From demanding bride to gratitude: A short story

Sarah had always dreamed of the perfect wedding, and now that her big day was just a few months away, she was determined to make it flawless. Every detail, from the flowers to the seating arrangements, had to be exactly as she imagined. She spent hours combing through bridal magazines, creating mood boards, and meeting with vendors. But with each passing day, her demands grew more specific—and more difficult to meet. Her wedding planner, Maria, had handled countless weddings, but none quite like this. Sarah insisted on custom-designed invitations with hand-pressed gold foil, a 12-layer cake with a different flavor for each layer, and a live orchestra that could play her favorite songs in three different languages. When the flowers for the centerpieces didn’t match the exact shade of blush pink she had in mind, Sarah had them all replaced—twice. “I want perfection,” Sarah would say, her eyes glinting with determination. “This is my special day, and it has to be exactly right.” But as the wedding day approached, Sarah's anxiety started to overshadow her excitement. She fretted over every last detail, worrying that something would go wrong. On the eve of the wedding, Maria found her pacing the hotel suite, looking exhausted. “What if the flowers wilt? Or the cake isn’t perfect? What if it rains?” Sarah’s voice trembled. Maria smiled gently. “Sarah, you’ve planned everything to perfection, but remember, it’s not about the details. It’s about celebrating your love with the people who care about you. That’s what will make it perfect.” Sarah paused, taking in Maria’s words. For the first time, she realized that maybe, just maybe, she didn’t need everything to be flawless. The next morning, as she walked down the aisle, she didn’t notice the flowers or the cake. All she saw was the love of her life waiting for her, and in that moment, everything truly was perfect.