Caroline recently graduated from Auburn and is getting married in January. She wants to hire a reputable florist to provide flowers for the wedding party and to decorate the church and the reception venue. She met with a florist, who was recommended by a friend, to discuss her preferences and the cost. The florist tries to sell Caroline on using unique flowers, even though they are more expensive, because this is a special occasion and she wants everything to be beautiful and memorable. Caroline is trying to stick to a tight budget, so she needs the florist to provide nice arrangements at a lower price. She also asks if the florist could cut the cost of his services a bit. The florist insists that he is worth the price he charges because he has been in the business for a long time and has provided arrangements for dozens of famous people (which isn't true). Caroline decides to contract with this florist and to cut her budget for food, so that she can pay more for the flowers.

Explain the process by which Caroline and the florist will enter into a valid and binding agreement with regard to flowers for the wedding. Be sure to discuss each of the essential elements of a contract and indicate whether either party has a defense to enforcement of the contract.