Celeste listened without judgment.
“So no formal portrait of Julian with his parents and siblings unless you are included,” she summarized.
“Correct.”
“There may be casual photographs later.”
“That’s fine.”
“And individual parent-child photographs are allowed.”
“Absolutely.”
“I understand.”
Julian sat beside me during the call.
He confirmed it.
At the estate, Celeste moved quickly.
My parents with us.
My brother and his wife.
My extended family.
Julian remained in every major grouping.
Nobody questioned it.
Then came the Ashfords.
Eleanor stood at the center immediately.
Arthur, Julian’s father, beside her.
Caroline and her husband.
Julian’s younger sister, Madeline.
His brother, Thomas.
All of them with Julian and me.
Celeste adjusted our positions.
“Natalie and Julian in the center. Parents on either side. Siblings angle inward.”
Eleanor looked toward Celeste.
“Usually the parents stand centrally.”
“Today the couple does.”
Eleanor’s smile tightened.
“Of course.”
We took several photographs.
Then Julian posed with his mother.
His father.
His siblings individually.
I stepped out willingly.
I meant what I had said.
I did not need to occupy every image.
During the final extended-family grouping, the room became hot.
My throat felt dry, and I realized I had not drunk water since noon.
Rachel touched my arm.
“You’re pale.”
“I need a drink.”
“There’s water in the suite.”
“I’ll be right back.”
I looked at Julian.
He was speaking to his uncle.
“Tell Celeste I’m stepping inside.”
Rachel nodded.
“I’ll keep them here.”
I lifted my skirt and crossed the terrace toward the bridal suite.
It should have taken four minutes.
It took seven because Eleanor’s sister stopped me near the staircase.
“Natalie,” she said, kissing the air beside my cheek. “The ceremony was charming.”
“Thank you.”
“The Ashfords do weddings beautifully.”
“We all planned it.”
“Of course.”
She looked toward the family bracelet.
“I’m glad Eleanor convinced you to wear that. It helps connect you.”
I smiled.
“I need water.”
“Certainly.”
By the time I reached the suite, poured a glass, drank half, and returned, the family portraits had ended.
Celeste’s team was moving equipment toward the cocktail reception.
Julian stood near the fountain with his brother.
Rachel was nowhere nearby.
“Are we done?” I asked.
Julian turned.
“Yes.”
“That was fast.”
“Everyone was tired.”
Celeste approached.
“We have the essential groupings.”
“Did we miss anything?”
Her gaze moved briefly toward Julian.
Then back to me.
“No.”
She was a professional.
