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‘Since the new year, so not even a year. As soon as I met him, I knew that I loved him, but then we became friends, the best of friends, family really, and telling him how I felt just seemed too much of a risk. I didn’t want to lose his friendship.’ Elsie shrugged. ‘It turned out that he felt the same way and now suddenly the day I’ve been dreaming of for so long is imminent and I don’t have a clue where to start.’
Placing her mug on the coffee table, Evie picked up a notebook and pen. ‘I don’t have a clue about weddings. I’m a divorce solicitor so marriage breakups are more my speciality...’ She laughed. ‘... but maybe we can muddle through a few things if you like?’
‘I’d like that. Thank you.’ Elsie smiled.
‘Shall we write a list of everything that you’ve already planned?’ She watched as Elsie’s face fell. ‘There might be more already planned than you think.’
‘Yes, you’re right.’ Elsie shifted in the chair, steadying the pile of magazines on her lap before they fell. ‘We have the church booked.’
‘That’s great. That’s a massive thing to tick off.’ Evie scribbledchurchdown and ticked it.
‘And the reception venue. We’ve decided to have it here, at the bakery. It’s such a big part of my life, both our lives, and full of such happy memories that we both feel it’s the right thing to do.’
‘That’s a lovely idea.’ Evie smiled. She might not believe in marriage, but if there were two people she felt could make things work, it was Elsie and Ian. From the few encounters she’d seen of them together, she’d assumed they’d been together forever and learning that they’d been friends for years, well, they might just stand a chance. ‘That’s two key decisions made then.’
Elsie grinned. ‘Yes, you’re right. Wendy and Molly always say it takes their couples ages to decide on venues.’
‘Did you want to write a list of what’s left to plan? A list always makes things feel more manageable.’
‘Yes, you’re right. A list would be good.’ Elsie tapped the top magazine. ‘There’s my wedding dress and the bridesmaids’ dresses, but I have a little inkling that Diane might be up to something on that front.’ Elsie looked across at Evie. ‘I’m right, aren’t I?’
‘Well...’ Evie grinned.
‘Enough said. So, they’ll be ticked off soon enough then, at least. Ian is going to choose his suit tomorrow and will organise the best men’s outfits, ushers and the page boys too.’
‘How about transport to and from the church?’ Evie tapped the end of the pen against her chin.
‘Ian’s taking care of that. He wants it to be a surprise for me.’
‘That’s lovely.’
‘Then I guess there are flowers and table centres to decide.’
‘Photographer?’
‘Yes, I think that’s sorted. The photographer Molly and Wendy usually use for the wedding planning has just moved, but I’m sure they’ve got someone new lined up, so I’m going to have a word with him and see if he’s available.’
‘That’s good then. I’m not sure what else there is that needs organising.’ Evie frowned. The list wasn’t very long. There must be other things. Weddings took people months, even years, to organise.
‘I’m not sure. When Daisy and Ollie got married, there seemed to be a lot more to organise.’
‘Daisy and Ollie?’
‘Yes, Daisy volunteered here last year, and Ian raised Ollie and his sister for years. They run the restaurant on the seafront. You might not have seen it yet?’
‘No, I don’t think I have.’
‘Shall we have a look through these and see if anything jumps out at us? They might give us an idea as to what we’re forgetting?’ Elsie passed across a magazine.
‘Thanks. Well, this is something I never thought I’d be doing when I came down here.’ Evie smiled as she opened the magazine and smoothed the page down. She could understand how people got so caught up in planning their weddings, everything was so beautiful.
Elsie chuckled. ‘Perhaps I should have put a warning on the advert.’
Evie laughed. Would she have come if Elsie’s advert had mentioned the upcoming nuptials? Probably not. She normally managed to swerve weddings. Last year, she’d even managed to escape Jennifer’s wedding straight after the vows. Now that she was here though, and she was getting to know Elsie, she was happy for her and happy to help. ‘There’re all your accessories, like the veil, shoes and everything. Oh, and your hair and make-up will need to be booked.’
‘Oh dear, I’ve never been one to be pampered.’ Elsiee dismissed the idea with a wave of her hand. ‘I’m sure one of the girls will be able to help me out, Diane maybe. Or else they’ll know of someone we can ask.’
‘Food?’
