by Flora Mitidiero Raehl

During this city wedding, everyone congregated in front of the bride's house while she is getting ready. The bagpipes, the tambourines, the concertina – dancing and drinking – almost like a serenade to the bride. She emerges from her home and everyone is applauding, cameras flashing and even a videographer! Since the church is somewhat of a distance from her home, we all process through the city streets in our cars, honking all along the way to the church. Once the church ceremony is over, we all stand on the church steps, and once again, the music is playing, the wine is flowing and the party seems to start right there. Again, since this is a city wedding, the reception is some distance from the church so we all get in our cars and drive – honking all the way. This meal lasted the entire night with dancing and toasting between each course. The end of the reception was by far the most interesting. All the guests stand in a receiving line waiting to give the bride and groom their gift. In turn, the bride and groom presented each guest with bombonierre, or a wedding favor as we call it, a glass of champagne and cake to take home. It was a long evening but certainly something I'll never forget.