K & J

Kat & Joel

are getting married (soon to be the Thompsons), with every detail handled by Dream Details Wedding Co., and one very late guest on the logistics committee.

A fictional wedding, from a novel in progress by Lucy Hartfield

Our story

We met in college. Joel was treasurer of the robotics team, and Kat was president of the student senate. Joel petitioned the senate for extra funding so the team could offer travel scholarships to members who couldn't otherwise afford to join. Kat was won over by the thoroughness of his funding proposal, and by the typo on the last slide that said "tank you for your time."

Six years and one dog named Tank later, we're saying "I do."

The wedding party

  • Kat

    The bride

    Head in the clouds, in the best way. Currently overwhelmed by cake options and loving every second.

  • Joel

    The groom

    Still thorough. Still occasionally typo-prone. Has never once been late to a tasting.

  • Sarah

    Maid of honor, Kat's best friend since forever

    Deadpan delivery, excellent taste in marble cake, will absolutely comment on your sleeves.

  • Nate

    Kat's big brother. Logistics and finances.

    Knows exactly how much a Friday wedding saves. Brings a tape measure to venue tours. Please copy him on all calendar invites. Do not ask about the coffee stain.

  • Gramma Sue

    Guest of honor

    Has her own dedicated usher after the ceremony. Nate made sure. (Lila made it work.)

  • Tank

    Dog of honor

    Named after a typo. Will be wearing a bow tie. May attempt to attend the cake tasting.

The details

  • WhenSix months from a very messy cake tasting
  • WhereA venue on the bluffs above a river valley, two hours from the city. Yes, there are bald eagles.
  • PlannerLila, Dream Details Wedding Co. "Your dream day, down to the last detail."
  • Cake & cateringHenry, Holloway Hearth Cafe. Award-winning. Staff only beyond the kitchen door.
  • Dress codeWhatever you like. Just watch for doors that open outward.

Registry

  • A working hand dryer for the cafe bathroomUrgently needed
  • One replacement tray of marbled cake with raspberry fillingPurchased (by Nate)
  • A bigger "Caution: Door Opens Outward" signLila's handling it
  • Treats for TankAlways accepting
  • A second copy of Lila's backup binderCurrently on loan to Nate
  • Nate's calendar, clearedDone, apparently

Questions

Does a Friday wedding actually save money?
Twelve to eighteen percent, typically. Venues discount off-peak days to fill dead inventory. Catering usually stays flat. (Nate answered this one before Lila could.)
Which cake did you pick?
The tasting included traditional, carrot, marbled with raspberry filling, and red velvet. Kat is still deciding. Please don't rush her.
Will the bald eagles be a problem during cocktail hour?
Nate asked. Lila had already asked. Cara, the venue coordinator, insists there have never been any incidents.
Where is Uncle Joe sitting?
Table six. Or seven. Nate and Lila are still discussing it.
Why so many florals along the aisle?
Nate measured. Lila won. Gramma Sue gets her own usher, so everybody wins.
Can we bring a plus-one?
Only with more than fifteen minutes' notice. Lila would like that on the record.
Is this a real wedding?
No. Kat, Joel, Lila, and Nate live in Lucy Hartfield's debut rom-com, which is being written right now. Your RSVP joins her newsletter, where the real wedding details (and the sneak peeks) show up first.

RSVP

Kindly reply to Letters from Hartfield to follow the wedding, meet the guests, and get sneak peeks from the book before anyone else.