HEAVY

The Next Step

The weeks following Sofi and Curtis's engagement were a whirlwind of activity. Their lives, already busy with the demands of parenthood and work, were now filled with the excitement and pressure of planning a wedding. Yet, amidst the chaos, they both felt a deep sense of contentment, knowing they were moving forward together.

After several discussions with their families, Sofi and Curtis finally set a wedding date. They chose a sunny day in late spring, a time when the world was blooming with new the perfect metaphor for the new chapter they were beginning. The date was far enough away to give them time to plan but close enough that they could start looking forward to it.

Sofi's parents, Isabella and Nani, were delighted by the choice. They had been advocating for a spring wedding from the start, envisioning a ceremony surrounded by flowers and sunshine. Curtis's parents, Ken and Evelyn, were equally thrilled, already envisioning the family traditions they could incorporate into the event.

Once the date was set, the real work began. Sofi and Curtis found themselves caught up in the endless details that came with wedding planning- choosing a venue, selecting a theme, deciding on colours, flowers, and, of course, the guest list.

One weekend, Sofi and Curtis, accompanied by both sets of parents, spent a day touring potential wedding venues. They visited elegant estates, and charming gardens, and even considered a beach location that Sofi's parents suggested, given her love for the ocean. Each place had its unique charm, and as they walked through the venues, Sofi could almost picture herself in a flowing white dress, walking down the aisle towards Curtis. But with each option, there were also practical considerations-space for guests, weather concerns, and, of course, the budget.

The group finally arrived at a beautiful vineyard estate just outside the city. The rolling hills, lined with grapevines, and the expansive views of the countryside immediately captivated everyone. The venue had a rustic elegance that felt intimate and grand at the same time perfect blend of what Sofi and Curtis were looking for. As they walked through the grounds, Curtis could see the sparkle in Sofi's eyes, a look that told him she had found the place where she wanted to say "I do."

"I think this is it," Sofi whispered to Curtis as they stood together in a gazebo overlooking the vineyard. The breeze gently rustled her hair, and Curtis could feel the same excitement building within him.

He nodded, smiling down at her. "I think so too."

Their parents, seeing the connection the couple felt to the place, were quick to agree. They began discussing logistics with the venue's coordinator, who walked them through the various packages and options available. By the end of the day, Sofi and Curtis had made their decision. The vineyard estate would be the place where they would begin their lives as husband and wife.

With the venue chosen, the preparations kicked into high gear. Sofi and Curtis divided up the tasks, each taking responsibility for different aspects of the wedding. Sofi, with her eye for detail, took the lead on the décor, flowers, and invitations, while Curtis focused on the music, food, and guest list.

Their evenings were often spent together, poring over bridal magazines, browsing online for inspiration, and discussing the kind of wedding they both envisioned. It was a time of collaboration and compromise, as they merged their tastes and styles into a cohesive vision for their special day. But it wasn't all work. Amid the planning, they made sure to carve out time for themselves. They went on date nights, took Ava to the park, and spent quiet evenings at home, talking about their future and what kind of life they wanted to build together.

Sofi's mother, Isabella, was a constant source of advice and support. Having planned her wedding and those of several friends and family members, she was a wealth of knowledge. She and Sofi spent hours together, shopping for the perfect dress, discussing floral arrangements, and working on the invitations.