Wedding à la française in Provence

Fourth of July weekend was not full of fireworks for me but is was full of celebration. A friend of mine got married in the picturesque south of France.
I was exited about attending my first French wedding (well, pseudo French wedding - she is American and he is French). I was even more excited about wearing a HAT!! After weeks of searching (wedding hats are APPALLINGLY expensive), I found one at the Bon Marche. The Bon Marche is very chic. To give you an idea, it sells bottled water for 15 euros. My hat, which I only dared try on with the excuse of acquiring style inspiration to draw upon later while looking in lesser shops, was 90% off!! The saleswoman met my incredulous yet extremely hopeful inquiry about the price with a dry "Yes madame, it is the bargain of the century".

They were married in a tiny little village at the city hall. Beautiful white roses were everywhere - even in the fountain. After the ceremony, we threw lavender and rose petals in the air. It smelled so lovely!!

We then drove (about 150 guests in total) to the groom's parents' country house. It was absolutely stunning. We caught out first glimpses of it as we strolled down a long path of very, very old olive trees lit by large candles in terracotta bowls. Glowing from a perfect sunset that reflected off of the surrounding hills, the house was majestically encircled by fields upon fields of lavender and sunflowers. I was only able to get a quick photo of the flamenco dancers before my camera died...

An exquisite dinner lit by candles and "fairy lights" at white tables under the trees then followed. A famous (and respectably chubby) chef had specially created a sit-down feast of: lobster and eggplant filled tomatoes, lamb with zucchini blossoms, cheeses and salad and a strawberry-themed dessert assortment (strawberry mousse, fresh strawberries, a little strawberry cake...). The wine selection and pairing (of flavors) was exceptional. My palate was traumatized by "normal fare" for days...

On a different note, I was in the US in June. I was able to see the Phillipses in Oregon - AND the grandparents who made a special detour!! For selected OR and CA pictures (I had to renew my visa in San Francisco), you can click on this link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2015350&id=37200011&l=00877b2454 There are many beautiful Jenny pictures on the beach and a handsome Amarjeet without braces!!