It was Carl’s ‘perfect’ fairytale wedding. This was not just a destination wedding in Italy, but a meeting of two cultures and traditions. Mia did an amazing job weaving in some lovely Italian traditions into the wedding day.
The exchange of vows, promises of love and life-long devotion, was held outdoors at the Verona Villa in the Valpolicella’s countryside, with its rolling hills and vineyards. It was just simply stunning.
The venue was shaded by an elegant gazebo, surrounded by lush plants and colorful flowers for this special day. Guests sat on either side of the aisle as they waited for the entourage’s entrance.
Then the music started. As the ring bearer, Scotch was the first to walk down the aisle with the flower girl, Mia’s niece, following after him. The two were both four years old. The flower girl, looking so adorable in a Snow White costume and oh, my Scotch has grown to become a handsome prince just like his dad. Fresh blooms of roses were thrown from the beautifully decorated basket that symbolized the blessing of fertility and prosperity.
Carl came down with our brothers. They looked like Disney’s gorgeous princes. Then came my cue. I hesitated.
The best man named Carlito, who also happened to be Mia’s brother, gave me an odd look. I let out that big exasperated sigh, grumbled a little, and walked with him down the aisle. When I reached the front, I turned and gave Carl a big hug and said over his shoulder, “You’ll pay for this, brother.”
He hugged me tightly and whispered thank you. He seemed so radiantly happy that even my tantrums couldn’t spoil this moment.
The guests looked expectantly when they heard the quartet play a wedding song. They stood up from their seats and clapped their hands to welcome the arrival of the bride.
Mia wasn’t that ugly but not really beautiful. I knew I was right! These gowns were for ugly brides with a hot maid of honor! But okay fine, this is her day.
It was a breathtaking moment for Carl when he turned around and took a glimpse of his soon-to-be-wife.
Mia was also wearing a Snow White inspired gown but unlike us, it was literally sparkling white. The dress showed her curves, the make-up and hair highlighted her features.
Everyone took their seats once the couple reached the altar. The minister cleared his throat signaling the start of the ceremony.
“Today, we gathered here together in the sight of God, and in the presence of these witnesses to join Carlsberg and Mia in the bonds of holy matrimony. If there is anyone here who knows a just cause why they should not lawfully be joined in marriage, I implore you to speak now or forever hold your peace.”
Seeing no hand in the air, the minister proceeded.
During the ceremony, everyone was passed an apple and told they couldn’t eat it, and the minister told Mia and Carlsberg’s story with musical accompaniment from the quartet. “If I take a bite from your red apples, will you be my girlfriend?” She said yes and took the bite. The minister recounted their love story. The wedding ceremony was held two years later. And the minister then allowed everyone to eat the red apple. Okay, I get it! The couple hoped that their guests would forever associate that food with their love. So romantic. I almost shivered.
As the ceremony went on, I felt the tears start pouring down my cheeks. I couldn’t believe that my brother was going to leave us and live permanently with his wife, Mia. The waterworks were turned on full force, making my face a replica of a puffer fish.
Toward the rear row of seats, I saw Ivo along with the secretaries. Agata waved her hand at me, and I forced a smile back at her.
Ivo knew how much I cursed this dress. He gave me a smile, and I returned it with a smirk.
After the ceremony, the wedding party headed to an amazing green amphitheater for the reception and some unforgettable photos.
The head table was exquisitely prepared with champagne wedding favors and touches of red, yellow, and blue decor, so effin’ Snow Whitey.
The wedding banquet began with a rich buffet of hors d’oeuvres and Prosecco wine, all beautifully presented. A multi-course meal followed and then the delicious desserts with creams, chocolate, fruits came. It was all a pleasure for the eyes and the palate.
The wedding reception went on, and everything was running smoothly. Everyone seemed happy, and that probably had something to do with the abundance of food and champagne.
“Nice party, huh?” said Ivo as he approached me. He was all dressed up like everyone was.
“Yeah, it’s great. You know Carl had to go all out for Mia. No one is too good for their daughter her parents said. Glad you all made it.”
Ivo’s smile brightened. “I couldn’t let this occasion pass without seeing you in that dress,” mocked Ivo.
I nudged him on his chest. “I told you to come here after the ceremony!”
He laughed at me. He wrapped his arms around my waist, resting them on the small of my back before setting his nose on my forehead. “Don’t worry, I will cum after this reception,” Ivo whispered.
I tilted my head up and bit my lips. “Perv,” I giggled.
The host handed the microphone to someone, and our make out session was suddenly interrupted.
“Carl and Mia have been my best friends for years, and I’m pleased to say that I told you so, lovebirds! I knew that you guys were meant for each other. Cheers for the newlyweds! Now let’s get on with the party!”
That’s all that was needed as the chatter broke out, filling the amphitheater with noise.
We walked over to where the secretaries were seated. “Brandy my dear. Oh, look at you! You look beautiful in that dress.” Genoveva pulled me into a hug.
I gave her the most genuine-looking smile I could muster.
“I’m glad you made it. Carl will be so pleased to meet you.”
“Ivo wouldn’t stop bugging us to get ready the moment we woke up,” revealed Elena.
“Oh you guys, shut up!” Ivo exclaimed, and his face went red.
“Brandy, you do realize that your dress looks a lot like Snow White?” Clotilde was quite an intelligent woman.
Ivo was giggling to himself. He looked away, biting his lip in an effort not to burst out in a fit of laughter.
I sighed, “It was the bride’s idea to go with a Snow White theme.”
“But you look prettier than ever,” flattered Clotilde. Yeah… sure.
“Oh really, thanks!”
“Hey, why don’t you sit down?” Ivo motioned me to sit on his lap.
I saw teasing smiles cross the secretaries’ faces. They were really enjoying the show. Well, since I was in the mood to play around I was gonna give them what they want.
As I was walking over toward Ivo, someone bump into my shoulder.
“Mi dispiace, non stavo guardando dove stavo andando,” a soft and familiar voice said.
“It’s okay.” A pair of stunningly hazel brown eyes stared back at me.
My eyes widened slightly as I saw who bumped into me. It’s been six long years since I’ve seen them.
“Brandy?”
I snapped out of it. I didn’t really know what I was going to say. “M-matt?”
“Yeah, it’s me!”
I wished the ground would open up and swallow me.
“Um…it’s nice to see you again!”
There was an obvious shock in Matt’s eyes. He just smiled and pulled me into a hug.
“What are you doing here?” I pulled away, stepping back a little.
“Mia is my sister, remember? Tsk, I was late. I didn’t see you walk down the aisle. You look nice in your dress by the way.”
Wait, what? His sister is my sister-in-law! That’s how life really sucks.
“Nah, don’t remind me of it.” We both chuckled.
“It’s so nice to see you again too.” His face became serious, and he looked at me straight in the eyes.
Matt was my ex-boyfriend. He was the last boyfriend I had since I stopped dating “wholesomely” back in college. He still looked like the same boy next door that I once loved. Rather than his good looks and charm, it was his kind, sensitive and caring personality that captivated me. Though after Dad died, I broke up with him. It wasn’t his fault, it was all me. I didn’t — and still don’t — want to be committed, not anymore, not again.
“Um… yeah… me too. Hey, I want you to meet my friends, the Secretaries of Juliet.”
“What a nice set of friends you have. Salve, mi chiamo Matteo, spero che vi piaccia la notte.” He greeted each lady with a small kiss on the hand.
“This is Ivo, the only thorn among the roses.” I gestured to Ivo.
“Piacere di conoscerti, Signor Ivo,” he greeted and held out his hand.
Ivo paused, turning to look at me before shaking his hand. What was that for?
“I’ll see you around Brandy.” He winked at me before turning his back on us.
“Hey, you can sit down. I’ll get another chair,” called Ivo and left the table. The secretaries’ were talking in Italian and I felt so out of place. I just smiled at them the entire time.
“Brandy, your friend is bel ragazzo,” praised Elena.
“What do you mean?”
“Ay cara mia, your friend over there is a very good-looking guy,” explained Clotilde.
“My brother is the better-looking guy for me still,” said Agata just as Ivo returned. “Right, brother?”
“Right what?”
“We were talking about how good looking Brandy’s friend is but our Agata here thought that you look better. Of course, we all agreed,” answered Genoveva as they continued chit-chatting in their own native language.
“Agata has a strong faith in you.”
“Well, no one will love me better than my only sister,” he affirmed and shrugged his shoulder. I noticed several empty champagne glasses in front of him. He was drinking a lot.
At night, the Villa took on a magical atmosphere with lanterns, torches, and candles lighting the entire garden. It was absolutely dreamy.
Mia was a professional dancer and the newlywed wowed their guests as they took the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife.
I sat around the secretaries’ table having a good laugh with them when a glass was put before me.
“For the woman in the pretty Snow White dress.”
I sat up, looking around the table. I was obviously the only one fitting the description so I turned and saw Matt standing behind me.
“Come and dance?” I smiled at Matt and let him lead me into the crowd, allowing my body to jump and jig into the music. The last time I danced like this, or at all, was with him.
With people trying to join the dance floor and friends hunting for each other through the thick crowd, the space between us became more and more compact. Then the music changed into a slow-paced song. I felt his body moving, pressing, and dancing with the music.
“Long time no see.” Finally, he found the words to say.
I knew I had a lot of making up to do. I left him, and I felt sorry for him, but that was all in the past. He looked even better now than he did before.
“Brandy? Are you okay?”
I mentally shoved away my thoughts of the past.
“Never been better.”
“How are you? Carl told me that you’re a columnist in Boston now.”
I rested my hand on his chest as he pulled me to him. The music had a slow beat like the kind of music that you make love to. Matt’s hips began to sway. His whole body moved in a slow, easy rhythm.
I caught Ivo looking at us, transfixed as he watched Matt move against me.
I looked back at Matt. “I suppose Carl told you more about me than being a columnist in Boston.”
“Well, I kind of interviewed him earlier. He said you live alone and just recently moved into your new apartment. You are single and not ready to mingle.”
“He is absolutely correct.” I moved my hands up to the back of his neck while glancing sideways at Ivo. “I’m in a very strange arrangement with that Italian guy over there. He gives me what I want. I give him what he wants.”
“He drives you insane, huh?”
“Most of the time. Even more than you did,” I murmured in his ear.
“That’s bad. We were both first timers during that time.” He stifled a laugh. “Would you like me to prove to you that I could be better? Maybe you’ll consider having an arrangement with me instead.”
“I don’t think she’ll consider that.” Ivo was already standing beside us. “May I have this dance?”
I bit my lip. I think I should be used to people appearing out of nowhere. Matt smiled at him. Ivo took me in his arms while Matt walked out of the dance floor.
“Pace yourself, you are all over the place, Juliet,” he whispered in my ear.
I turned and wrapped my arms around his neck. I leaned in closer, his hot breath inches from my mouth. I scoffed, “Don’t tell me what to do.”
“Who was that guy?”
“You know his name already. He’s Matt, my ex-boyfriend.” He didn’t respond for a while. “So?”
“So… what?” he asked.
“Why are you acting like some jealous boyfriend?”
He broke out into laughter. “I’m not jealous, but I’m selfish. I don’t want to share. If you’re with me in this arrangement, you’ll be with me for the rest of your stay,” he breathed. His hot breath left a tingling feeling on my skin.
“Why don’t you go find some other girl?”
“Some other girls tend to be clingy, unlike you. When it’s over, it’s over.”
I smiled and kissed his lips. “Then we have a deal.”
He looked relieved at my words and pulled me closer to him.
The spectacular evening ended with spectacular fireworks! It was a perfect ending to a beautiful day and a perfect start to a wonderful night with Ivo… again.
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