Avery sat in the middle of her living room, surrounded by wedding magazines, fabric swatches, and a folder bursting with vendor quotes. Across from her, Lily Crawford, the wedding planner Ryan had hired, was poised with her tablet, pitching another idea.
“So,” Lily said, scrolling through her notes, “I’m thinking we could go with a blush and gold theme for the decor. It’s classic, elegant, and very on-trend.”
Avery frowned, shaking her head. “It’s pretty, but it doesn’t feel like me. I was imagining something more timeless—like emerald and cream.”
Lily nodded, though her smile seemed forced. “Emerald is bold, but it can come across as a bit heavy. Trust me, blush and gold photographs beautifully.”
“I’m not worried about photographs,” Avery said, her tone sharpening. “I want it to feel right on the day, not just look good in pictures.”
Ryan, sitting nearby with baby Elliot on his lap, glanced up. “Aves, maybe we can try a mix of both? Emerald accents with lighter tones?”
Avery sighed. “I don’t want a mix, Ryan. I know what I want.”
Lily cleared her throat, trying to steer the conversation back. “I’ll put together a mockup with emerald and cream, but I’d suggest keeping an open mind about alternative options.”
A few days later, Avery and Lily attended a cake tasting at a high-end bakery. The pastry chef presented an array of delicate samples, each more intricate than the last.
“This is our signature lavender honey cake,” the chef explained. “It’s unique and sophisticated—a popular choice for weddings.”
Avery took a bite, her face scrunching up slightly. “It’s… interesting.”
“Interesting?” Lily repeated, her tone incredulous. “This cake is a work of art. It’s perfect.”
“It’s also not what I had in mind,” Avery said firmly. “I want something classic, like vanilla bean or chocolate ganache. Lavender feels too… experimental.”
Lily sighed, setting down her fork. “Avery, sometimes it’s good to step out of your comfort zone. Weddings are about creating memorable moments.”
“This is my wedding,” Avery snapped. “I want something that feels like us, not something trendy.”
The tension in the room was palpable, and Avery left the bakery feeling more frustrated than ever.
By the time Lily suggested scrapping the garden ceremony altogether in favor of an indoor ballroom, Avery had reached her limit.
“Lily, I’ve been clear from the start—I want an outdoor ceremony,” Avery said, her voice strained.
“And I’ve been clear that weather is unpredictable,” Lily replied, her professional demeanor slipping. “A ballroom is a safer choice.”
Ryan, sensing the rising tension, tried to mediate. “Maybe we can keep the outdoor ceremony but have a backup plan for rain?”
Lily shook her head. “That adds unnecessary stress. Why not simplify things?”
“Because it’s not your wedding!” Avery snapped, her voice louder than she intended. “I’m tired of being told to compromise on things that matter to me.”
Lily stared at her, stunned. “Avery, I’m just trying to help you make practical decisions.”
“Well, I don’t need your help anymore,” Avery said, standing up. “You’re fired.”