“Okay,” I said, channeling every ounce of professional competence I had left. “If we’re doing this, we’re doing it right. This isn’t just a party. It’s a strategic offensive disguised as a celebration.”
Orion sat at the head of the table, already dressed in his suit despite the early hour. Leo sprawled in a chair to my right, coffee in hand and that creative spark in his eyes that meant he was already ten steps ahead. Ares leaned against the window, arms crossed, scanning my notes with tactical precision.
“Walk us through it,” Orion said.
I pulled out my master list. “I broke it down into twelve major categories. Event vision and messaging. Venuedesign. Décor. Entertainment. Technical production. Guest list. Catering. Fashion. Security. Press management. Legal considerations. And post-event follow-up.”
“Jesus,” Leo muttered. “When you said, ‘go large,’ you meant it.”
“We have less than twenty-four hours,” I reminded him. “Tomorrow night. The night before the Gaming Commission hearing. Maximum impact, remember?”
“Maximum chaos,” Ares corrected. “But strategically controlled chaos.”
“Exactly.” I pointed to the first section. “Event vision and messaging come first. We need to define the core narrative before anything else. This is about love, unity, transparency, celebration of chosen family. We’re not apologizing. We’re not being defensive. We’re celebrating something beautiful and unconventional.”
“And we need a theme,” Leo added, already pulling up images on his tablet. “Something that screams Vegas glamour but also romance and intimacy. I’m thinking either Modern Stardust, Desert Constellations, Luxe Midnight Mirage, or Neon Elysium.”
I looked at the mood boards he’d somehow already created. “How are you so prepared?”
“I have materials from the pre-planning phase of the floor shows.” He grinned. “And I give opinions about aesthetics. We have these in the hopper for future shows, but there’s no reason we can’t use one now.”
“Neon Elysium,” Orion said decisively. “It’s bold without being garish. Modern without losing the Vegas spirit.”
“Agreed,” I said, making a note. “Next—we need brand story materials. Press packets, social media teasers, and signage copy. Everything has to be cohesive, elegant, and impossible to mock.”
“We’ll have to do everything by email. No time for sending out invitations. I’ll send out the art to a trusted freelancer for the e-vites,” Leo said. “And I’ll send the artwork to another freelancer who can provide a quick turnaround for the e-press packet.”
“We’ll also need electronic signage art,” Tashi said.
“As soon as we decide on a theme,” Leo said, “we can have the e-press kit out to journalists I know who won’t make us look like circus freaks within a couple of hours.”
“We also need inclusive, elegant phrasing for the relationship announcement,” I continued. “No apologizing. No overexplaining. Just honest, beautiful language about four people who chose each other.”
“I’ll draft talking points for each of us,” Orion offered. “Make sure we’re all saying the same thing without sounding scripted.”
I moved to the next section. “Venue design and atmosphere. We reserve the entire ballroom, plus the balcony and private lounge for spillover. What about lighting and video displays? Programmable LED ceiling wash. Soft warm golds for intimacy. Accent lighting on ice sculpture. And during the announcement—a star field projection. Make it feel like we’re standing under the universe itself.”
“Poetic,” Leo approved. “I like it. Frank, our stage manager for the shows, can help with that.” He was already typing on his phone. “He says he’s got an hour in fifteen minutes.”
“Stage design for the formal announcement. Dance floor setup. Lounge areas with velvet sofas and conversation pits. VIP press area with soundproofing drapes so they can’t ambush guests for quotes.” I paused for emphasis. “And a secure adjoining suite for us to retreat to after the announcement—private, our own space.”
“Already done,” Ares said. “I reserved the Constellation Suite. Same floor as the ballroom. Private elevator access. I’ll have security sweep it before the event.”
I smiled at him. “Thank you.”
I moved on. “Décor and aesthetic—we don’t have time for floral arrangements.”
“Talk to Frank,” Leo said. “But we might just go with ice sculptures. We have a man on staff who’s a genius with them.”
“I like it. How about the main one with the theme Four Hearts?”
“How casino,” laughed Orion.
“With special lighting. They will be memorable,” I said. “I also want a ‘Love Without Limits’ sign.”
Leo said, “A video display. I’ll add to the art order.”
I suggested, “An infinity mirror walkway.”
