The weekend rolled round again, and Beth glanced at me across the breakfast table. "Can we spend some time on planning the wedding today?"
"Oh wow, Beth," Sarah breathed, "this is going to be amazing."
She leaned to whisper in Beth's ear, and Beth nodded, glancing at me. "Definitely."
"I promised to give you some venue suggestions, didn't I," remembered Sarah, reaching for her phone. "See, there's this place - it's a farm, but the barn they've converted is fabulous, and you can have animals as part of the day if you want."
"I'd thought about owls or something, actually," Beth ventured. "That bird of prey place was great."
She turned her engagement ring on her finger. "Some people have the owl bring their rings, don't they."
"We could go and take a look," I suggested.
An hour or so later we were in the car, Sarah giving directions. "Look, there's the sign."
We turned in, parking under a tree, and made our way to the reception area. "Hi, can I help you?" the girl behind the desk greeted us.
"My fiancΓ©e and I -" I indicated Beth "- are planning our wedding for next summer, Sarah suggested we might like to look here."
"Of course," she smiled, getting up and coming round to us. "I'm Philippa, I'd love to give you a tour."
Our first stop was the barn, already decorated in ivy and other greenery. "That gives me an idea," Beth mused. "Is it OK if I take pictures?"
"Sure. We have a wedding tomorrow, actually, lovely couple. A bit alternative, but I think it's going to be great fun."
Next Philippa took us to the dining area, conservatory-style with a view out across fields. "If you take a seat, I'll go and get you example menus."
She grinned. "You can try some cakes, too, RenΓ© has a real touch with the baking."
We chose a table, and after a few moments Philippa returned, setting down a tray. "Go ahead."
Beth picked up a square of chocolate cake. "Mm - oh, my goodness - that is to die for."
Sarah tried the sponge, biting her square in half and handing me the remainder. "This is good too."
Philippa glanced between me and Sarah, obviously a little puzzled at our familiarity, but seemed to shrug to herself. "Some couples have a cake with different tiers, chocolate then fruit or sponge."
"Mm, good idea," managed Beth round a piece of fruit cake, and I grinned at her, rolling my eyes.
She swallowed her mouthful and looked from me to Sarah and back. "This place seems perfect."
She glanced at Philippa. "Can we see what dates you might have? Next June, if something's available."