Well, this was a day to remember. We were so fortunate to have become a part of our friend Xavier’s life when 4 years ago a friend of mine from France rang to ask me if a friend of her’s could come stay with us in Sydney until he found a place to live on his own. 4 year later, we were attending his wedding in his hometown in Autre-court, in the Champagne region of France. Xavier is a dear friend who became very attached to us. He has really become a part of our family over the years and we are going to miss him so much now that he has returned to France to live with his Husband.
I remember meeting Daniel for the first time in Darlinghurst with some friends at dinner. I thought he was a perfect match for Xavier,and am so happy that they have been able to get married under the new french law authorising gay partners to marry. It was a wonderful day and meant so much more that they were the first in the particular region of France to get married! Xavier and Daniel have always been so thoughtful and giving. I can’t believe that they had organised a jumping castle for all the kids for the entire duration of the wedding! It was a huge hit!
Xavier brought me to tears during the beginning of the reception when he sang 4 or 5 very emotional songs in French which had so much depth and meaning about his life and his family. It was very moving.
I was extremely nervous to have been asked to translate Daniel’s mum, Cathy’s speech into French. I always panic when talking to large groups of people so you can imagine how i felt having to do so in French! It all went smoothly i think and had many complements afterwards which was nice.
The cake was amazing. On our menu for the evening, it was noted that there would be a French and Australian Desert and we all guessed Pavlova and Profiteroles but boy were we in for a treat when the boys cut the Eiffel Tower, Opera House and Harbour Bridge Croquembouche! AMAZING and oh so delicious!
The reception began at about 11.30 am and we sat down to eat our many courses which included the most divine cheeses, champagne and wine. We were spoilt rotten. Lunch finished up around 5.30pm and then cocktail dinner food began around 7pm with the night finishing off for us after lots of dancing at 11.30pm. It was a wonderful wonderful day and we wish Daniel & Xavier so much love and happiness in their life together!
Next stop, Verdun and the World War 1 trenches and forts!
