Le Mariage

After a hasty lunch of steak and frites this afternoon, we were off to a wedding in a village just outside of Lille. With it being such a fine and sunny  day, I certainly appreciated being included in the invite! It was interesting to note a number of differences from our own wedding celebrations. In France a couple must by law be married at the Town Hall first (a civil ceremony), and then most continue on to the church for the catholic ceremony after that. The church was beautiful inside and adorned with flowers for the occasion. We all gathered in the church and then the couple's families walked down the aisle first, followed by the couple together themselves. Their was a choir singing and after communion, a young soprano soloist sang. It was a beautiful tribute to the couple.

 

The getaway car was a mini!

 

 

The couple had two attendants each, but in France the girls don't dress in matching clothing, nor do the men. It was odd to see the 'bridesmaids' in two completely different short dresses and the men in different coloured suits and ties!  When the ceremony had finished, all the congregation left the church first and waited for the couple who then emerge to everyone shouting above the ringing church bells " Vivre les Maires" (long life to the married couple). We all left the church then and drove a  short drive into Belgium to a fabulous venue for champagne and hors d'heuvres while the couple mingled with everyone. We left after a couple of hours but some of the guests would stay on for a meal later in the evening. All in all, a very pleasant way to spend the afternoon!

 

 

 

The venue was on a small farm. After seeing this llama, I thought perhaps the Belgians don't realise you can shear them and use the wool!

 

Danielle has just begun preparing dinner ( it's 9pm!! ) After my early start today I am fighting to keep my eyes open! Tomorrow holds more interesting things in store. I'm off to Mass in the church of St Aubert in the morning. The church is in the woods as he is the patron saint of hunters. It's his feast day ( day set aside to celebrate him )  and horses and dogs are taken to the service to be blessed! Dora the Bichon frise will be coming to church with us, but we are leaving the horses and the shetland ponies at home! I can't even imaging what this is going to be like!

 

 

The countryside and villages are dotted with these 'Chapelle', small shrines dedicated to Mary or one of the Saints. they always have flowers put in them and usually a candle that can be lit for a special intention you wish you pray for.

 

I am lucky to be with people who are helping me to experience as much as possible of their life here in the North. Danielle's "English" night at the pub last night was great and lots of fun, but was also serious. There were 16 people there and they all for different reasons want to improve their English. They meet once a fortnight and have a very on-to-it young girl leading them with Danielle. We had to have a vin rouge in hand before we began, and then  shared experiences/ holidays etc with each other. A very civilised way to learn, I thought!