July 9 - Wedding Day

What a beautiful day for a wedding!  The sun is shining and there’s not a cloud in the sky.  We woke in plenty of time to go for a morning walk in the town and purchase some groceries.  There are lots of green spaces throughout the city and the Elbe River runs alongside it with bike and running paths – my kind of placeJ

The wedding ceremony took place at the back of the Park Hotel overlooking the river.  The flowers were in full bloom and the smell of lavender was everywhere.  A white tent was set up and the guests took their places to watch the happy couple.

It was wonderful to see our cousins again – Sophia and Lea Melina have grown a lot since last summer, but the girls wasted no time with shyness and quickly were close friends even though they speak German.  Lots of hand gestures were made to communicate and off the girls went chasing butterflies through the gardens.

Alexis and Ursula had also made a long drive from Hamburg the night before so were weary from the long day of driving.  We quickly caught up and were sad to hear that Uschi’s dad had recently passed away after a lengthy illness. 

Fabien was there to greet the guests and it was great to see him so handsome in his wedding outfit.  His family from France was there to support him and the mingling of French and German could be heard throughout the crowd.

When Antigone and uncle Soto arrived on the staircase a hush went through the crowd as she regally swept down the stairs in a gorgeous empire style dress in a soft ivory colour. Tante Gisella and Jacques were not far behind making their way down the stairs to see mamman et papa.

The cello played and welcomed the guests and the happy couple to the tent.  Then an official performed the ceremony and the exchange of rings took place.  Friends of Antigone sang beautifully at the close of the ceremony and it was a perfect way to celebrate the new couple. 

In between the ceremony and the reception we had a nice break to rest and relax and get ready for the party ahead.  We were under the impression that the reception was at the Elberesidenz, but then we discovered that it was actually to be at Fabien’s father’s place up the mountainside.  The estate was an old travelers’ place used for mountain climbers who needed a break.  Fabien’s dad, Renault, renovated the place and it is now a stunning villa built on the side of the mountain with modern fixtures and a gorgeous view of the lower town.

The live band had their stage built into the side of the mountain and played a variety of music all night long. 

White tents with decorated tables were set up to welcome the guests to the party.  Of course being a French/German wedding there was a room set aside specifically for wine and cheese – Oliver was in Heaven!

The dinner was catered and a variety of food was served to accommodate both cultures who were there to celebrate.  The wedding cake was cream puffs piled high in the shape of a tree wishing the happy couple congratulations – the girls loved being able to pick the puffs from the tree!

We met so many amazing people from around the world – Germany and France of course, but also Americans, and Australians.

We all had lots of fun with our cousins and new friends.  We danced all night and finally left at around 2:00 am.  We later heard that the party continued until 7:00 the next day – that’s when the police came!…..I guess I’m getting too old!

Mik-The villa in the mountains was really high up.  If you weren’t careful, you could fall off!(just kidding; there were railingsJ)  The wedding party was awesome!  I invented a new dance move there.  It’s called “ The Hammer!”  This couple liked my dancing so much, they tried to copy me, even when I was doing “The Hammer” which is impossible unless you are me.