The Rehearsal Dinner

Beneath the fading sunset brushed in soft hues of amber and lavender, Emmett and Sofia stood wrapped in each other’s arms on the terrace. The stringed lights glowed behind them, casting a warm shimmer over the tiled floor.

Emmett and Sofia’s rehearsal dinner had unfolded just minutes prior, filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and heartfelt toasts from their friends and family. The venue had been decorated with care, each piece carefully selected to match Emmett and Sofia’s style.

Emmett and Sofia held their pose, as their hired photographer for the wedding snapped a couple of pictures. Despite posing for what felt like a million pictures, Emmett couldn’t have felt happier than when Sofia was wrapped in his arms.

“That first pose was perfect.” The photographer said as she studied the photo on her camera screen. “What if, Emmett, you held Sofia, kind of like if you were carrying her over the threshold.”

Emmett lifted Sofia. Sofia wrapped her arms around Emmett’s shoulders to steady herself.

“Ugh, that is so perfect. Now just gaze at each other lovingly, like I’m sure you do everyday.” The photographer began snapping photos again. Emmett internally sighed. He knew this was only the beginning, and tomorrow the photos would be much more extensive.

But if it made Sofia happy, then he would deal with it. Happy wife, happy life right?

As the night deepened, the party became more lively. The hired pianist stopped playing in favor of putting on music on the venue's system, inviting the party-goers to the dance floor. Emmett gazed around the venue and smiled. Family and friends who had traveled from near and far leaned close to each other, sharing stories.

They traveled here for us. Emmett thought to himself quietly. The nervous excitement of the upcoming ceremony softened into something steadier - gratitude, perhaps, or maybe it was the quiet awe of seeing so many loved ones gathered in one place at the same time.

At the center of it all, the soon-to-be newlyweds stood in the same place. The photographer had since stopped snapping photos, giving Emmett and Sofia a much needed break, time to mingle with their guests. Sofia just stood with her arm around Emmett's waist, her face oozing with happiness.

"How are you feeling?" Emmett whispered. He could easily see how she was feeling, but he wanted to hear Sofia say it herself.

"I couldn't be happier." She whispered back. Emmett grinned at his soon-to-be bride, and kissed her cheek.

"Well then, could I have this dance?" Emmett grabbed Sofia's hand and twirled her around. Sofia giggled as she and Emmett began to slow dance, in the same spot the photographer planted them. It was almost as though the photographer knew, because she began snapping candid photos of them dancing.

There was no place Emmett would rather be than here, dancing with Sofia, under the twinkling string lights that casted the warm glow on the tiles of the terrace. They exchanged a look that held both anticipation and calm.

It was as if the celebration unfolding around them was already a promise kept.

To be continued.......