Tuesday night Ethan and I met with the wedding planner to go over all the details of the wedding. She seemed confident that they could pull everything together in the timeframe we had. We talked through everything and by the end my head was spinning.
Wednesday we met with the caterer and chose the food to be served and the wedding cake design. We went with a traditional white 3-tier cake with green and blue flowers to decorate it. The caterer had many foods for us to sample to decide what we wanted to serve.
While we were doing the tastings and decisions with the caterer we also met with the Florist to discuss the floral arrangements. I was very clear that I wanted to make them simple since there wasn't much time. I think the florist was relieved when I mentioned that. They were able to come up with an amazing simple centerpieces. We were also able to design my bouquet, the bridesmaids bouquets and the boutineers.
Thursday I met with the hair and make up team as soon as I got home and they made me up for my engagement photos. We also discussed what I'd want for the day of the wedding. Then Ethan and I met the photographer and videographer. It was a dual meeting, we got our engagement photos taken and talked about the wedding photos and video. I had originally thought to skip the engagement photos but pretty much everyone pointed out that why it may seem like a formality at this point since we weren't using them for the announcement and such, I would want them in the future. So I agreed because they were right, it would be good to have them.
Friday we went ring shopping, just the two of us. Well the two of us and the bodyguards following us, discreetly. After a crazy week of planning almost everything in such a short amount of time I was glad for some time alone with Ethan. We had decided to go with a Claddagh ring set. We had decided to get a basic set and then upgrade later when we had more time to get them made specially.
Ethan's family has a chapel on their estate where the wedding will take place and they hired the musicians and lighting technicians. Then as everyone will already be there the dinner and reception will be at their estate as well. The wedding planner is taking care of all the rentals and such we will be needing. I always had planned on a small, simple wedding and this is not as small or simple as I'd liked but it's not as grand as it could have been. I'm letting the wedding planner handle most of the details, she does ask when she has questions, but I'm sure I'll love it when it comes together.
After we had picked out our rings we went to dinner. Ethan took me to one of his favorite restaurants which had a four course menu and was amazing.
"Sera, you've looked a bit shell shocked this week, are you handling everything okay?" Ethan asked.
"I've lived a pretty quiet life the last year, it's been work and then evenings with Mom or occasionally with my friends. It's definitely been crazy this week with meeting everyone and making all the decisions. How are you holding up?"
"Honestly, I'm doing amazing because it's you by my side." Ethan said. "This was a lot like torture with Charlotte. I'm sure she felt that I wasn't any good at making decisions. But with you, it's easier. I just want to make you happy."
I was totally blushing at this point. Surely I had to stop blushing like a schoolgirl at some point, right? I also felt happy, I knew he wanted to marry me but it was always good hearing the reassurance that he really did mean it.
"So if I wanted to be married in a hot air balloon above the guests, you'd do that?" I totally hate heights and wondered if he'd remember.
"No, because you hate heights, it wouldn't make you happy and I'd be afraid you'd chicken out."
"That's beside the point. If it made me happy, you'd do it?" I was being obstinate now.
"Of course, I'd do a lot to make you happy."
"Not anything?"
"No because even love has limits, that said - I'm pretty sure you wouldn't ask me to do something I wouldn't be willing to do. Although waiting to share your bed until we're married is one of the hardest things I've done."
I had discussed it with him and since we were getting married so quickly I wanted to wait until we were married. Partly because I didn't want any rumors to get out that weren't true. There were already going to be enough rumors out there that I didn't need to give them any fuel for more.
"It's not just hard on you." I commented. Just because I wanted to wait, and he supported my decision, didn't mean I didn't want to go back on it.
"So do you regret that choice?" Ethan asked with a look that was a bit too hopeful.
"Sometimes, but I do feel it will be best in the end. At least I'm hoping and it's probably a good thing we're so busy as it's easier to hold to that choice." I wasn't kidding, I was usually so exhausted each night that I crashed as soon as I laid down. "But I'm sure we can wait 8 more days."
His hopeful look faded and he sighed. "I suppose." Then his face lit up again, "We're getting married in 8 days! That is so soon."
"You look happy about that." I commented. I'm sure I did too.
"Happy is an understatement. Sera, I still have to pinch myself to be sure this isn't a dream and I'm going to wake up and it will be my wedding day with Charlotte. I don't think I can tell you how amazed I am at this turn of events. Looking at things now, if I'd have known how I would feel this many years later I never would have given you up. I'm so sorry I didn't fight for you earlier." Ethan looked close to tears now. Is it normal for someone to go through that many emotions in such a short time?
"Ethan, I'm glad it worked out this way. It was hard when you broke up with me. I wouldn't be who I am today without the last 10 years, the good and the bad. I proved to myself that I could succeed."