does that mean you're pretty close to closing the deal?

Holla, back for my daily FM fix.

Depends on how thorough they are. It could be a last check before signing, to confirm their decision, or it could be a deciding factor. I'd say that's it's 80+% the first of the two.

It usually means you are the one. They are just being thorough or they just need a little reinforcement. Sometimes they are just looking for reasons to book you. They know they want it they just need a few others to give them permission to spend the money

it's not official (no retainer fee yet) but she's emailed saying she wants to me to shoot her wedding.

Like others said, usually it means that they want to lay down the cash but have just a little anxiety about spending so much on a service. Just that little reinforcement helps. I've had about 2 brides as for references, which I gave them willingly. Bride never called any of them, but called me the next day to book. It's the thought that counts I guess.

My first time posting here, but this just happened to me a few days ago. I had a bride-to-be say my work was beautiful, and if I had references.