WHAT A WEDDING PARTY

This is a beautiful 15th century, 600-year old Castle where we, literally, partied all night. When Alban sent the invitaion he said ' ... you have never been to a country style French wedding, it is something you will never ever forget'. His every word is true. To give a flavor let me recap :

* BBQ dinner hosted by bride's family in their huge farm the night before
* special breakfast of tripe & calvadoes for the wedding party
* country style lunch, very French, for other guests
* loud motorcade into Town Hall, to witness signing of the Registry
* then to the local Church for the nuptial service
* champagne reception at the farm with home made canapes
* motorcade to the Castle, horns blaring passing through townships
* aperitifs on arrival which was 9pm already
* 5-course gourmet banquet with matching wines, lasted 4-hours
* disco starts at 1am
* dancing continued literally all night, all ages were on the floor
* newlyweds made their retreat about 430am
* friends prepare 'Pot de Chambre' * for the newlyweds
* newlyweds rejoined the party after being waken at 6am
* more drinking/dancing until 'Potage de Formage' * was served at 7am
* all retired to large common rooms with bunk beds to catch a 'nap'
* up at 10am after 2-hour snooze to return to the farm
* a large cochon on rotisserie awaiting, plus the best cheesy mash potatoes
* red & white wines flowed until late afternoon

One has to 'train' for such a wedding, one cannot possibly just show up and expect to last. The most amazing observation is the stamina of the older folks, who did not miss a beat. They were all there dancing, drinking, challenging the younger ones and having the greatest time. Their collective spirit was infectious. I was exhausted by 3am, and was going to cheat by taking a break. I was urged to stay which I am glad I did lest I would miss the fun that followed. If I were to close my eyes for 5 minutes I would never wake up.

'Pot de Chambre' means a 'pot for the room' ie the newlyweds' nupitial bedroom. Their best friends would gather around a table to create this concoction to 'wake them up'. In this particular pot there was; fine XO brandy, whiskey, beer, champagne, banana, banana peel, apple juice, bread crumbs, nutella spread & to get the texture right, a few balls of tissue paper. I was honored to be the 'Taster' .... you know, it was quite good. I was not drunk either. When we woke them Alban had 4 & Myriam 3 gulps. Such good sports!

'Potage de Formage' is really a heavily cheesed up onion soup that is served with light beef stock. It did everyone a lot of good, some even had 2 large soup plates. Indeed, another French wedding tradition.

Merci Beaucoup ... Alban & Myriam for the enlightenment .... it was truly a memorable wedding!