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Vision in White (The Bride Quartet, Book 1) Paperback – Deckle Edge, April 28, 2009
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Wedding photographer Mackensie "Mac" Elliot is most at home behind the camera, but her focus is shattered moments before an important wedding rehearsal when she bumps into the bride-to-be's brother...an encounter that has them both seeing stars.
A stable, safe English teacher, Carter Maguire is definitely not Mac's type. But a casual fling might be just what she needs to take her mind off bridezillas. Of course, casual flings can turn into something more when you least expect it. And Mac will have to turn to her three best friends—and business partners—to see her way to her own happy ending.
Don't miss the other books in the Bride Quartet
Bed of Roses
Savor the Moment
Happy Ever After
- Print length343 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherBerkley
- Publication dateApril 28, 2009
- Dimensions5.48 x 0.86 x 8.22 inches
- ISBN-100425227510
- ISBN-13978-0425227510
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover comes a novel that explores life after tragedy and the enduring spirit of love. | Learn more
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“Timeless and classic.”—All About Romance
“Thoroughly charming…a compelling celebration of the power of friendship and love.”—Booklist
“Funny sparks fly…[Roberts’s] gentle humor and likable cast will immediately endear this series to readers.”—Publishers Weekly
About the Author
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
By the time she was eight, Mackensie Elliot had beenmarried fourteen times. She’d married each of her three bestfriends—as both bride and groom—her best friend’s brother(under his protest), two dogs, three cats, and a rabbit.She’d served at countless other weddings as maid of honor,bridesmaid, groomsman, best man, and officiant.Though the dissolutions were invariably amicable, none ofthe marriages lasted beyond an afternoon. The transitory aspectof marriage came as no surprise to Mac, as her own parentsboasted two each—so far.
Wedding Day wasn’t her favorite game, but she kind of likedbeing the priest or the reverend or the justice of the peace. Or,after attending her father’s second wife’s nephew’s bar mitzvah,the rabbi.
Plus, she enjoyed the cupcakes or fancy cookies and fizzylemonade always served at the reception.
It was Parker’s favorite game, and Wedding Day always took place on the Brown Estate, with its expansive gardens, prettygroves, and silvery pond. In the cold Connecticut winters, theceremony might take place in front of one of the roaring firesinside the big house.
They had simple weddings and elaborate affairs. Royal weddings,star- crossed elopements, circus themes, and pirate ships.All ideas were seriously considered and voted upon, and notheme or costume too outrageous.
Still, with fourteen marriages under her belt, Mac grew a bitweary of Wedding Day.
Until she experienced her seminal moment.
For her eighth birthday Mackensie’s charming and mostlyabsent father sent her a Nikon camera. She’d never expressedany interest in photography, and initially pushed it away withthe other odd gifts he’d given or sent since the divorce. ButMac’s mother told her mother, and Grandma muttered and complainedabout “feckless, useless Geoffrey Elliot” and the inappropriategift of an adult camera for a young girl who’d be betteroff with a Barbie doll.
As she habitually disagreed with her grandmother on principle,Mac’s interest in the camera piqued. To annoy Grandma—who was visiting for the summer instead of being in herretirement community in Scottsdale, where Mac strongly believedshe belonged—Mac hauled the Nikon around with her.She toyed with it, experimented. She took pictures of her room,of her feet, of her friends. Shots that were blurry and dark, orfuzzy and washed out. With her lack of success, and her mother’simpending divorce from her stepfather, Mac’s interest in theNikon began to wane. Even years later she couldn’t say whatprompted her to bring it along to Parker’s that pretty summerafternoon for Wedding Day.
Every detail of the traditional garden wedding had beenplanned. Emmaline as the bride and Laurel as groom would exchangetheir vows beneath the rose arbor. Emma would wear the lace veil and train Parker’s mother had made out of an oldtablecloth, while Harold, Parker’s aging and affable goldenretriever walked her down the garden path to give her away.A selection of Barbies, Kens, and Cabbage Patch Kids, alongwith a variety of stuffed animals lined the path as guests.
“It’s a very private ceremony,” Parker relayed as she fussedwith Emma’s veil. “With a small patio reception to follow.Now, where’s the best man?”
Laurel, her knee recently skinned, shoved through a trio ofhydrangeas. “He ran away, and went up a tree after a squirrel.I can’t get him to come down.”
Parker rolled her eyes. “I’ll get him. You’re not supposed tosee the bride before the wedding. It’s bad luck. Mac, you need tofix Emma’s veil and get her bouquet. Laurel and I’ll get Mr. Fish out of the tree.”“I’d rather go swimming,” Mac said as she gave Emma’s veilan absent tug.
“We can go after I get married.”
“I guess. Aren’t you tired of getting married?”
“Oh, I don’t mind. And it smells so good out here. Everything’sso pretty.”
Mac gave Emma the clutch of dandelions and wild violetsthey were allowed to pick. “You look pretty.”
It was invariably true. Emma’s dark, shiny hair tumbled underthe white lace. Her eyes sparkled a deep, deep brown as shesniff ed the weed bouquet. She was tanned, sort of all golden,Mac thought, and scowled at her own milk white skin.
The curse of a redhead, her mother said, as she got her carrotyhair from her father. At eight, Mac was tall for her age andskinny as a stick, with teeth already trapped in hated braces.She thought that, beside her, Emmaline looked like a gypsyprincess.
Parker and Laurel came back, giggling with the feline bestman clutched in Parker’s arms. “Everybody has to take theirplaces.” Parker poured the cat into Laurel’s arms. Mac, you needto get dressed! Emma—”
“I don’t want to be maid of honor.” Mac looked at the poofyCinderella dress draped over a garden bench. “That thing’sscratchy, and it’s hot. Why can’t Mr. Fish be maid of honor, andI’ll be best man?”
“Because it’s already planned. Everybody’s nervous before awedding.” Parker flipped back her long brown pigtails, thenpicked up the dress to inspect it for tears or stains. Satisfied, shepushed it at Mac. “It’s okay. It’s going to be a beautiful ceremony,with true love and happy ever after.”
“My mother says happy ever after’s a bunch of bull.”
There was a moment of silence after Mac’s statement. Theunspoken word divorce seemed to hang in the air.“I don’t think it has to be.” Her eyes full of sympathy, Parkerreached out, ran her hand along Mac’s bare arm.
“I don’t want to wear the dress. I don’t want to be a bridesmaid.I—”
“Okay. That’s okay. We can have a pretend maid of honor.Maybe you could take pictures.”
Mac looked down at the camera she’d forgotten hung aroundher neck. “They never come out right.”
“Maybe they will this time. It’ll be fun. You can be the official wedding photographer.”
“Take one of me and Mr. Fish,” Laurel insisted, and pushedher face and the cat’s together. “Take one, Mac!”
With little enthusiasm, Mac lifted the camera, pressed theshutter.
“We should’ve thought of this before! You can take formalportraits of the bride and groom, and more pictures during theceremony.” Busy with the new idea, Parker hung the Cinderellacostume on the hydrangea bush. “It’ll be good, it’ll be fun. Youneed to go down the path with the bride and Harold. Try totake some good ones. I’ll wait, then start the music. Let’s go!”
There would be cupcakes and lemonade, Mac reminded herself.And swimming later, and fun. It didn’t matter if the pictureswere stupid, didn’t matter that her grandmother was rightand she was too young for the camera.
It didn’t matter that her mother was getting divorced again,or that her stepfather, who’d been okay, had already moved out.It didn’t matter that happy ever after was bull, because it wasall pretend anyway.
She tried to take pictures of Emma and the obliging Harold,imagined getting the film back and seeing the blurry figures andsmudges of her thumb, like always.
When the music started she felt bad that she hadn’t put onthe scratchy dress and given Emma a maid of honor, just becauseher mother and grandmother had put her in a bad mood. So shecircled around to stand to the side and tried harder to take anice picture of Harold walking Emma down the garden path.It looked different through the lens, she thought, the way shecould focus on Emma’s face—the way the veil lay over her hair.And the way the sun shined through the lace was pretty.
She took more pictures as Parker began the “Dearly Beloved”as the Reverend Whistledown, as Emma and Laurel took handsand Harold curled up to sleep and snore at their feet.
She noticed how bright Laurel’s hair was, how the sun caughtthe edges of it beneath the tall black hat she wore as groom.How Mr. Fish’s whiskers twitched as he yawned.
When it happened, it happened as much inside Mac as out.Her three friends were grouped under the lush white curve ofthe arbor, a triangle of pretty young girls. Some instinct had Macshifting her position, just slightly, tilting the camera just a bit.She didn’t know it as composition, only that it looked nicerthrough the lens.
And the blue butterfly fluttered across her range of vision toland on the head of a butter yellow dandelion in Emma’s bouquet.The surprise and plea sure struck the three faces in thattriangle under the white roses almost as one.
Mac pressed the shutter.
She knew, knew, the photograph wouldn’t be blurry and darkor fuzzy and washed out. Her thumb wouldn’t be blocking thelens. She knew exactly what the picture would look like, knewher grandmother had been wrong after all.
Maybe happy ever after was bull, but she knew she wantedto take more pictures of moments that were happy. Because thenthey were ever after.
CHAPTER ONEOn January first, Mac rolled over to smack her alarmclock, and ended up facedown on the floor of her studio.
“Shit. Happy New Year.”
She lay, groggy and baffled, until she remembered she’dnever made it upstairs into bed—and the alarm was from hercomputer, set to wake her at noon.
She pushed herself up to stagger to the kitchen and the coffeemaker.Why did people want to get married on New Year’s Eve?Why would they make a formal ritual out of a holiday designedfor marathon drinking and probably inappropriate sex? Andthey just had to drag family and friends into it, not to mentionwedding photographers.
Of course, when the reception had finally ended at two a.m.,she could’ve gone to bed like a sane person instead of uploadingthe shots, reviewing them—spending nearly three more hourson the Hines- Myers wedding photos.
But, boy, she’d gotten some good ones. A few great ones.Or they were all crap and she’d judged them in a euphoricblur.
No, they were good shots.
She added three spoons of sugar to the black coffee anddrank it while standing at the window, looking out at the snowblanketing the gardens and lawns of the Brown Estate.
They’d done a good job on the wedding, she thought. Andmaybe Bob Hines and Vicky Myers would take a clue from thatand do a good job on the marriage.
Either way, the memories of the day wouldn’t fade. The moments,big and small, were captured. She’d refine them, finessethem, print them. Bob and Vicky could revisit the day throughthose images next week or sixty years from next week.
That, she thought, was as potent as sweet, black coffee on acold winter day.
Opening a cupboard, she pulled out a box of Pop- Tarts and,eating one where she stood, went over her schedule for the day.Clay- McFearson (Rod and Alison) wedding at six. Whichmeant the bride and her party would arrive by three, groom andhis by four. That gave her until two for the pre- event summitmeeting at the main house.
Time enough to shower, dress, go over her notes, check andrecheck her equipment. Her last check of the day’s weathercalled for sunny skies, high of thirty- two. She should be able toget some nice preparation shots using natural light and maybetalk Alison—if she was game—into a bridal portrait on the balconywith the snow in the background.
Mother of the bride, Mac remembered—Dorothy (call meDottie)—was on the pushy and demanding side, but she’d bedealt with. If Mac couldn’t handle her personally, God knewParker would. Parker could and did handle anyone and anything.Parker’s drive and determination had turned Vows into one ofthe top wedding and event planning companies in the state in afi ve- year period. It had turned the tragedy of her parents’ deathsinto hope, and the gorgeous Victorian home and the stunninggrounds of the Brown Estate into a thriving and unique business.And, Mac thought as she swallowed the last of the Pop- Tart,she herself was one of the reasons.
She moved through the studio toward the stairs to her upstairsbed and bath, stopped at one of her favorite photos. Theglowing, ecstatic bride with her face lifted, her arms stretched,palms up, caught in a shower of pink rose petals.Cover of Today’s Bride, Mac thought. Because I’m just thatgood.
In her thick socks, flannel pants, and sweatshirt she climbedthe stairs to transform herself from tired, pj- clad, Pop- Tart addictinto sophisticated wedding photojournalist.
She ignored her unmade bed—why make it when you werejust going to mess it up again?—and the bedroom clutter. Thehot shower worked with the sugar and caffeine to clear out anyremaining cobwebs so she could put her mind seriously to today’sjob.
She had a bride who was interested in trying the creative, apassive- aggressive MOB who thought she knew best, a groomso dazzling in love he’d do anything to make his bride happy.And both her B and G were seriously photogenic.
The last fact made the job both plea sure and challenge. Justhow could she give her clients a photo journey of their day thatwas spectacular, and uniquely theirs?
Bride’s colors, she thought, flipping through her mental fi lesas she washed her short, shaggy crop of red hair. Silver and gold.Elegant, glamorous.
She’d had a look at the flowers and the cake—both gettingtheir finishing touches today—the favors and linens, attendants’wardrobes, headdresses. She had a copy of the playlist from theband with the first dance, mother- son, father- daughter danceshighlighted.
So, she thought, for the next several hours, her world wouldrevolve around Rod and Alison.
She chose her suit, her jewelry, her makeup with nearly thesame care as she chose her equipment. Loaded, she went out tomake the short trek from the pool house that held her studio andlittle apartment to the main house.
The snow sparkled, crushed diamonds over ermine, and theair was cold and clean as mountain ice. She definitely had to getsome outside shots, daylight and evening. Winter wedding,white wedding, snow on the ground, ice glistening on the trees,just dripping from the denuded willows over the pond. Andthere the fanciful old Victorian with its myriad rooflines, thearched and porthole windows, rising and spreading, soft blueagainst the hard shell of sky. Its terraces and generous porticoheralded the season with their festoons of lights and greenery.
She studied it as she often did as she walked the shoveledpaths. She loved the lines of it, the angles of it, with its subtletouches of pale yellow, creamy white picked out in that soft, subtleblue.
It had been as much home to her as her own growing up.Often more so, she admitted, as her own had run on her mother’scapricious whims. Parker’s parents had been warm, welcoming,loving and—Mac thought now—steady. They’d given her acalm port in the storm of her own childhood.
She’d grieved as much as her friend at their loss nearly sevenyears before.
Now the Brown Estate was her home. Her business. Her life.And a good one on every level. What could be better than doingsomething you loved, and doing it with the best friendsyou’d ever had?
She went in through the mudroom to hang up her outdoorgear, then circled around to peek into Laurel’s domain.Her friend and partner stood on a step stool, meticulouslyadding silver calla lilies to the five tiers of a wedding cake. Eachflower bloomed at the base of a gold acanthus leaf to glimmering,elegant effect.
“That’s a winner, McBane.”
Laurel’s hand was steady as a surgeon’s as she added the nextlily. Her sunny hair was twisted at the back of her head into amessy knot that somehow suited the angular triangle of her face.As she worked, her eyes, bright as bluebells, held narrowed concentration.“I’m so glad she went for the lily centerpiece instead of thebride and groom topper. It makes this design. Wait until we getto the ballroom and add it.”
Mac pulled out a camera. “It’s a good shot for the website.Okay?”
“Sure. Get any sleep?”
“Didn’t hit until about five, but I stayed down till noon.You?”
“Down by two thirty. Up at seven to finish the groom’scake, the desserts—and this. I’m so damn glad we have twoweeks before the next wedding.” She glanced over. “Don’t tellParker I said that.”
“She’s up, I assume.”
“She’s been in here twice. She’s probably been everywheretwice. I think I heard Emma come in. They may be up in theoffice by now.”
“I’m heading up. Are you coming?”
“Ten minutes. I’ll be on time.”
“On time is late in Parker’s world.” Mac grinned. “I’ll try todistract her.”
“Just tell her some things can’t be rushed. And that the MOB’sgoing to get so many compliments on this cake she’ll stay off ourbacks.”
“That one could work.”
Mac started out, winding through to check the entrancefoyer and the massive drawing room where the ceremony itselfwould take place. Emmaline and her elves had already been atwork, she noted, undressing from the last wedding, redressingfor the new. Every bride had her own vision, and this onewanted lots of gold and silver ribbon and swag as opposed to thelavender and cream voile of New Year’s Eve.
The fire was set in the drawing room and would be lit beforethe guests began to arrive. White- draped chairs sparklingwith silver bows formed row after row. Emma had alreadydressed the mantel with gold candles in silver holders, and thebride’s favorite white calla lilies massed in tall, thin glassvases.
Mac circled the room, considered angles, lighting, composition—and made more notes as she walked out and took thestairs to the third floor.
As she expected, she found Parker in the conference room oftheir office, surrounded by her laptop, BlackBerry, folders, cellphone, and headset. Her dense brown hair hung in a longtail—sleek and simple. It worked with the suit—a quiet dovegray—that would blend in and complement the bride’s colors.Parker missed no tricks.
She didn’t look up but circled a finger in the air as she continuedto work on the laptop. Knowing the signal, Mac crossedto the coffee counter and filled mugs for both of them. She sat,laid down her own file, opened her own notebook.
Parker sat back, smiled, and picked up her mug. “It’s going tobe a good one.”
“No doubt.”
“Roads are clear, weather’s good. The bride’s up, had breakfastand a massage. The groom’s had a workout and a swim.
Caterers are on schedule. All attendants are accounted for.” Shechecked her watch. “Where are Emma and Laurel?”
“Laurel’s putting the finishing touches on the cake, which isstupendous. I haven’t seen Emma, but she’s started dressing theevent areas. Pretty. I want some outdoor shots. Before and after.” “Don’t keep the bride outside for too long before. We don’twant her red- nosed and sniffling.”
“You may have to keep the MOB off my back.”
“Already noted.”
Emma rushed in, a Diet Coke in one hand, a file in the other.
“Tink’s hungover and a no- show, so I’m one short. Let’s keepthis brief, okay?” She dropped down at the table. Her curlingblack hair bounced over the shoulders of her sweatshirt. “TheBride’s Suite and the Drawing Room are dressed. Foyer andstairway, nearly finished. The bouquets, corsages, and boutonniereschecked. We’ve started on the Grand Hall and the Ballroom.I need to get back to that.”
“Flower girl?”
“White rose pomander, silver and gold ribbon. I have herhalo—roses and baby’s breath—ready for the hairdresser. It’s adorable.Mac, I need some pictures of the arrangements if you can fitit in. If not, I’ll get them.”
“I’ll take care of it.”
“Thanks. The MOB—”
“I’m on it,” Parker said.
“I need to—” Emma broke off as Laurel walked in.
“I’m not late,” Laurel announced.
“Tink’s a no- show,” Parker told her. “Emma’s short.”
“I can fill in. I’ll need to set the centerpiece of the cake andarrange the desserts, but I’ve got time now.”
“Let’s go over the timetable.”
“Wait.” Emma lifted her can of Diet Coke. “Toast first.Happy New Year to us, to four amazing, stupendous, and veryhot women. Best pals ever.”
“Also smart and kick- ass.” Laurel raised her bottle of water.
“To pals and partners.”
“To us. Friendship and brains in four parts,” Mac added,“and the sheer coolness of the whole we’ve made with Vows.”
“And to 2009.” Parker lifted her coffee mug. “The amazing,stupendous, hot, smart, kick- ass best pals are going to have theirbest year ever.”
“Damn right.” Mac clinked her mug to the rest. “To WeddingDay, then, now, and always.”
“Then, now, and always,” Parker repeated. “And now. Timetable?”
“I’m on the bride,” Mac began, “from her arrival, switch togroom at his. Candids during dressing event, posed as applies.Formal portraits in and out. I’ll get the shots of the cake, the arrangementsnow, do my setup. All family and wedding partyshots separate prior to the ceremony. Post- ceremony I shouldonly need forty- five minutes for the family shots, full weddingparty, and the bride and groom.”
“Floral dressing in bride and groom suites complete by three.Floral dressing in foyer, Parlor, staircase, Grand Hall, and Ballroomby five.” Parker glanced at Emma.
“We’ll be done.”
“Videographer arrives at five thirty. Guest arrivals from fivethirty to six. Wedding musicians—string quartet—to begin atfive forty. The band will be set up in the Ballroom by six thirty.
MOG, attended by son, escorted at five fifty, MOB, escorted byson- in- law, directly after. Groom and groomsmen in place atsix.” Parker read off the schedule. “FOB, bride, and party inplace at six. Descent and pro cession. Ceremony duration twentythreeminutes, recession, family moments. Guests escorted toGrand Hall at six twenty- five.”
“Bar opens,” Laurel said, “music, passed food.”
“Six twenty- five to seven ten, photographs. Announcementof family, wedding party, and the new Mr. and Mrs. seven fifteen.”
“Dinner, toasts,” Emma continued. “We’ve got it, Parks.”
“I want to make sure we move to the Ballroom and have thefirst dance by eight fifteen,” Parker continued. “The bride especially wants her grandmother there for the first dance, and afterthe father- daughter, mother- son dance, for her father and hismother to dance. She’s ninety, and may fade early. If we can havethe cake cutting at nine thirty, the grandmother should makethat, too.”
“She’s a sweetheart,” Mac put in. “I got some nice shots ofher and Alison at the rehearsal. I’ve got it in my notes to get someof them today. Personally, I think she’ll stay for the whole deal.”“I hope she does. Cake and desserts served while dancingcontinues. Bouquet toss at ten fifteen.”
“Tossing bouquet is set,” Emma added.
“Garter toss, dancing continues. Last dance at ten fifty, bubbleblowing, bride and groom depart. Event end, eleven.” Parkerchecked her watch again. “Let’s get it done. Emma and Laurelneed to change. Everyone remember their headsets.”
Parker’s phone vibrated, and she glanced at the readout.“MOB. Again. Fourth call this morning.”
“Have fun with that,” Mac said and escaped.
She scouted room by room, staying out of the way of Emmaand her crew as they swarmed over the house with flowers, ribbons,voile. She took shots of Laurel’s cake, Emma’s arrangements,framed others in her head.
It was a routine she never allowed to become routine. Sheknew once it became rote, she’d miss shots, opportunities, bogdown on fresh angles and ideas. And whenever she felt herselfdulling, she thought of a blue butterfly landing on a dandelion.The air smelled of roses and lilies and rang with voices andfootfalls. Light streamed through the tall windows in lovelybeams and shafts, and glittered on the gold and silver ribbons.
“Headset, Mac!” Parker rushed down the main staircase.
“The bride’s arriving.”
As Parker hurried down to meet the bride, Mac jogged up.
She swung out on the front terrace, ignoring the cold as thewhite limo sailed down the drive. As it eased to a stop she shiftedher angle, set, and waited.
Maid of honor, mother of the bride. “Move, move, just alittle,” she muttered. Alison stepped out. The bride wore jeans,Uggs, a battered suede jacket and a bright red scarf. Mac zoomedin, changed stops. “Hey! Alison!”
The bride looked up. Surprise turned to amused delight, andto Mac’s plea sure, Alison threw up both arms, tossed back herhead, and laughed.
And there, Mac thought as she caught the moment, was thebeginning of the journey.
Within ten minutes, the Bride’s Suite—once Parker’s ownbedroom—bustled with people and confusion. Two hairdressersplied their tools and talents, curling, straightening, styling, whileothers wielded paints and pots.
Utterly female, Mac thought as she moved through the roomunobtrusively, the scents, the motions, the sounds. The brideremained the focus—no nerves on this one, Mac determined.Alison was confident, beaming, and currently chattering like amagpie.
The MOB, however, was a different story.
“But you have such beautiful hair! Don’t you think youshould leave it down? At least some of it. Maybe—”
“An updo suits the headdress better. Relax, Mom.”
“It’s too warm in here. I think it’s too warm in here. AndMandy should take a quick nap. She’s going to act up, I justknow it.”
“She’ll be fine.” Alison glanced toward the flower girl.
“I really think—”
“Ladies!” Parker wheeled in a cart of champagne, with apretty fruit and cheese tray. “The men are on their way. Alison,your hair’s gorgeous. Absolutely regal.” She poured a flute, offeredit to the bride.
“I really don’t think she should drink before the ceremony.She barely ate today, and—”
“Oh, Mrs. McFearson, I’m so glad you’re dressed and ready.You look fabulous. If I could just steal you for a few minutes? I’dlove for you to take a look at the Drawing Room before theceremony. We want to make sure it’s perfect, don’t we? I’ll haveher back in no time.” Parker pushed champagne into the MOB’shand, and steered her out of the room.
Alison said, “Whew!” and laughed.
For the next hour, Mac split herself between the bride’s andgroom’s suites. Between perfume and tulle, cuff links and cummerbunds.She eased back into the bride’s domain, circled aroundthe attendants as they dressed and helped one another dress. Andfound Alison alone, standing in front of her wedding dress.It was all there, Mac thought as she quietly framed the shot.
The wonder, the joy—with just that tiny tug of sorrow. Shesnapped the image as Alison reached out to brush her fingersover the sparkle of the bodice.
Decisive moment, Mac knew, when everything the womanfelt reflected on her face.
Then it passed, and Alison glanced over.
“I didn’t expect to feel this way. I’m so happy. I’m so in lovewith Rod, so ready to marry him. But there’s this little clutchright here.” She rubbed her fingers just above her heart. “It’s notnerves.”
“Sadness. Just a touch. One phase of your life ends today.
You’re allowed to be sad to say good- bye. I know what you need.Wait here.”
A moment later, Mac led Alison’s grandmother over. Andonce again stepped back.
Youth and age, she thought. Beginnings and endings, connectionsand constancy. And, love.
She snapped the embrace, but that wasn’t it. She snapped theglitter of tears, and still, no. Then Alison lowered her foreheadto her grandmother’s, and even as her lips curved, a single tearslid down her cheek while the dress glowed and glittered behindthem.
Perfect. The blue butterfly.
She took candids of the ritual while the bride dressed, thenthe formal portraits with exquisite natural light. As she’d expected,Alison was game to brave the cold on the terrace.
And Mac ignored Parker’s voice through her headset as sherushed to the Groom’s Suite to repeat the process with Rod.
She passed Parker in the hallway as she strode back to thebride. “I need the groom and party downstairs, Mac. We’re runningtwo minutes behind.”
“Oh my God!” Mac said in mock horror and ducked into theBride’s Suite.
“Guests are seated,” Parker announced in her ear momentslater. “Groom and groomsmen taking position. Emma, gatherthe bridal party.”
“On it.”
Mac slipped out to take her stand at the bottom of the stairsas Emma organized the bridesmaids.
“Party ready. Cue the music.”
“Cuing music,” Parker said, “start the procession.”
The flower girl would clearly be fine without the nap, Macdecided as the child nearly danced her way down the staircase.
She paused like a vet at Laurel’s signal, then continued at a dignified pace in her fairy dress across the foyer, into the enormousparlor, and down the aisle formed by the chairs.
The attendants followed, shimmering silver, and at last, themaid of honor in gold.
Mac crouched to aim up as the bride and her father stood atthe top of the stairs, holding hands. As the bride’s music swelled,he lifted his daughter’s hand to his lips, then to his cheek.
Even as she took the shot, Mac’s eyes stung.
Where was her own father? she wondered. Jamaica? Switzerland?Cairo?
She pushed the thought and the ache that came with it aside,and did her job.
Using Emma’s candlelight, she captured joy and tears. Thememories. And stayed invisible and separate.
Product details
- Publisher : Berkley; roughcut edition (April 28, 2009)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 343 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0425227510
- ISBN-13 : 978-0425227510
- Item Weight : 11.2 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.48 x 0.86 x 8.22 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #271,135 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #5,055 in Women's Domestic Life Fiction
- #6,543 in Contemporary Women Fiction
- #34,096 in Contemporary Romance (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
Nora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Shelter in Place, Year One, Come Sundown, and many more. She is also the author of the bestselling In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than five hundred million copies of her books in print.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers enjoyed the book and found it easy to read. They enjoyed the romance, describing it as compelling and predictable. Readers enjoyed the characters and how they interacted with each other. The storyline was believable and simple, with interesting friendships. Overall, customers found the book lovely and cute.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find the story engaging and hooked them within 10 pages. The characters are well-developed and believable. Readers describe the book as a delightful start to the series that leaves them happy.
"I thoroughly enjoyed this series of books. The characters are likeable and more fully developed over the course of the series...." Read more
"...Very happy the series has 4 books - looking forward to reading about each friend’s journey!" Read more
"...Quick guide: Storyline - Easy to follow Characters - Fairly well developed, but look forward to more development in future titles in the..." Read more
"Delicious delightful story . Fear , hope, love intertwining in humans as we do. Wrapped around me like a warmed blanket. Ahhh." Read more
Customers enjoy the book. They find it lighthearted, heartwarming, and a page-turner. It's fun to watch the relationship blossom between Mackensie and Carter. Readers describe it as satisfying and a good escape from today's hectic life. The book has drama, humor, excitement, and love, making it worth the journey.
"...Predictable romance stories? Absolutely. Satisfying - yes indeed." Read more
"This series has shown me to trust my friends. Really enjoy reading and sharing." Read more
"...They have a very satisfying HEA. I enjoyed this so much I immediately read the three remaining books." Read more
"...Overall this was a light-hearted, enjoyable and heartwarming read. I didn’t expect anything less from a Nora Roberts book...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's romance. They find it compelling, with love, quarrels, making up, and sex. The romance is described as typical, fun, and easy to read. Readers appreciate the emotional connection and wedding horror stories.
"...The writing in this book seems to be typical for romance novels. The storyline is fairly easy to follow...." Read more
"...Her characters are not always nice, but I like them that way. It makes them real. Everyone has a bad day and acts cranky now and then...." Read more
"...Predictable romance stories? Absolutely. Satisfying - yes indeed." Read more
"...Ms. Roberts has made an extremely appealing, sweet, and yes, awkward hero, a high school English teacher who has a passion for his students, is a..." Read more
Customers find the storyline believable and engaging. They appreciate the simple yet sweet premise and the author's skill in creating interesting friendships. The sex scenes are described as necessary to the plot and well-thought-out. Overall, readers enjoy the twisting plot and the dynamic between the characters.
"...The storyline is fairly easy to follow...." Read more
"...of my favorite things about Nora Robert's writing is her skill in creating interesting, believable friendships with the characters...." Read more
"...The premise is simple but sweet: Four childhood friends - Parker Brown, Mackensie Elliot, Emmaline Grant, and Laurel McBane - have grown up to run a..." Read more
"...was not to "attend" the wedding so the ending was kind of a letdown when the book just ended after all the buildup but I do plan to read the..." Read more
Customers enjoy the characters and how they relate to each other. They appreciate the author's psychological insights and sarcastic humor. The main characters' family conflicts are well-written, and the setting is wonderful to imagine. The hero is appealing, sweet, and awkward. They work well together and each woman has a distinct personality. The book is described as an excellent example of Nora Roberts' skill in developing characters and plot.
"I thoroughly enjoyed this series of books. The characters are likeable and more fully developed over the course of the series...." Read more
"...They work well together and each woman has a distinct personality...." Read more
"...'s writing is her skill in creating interesting, believable friendships with the characters...." Read more
"...Ms. Roberts has made an extremely appealing, sweet, and yes, awkward hero, a high school English teacher who has a passion for his students, is a..." Read more
Customers find the book charming and cute. They appreciate the writing style and beautiful pictures. The main character is described as a geeky, kind man who is awkward in a cute way.
"...Romance/Sex scenes - Only a couple of these, but nothing overly graphic Audience - High school and up" Read more
"...Ms. Roberts has made an extremely appealing, sweet, and yes, awkward hero, a high school English teacher who has a passion for his students, is a..." Read more
"...is the one he should be getting advice from but they make an adorable couple. They have a very satisfying HEA...." Read more
"...He's definitely adorable, and admirable...." Read more
Customers enjoy the friendships and romance in the book. They appreciate the closeness of the girls from childhood to young women. The men are also friends and blend well together, with a sense of loyalty to one another.
"...I loved the relationship between all four friends involved in Vows. They bickered with each other and disagreed...." Read more
"This series has shown me to trust my friends. Really enjoy reading and sharing." Read more
"...They are two entirely different in many ways but the attraction is mutual...." Read more
"Delicious delightful story . Fear , hope, love intertwining in humans as we do. Wrapped around me like a warmed blanket. Ahhh." Read more
Customers enjoy the book series about brides. They find the start of the series engaging and believable. The plot is touching, and the weddings are well-planned. Readers appreciate the helpful wedding planning information and the introduction to the four women characters in this romantic saga.
"...I enjoyed the setting of the Wedding business." Read more
"Great introduction to the women in this fairytale type romantic saga. Predictable romance stories? Absolutely. Satisfying - yes indeed." Read more
"This is the beginning of a wonderful series about four women who have been friends since they were five years old nd and playing Wedding in the..." Read more
"...The weddings that go on are touching, but I learned way more than I wanted to know about wedding planners...." Read more
Reviews with images
Vision in White
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2024I thoroughly enjoyed this series of books. The characters are likeable and more fully developed over the course of the series. I enjoyed the setting of the Wedding business.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2024Ms Roberts’ talent shines through. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Very happy the series has 4 books - looking forward to reading about each friend’s journey!
- Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2014I will begin by saying this is the first Nora Roberts book I have ever read. I picked up this book on a recommendation from a friend. I had been looking for a new "something" to read, and just couldn't find it, so I thought I would give this series a go. I am glad I did.
The premise is four childhood friends who start out life "playing wedding" and eventually grow up to run their own wedding business. Each handles a different aspect of the business and together they are the "go-to" wedding planners in their area. Parker is the organizational brains, Laurel does cakes and desserts, Emma does all the flower arranging and garden planning, and Mackensie is the photographer. Each book in this series highlights a different one of the partners and the development of their own HEA. Vision in White is the first book and features Mackensie in the lead role.
I enjoyed the book, and am currently working my way through the rest of the series, but as I was reading this book, I felt like I was constantly waiting for something to happen. Usually in romance novels, there is some sort of tragic or catastrophic conflict between the couple before they finally resolve their issues and move on to their HEA. It took me a good while to realize that the "conflict", as presented in this book, was the only one that was going to happen. It is almost impossible to write a review of a romance novel without "spoilers" (as everyone knows everything will work out in the end), but in this book, the major conflict is not between our couple, but between Mac and her "piece-of-work" mother. Without giving too much away, much of the book is focused on the evolution of Mac , rather than the relationship between Mac and Carter. Mac's relationship with her mother is dysfunctional and the fallout from that relationship affects all of Mac's other personal relationships, including those with her closest friends. Everyone knows someone who is or has been in an unhealthy relationship, so it was easy to identify with Mac, but all the other characters in the book are so supportive of her that this one specific aspect does not seem to be the great stumbling block that the romance novel formula generally includes, hence my feeling of waiting for something to happen.
The writing in this book seems to be typical for romance novels. The storyline is fairly easy to follow. As I am already reading the next book, there are several larger story-arc elements that I have found carried over, so I look forward to seeing the larger picture. On that note, however, it was very easy to predict the love interest of the next business partner in the next book. I look forward to completing this series.
Quick guide:
Storyline - Easy to follow
Characters - Fairly well developed, but look forward to more development in future titles in the series
Romance/Sex scenes - Only a couple of these, but nothing overly graphic
Audience - High school and up
- Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2024Nora Roberts does it again. This book tells the story of four best friends open a wedding venue called Vows. These 4 women have been friend since grade school and are currently in their late twenties. They work well together and each woman has a distinct personality. The storyline focuses on the photographer of the group and her first serious relationship with a very special teacher. I don’t want to say any more and spoil the story. I look forward to reading the next book in this series of four stories!
- Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2024This was typical Nora Roberts characters but as always in a situation you can NOT put down!
I usually go for Historical Romance because the language is "softer" but for Nora, I will make exceptions.
These two main characters both help each other to overcome some mental damage left by 1. Her mother/family in childhood) and him (by former lover).
I love the wedding business they are in and look forward (IF the publisher doesn't hike the price too high) to reading the other friend's stories!
- Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2010I am big fan of Nora Robert's writing style. Even when I don't love her books I still enjoy them. It was more a case of enjoyment rather than love with this book.
One of my favorite things about Nora Robert's writing is her skill in creating interesting, believable friendships with the characters. I tend to stay away from contemporary books because I always feel like I'm reading about the Twilight Zone. No one seems to cuss, people seem to be naive to the point of stupid or just way too Pollyanna. Who are these people and what world are they living in??? I don't need to relate, but I have to be able to believe. I never find that problem with Nora Roberts. Her characters are not always nice, but I like them that way. It makes them real. Everyone has a bad day and acts cranky now and then.
I loved the relationship between all four friends involved in Vows. They bickered with each other and disagreed. Mac had some moments where she knew she acted horribly and had to apologize to her friends. Truthfully though, that's how real friends are. The interactions between Carter and his friends were just as hilarious though. I loved when Mac found the list that Carter's friend had made for him. It was adorable. I love reading little moments like that.
Now... on to what didn't work for me. Well, the relationship between Carter and Mac was pretty flat for me. I don't feel like I got a good enough picture of why/when they fell in love. I totally got that they liked each other, but I never really felt it cross over to love. That kind of thing is so subjective for the reader though.
Mac grated on my nerves a lot. I thought she needed to grow up and get a reality check. It was really hard for me to read her caving into her mom and feeling like crap about it. It drove me insane. That's not to say that I didn't find it authentic though. I have a friend just like Mac. Watching her act like that drives me insane too.
I felt like the ending was really abrupt. All of a sudden Mac has an epiphany and boom it's over. It just felt wrong.
One thing that I did like though... Obviously I know who the female leads of the next books will be. However, I like how the male leads weren't thrown in your face. I had my suspicions about who would pair with who (which I confirmed when I read the next book) but it wasn't blatant sequel baiting.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2024OK I admit it I had a rough week And now I am relaxing for this long weekend And I've now read all 3 books truthfully not in order But I get it I get it I get it in love how they play in weddings how they have parents that upset them It's all part of life
- Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2024Great introduction to the women in this fairytale type romantic saga. Predictable romance stories? Absolutely. Satisfying - yes indeed.
Top reviews from other countries
- Kindle Customer.Reviewed in India on January 17, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Subtle romance.....Fell in love with the quadrets
.......must read. Reading the next book ,.....Hoping for the same as this book.
The books are very engaging can't sleep till you finish.......
- Helennnlouise18Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 25, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars Never fails!
Vision in White is the first book in the Bride Quartet by Nora Roberts that follows four friends – Mac, Laurel, Emmaline and Parker – finding romance while they work at their own wedding planning business “Vows”.
This first story focuses on Mackensie Elliot, the photographer, and how she has to overcome her rough childhood which has left her afraid of commitment when Carter Maguire enters the scene. Back in High School, Carter was a nerd with a huge crush on Mac but was never brave enough to tell her but now several years later he finally gets a chance to kiss, date and fall in love with his high school crush for real. Mac, however, doesn't know if she's prepared for the battle of emotions that he stirs inside of her.
Nora Roberts can always sell her characters to you. The friendship between the four girls is lifelike, down-to-earth and downright believable as is the fear that Mac feels when she senses Carter means more to her than she could ever imagine. With writing that grips you from the beginning, Roberts has created another book – and series – that is going to leave you with that giddy feeling and believing in romance.
- Kindle CustomerReviewed in Australia on August 3, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Romantic and chic
A beautiful story on how to overcome life's past history and learning to realise your life can change. Friendships and support are an integral part of the lives of these 4 women.
-
AUReviewed in Japan on July 25, 2017
3.0 out of 5 stars 表紙買い
表紙がかわいすぎて購入しました。話はまあ普通かなと思います。
- Susan ButterworthReviewed in Canada on February 11, 2013
5.0 out of 5 stars Friendship
I absolutely loved this book!! I didn't want it to end...the four girls sounded like such good friends and they were, from the days of imagination, into adulthood sharing their gifts in a business together and I was wishing that I was part of their group.