“I know you mentioned you wanted a black-and-white wedding,” Sofia says to Helena. “Is it safe to say it’s elegant?”
Helena pffts. “It’s definitely going to be elegant.”
“What is considered an elegant wedding?” I ask Sofia, and she has no choice but to look over at me. Our eyes meet as she starts talking all business. I’ve never met this Sofia. I’m used to the playful Sofia, who is always smiling, always snarky with me, but then always loving.
“An elegant wedding focuses on the luxurious elements that bring it all together.” She folds her hands on top of the papers she’s taking notes on. “It’s like a five-star event. It’s all about extravagance and beauty.” She looks back to Helena. “Of course, it all depends on budget, but when it’s as big as you want, little consideration is given to the cost.”
“I love it already,” Helena says to her.
“What month were we thinking?” Sofia now looks back at her notes.
“It has to be summer since he plays hockey,” Helena reminds Sofia, and I want to groan that everyone gets it. Helena puts her hand on mine, and I just nod. “July would be the best to make sure everyone is out of playoffs.”
“Are we thinking outside or inside?” Sofia doesn’t even look up until Helena speaks.
“I would love both,” Helena says, and in my head, I yell, Of course you would. “I would love to get married inside and have the party outside.”
“We can do that,” Sofia tells her. “Usually, the ceremony is inside unless it’s a nice cool day and the bride wants a rustic feel. But then we can set up a tent that leads out from the ceremony space.” Sofia avoids looking at me. “Will it be a one-day event?” My eyebrows pinch together at this question.
“We definitely need to have a rehearsal dinner.” I look over at Helena and silently I have to admit I would hate to attend this wedding. “I’m thinking maybe two days before the wedding and then maybe a brunch the day after.”
“I’m assuming with the guests coming in that you would need to provide accommodations?” Sofia asks, and all Helena does is nod. “So, we need to provide transportation from the hotel to the venue.
“The wedding will be an all-day event?” At this point, I don’t even know if she is asking the question or telling us.
“It has to be,” Helena says. “His family loves to have parties.”
“Invitations.” Sofia plods on. “I’m assuming that there was an engagement photo shoot?” She smiles, and for the first time, I see something flicker in her eyes, and I look down. What the fuck am I even doing here? This can’t actually happen; she can’t plan my wedding.
“We have not… yet,” Helena says. “I would love to set it up.”
“I can do that for you,” Sofia assures her.
“We can ask my cousin Gabriella.” I look over at Helena, who rolls her eyes.
“We can use the engagement photos for a save the date invitation,” Sofia suggests. “I recommend this since this will be a big wedding.”
“Wedding of the year,” Helena sings and smiles.
“Sounds like it.” Sofia smiles back at her. “Since it’s so big, I suggest the save the date just so they know.”
“When should we do this?” Helena asks.
“The sooner, the better,” Sofia states. “Usually, people send out the wedding invitation four to five months before, so save the dates should be done seven to nine months out.”
“Well, if Gabriella can’t do it,” Helena says hopefully, “we’ll have to look elsewhere.”
“We have a couple that we work closely with.” Sofia tries to soften the tension. “We can look at that.
“Okay, the next questions are for the bridal party,” Sofia says, and I want to get up and walk around, but instead my feet stay put.
“We have a bridal suite on-site,” Sofia informs Helena. “I’m guessing that you would need makeup and a hairstylist, or will you be bringing your own?”
“Oh, I haven’t thought about it,” Helena says, and I want to laugh. Something she hasn’t thought of, shocking.
“We have a list of people we work with. I’m thinking you would need three of each to help do the whole bridal party, plus the moms.”
“And my aunts,” I pipe up. “My cousins will most likely also need that.”
“We can’t do everyone, Matty,” Helena says, and I look at her, then back at Sofia.