Checkered Flags and Love Songs

Planning the Future

With their engagement fresh in their minds, Lando and Ariana returned to their busy lives, but everything felt different now. They were no longer just in a relationship—they were building a future together. The excitement of their engagement gave them energy and focus, helping them navigate the demanding schedules that had once seemed overwhelming.

As Lando prepared for the upcoming races, he couldn't help but think about the life he and Ariana were planning. Every time he stepped into his car, he carried the thought of their future, knowing that his hard work was laying the foundation for the life they wanted to build together.

Ariana, meanwhile, was wrapping up her world tour. The final shows were exhilarating, but she was counting down the days until she could take a break and start focusing on their wedding plans. She had always dreamed of a beautiful, intimate ceremony, and now that dream was within reach.

One evening, as they both finally had some free time, Lando and Ariana decided to have a video call to discuss their wedding plans. Lando was in his hotel room in Monaco, while Ariana was in New York, finishing her last concert.

"Hey, fiancé!" Ariana greeted with a wide smile.

"Hey, fiancée!" Lando replied, grinning. "How was the show?"

"Amazing! But I'm so glad it's over. I've been looking forward to this call all day," Ariana said, settling down on her couch.

"Me too," Lando agreed. "I can't wait to start planning our wedding."

"So, I've been thinking about where we should get married," Ariana began. "What do you think about doing it somewhere really special to both of us?"

"Like where?" Lando asked, intrigued.

"Well, we both love the ocean," Ariana said. "What if we had a beach wedding? Somewhere beautiful, with the waves in the background and the sun setting. Maybe in Italy or Greece?"

"I love that idea," Lando said, nodding. "A beach wedding sounds perfect. Italy would be amazing. I can picture it already."

They spent the next hour discussing ideas for the ceremony. They talked about guest lists, the kind of flowers they wanted, the music, and the food. They both wanted something elegant but relaxed, a day that would reflect their personalities and the love they shared.

"Should we keep it small, or invite everyone?" Lando asked.

"I think something intimate would be nice," Ariana said. "Just our close friends and family. That way, we can really enjoy the day and not feel overwhelmed."

"I agree," Lando said. "Plus, it'll be easier to plan that way, and we can focus on what really matters—us."

They continued to brainstorm ideas, both of them growing more excited with each passing minute. The more they talked, the more they realized how in sync they were, their visions for the wedding aligning perfectly.

Eventually, they decided to reach out to a wedding planner to help bring their ideas to life. They agreed to meet with someone in Italy once Ariana's tour ended, giving them the opportunity to visit potential venues and start making decisions together.

A few weeks later, Ariana's tour finally concluded, and she flew to Monaco to reunite with Lando. The moment they saw each other at the airport, they ran into each other's arms, relieved to finally be together again.

"I missed you so much," Lando said, holding her close.

"I missed you too," Ariana replied, looking up at him with a smile. "I'm so happy to be here."

The next day, they flew to Italy, excited to begin their wedding planning in earnest. They had arranged to meet with a highly recommended wedding planner named Sofia, who specialized in destination weddings.

Sofia greeted them warmly when they arrived at her office in the heart of Tuscany. "Congratulations on your engagement!" she said with a smile. "I'm thrilled to help you plan your special day."

"Thank you," Ariana said, shaking her hand. "We're so excited to get started."

"Do you have any ideas in mind already?" Sofia asked, guiding them to a comfortable seating area where they could discuss their plans.

"Yes," Lando said. "We're thinking of a beach wedding, something intimate and elegant. We love the idea of Italy, but we're open to suggestions."

"You've come to the right place," Sofia said, pulling out a portfolio. "Italy has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, perfect for a romantic wedding. Let me show you a few options."

Sofia presented them with several stunning locations, each more breathtaking than the last. There were secluded beaches on the Amalfi Coast, charming coves in Sardinia, and picturesque islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Each option had its own unique charm, making the decision difficult.

"These are all so beautiful," Ariana said, flipping through the photos. "I can't decide which one I love the most."

"I know," Lando agreed. "They're all amazing."

Sofia smiled, clearly pleased with their enthusiasm. "Take your time," she said. "This is a big decision, and you want to make sure it feels right."

After much deliberation, they decided on a stunning location on the Amalfi Coast. The beach was surrounded by cliffs, with crystal-clear waters and views that stretched out over the Mediterranean. It was the perfect blend of elegance and natural beauty, exactly what they had envisioned.

"This is it," Ariana said, smiling at Lando. "I can see us getting married here."

"Me too," Lando said, squeezing her hand. "It's perfect."

With the location chosen, they began discussing other details with Sofia. She helped them choose a date, considering both their schedules and the best time of year for the weather. They settled on late summer, when the days would be warm and the evenings balmy, perfect for an outdoor celebration.

As they moved on to other details, like the flowers and the decor, Lando and Ariana realized just how much they were enjoying the process. It wasn't just about planning a wedding; it was about creating something beautiful together, a reflection of their love and commitment.

When they left Sofia's office later that day, they felt a sense of accomplishment and excitement. The wedding was starting to feel real, and they couldn't wait to see it all come together.

They spent the rest of the week exploring the Amalfi Coast, taking in the sights and sounds of the region. They visited charming villages, sampled local cuisine, and relaxed on the beach, savoring the beauty of the Italian coast.

One evening, as they watched the sunset from their hotel balcony, Lando turned to Ariana, his expression thoughtful.

"Ari, I've been thinking," he began.

"About what?" Ariana asked, curious.

"About our life after the wedding," Lando said. "I know we both have busy careers, and we'll probably be traveling a lot. But I want us to have a home base, somewhere we can always come back to. A place that's just ours."

"I've been thinking about that too," Ariana said, nodding. "It would be nice to have a place to call home, somewhere we can start our life together."

"Where do you think that should be?" Lando asked.

"I love the idea of having a home in Europe," Ariana said. "Maybe somewhere in Italy or France. But I also want to keep a place in the States, so we can be close to family."

"I like that idea," Lando agreed. "We could split our time between Europe and the States, depending on our schedules. And when we're not working, we'll have a place to relax and just be together."

"Exactly," Ariana said, smiling. "It sounds perfect."

They spent the rest of the evening discussing their future home, imagining what it would be like and where it would be located. They talked about their dreams for the future, the life they wanted to build together, and the adventures they hoped to have.