Monday, June 15, 2009

Presque au revoir....


In less than 10 days, Nick, Sarah and I depart for the United States. We are heading back to our home in Duxbury. As you can well imagine, we are busy packing, doing last minute hikes, sight seeing and saying beaucoup des au revoirs to many friends. Our bittersweet, last days here seem to be quickly slipping through the hour glass.


As you might imagine, "Almost a Year in Provence" is backlogged. I've many entries not yet posted and there are surely more to come so expect a quiet spell on the blog until after we get resettled on the other side of the pond.

A la prochaine!

Saturday, June 06, 2009

Mariage Surprise!




If you read my most recent blog entry about our 25th wedding anniversary get away to Moustiers St Marie, you were left wondering what surprise Nick had up his sleeve upon our return to Aix that evening. Well, he did tell me that several close friends would be joining us at Pasta Cosy for dinner and that he wanted me to go with him to one of our favorite gardens nearby for a brief moment beforehand. hmmmmm.....

When we entered the gardens at the Pavillion Vendome I felt a bit apprehensive but didn't really know what he had up his sleeve, despite our son, Nicholas, saying something the previous week about Nick and I "renewing our wedding vows".


No sooner had we entered the garden but about 15 friends and Sarah jumped out of the bushes shouting "Happy Anniversary!" Needless to say, I was shocked beyond belief. Darrin, our pastor here in Aix, came to welcome me and help me regain my composure before greeting the others...






After many hug and embraces, Darrin, told me that it was Nick's desire to renew our vows before this intimate group on the day of our 25th anniversary. Evidently, he'd been working up this plan for quite a while, had enlisted many helpers and even gone so far as to get the exact vows we'd taken back on May 26, 1984. So, what was I to do?? I got (re)married!!!

It was indeed a tender, awesome, unforgetable experience...........

Maele delivered a huge bouquet from her mother and father, Cecile and Fabien...


Nick and I got ready for the 'wedding' to begin...



The ceremony...












Sarah joined Nick and I for an almost family photo right after the ceremony...





The lighting was so perfect we lingered for some photo op time....

Julie and Darrin...







Graeme and Jill...






Fabien, Cecile, Eduard and Maele...






We walked through town on our way to Pasta Cosy...



where Fabien welcomed everyone with some champagne...



and we settled in for the evening...





Hilary and Dom...




Nick made a lovely toast...




A smiling Martin and his lovely bride, Christine...




What a memorble evening! Merci mon mari!! Je t'aime!!!