Worth the Wait

General Hospital's Jason and Courtney, October 13, 2003

Jason and Courtney never meant to fall in love, but they wanted nothing more than to make it last.

The big, beautiful church wedding that Jason and Courtney had originally planned was every little girl's dream.  Un fortunately, the event turned into a nightmare when matron of honor Carly was kidnapped just prior to the ceremony.  In the several harrowing months it took to get Courtney's pregnant sister-in-law back into Sonny's arms, the bride and groom to be selflessly put their own romance on the backburner.

Finally free to refocus on themselves, Jason and Courtney stole away to France to rediscover their romance.  Amazingly, all it took was a night reconnecting in each other's warm embrace for Jason to be inspired, "Let's get married – I want you to be my wife," he blurted , surprising Courtney with his unusual spontaneity.  "You're easy for me to love. No one had to tell me how or that I was supposed to.  It just feels right," he continued.  "This is our chance. This is our place. Courtney Matthews, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"  Beaming, Courtney hardly missed a beat before responding: "My answer is the same as it was yesterday and will be tomorrow: Yes!"

What could be more beautiful than a manicured French garden? Courtney standing in her wedding dress inside of it! Happier than they ever thought they could be, the couple stood before the clergyman, ready to take their vows.  "This wedding just kind of happened, " offers the brides portrayer, Alicia Leigh Willis.  "It was just about the two of them.  It wasn't about someone getting kidnapped or someone barging in.  It was really special."  Alas, Jason asked that they wait just a moment longer.  Confused, Courtney turned to find her groom had fulfilled her secret desire by inviting Sonny and Carly to witness their special day!

Despite being risk takers in their daily lives as mobster and moll, Jason and Courtney chose to recite the most traditional vows.  Staring deeply into his beloved's eyes as if attempting to reach her soul, the groom to began, "I Jason, take thee Courtney to be my wife. To have and to hold, to love and to cherish, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health.  Forsaking all others for as long as we both shall live."  Tears brimming, the bride in turn responded, "I, Courtney, take you Jason, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish. For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness, and in health. Forsaking all others as long as we both shall live."

At last pronounced husband and wife, Courtney couldn't help breaking out in a gleeful grin.  "Oh my God, we actually did it!" she said, laughing.  Eagerly reaching for his bride, Jason tenderly kissed her deeply.  Then, after cutting the cake and gingerly feeding Courtney the first piece, Jason turned to best man Sonny, who delivered a heartfelt toast.

Having said bon voyage to their guests, Courtney slipped into a sexy peach negligee and awaited her new husband in their hotel room.  Arriving, Jason took in the sight, gathered his wife in his arms and they danced in the candlelight while reminiscing about their very special love.

At A Glance

Location: Garden setting at a French hotel.

In Attendance: Jason, Courtney, Sonny, Carly and the clergyman.

The Wedding Clothes: Courtney wore a long, sleeveless, white satin gown with small flowers pinned into her chignon.  Ditching his usual leather jacket, Jason opted for a dark suit with a shirt and tie that perfectly matched his steely blue eyes.

The Rings: To complement Courtney's unique sapphire and diamond engagement ring, Jason bestowed her with a wedding band of diamonds.  Likewise, Courtney gave her groom a perfect platinum circle to match.

The Bridal Bouquet: Carly presented the bride with a bouquet of white roses tied with iridescent organza ribbon.

"You know, on the plane flying over here, I was thinking about the vows you'd be taking and the promises that you're gonna make to yourselves and to God, and the journey that you're gonna have and how you're gonna be tested – and you will be tested, believe me.  The strongest loves are.  The hardest part about marriage is its greatest reward, and that's becoming one with another person.  And that bond never goes away, whether you're together or not.  You two have that bond. Cherish it, hold on to it like I know you will.  To my sister, Courtney, to my brother-in-law Jason, hold onto the future. You own it."

How could anyone look so breathtaking wearing such a simple dress? Well it wasn't just any dress! In the white satin gown with her hair pulled back off her face, Courtney looked like a Grecian goddess. "It's a beautiful dress – long, silky and very simple in the front, and [with] a crisscrossed back that drooped down. It was amazing!: enthuses Alicia Leigh Willis (Courtney). Best of all, it's a look viewers could affordably adopt for their own nuptials. "It was actually an ABS knockoff. It was only about $300. It was gorgeous!" Willis confides.

ABC Soaps In Depth, Nov. 25, 2003