A Summer Wedding
|
THE sunshine had come out to ensure the wedding of footballer Benji and his wife-to-be Sabine had the perfect backdrop.
For the month before the excitement had been growing amongst the players and supporters of St Cernin de l'Herm, a village in the south west of France, as the day came ever closer.
We had already been out for a meal and made the bride and groom walk around the restaurant whilst eating a banana ? with no hands.
A large poster of the team picture had been printed and everyone had signed it and written a good luck message.
So by Saturday afternoon the junction of the small crossroads in Frayssinet-le-Gélet was busy with people waiting for Benji and Sabine to walk by.
In France many wedding ceremonies will take place in the village Mairie and then move on to the local church for a blessing.
And we were lucky that the two buildings were close by so that a short procession through the village could take place.
As we waited friends spread out cuttings from roses and other bushes across the pavement on the route the bride and groom would take to the church.
This is meant to bring the couple good luck and fortune and in other areas of France neighbours will lay down sheaves of corn.
Then the moment arrived as the couple stood at the top of the steps outside the Mairie and slowly made their way to the church, escorted by their parents.
Traffic came to a standstill as the procession of guests followed behind and walked the 150 meters to the church.
In the afternoon sunshine people slowly made their way into the church filling up the pews and taking up positions in the aisle for the chance to take a picture.
Once everyone was inside, and we must have numbered 200 or more, the bride and groom slowly made their way through the church.
Camera flashes lit up the dark entranceway as the couple made their way along the aisle; the organist played a tune that softly filled the church.
The priest opened the blessing with a short passage from the bible and then Sabine walked up to the microphone to deliver a short speech.
She thanked the many people that had turned up to see the bride and groom and that it had been an incredible day.
Then the priest delivered a short prayer and a musical interlude with saxophone and accordion was played.
The ceremony of the passing of the rings was undertaken with the assistance of the son of Sabine and Benji.
He carried the rings up to the alter of the church in a small, padded heart shaped bag and passed them to the priest.
The couple spoke a few words and placed the rings on each other's fingers as the cameras again flashed a whirred.
Everyone then began to make their way out of the church waiting for the bride and groom to stand outside the church for some more photographs.
But the players of St Cernin had one more trick up their shirts as we donned our kit and picked up a football each.
We made a guard of honour outside the church and held a ball high over the guests as they made their way out into the village square.
But it was Benji and Sabine who everyone was waiting for.
People passed around rice and confetti waiting for them to leave the church and run under the footballs, as they did the place exploded.
The church bell tolled and rice cascaded down on our heads covering the players and the newly married couple from head to toe.
Then it was time for more photographs, car horns sounding and the children throwing rice and confetti at each other.
As the day drifted into late afternoon it was time for a small aperitif and a few nibbles in the grounds of the Mairie.
Watching the sun slowly slide behind the church tower as the celebrations moved on into the night.
For more articles by Craig McGinty on living in France including tips on buying a home, the legal process and more, visit his website and live life the French way. http://www.thisfrenchlife.com
|
|
|
Divorce Rate Plummets As More Americans Shack Up Instead Of Getting Married
More Americans are taking "til death do us part" seriously. According to the recently released Rutgers University National Marriage Project the number of divorces is declining. But the lower divorce rate is largely because couples are postponing, choosing not to, or are legally unable to get married. Like Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham, and Elton John and David Furnish, these 11 million unmarried couples are in committed relationships and sharing financial obligations, but aren't entitled to the 1,140 federal laws that apply to married couples."Although unmarried couples don't receive federal protection li...(related: Marriage Wedding)
Wedding Planning: Prioritize To Stay Within Your Wedding Budget
So you're planning your wedding and a thousand decisions must be made! It can be an exciting, but tiring experience to pull off the wedding of your dreams, especially within your budget.The best way to evaluate how and where to allocate your wedding budget is to determine exactly what your priorities are. What do you deem important for your Big Day? What specific areas or elements of the wedding ceremony and reception d...(related: Marriage Wedding)
Creative Wedding Cards
You invitation is a reflection on the type of wedding its going to be weather it be formal, informal or themed this will be transparent in the invitation. The invitation is the only essential stationary required everything else is optional.Save the dateThis card is sent several months in advance to guests that have a long distance to travel, it is simple courtesy to let them know your plan...(related: Marriage Wedding)
Inside Secrets On How To Stay In Love
My husband Bill and I have just had our 37th-wedding anniversary and our love is deeper today than when we got married. Whether you are in a relationship or looking for a ...(related: Marriage Wedding)
Marriage Counseling Tips: 7 Ways To Handle Conflict In Marriage
How do you handle arguments that lead to heated exchanges with your spouse? Do you value being right over preserving the quality of your relationship? And how long do you stay angry after you've had a fight?How you answer these questions offers a clue into how secure your marriage is. Unfortunately, too many married couples let unbridled confrontations tear the fabric of their relationship.Every couple has misunderstandings, miscommunication, and disagreements. It's human nature to see things from your own viewpoint. And it's easy to forget that your spouse's viewpoint is just as valid as yours.Here are some tips when prepari...(related: Marriage Wedding)
Keeping A Marriage Romantic
My belief is that most relationship problems should be given less attention ... how much do you want to stir up the bottom muck? A couple will be happier if they pay much more attention to what is good about their relationship.A romantic relationship happens because of the hopes and dreams a couple has for a happy life together. The relationship will be pleasant and rewarding as long as you pay attention to what inspires those hopes and dreams.To keep a marriage romantic, build upon what makes your relationship worthwhile and wonderful.Nothing is perfect --Don't expect a perfect relationship. That happens ...(related: Marriage Wedding)
The Brides Greatest Ally
On Friday, 1st May 1835, Mr Charles Dickens, the creator of "David Copperfield" and "Please, sir, can I have some more?" was the happiest of mortals. He had proposed and had been accepted.By Saturday, 2nd May 1835, Mr Charles Dickens was wrestling with that knotty problem facing every Groom. Who was he to choose for his Best Man?The role was too important for most of the Tom, Dick and Harrys he knew. And, in any case, by now, he should be aiming a little bit higher. Searching carefully through the banks of his capacious memory, a name came up so suitable in every way that he was surprised not to have thought of it earlier.Pleased as Punch, he hurried to Yo...(related: Marriage Wedding)
Wedding Colors
Is it to be a summer wedding or winter wedding? Do you have a particular favourite color? Does the bridegroom have a pathalogical dislike for a certain color?These a...(related: Marriage Wedding)
Let Them Eat Cake -- Just Not At Your Wedding
It's a fact, however odd it seems, that some brides don't like cake -- and don't want one at their wedding receptio...(related: Marriage Wedding)
A Honeymoon Like No Other
When it comes to choosing a honeymoon destination it's usually sandy beaches and blue waters here, a historical sight there, or a luxurious pampering from morning till night somewhere else.The other day, though, looking through the various web sites...(related: Marriage Wedding)
site-map - Copyright © 2007 | Contact Webmaster | All Rights Reserved | Free Articles and Information | Marriage Wedding