Writing work made from a photo, as part of Atelier 62. Nathalie also made this work from the same photo, it was published under the title « The purple rose bouquet » (https://nathjy.travel.blog/2020/07/23/the-purple-rose-bouquet/). You can also consult the work done by our writing partner Annabelle under the title « Pink bouquet » (https://nathjy.travel.blog/2020/07/23/pink-bouquet/). These works are dedicated to Daphne, who makes us want to write a little more at each of our meetings.

In the Cadillac that drove her from the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul to the Boston Harbour Hotel, Shirley finally had a moment to take a breath. The imposing limousine, loaded with Britney’s six bridesmaids, was moving quietly through the traffic. Shirley now had twenty minutes to come to her senses and take stock of the first part of this great day on the first Saturday of May 2019.

What a day! Get up at 6 o’clock, then on the double to be ready at 9 o’clock sharp. Breakfast, first of all, enough to last until the wedding feast, but not too much to avoid any untimely rise due to this already hot month of May, as well as the inevitable emotions caused by such an event. Then a good shower, followed by a hairdressing session with Anna, the neighbour hairdresser who had agreed to tame her rebellious red hair, then make-up – thanks again to Anna – then put on the dress delivered the day before by the Dartmouth Street haute couture boutique, because Britney had spared no expense. Finally, shoes, final adjustments, small coat, pocket. The Cadillac horn sounds in the street, it’s 9 o’clock sharp, and Tony, the driver, is already waiting in the street, at the wheel of the huge Cadillac in charge of picking up the bridesmaids to take them to the cathedral, where the ceremony is scheduled for 11 o’clock sharp… Oh dear, » thought Shirley, as she closed the door of her apartment, the bride’s bouquet! As Britney’s best friend, and therefore first bridesmaid, it is her responsibility to bring the bouquet, this magnificent bouquet composed with so much care by Britney, and which has caused her at least ten nights of insomnia… as well as a serious hole in her savings, the rest of the wedding being a gift from her parents. So don’t forget this real work of art delivered this very morning to her apartment by Leiby’s Garden workshop.

Quick trip to Sue, then Rosy, then Jane, then Nicole and finally Michelle… fortunately they all live in or near Bay Village. At 10:30 a.m., Tony drops the six friends off at the Cathedral. A moving ceremony, Reverend Patrick knows how to turn his performances into real shows full of emotion, without, of course, shocking the small Boston WASP herd he is in charge of. For the sermon, it’s something else, and even Helen, Britney’s pious mother, couldn’t help but yawn several times. Finally, the most important moment of any wedding ceremony came: the exit and the pose in front of the big door of the church building. The red rose petals sprang up everywhere – it was the task of the other five bridesmaids – Britney and Stanley, united by the bonds of marriage, were then able to shine with a thousand smiles, Britney religiously holding her magnificent bouquet… so many emotions!

Now, comfortably seated in the leather Cadillac seat, Shirley is slowly coming to her senses and starting a little inventory. I’ve got my clutch, I haven’t lost any earrings, my coat is there, we are all six in the car and « SHIT! « Britney had given it back to me just after the last photo… so that I could put it back in its protective wrapping… so that I could give it back to her at the time of the traditional throw planned during the meal… but what could I have done with this bouquet?

Par Jean-Yves

Translated with http://www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)