Multi-cultural Weddings

How many weddings have you been to?  Many of you have probably been to at least 3 this summer alone.  How many weddings have you been to where you didn't know anyone besides the bride and/or groom?  Probably not very many.  Now, how many weddings have you been to where you don't understand a single word of the ceremony?  I'm guessing none.  Jordan and I have now been to one.

Granted, living overseas causes us to miss more weddings than we can attend, but this summer we attended 2 weddings; 2 weddings in 2 different countries with 2 different languages, neither of which was English.

On August 29, a couple from our church was married in the middle of the French Alps.  As young Christians, this couple had never participated in or seen a Christian wedding ceremony; our church was happy to help them create a ceremony that showed Christ's design for marriage.

We arrived early to set up and decorate for the ceremony (other friends took care of the reception).  It was a beautifully hot day!

Jordan, the MC of the service, explained [in French, of course] what marriage is; he also led the music with our good friend, Marion.  (Here's a brief video clip of one of the songs, "Turn your eyes towards the Lord.")

Our teammate, Thierry, gave the message; he and his wife had done pre-marital counseling with the bride and groom.  Our other friend, Johanna, prayed over the couple.  It was a beautiful ceremony that will not be soon forgotten by our church or the other guests.

The ceremony was followed by appetizers and yard games before going inside around 9pm for the 3 course meal, games, and dancing in traditional French wedding fashion.  Jordan and I left around 12:30am, just as the dancing was starting; our French friends stayed until 3:30am!

On September 5, a [Spanish] couple we met through language school was married in the northern Spanish countryside near Oviedo.  Though we understood nothing that was said during the wedding ceremony, we understood that our friends have very funny and entertaining friends - if only we got the jokes!  Their wedding was unlike any I've seen.

Having met this couple in a French context, we always speak French with them; however, at their wedding we spoke English.  They made us feel welcomed and introduced us to American, British, French, and Spanish friends that spoke our language(s). 

The ceremony was followed by traditional local appetizer-type foods and cider and wine.  Dancing started rather quickly and continued throughout the night.

There was a photo booth and more dancing followed by more food and drinks and more dancing.   It was truly a grand party!

Weddings are so cultural.  What time do people arrive for the ceremony?  What happens at the reception?  What food is served?  Who performs the ceremony?  What is the average age of brides and grooms?  How long does the party last?  When is it appropriate to leave?  So many questions - and such a fun and memorable experience!

And just for fun, in keeping with the wedding theme, here's a picture from our 5 year traditional anniversary photo shoot on August 21. :)