Fourteen
Itturnedoutthatwedding planning could be difficult after all.
I phoned at least five prospective venues for the wedding reception, all of which were fully booked for several months, and some, more than a year, in advance.
It was the same story for churches. Plus the people answering the phones at those asked awkward questions, like, whether the bride and groom were religious, and if they went to church on a regular basis.
Who knew?
Thankfully, Sam did confirm that Elliot was not only available to do the wedding photos, he was more than happy to oblige, and even said he’d give his services for free as a wedding gift.
Noelle also confirmed her friend, the florist, was on board and that I could meet up with her once I had discussed with Adele what flowers she wanted, both for her wedding bouquet, and for the church or other venue, and possibly also for the tables at the reception.
I felt as though I had been on the phone for hours, so I was quite relieved when Lucy called and asked if I fancied lunch.
‘Ask me a sensible question,’ I said.
Lucy laughed. ‘Where do you want to eat?’
‘Ah. Ask me a question I can answer.’
‘Okay. English? Indian? Italian? Spanish? Chinese? Thai? Or fish and chips on the beach?’
‘Ooh. Fish and chips on the beach.’
‘See you outside the sailing club at noon?’
‘It’s a date. Wait. Does the sailing club have a function room?’
‘Yes it does.’
‘Do you know if they have had any wedding receptions there?’
‘No. But I could ask Sam. Or we could pop in today and ask them ourselves. I assume this is for Adele and Marcus’ reception.’
‘No. It’s for mine and Jasper’s. Of course it’s for Adele and Marcus’ reception. I haven’t had any luck finding anywhere else, so far. And if it’s possible to have exclusive use of the balcony, that would be great. Imagine what that could look like with flowers and wedding bunting and stuff like that. And imagine watching the sunset from there. In fact … Imagine them exchanging their vows on that balcony. At sunset. What do you think? We could have lunch, or an afternoon, or evening meal at a restaurant. And then get a carriage or something to bring Adele and Marcus along the promenade to here. We’d have cocktails and maybe some music and dancing, and then the wedding vows at sunset, followed by a disco or dance or whatever in the function room.’
‘I think that sounds fantastic. But I don’t think the sailing club is licensed for weddings. I suppose, if Adele and Marcus like the idea, they could have a simple ceremony at the registry office beforehand, and then exchange their vows in front of a celebrant at the sailing club.’
‘You’re a genius!’
‘Tell me something I don’t know.’
‘Do you know any celebrants?’
‘Do I know any celebrants? Erm. No. Wait. I’m at Fairlight Brides and Tilly is here and she’s trying to tell me something. Wow! Really? Hey, Erin. It seems I do know a celebrant.’
‘Don’t tell me. It’s Billy, the Dachshund, isn’t it? No doubt he’ll have his own bow tie. Does he also do an Elvis impersonation?’
‘Uh-huh. And he’s all shook up.’ Lucy laughed. Her Elvis impersonation was actually quite good. ‘It’s Willy Trotton. Tilly’s husband.’
‘Seriously?’
‘Uh-huh.’
‘Check he’s free on that date, and tell him he’s provisionally booked.’
‘Will do. See you later. Before Will arrives to pick her up, I need to get Tilly to tell me all about how Willy became a celebrant. They amaze me more each day.’
