August 22, 2008
We are visiting the French countryside in the late summer month of August.
In Champallement, there is an old castle high on a hill.
Many have gathered from near and far....well, mostly far, actually.
Most were from Belgium and Spain...and probably ten more countries.
On the day of our arrival, there's a large dinner party for everyone who travelled to Champallement this weekend.
the basement wine cellar
The reason for this all....to celebrate the wedding of Amaya and Julien!
On the wedding day morning, we walk to the nearby ruins of an old village.
"Please do not walk on the walls"....my guess is that sign has been sitting there for a while.
During our 200-mile drive from Sweden, the weather has been rain-shine-rain-shine.
This Saturday however, summer is here.
Shortly before the ceremony begins, we all wait outside the castle doors.
Julien appears, and rings the bell.
and here Amaya pops out through the doors
Here's our couple!
with little Olivia
Christine and myself are dressed for some church action
With this gorgeous backdrop, we could not help but take a few more shots
some last preparations
the church rings
Julien and his mom enter
Amaya with dad
...and here we are, in a small church in the center of France.
A ceremony with two priests and many languages.
husband and wife
Jane popped over from Berkeley, Maja from Croatia, and Christine from Sweden.
time for celebration
the stunning 180° view of the vast countryside below
Party time! The big tent large enough for all of us, is rising with cheer as the couple arrives.
great photos were shown from Julian's crazy mountaineering adventures
I somehow did not bring a tie on this trip, but one of Julian's school mates lent me one! Pheow.
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the couple is in shock over some of the photos shown on the big screen
Julian takes Amaya for a spin (one I'm sure he's practiced)
the rest of us goes nuts, through the night