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-G?let 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
Wood Dale charter limousine ..The wedding favor box carries on the timeless tradition established... Read More
In the dim past of the last century, good time... Read More
Often when you are looking for wedding vendors who suit... Read More
One of my favorite parts about the wedding, is the... Read More
As a youngster -- or perhaps even as an adult... Read More
Being disc jockeys, we get the opportunity to evaluate many... Read More
When Maria Callas first appeared on the international scene, she... Read More
My husband Bill and I have just had our 37th-wedding... Read More
Oregon is one of the most marvelous places in the... Read More
Wedding receptions are expensive affairs and can set you back... Read More
Wedding Invitations should be ordered when you have all the... Read More
Providing chocolate as a wedding favor has been a time... Read More
The wedding day is the day that most women wait... Read More
As mens wedding rings become more and more popular mens... Read More
Have you ever heard the expression, "The Urge to Merge"?It... Read More
I came across an article today: LOVE AND MARRIAGE THE... Read More
Whoever said diamonds are women's best friends, surely missed on... Read More
Bridal shower games are a wonderful way to put your... Read More
Why does Co-dependence arise? Well because two or more individuals... Read More
Imagine the cheapest wedding you'd like. You have to pay... Read More
Nestled in the beautiful Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg's romantic and beautiful... Read More
Every marriage needs a healthy dose of on-going romance to... Read More
Have you ever been lost?My favorite line about being lost... Read More
When I was the owner of a major wedding facility,... Read More
It goes without saying that we all want to look... Read More
Mokena limousine service ..Your wedding flowers usually tie to your wedding theme. When... Read More
There is an overwhelming demand for high quality, custom stationery... Read More
These verses of Scripture from St. Paul are commonly used... Read More
It's safe to say that out of all the events... Read More
Your wedding day is the day when all the details... Read More
An outdoor wedding reception can be host to an almost... Read More
Whether we like it or not current trends in engagement... Read More
I saw real love while working at a cozy, candle-lit... Read More
Symbols! Weddings are full of them. Exchanging rings. Exchanging roses.... Read More
Personalized wedding favors are among the most popular of gift... Read More
Too many wives with cheating husbands put up with their... Read More
After choosing the design for your wedding invitations you can... Read More
Simply put, intimacy is more than sex or making love.... Read More
Wedding favors are as unique and varied as the couples... Read More
Australia honeymoon vacations are more than just being the pleasure... Read More
"Presently, 40% of all first marriages in this country end... Read More
Butterfly Releases offer the viewer the chance to see beauty... Read More
When people think about great love stories, more often than... Read More
Got a yen for Elvis? Lots of people do. There... Read More
Are you in the process of planning that last special... Read More
When we want to be successful at something in life,... Read More
The Arizona Inn is just the place that you are... Read More
Hiring music entertainment can arguably be the most important booking... Read More
One of the most memorable days in our lives is... Read More
As a Personal Trainer for brides-to-be, I often get asked... Read More
Marriage & Wedding |