Chapter 35
Arrival of parties for the wedding
Cheryl arrived three weeks before the wedding. She was met by Jason and Raquel at the airport. After brief greetings they went to the Hertz rent a car booth. Waiting for her was a new sleek light brown Hyundai Accent sedan. Jason smiled. His plan was coming together. After they had signed the documents, Cheryl got in. Jason packed her luggage in the boot.
“Will you travel with me Raquel?” Raquel seemed hesitant but Cheryl coaxed her to get in and join her for the ride. Jason meanwhile led the way to the Gordian Terrace Condo. Raquel showed her the Gordian from a distance. When they were closer Cheryl smiled.
“Jason has nice tastes. Where did he find this? I like it and the setting. Better than a hotel. Much better. I guess you two must be having fun.”
“Ahh! I am glad you like it. From the moment I saw it, I liked it too. And access to the beach and pool are easy. It is private and friendly too. The facilities are good and the staff is great and courteous.”
Once they got there Jason got out and came over to assist Cheryl with her luggage. When she had checked in they escorted her to her apartment.
“Ohhhh! This is gorgeous. And I like the view from the balcony. The kitchenette is just fine. It is air-conditioned which makes it good to combat the heat. And I am sure the cable TV looks just great on this huge flat screen.”
“Well make yourself at home,” said Jason.
“I guess I will catch up with you tomorrow for our briefing?”
“Yes,” said Jason. “Have a good evening and we will meet up again tomorrow.”
“Ok my dears.”
“I am going shopping at the supermarket in a little while. Is it far? “
“No not at all. Just about five minutes drive. Be careful. I will.”
Cheryl took a moment to call Andre. “How are you? The place is fabulous. We’ll chat later.”
Next to arrive was Allison. She had preferred a suite in the Little Bay Aquatica Rosewood Resort. Jason obliged her willingly. The next day when she saw where Jason, Cheryl and Raquel were she had a change of heart. The only option would be to room with Cheryl. A willing Cheryl obliged since she was glad for the company. And to besides Cheryl had a vehicle so they could get around. Allison would move out and join Cheryl at the Gordian condo.
Next day Cheryl and Allison would meet with the wedding coordinator Shervonne at Little Bay Aquatica Rosewood Resort. Allison went through all of the details for the wedding ceremony. Shervonne took them out to the wedding reception area. It was well manicured with a good view of the seaside below.
Allison and Cheryl asked for a tent just in case it rained. They also inquired about the sound system. Shervonne had all of that arranged. They informed Shervonne that there would be a full wedding rehearsal on June 20th.
“That will be fine,” she said.
“Good. Also Rev. Pemberton and the photographer would be visiting on the 19th.”
“Ok,” said Shervonne. I will be on hand to ensure that all which is needed is there.” Once all the necessary arrangements were verified they left for the Food Cluster.
At the Food Cluster, the setting was excellent. Huge tables, air-conditioned, well lit and the buffet was strategic. They met with Carolyn. Carolyn confirmed the booking and that the deposit had already been paid. Allison and Cheryl went over a few details with Carolyn. The cake specialist would be in three days before the wedding. The DJ would also be along next week Tuesday to have his site visit.
Jason and Raquel’s family were the first of the Bridal party to arrive. After meeting and exchanging greetings they boarded two fifteen seater buses which took them to their accommodation. Jason followed immediately after them. They were all staying at the Little Bay Aquatica Rosewood Resort Resort. One rule Jason had learnt from a good friend of his, was never reside very close to your in-laws. Now was as good a time as ever to enforce that.
Once they had been checked in and escorted to their rooms, Jason and Raquel promptly left. Their counselling sessions were going very well. They had acquired the marriage license, and having made a copy they gave the original to the marriage officer.
Cheryl and Allison informed Jason and Raquel of the travel arrangements for the bridal party. They would be arriving next Tuesday in the afternoon. Their transport had already been arranged.
Taking a moment out of their busy schedule Cheryl and Allison invited Raquel over for an afternoon snack. Then they coaxed her to come and go for a drive. She readily agreed. They drove for two hours before reaching back at the Gordian. Raquel really enjoyed her time with them as it lightened her up.
“I really like this car exclaimed Cheryl. It handles so smoothly.”
“Maybe we should exchange it for a Suzuki Grand Vitara.”
“Oh no,” exclaimed Raquel. “This is just fine. I wish I had one myself. It is just beautiful. I always believe that a car is classy and stylish. An SUV is a work horse and not definitive of the driver, especially if it’s a woman.”
“Okay,” said Cheryl.
They had dinner and watched the news in between.
Raquel excused herself and went in search of her fiancé.