The loud, joyful boom of the midday fireworks echoed across the shining city skyline, filling the bright blue air with shimmering trails of gold and crimson red smoke.

The two thousand elite guests gathered on the open-air roof garden of Landmark Tower stood up from their velvet chairs, clapping and cheering with all their might. The classical orchestra on the marble stage struck up a lively, triumphant melody that drifted across the ocean breeze.

Julian and Evelyn walked hand in hand down the short white silk steps from the altar, stepping into the massive, beautifully decorated reception area.

Thousands of tiny fairy lights woven into the climbing rose bushes began...