid it well and moved on to the final formalities.

"Do you, Big Macintosh, take Fluttershy to hold and to keep, in sickness and health, poverty and wealth. To share the happiness of life even through death, for even fate can not stop love?"

"I do."

"Fluttershy, Do yo-'

"I do."

"Very well. Then by the authority of the Royalty of Equestria, I now pronounce you husband and wife!"

The two kissed to thunderous applause, hooves stamping as many cheered and whistled. Once the newly weds got onto the carriage headed home, the finally relaxed, cuddled against each other. Big Mac stared at the ceiling for a moment.

"What did he say?"

"What did who say?"

"Your father, he whispered something while you were walking down the aisle. What'd he say?"

"He told me to ignore everypony else. The only other soul that mattered in that whole room was you, and, well, that was it. That was all I needed to get over my worries. You are all I need..."

Fluttershy turned several shades pinker as Big Mac chuckled then kissed her cheek. He could have said "I love you" or "You're all I need, too," but both of them knew one thing: For now, what they didn't need was words.

…

Unfortunately, the story needs a few more words itself. It was only a few weeks before two healthy foals were born to the pair safe and sound in a home birth under both Zecora and Applejack's vigil. Two little bundles were brought forth, each holding a crying newborn. The new parents kissed in a silent victory, too worn to say anything.

The boy was a pegasus, and so it was decided, as the first in the family for generations, he would be named Windfall Apple. Big Mac had a rare moment of shock when they recieved the bundle and little Windfall was revealed to have the same brown snout as his greatfather, though his other colors were just like his mother's. When he grew and filled out it became apparent that more than just nose color had been passed down. Strong as an ox, smart as a whip... And occasionally, stubborn as a mule.

The girl however, was an Earth pony of red with a yellow mane. Dubbed Ambrosia, grew as lithe and graceful as her mother, though that would start to fade a bit when her talent for cooking became clear and... Well, it's best to stop here.

After all, these are somepony else's story.

…

THE END

…

Author's Notes

What a long, strange trip it's been. I don't mind admitting, I didn't like the whole journey. It's actually kinda sad to see people reading the work you wanted to move away from since you want to work on stories that are more fun for you to write. Not that I regret a thing, but still...

At any rate, this is last I am touching this series, barring a possible reposting on Fimfiction since people have been asking why am I not posting there... Oh, and Griffin Another Chance Chapter 3 will be coming... soon-ish.

Kyle