The Best Man's Secret

Chapter 26: Wedding Plans

The excitement of their engagement had settled into a buzz of anticipation as Ella and Ryder began planning their wedding. The days were filled with meetings, decisions, and a whirlwind of activity. Every detail needed to be perfect for their special day, and they were both determined to make it as memorable as possible.

One crisp morning, Ella and Ryder found themselves at a charming bridal boutique, browsing through an array of wedding gowns. The boutique was a quaint, sunlit space with racks of dresses in every imaginable style. Ella's heart raced as she imagined herself walking down the aisle in one of these beautiful creations.

Ella turned to Ryder, who was admiring a particularly elegant dress on a mannequin. "Do you have any idea what you want in a wedding dress?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Ryder smiled, his gaze warm and encouraging. "I trust you to choose something that will make you feel amazing. I'm more interested in seeing you happy."

Ella grinned and squeezed his hand. "Thanks, that means a lot. Let's find something perfect."

The boutique's consultant, a cheerful woman named Carla, approached them with a stack of dress options. "I've picked out a few gowns that I think you might like. Feel free to try on as many as you want."

Ella and Ryder spent the next few hours trying on various dresses, each one more stunning than the last. Ella twirled in front of the mirror, each gown highlighting a different aspect of her personality. Ryder's reactions were priceless—his eyes widened with admiration at every turn.

After trying on several dresses, Ella settled on a classic yet modern gown that accentuated her figure beautifully. It was an elegant A-line dress with intricate lace detailing and a flowing train. When she stepped out of the dressing room, Ryder's face lit up with awe.

"Wow," Ryder breathed, clearly taken aback. "You look absolutely stunning."

Ella's cheeks flushed with happiness. "Do you really think so?"

"Without a doubt," Ryder said, his voice full of emotion. "This is the one."

With the dress decision made, they moved on to other wedding details. They met with florists to discuss arrangements, tasted cakes with various frosting flavors, and browsed through options for invitations. The days were long but filled with joy as they worked together to create their dream wedding.

One evening, after a particularly exhausting day of planning, Ryder and Ella found themselves at their favorite café, taking a much-needed break. They sipped on hot chocolate and relaxed in the cozy ambiance of the café.

"You know," Ella said, gazing thoughtfully out the window, "sometimes I can't believe how much has changed. It feels like everything is moving so fast."

Ryder reached across the table, taking her hand in his. "I know what you mean. But I wouldn't change a thing. We're creating something beautiful together."

Ella smiled, feeling reassured by his words. "I'm really glad we're doing this together. It makes all the hard work worth it."

As they talked, they began discussing their wedding ceremony and reception in more detail. They talked about the guest list, the music they wanted, and the personal touches they wanted to include. It was clear that both were eager to create a day that reflected their love and commitment.

A few weeks later, they visited their chosen wedding venue—an elegant garden estate with lush greenery and a charming outdoor ceremony space. The venue was everything they had hoped for: picturesque, romantic, and perfect for their vision.