Piper couldn't help it: she preened under Diana's praise.
"The afternoon sun creates shadows that might be problematic," Tess said, slicing through the moment. "I'm thinking we add a light scrim on the west side or shift the ceremony by twenty minutes. Easy enough to solve."
"Perhaps we should discuss the pros and cons?" Piper suggested, attempting to steer the conversation. "The location offers incredible views and natural light for photography. The indoor ballroom connected to it gives us flexibility in case of weather issues. And I've talked to the hotel about bringing in your personal caterer. There are fees, of course, but nothing out of the ordinary."
"Food very important," Babushka nodded. "No skimpy American portions."
People said a lot about American portions, but calling them skimpy was not generally the issue.
"What about the cons?" Drake asked, his focus surprisingly sharp for someone who'd been eyeing Babushka's breadbasket since she arrived.
"Aside from the lighting issue, privacy could be a problem," Piper admitted. "The dance floor is visible from some of the higher floors of the neighboring buildings."
"I think we can make that work in our favor. We'll want to engineer at least one dance moment that invites teammates onto the floor," Tess suggested. "Those clips perform well on social channels. And having the neighbors help with the filming from their windows isn't a bad angle at all."
"Perhaps we should get a feel for the space," Zach suggested, moving away from the group toward the edge of the venue. "Everyone spread out and see how it flows."
A good suggestion. They all dispersed.
Drake led Anna toward the far corner, speaking quietly. Tess wandered off to take light measurements with an app on her phone. Babushka gravitated to the bar area with her basket.
Zach drifted toward Piper, casually sitting on the edge of a table. "So, on a scale of one to homicidal, how are you handling the committee approach to wedding planning?"
"I'm fine," Piper said automatically, then caught his knowing look. "Fine. Seven out of ten. But I'm managing."
"For what it's worth, you're doing great."
Something about the way he said that made her want to puff out her chest and grin. Instead, she glanced over to Anna, as she traced the pattern on a marble tabletop.
"It's a good sign when the bride can envision herself in the space," Piper said, tilting her head in that direction.
"Is that wedding planner wisdom or Piper intuition?" Zach asked.
"Both," she admitted. "I think this space is a good fit. Special without being intimidating."
"Like a good first date venue," Zach mused, looking out at the mountains. "Not too formal, great view, natural conversation starters."
"I wouldn't know," Piper said dryly. "My dating history mostly features chain restaurants and one memorable outing to a monster truck rally."
Zach's eyes widened. "Monster trucks? That doesn't seem very... you."
"It wasn't. He thought it would be 'quirky.'" She made finger quotes on the last word.
Zach's laugh was sincere. "Was it?"
Piper shook her head. "Nope."
Zach adopted an exaggerated seriousness as he puffed out his chest. "What are we looking for here exactly? Flower capacity? Champagne logistics? Optimal positions for the release of Babushka's definitely-not-happening pigeon-doves?"
Piper practically had to smother her smile. "Actually, I'm thinking about sight lines, sun angles at different times of day, and whether the electrical capacity can handle both a DJ and proper lighting so Tess can get the after-dark pictures she wants of the dance floor."
"Of course you are," Zach said, but there was no mocking in his tone, just a tender appreciation that made her stomach flutter.
"We have an audience," she murmured, looking toward Anna and Drake again.
Zach glanced over his shoulder. "Ah. The happy couple seems quite invested in our conversation."
"They probably think we're discussing wedding details."
