Elly nodded enthusiastically. “I was actually thinking that, as well. Also, I could see some white garden roses here, maybe instead of the yellow tea roses, and I’d like to add some curly willow to the top – I think it would give it an enchanted, almost whimsical feeling.”
Sunny clapped her hands gaily. “Oh Elly, that sounds beautiful. This wedding will be the talk of the Clayton elite. All my friends are coming from Paris, and I’ve been telling them about the work you have been doing, they are so excited! And Lucia, she cannot wait to meet you. She’ll be in town in two weeks for our final consultation. What are your thoughts for the bridal bouquet?”
Elly placed several pictures down on the table. “I looked at these for inspiration, and came up with a concept: For the ceremony, I see a ring of lily of the valley tucked into the back of her updo, which will accent her bouquet. I imagine a cluster of white blown garden roses and ranunculus, peonies, rare cattalaya orchids, fringe parrot tulips in pale shades of pink and white, and sweet pea accents with small flowering cherry branches. For the reception, we’ll go with a timeless look: a gardenia in her hair, which will be side swept, and a hand-tied bouquet of cattalaya orchids in a gold tussie. For her departure, a pale pink peony strapped to a chocolate headband.”
“That is going to look SO freaking sweet!” chirped Snarky Teenager.
Elly shushed her with a look. “Sunny, what do you think of this?”
“Well, I would have to look over it with Lucia, but I think that she’ll love it. She’s very artsy, and that sounds right up her alley.”
“Where does your daughter live?” Elly asked. Sunny sipped her tea demurely.
“Where hasn’t my daughter lived? She is a world traveler, definitely a free spirit, bohemian girl. She has lived in New York, Europe, L.A, Berlin…I never thought she would settle in the South. We don’t talk as often as I’d like, but I keep up with her travels. I can’t believe she is finally marrying someone.”
Sunny frowned and Elly saw a flash of internal struggle on her green eyes. “Between you and me, I’m so relieved that my youngest, my wild-child has finally found a man to pin her in place. She has given her father and me a run for our money. My ex-husband and I don’t agree on much, but we both agree that she needs a firm hand and large amounts of discipline.” A hint of displeasure flitted across her elegant face. “Truth be told, her fiancé is very aesthetic as well. He doesn’t seem like a good provider. I hope that they’ll be able to take care of each other.”
Anthony brought out a tray of tea and set it on the table. Elly took a sip and winced as it burned her tongue. “Ouch. Hot. Well, I have done many weddings and I know that it will be beautiful, despite any fears you might have about awkward family dynamics.”
“Thank you my dear, that’s very reassuring. You’ve been wonderful to work with.”
Elly clamped the papers together. “Well, I have just a few more questions for you to wrap things up, and then we should be pretty set until I meet with you and Lucia. First, I need the ceremony and reception start times.”
“The ceremony will be in the hotel garden at four-thirty in the afternoon, and the cocktail hour starts at six, with the reception beginning promptly at seven.”
“Great.” Elly made notes on her paper. “Does anyone have any floral allergies?”
“No, I asked my daughter and she couldn’t think of any.”
“Wonderful. Your wedding coordinator?”
“Lizette Kobul.”
Elly clenched her jaw. She hated Lizette with her big beehive hair and fake accent and the way she always managed to sneak in a comment about Elly’s weight. She was demanding, unrealistic and irrepressibly snide. Lizette being in charge was going to make Elly’s job that day all the more difficult. However, she refused to convey these thoughts to Sunny, reminding herself that she must remain professional even though the thought of Lizette hovering over her made her want to scream.
“I’ve worked with Lizette many times. She has a great way of getting everything done.”
Sunny smiled as she patted her mouth with her napkin. “She’s a little scary and very neurotic, but I trust in her to execute.”
Elly cleared her throat. “Next question – in our email correspondence you had said that the monograms should read ASL, correct?”
“That’s correct, my darling.” Elly smiled at being called a darling – it reminded her of her mother. She loved when sweet older ladies doted on her. Who didn’t? She exhaled happily and thought of the warm chicken enchilada casserole waiting for her upstairs, along with a glass of moscato.
Time to wrap this up, she thought. Besides, Snarky Teenager was acting ridiculous. Eyes on the ceiling, twisting her hair around her finger, she was horrible at hiding her utter boredom. Elly was going to kill her. She stood.
“Thank you so much for coming in, Sunny. I have all my notes and will send you an updated contract tomorrow.”