Page 42 of Beyond the Rainbow (Pride Camp 2025 #11)
Joshua had assigned Alex the task of handling the music, and he now stood next to the sound system, which consisted of Joshua’s phone and a Bluetooth speaker.
He carefully adjusted the volume and ensured the playlist was ready to go.
His expression was a mix of concentration and pride, knowing how important his role was in setting the mood for the ceremony.
Meanwhile, campers bustled around, making final adjustments to the decorations. Colin stood in front of the arch, quietly reviewing his notes, while Joshua moved through the crowd, offering reassurances and last-minute encouragements.
Several boys from Jeff’s terrarium class escorted Jeff’s parents into the wedding area. As they settled into their seats, the excitement in the air became almost tangible. The wedding was about to begin.
The Verdun staff had printed out the wedding program—for a price. And it read as follows:
1:00 p.m.
Processional Music
“Can’t Help Falling”
Elvis Presley
Flower Girl and Ring Bearer
Sophie Hartwell & Nathanial Gardener-Reese
Two Best Men
Joshua Campbell-Abrams & David Gardner-Reese
All guests rise.
Grooms Entrance
Trent Gregory Peterson & Jeffrey Allen Kerry
Welcome
Officiant: Colin Campbell-Abrams
Salute to the Grooms
Written by: Camp Pride Participants
Under the guidance of Nathaniel Gardener-Reese
Read by: Elijah Palton
Exchange of Vows
Officiant: Colin Campbell-Abram
Final Blessing
Officiant: Colin Campbell-Abrams
Recessional Music
“This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)”
Natalie Cole
The wedding party formed at the end of the flower-banked path, nervously getting into position and brushing nonexistent lint from their suit jackets.
Sophie and Nate stood at the front of the procession, with Sophie holding her beautiful bouquet while Nate gripped the wedding rings tightly in his hands.
Near the arch, Colin and Alex both watched Joshua carefully, waiting for his signal to begin the processional music.
Joshua checked his watch, then glanced back at Trent and Jeff with a soft smile. “Ready?” After a murmur of assent, he turned and threw a thumbs-up to Alex and Colin.
Colin drew in a deep breath and nodded to Alex. A beat of silence passed—charged, expectant—and then the first notes of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” drifted through the air, Elvis Presley’s voice rich and timeless.
At the first notes, Nate and Sophie stepped forward, moving slowly and deliberately down the flower-lined path to take their places on either side of the arch. A few beats later, Joshua and David followed, their steps measured, their faces calm yet full of quiet joy.
As soon as they reached their positions, Colin lifted his hands, his voice carrying over the gathered guests. “Please rise as we welcome the grooms.”
The guests got to their feet and turned toward Trent and Jeff, who slowly made their way down the path, stopping under the arch.
Colin threw Alex a nod, and he lowered the music’s volume.
He threw a glance to Joshua before turning to the assembled guests.
“Welcome, everyone, to this wonderful event. We’ve just enjoyed a week of laughter, learning, and connection here at Camp Pride, and today, we have the honor of celebrating something truly special—love in its purest form. ”
He let his gaze sweep across the crowd, pausing briefly on Trent and Jeff, who stood hand in hand under the flower-adorned arch.
“Trent and Jeff’s journey has led them to this moment, surrounded by friends, family, and the community they’ve helped build.
Love brought them here, and love will guide them forward. ”
A gentle breeze rustled the flowers lining the aisle as Colin continued, his voice steady yet filled with warmth.
“Marriage is more than a ceremony. It’s a promise, a commitment, and, above all, a choice—one made every day, in a hundred different ways.
Today, we bear witness to that choice as Trent and Jeff declare their devotion to one another. ”
He glanced briefly at Joshua, who gave him an encouraging smile.
Then, turning his attention back to the grooms, Colin’s expression softened.
“Before we move forward, we have a special tribute prepared by some of the incredible young people who have been part of the Camp Pride experience, a Salute to the Grooms, read by Elijah Palton, written by the Camp Pride writing class under the guidance of Nathanial Gardener-Reese.” He stepped back and gestured to the young speaker . “Elijah?”
Elijah threw Colin a nervous glance as he stepped forward from his seat in the front row.
His hands were shaking as he held the paper containing the words that he and his classmates had composed for this special day.
He shot a sideways glance at Nate, who smiled and gave him a thumbs-up.
Then he drew in a deep breath and spoke:
“ Love isn’t just about the big things you do.
It’s about the little things, the quiet times, the things you do every day, the things you don’t have to say, because you just ‘know’.
Love is Jeff carrying a bottle of water to the baseball diamond because he knows Trent will be thirsty.
Love is Trent carrying heavy boxes of terrarium jars to the dining hall because he knows Jeff is busy helping David’s crew with lunch.
Love is Jeff, making Trent stop goofing around and eat his dinner.
Love is Trent remembering how Jeff takes his coffee, and Jeff draping a blanket over Trent’s shoulders when it gets chilly at the evening campfire.
It’s the two of them walking side by side, together everywhere they go …
always laughing. Love is the way they talk about Sophie …
never as ‘Trent’s daughter’, always as our daughter . ”
“ Love isn’t perfect, but it’s choosing to be with this person every single day even when they screw up, even when it’s hard, even when things get tough. Even when you don’t know for sure what’s right, love is saying, ‘I’m here. And I’ll always be here because you’re worth it .”
“ At Camp Pride, we’ve learned that love lives in those little things. The quiet check-ins, a hand on your shoulder, the way someone looks at you like you’re their whole world. We’ve seen it in the way Trent and Jeff care for each other and trust each other—not just today, but every day. ”
“ So today, in front of all of us, they’re making that promise official. To choose each other. To stand together. To build a life made up of all those little things that, in the end, are the things that make a relationship real and special and lasting. ”
“ Trent, Jeff … thank you for showing us what love looks like. We’re so honored that you allowed us to share in your most precious moment. ”
Colin ruffled Elijah’s hair as he returned to his seat, then he placed his iPad stand back in front of him and turned his gaze to the two friends who stood before him, hand in hand, and smiled.
“Marriage brings together two people's hopes, dreams, plans, and fears. It is not just a promise for today, but a commitment to every tomorrow that follows. Trent and Jeff, as you stand before those who love you, I ask you to share your vows, not just with words, but with the depth of your hearts.”
He turned toward Trent. “Trent, look into Jeff’s eyes and share a dream you have for your marriage, for your future together.”
Trent turned to face his groom, who already had tears sparkling on his cheeks.
“Jeff, my greatest dream for our marriage is that I will always give you the best of who I am. I promise to wake up every day and choose to be the best version of myself—for you, for us, for our daughter, and for the life we’re building together.
Through every joy and every challenge, I will strive to be a husband you can count on, a partner who lifts you up, and a man who loves you fiercely and without reservation. ”
Colin continued: “And now, Trent, tell Jeff what you promise him—not just today, but for all the days to come.”
Trent took a steadying breath, his fingers tightening around Jeff’s as he gazed into his eyes. His voice, though filled with feeling, was strong and sure.
“Jeff, I promise to love you with my whole heart, not just today, but for every day that follows. I promise to stand beside you, to celebrate your victories and support you up in your struggles. I will be your partner in all things, your safe place in times of uncertainty, and your biggest champion in everything you do. I vow to listen, to learn, to grow with you, and always to choose you—every single day, for the rest of our lives.”
A hushed stillness fell over the guests, the weight of Trent’s words settling around them.
“Now, Trent,” Colin continued, “repeat after me: I, Trent, take you, Jeff, to be my lawful wedded husband. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part."
Trent spoke his vows in a clear, ringing voice, holding tight to Jeff’s hand.
Then Colin turned to Nate. “Nate, would you please hand Jeff’s wedding ring to Trent?
” Once Nate had placed the ring into Trent’s hand, Colin turned to face him.
“Trent, as you place this ring on Jeff’s finger, repeat after me: With this ring, I thee wed.
Let it be a symbol of my love and devotion, a promise that wherever life takes us, my heart will always be yours. ”
Trent’s hand trembled slightly as he slid the ring onto Jeff’s finger, his gaze never leaving his groom’s. “With this ring, I thee wed,” he echoed, his voice thick with emotion. “Let it be a symbol of my love and devotion, a promise that wherever life takes us, my heart will always be yours.”
A murmur rippled through the guests, some wiping away tears as they watched the moment unfold.
Colin turned to face Jeff. “Jeff, look into Trent’s eyes and share a dream you have for your life together.”