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Crown Prince is married in Eveari
Her Highness Princess Monica joins Order of Gray Smoke and named Countess
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
July 2, 5606


Crown Prince Fredrick celebrates his marriage at the Ananto Estate

His Highness Crown Prince Fredrick is now married to Ms. Monica DeLaurentis of Kaliburg.  She is now titled Her Highness Princess Monica Ananto-DeLaurentis.  She also has been formally inducted into the Ancient Order of the Gray Smoke as a Stranger Lady Companion due to her marriage into the Royal Family and has been created Countess of Luxon as a Courtesy.

The marriage was a typical Brethrenist ceremony that took place on the grounds of the Ananto Estate. His Highness is a birthright Brethrenist, but Ms. DeLaurentis herself did not grow up in a meeting. Instead, her family is a member of the Selucian Rite of the Aurorian Patriarchal Church. Her parents agreed to a Brethrenist wedding for their daughter if the family's priest was allowed to be present and perform a brief solemnization at the ceremony, given the fact that marriage is considered a sacred act by the Aurorians.

Following the silent worship and solemnization, the pair were invited to exchange the rings and give their promises to one another. This marriage ceremony was the first imperial marriage ceremony where the couple's declarations to one another were delivered in sign language, and Ms. DeLaurentis reportedly kept her declarations simple, as she is still learning sign language, and had to practice what to say explicitly. All those who speak sign language in the crowd later remarked that she signed very well. Following the declaration of the fact of their marriage, all were invited to sign the traditional Brethrenist Marriage Certificate.

After the event, the newlywed couple mingled and greeted the more than 200 guests who came for the wedding from both sides of the new family. Photos were taken, and Mr. DeLaurentis and Mrs. Esposito, the Bride's parents were happy to have the opportunity to meet Her Imperial Majesty Empress Carolina I Ananto and His Highness the Prince Consort William Ananto-Sandoval. While photos of the family and several notable guests, including the Chancellor of the Empire, and Lady Dana Ananto-Alvarez and Sir Christopher Bjorksdattir were being taken, the Bride and Groom were inside the Main House changing into more casual attire.

Crown Prince Fredrick slices his new bride the first piece of the Wedding Cake

Following their return the various wedding reception activities began. While there was an open bar, and the Prince gave a rousing toast, the newlyweds remained mostly sober. Everyone else, however, proceeded to imbibe. Princess Michelle was a constant companion of the new Princess Monica, and she even toasted her new Sister and welcomed her to the family. A dinner of chicken, rice and broccoli was served, with a side Caesar Salad and soft dinner rolls. "The Anantos are well known for their understated and simple food choices even at the most glamorous of events," said Donald Francis, a noted Crown Watcher who attended the reception as a member of the media. "Most royals would have ten or twelve courses, but it wouldn't be out of the question for the Anantos to serve fish and rice at even the most prestigious of events. They take their Brethrenism very seriously."

After dinner, the marred couple cut their lavish wedding cake, and Prince Fredrick offered Princess Monica the first slice. After they both took a bite, the servers finished cutting the cake and began serving the guests their own pieces. The cake was a chocolate vanilla marble cake with white chocolate fondant as frosting with ornate orange and purple flowers as decorations. The cake was served with hot mocha and all agreed that the Gaduri espresso and bittersweet cocoa was a fantastic complement to the delicious cake.

While cake was being eaten, the married couple opened their wedding gifts. Most brought them money, but on agreement, both the Bride and Groom decided to donate all money they received to the Dulnerstaad National Aquarium in the name of Princess Michelle to support educational and marine life rehabilitation. Princess Michelle was overwhelmed by the gesture, and cried tears of joy as she hugged her brother and new sister in law. Other gifts included classic literature, a new and very ornate quilt for the couple's bed in Luxon, and various kitchen gadgets and home accessories as house warming gifts.

The Prince Consort, Her Imperial Majesty the Empress, and Princess Michelle at the Wedding Reception

By this time, it was time for dancing to begin. At first, a small chamber quartet was called in to play romantic pieces for the couple to dance together. They had the dance floor to themselves for a song, but then the quartet switched to waltzes and minuets. The Prince endured one dance, but due to his inability to hear the music, the Princess was allowed to lead, and helped him keep time by patting him on the shoulder in time with the music. Following the dance, she thanked him for his gracious humoring of her, and joined him in observing the other guests dancing. After about thirty five minutes, the chamber quartet stepped out and were replaced by dance pop duo Maggie and Ed, who performed a forty five minute set.



At about 8:30 pm, the Empress and Prince Consort retired to the family wing, while the Prince and Princess stayed in the celebration hall for another hour and a half, greeting guests, and meeting friends from Eveari who were invited to join the celebration when Maggie and Ed started their set. "Maggie and Ed are favorites of Princess Monica," said Francis. "She has long been a fan of their music and was thrilled to get the chance to meet them before their set was over. The Princess even got His Highness, the Crown Prince back on the dance floor for a couple songs, and the pair danced in front of the speakers on the side of the stage, so His Highness could feel the vibrations of the woofers to stay in rhythm. By all appearance, both had a lot of fun during the set." At 10, Crown Prince Fredrick and Princess Monica said their good nights and departed, while Princess Michelle stayed at the reception to continue to play hostess and Mistress of Ceremonies.

At 10:30, the ODEN bar opened, and the DJ gave way to roots Reggae Band Kali Lion, who played three set late into the night. Kali Lion brought the good vibes, performing several songs in Egelian, and introducing special guest Donna T, who sang on several tracks during the middle set. The reception ended around 2:30am as the last guests wandered away or had retired to their apartment in the Estate for the night.

The Crown Prince, being now married, will take Princess Monica to Egelion for their honeymoon and will be out of the country for a month. Princess Monica will now be known as Her Highness, Princess Monica Ananto-DeLaurentis, SLC, Countess Luxon, and her last name will be inherited by any children the pair may have.

@The Republic