Francois and Gwen’s wedding at Nieul le Dolent
When we reached Nieul le Dolent the sky was grey and it was windy and cold. We saw the big blue tent where the wedding reception was to be held from the distance and knew we were there at last. The wedding house was buzzing with activity and excitement. As of now it was the extended family here for dinner. The guests were to arrive over the next two days. We stayed at the pretty La Moriciere a gite or guesthouse run by Monique and Patrice
The next day Philippe drove us to Sables d’Olonnes a lovely sea port right out of a novel or a movie. We checked out the little fishing boats, the sea food market and the cafes and little shops along the street facing the wharf all morning breathing the ocean smells and enjoying the atmosphere. Ate loads of shellfish for lunch and then rushed back to Nieul le Dolent for the official wedding and then back to La Garenne the wedding house to celebrate.
On the day of church wedding we had a lazy morning and then Philippe came to take me to dress the page boys and flower girls for the church wedding. It was a French wedding with an Indian slant – the flower girls and page boys wore saris and pyjama kurtas and the tables were decorated with Indian sari fabric that I had shopped for in Mumbai. I found the church ceremony and reception similar to the catholic weddings held at home (except for the hats). We have to hand it to the French! Do they dress and party in style. It comes naturally to them. I was captivated by the haute hats and stylish clothes.
The celebrations continued to the next day with a BBQ lunch after which we were headed for the Dune de Pyla for some more fun flying.
Click on Gwen & Francois’s wedding to view more pictures of the wedding and our time spent here.