Marry Me at Christmas

Ginger and Jonny shared eye color. Madeline thought she saw similarities in their smiles, although their builds were completely different.

“Here are some flower choices. We’ll source locally. I’ve talked to the owner and she can pretty much get anything. Given the number of people and the space, I’m thinking a U-shaped setup for the tables, so low arrangements would work best. That way everyone can see everything. I was thinking white roses as the base. See the shades of green in these small flowers?”

Madeline showed her the pictures of several different styles of arrangements.

“These variations would be pretty together. We want unscented flowers, or as close to unscented as possible.” Madeline flipped to another design. “My friend Dellina is a professional party planner and she says nothing spoils an event faster than stinky flowers.”

“Nothing stinky,” Ginger agreed. “I think these are all pretty. I like roses.”

Madeline stood and picked up a few more samples she’d collected. “Okay. If we stick with white roses as the predominant flower, plus these little green ones mixed in, I was thinking we could use these to hold them.”

She set a rectangular barn-wood planter on her desk. “Plants for the Planet has about ten of these, which is more than we need. The rustic feel fits in great with the barn setting and I think will be a nice contrast for the formality of the roses. They also have dozens and dozens of little glass candle holders.”

Madeline showed her one. “We can wrap a pretty gold ribbon around them to make them festive and have them blend in with the color scheme. The candles that fit in here last between ten and fifteen hours. That means we can have them lit before everyone arrives. It will be really beautiful.”

Ginger sighed. “I love your ideas. The planters, the candles. They’re perfect.”

“Good.” Madeline made some notes. “Now about the cake.”

Ginger rolled her eyes. “I saw the one you suggested and the one my brother found. Seriously? This isn’t a White House wedding. What was he thinking?” She held up her hand. “Never mind. Don’t try to answer that. I like the smaller one you suggested. I love the idea of the white frosting with the green ribbon.”

“I’m glad. I’ve spoken with the cake person and she can put little gold leaves around the base, to tie in the colors.” She made more notes, then put down her pen. “Ready to try on dresses?”

“Yes, but I’m nervous, too.”

“That’s perfectly normal. Come on. I have a dressing room all set for you.” Madeline eyed her. “You’re a size six?”

“How did you know?”

“It’s my job. Samples are usually a ten. I have a few that are smaller. Based on our emails, I’ve put some aside for you to try on. I also have a couple I can order from other stores. Let’s try on a half dozen or so and narrow down the style.”

Ginger stood. Her brows drew together. “I don’t understand. I’m not getting my dress today?”

“I don’t know. You might. If not, we can do one more try-on session closer to the wedding. I’ve already reserved my best seamstress for the two days before Christmas. She can work miracles.” Madeline smiled at her. “Even though we’re getting this done quickly, you have to love your dress. It’s a rule.”

“If you insist.”

“I do.”

Madeline led the way toward the dressing room. “The gowns I’ve pulled are relatively simple. You’re petite and that means we have to be careful with proportions. You don’t want the dress to overwhelm you. You’re wearing it, not the other way around. You said you didn’t want a bunch of fussy details, so I avoided those.”

She opened the door and waved Ginger inside. “There are three dresses. Call me when you’re in the first one and I’ll come help with the buttons and zippers. Don’t worry about the fit. We’ll clip it so you can see what the dress will look like when it’s altered to fit you.”

An hour later they were in agreement that a modified A-line was the way to go. Ginger studied herself in the half circle of mirrors in the main part of the store.

“I like it,” she said, her tone doubtful.

Madeline stood behind her and adjusted a couple of the clips. The fit was okay, but the dress wasn’t the one, she thought.

“It’s too simple,” Madeline said. “There’s a difference between elegant and plain and we’ve crossed that line.”

Ginger nodded slowly. “You’re right. I want something.” She pointed at the neckline. “Lace or beading.”