Sunday. And for Clemens Patten and Jennifer Young, that meant they were at 510 Shetter Ave. for the consultation prior to their actual wedding. It would be easily the biggest day of their lives so far, and that’s why they were determined to make sure that everything went right when the day came. This was actually their second consultation, the first had covered the basics of what would likely happen, and some advice on how to properly prepare for the day. Now having followed that advice, they could work to put the pieces into place.
“Mr Patten and Miss Young?” They were greeted at the reception by a middle-aged man. “John Wilkinson.” He identified himself as he extended a hand.
“That isss correct. Clemensss and Jennifer.” Clemens returned the greeting with a handshake.
“So if you’ll come this way, we can begin.” They followed him to a nearby room set aside for meetings.
“So, the obvious questions first. Have you decided on the Ceremony Site? And how many will attend?”
“We’ve decided on the Beaches Chapel for the Wedding Ceremony, and there will be fifty-four guests attending.”
“And you have the names with you?”
“Yesss. Here.” Clemens produced the complete list of those who would attend, who they were, and their relation to themselves.
“Very good, now the seating arrangement can be decided.” Mr Wilkinson took the copy and looked it over thoroughly. “Now with regards to the Day itself, there are still a lot of items that need to be resolved.”
“The band and DJ. Vendorsss. Photographer. Florissst. Food and Drink.” Clemens checked the list in his head.
“Amongst other things yes.” Mr Wilkinson conformed. “As well as the timetable, the theme, transportation, and a review of your budget.”
“A lot to go through then.” Jenny remarked quietly.
“Indeed. And that’s the purpose of these consultations, to make certain that everything is dealt with in advance so when the day arrives, every scenario has been accounted for and we can be sure that events will proceed smoothly which in turn will make this the best day of your lives.”
“Sssso we need to decccide on which item to tackle nexxxt now.” Clemens spoke. “The dining room?” He asked Jenny.
“It’s a good place to begin.” She agreed.
“Then follow me please.” Mr Wilkinson motioned for them to follow, taking them to the chosen dining area, technically outdoors but with a large roof over it and three walls, the open portion facing the beach.
“Now with fifty-four guests, the most effective way of seating them all is to have the outer rows numbering fourteen, with thirteen in the two centre rows.” He showed them the tables.
Forming a distinct ‘U’ shape, it would have Clemens and Jenny at the top with the guests seated along the rows. Jenny seemed to be taking her time looking at it, walking up and down the rows and seeing where everything else was in relation to it.
“As you remember, my father is in a wheelchair, so, I think here would be the best place for him to be seated.” Jenny decided, standing at a point in the left (from Bride and Groom perspective) that was close to the doors and had more surrounding space.
“That we can allow for.” He assured her, adding a note down to remind himself of the details.
“I think,” Clemens began. “Ssstarting from the firssst guessst here, then every third guessst, for where the flower ssstandsss can go…” He trailed off as he went down the line, imagining how they would look.
“And another small group for here, at the top. Like how it‘s shown on your website.” Jenny added. “That would work.”
“Yes. I know what you’re referring to.” Mr Wilkinson recalled the detail from the company site.
“Then I believe that’sss one detail jussst about determined.” Clemens concluded. “Ssstill a lot to be decccided, but, we’re getting there.” A check of the time told him that they were about halfway through this consultation/planning meeting.