the french country wedding

by Sharon Santoni
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Marsha at Splenderosa is running another splendid party this month on the theme of The Wedding.

   If you don’t mind, I have written a little imaginary correspondence between a mother and daughter in the build up to a wedding that will break with family traditions.  As always when I post a piece of fiction I thank you for your indulgence.

 

[blank]sunday,  1 january 

Ma chère Charlotte

We are so happy about your engagement to Philippe, he is a charming young man, and I am sure he will make you very happy.  And please don’t worry, his family background is really not that important, I am sure that Papa will find him a very good position in the firm.
To think I shall soon be grandmère !
Your doting mama
***
24 february
Ma jolie Charlotte
Papa and I are very happy to hear that your wedding plans are making progress.  We rather hoped you and Philippe may have visited  for the weekend by now;  I hope you weren’t offended by my comment about his family.
We’d like to help you put your guest list together, there are so many cousins to invite and you have to remember all the family members in Burgundy and in the South.  You’ll certainly need a very large venue for so many guests.   I’m sure you will also need some help with the menu for the wedding banquet.
Yours affectionately
Mama
***
[blank]
29 february
 
Charlotte, whatever are you thinking of?!   only 100 guests! we have never had such a small wedding in the family, what will people say?!   What will the bishop say, he never conducts such small wedding ceremonies, we shall all look so forlorn in the cathedral, oh dear… are you sure you wouldn’t like me to come to you, I could take care of all the arrangements.
Reply promptly please to your
Worried mama
 ***
 [blank]
1 march 

The village church!!  And the reception in a barn?!!  Charlotte, are you out of your mind?!  I had to lie down in a dark room when your papa read your letter to me!   darling that village is tiny, we’ll never fit in!  Really Charlotte, I am beginning to think you have lost your senses.  Please take time to consider what a grand and beautiful ceremony we could arrange in the cathedral, your family has always been wed there!

***
[blank]sunday, 26 march
Well Charlotte, after a sleepless night worrying about your wedding, I had lunch with my cousin Frédérique today and of course we talked about your plans.   You know how much affection your aunt Fred has for you, and also her boho attitude that I have frankly never understood, I mean how could she live in that beautiful château and walk around all day barefoot!! 
Whatever……
Frédérique has convinced me that this is your wedding, not mine, and that everything must be just as you should wish.  
 So please darling tell me what I can do to help ….. and how many dozen white lilies I should order for the day?
[blank]
 ***
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friday, 31 march
 
All right Charlotte, all right, so you don’t want white lilies, although I remember  that in my day they were by far the most chic flower for a ceremony.  

 You tell me “pink roses and field blooms”, well I’m sure I don’t know where to order those, but I shall do my best. 

Dare I mention the family jewels for your bridal head-dress, or will even they be too formal?  Please, please  don’t tell me you just want a rose in your hair!

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 ***
3 april
Charlotte, I have received a letter from my great aunt Josephine, asking what gift you would like for your wedding.  She wondered whether you would care for her set of six silver tureens?   I feel so out of touch with your arrangements that I honestly didn’t know what to reply, maybe you could shed a little light. (I didn’t have the heart to tell her that your flowers will be arranged in jam jars!)
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[blank]
As per your last letter, I have contacted Joseph, our former coachman, and he says he’d be honoured to drive you from the church in the old carriage.  
 ***
[blank]
23 april

 

My dearest Charlotte
Thank you darling, I want to tell you how much I enjoyed helping you to choose your wedding dress.  You are right, your friend has a beautiful little store, and yes, her dresses are enchanting.  I love your choice, and I quite understand that the family veil may not be suitable for your country wedding …. but I still think it worth a try.
Your mama
 ***
[blank]
[blank]
13 may
Goodness Charlotte,
I woke in the middle of the night worrying about bridesmaids.  Please darling, please listen to me on this one, I would so hate to offend a part of our family; and as you say that Philippe has no little nieces or nephews, would you mind terribly if our family provided that part of the cortège?   I know that Marie-Laure and Stéphanie, would love to see their girls dressed up for the day.  Surely just three little girls wouldn’t look too grand?
Please re-assure your mama 
 ***

21 june

Darling, tomorrow is your big day, I wish you well, I’m sure you will look beautiful , mama

23 june
My darling Charlotte,
What can I say?!  Your wedding day was wonderful, we are very fortunate to have such a fine young man as our son in law, and I have to say that your simple ceremony had a charm and intimacy that could never have been achieved elsewhere.
Thank you darling for wearing the family veil, it looked beautiful and gave me great pleasure.    I realize that I didn’t make all your planning easy, and for that I thank you even more for your patience and generosity.
Your papa joins me in wishing you and Philippe a wonderful life together, you have certainly shown  strength and serenity in planning this first precious step.
Your mama, and I hope your friend
 ***[blank][blank]

pictures thanks to the french blog un beau jour  and to once wed 

58 comments

Susan @ Afford Your Passions June 5, 2012 - 1:47 pm

Love the story, Sharon!

I also loved the pictures you chose to accompany the story – that tiny church is gorgeous!

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Viipi June 5, 2012 - 1:48 pm

This comment has been removed by the author.

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Viipi June 5, 2012 - 1:49 pm

Kauniita kuvia!!

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Jennifer June 5, 2012 - 2:01 pm

Simply beautiful – I found myself wishing it were my daughter's wedding!

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Mise June 5, 2012 - 2:02 pm

What a lovely and original way to present the topic, Sharon! An utterly charming post.

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Mona Thompson Providence Ltd. June 5, 2012 - 2:50 pm

Great story and fabulous post…the most charming wedding ever.

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The enchanted home June 5, 2012 - 2:51 pm

Brilliant and a wedding I wouldn't miss!!!!!!! Love love love the story, talk about a fairytale!

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déjà pseu June 5, 2012 - 2:53 pm

How lovely and fun and original! This was just delightful to read.

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Valerie June 5, 2012 - 2:56 pm

The words you wrote ring true for every Mother. In our minds we envision the day our daughter will wed and alas so do they. We must bend as they must fulfill their dreams. Just love your words and pictures!!

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Yvonne @ StoneGable June 5, 2012 - 3:05 pm

What a precious story. And one that is played over in circumstance hundreds and thousands of times by countless mothers and brides. Beautifully and artfully woven story, Sharon!
Yvonne, a fellow BIO

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greenpinkorange June 5, 2012 - 3:09 pm

I love these pictures! What a great Wedding.
https://greenpinkorange.blogspot.com/

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Lost in Provence June 5, 2012 - 3:13 pm

Sharon! I would say that you outdid yourself this time but don't I say that EVERY time that you write these beautiful fiction pieces? Have you thought about working on a fiction project (you know, in all of your "spare time")?

I loved this and now will go back and take in all of the lovely photos as I was too entranced by the story the first time through…

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vicki archer June 5, 2012 - 3:13 pm

Sharon… this is really so cute… Perhaps a lesson for those of us with daughters! xv

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Debra June 5, 2012 - 3:16 pm

Sharon, you are so clever!

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Carolyn June 5, 2012 - 3:18 pm

I love this charming post!!!

Carolyn

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Jennifer June 5, 2012 - 3:39 pm

Oh, that was wonderful! Very funny and very sweet–thank you so much, it made my morning.

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Ann X June 5, 2012 - 4:06 pm

That was great read! Fabulous fun! Thank you!

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Our French Inspired Home June 5, 2012 - 4:13 pm

Great post. Always love horse drawn carriages.

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Kat June 5, 2012 - 4:24 pm

Oh my goodness, this is one of the most touching, emotion packed blog posts I've yet to read. I cannot thank you enough for this lovely bit delight added to my day. I so look forward to reading your blog .
Kind regards,
Kat

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Tish Jett June 5, 2012 - 4:26 pm

Ah yes, the mother-of-the bride must learn to say oui, oui, oui cherie and ever so gently see how she can help. I had the time of my life because Andrea gave me "assignments" and shared everything with me.

This was a lovely piece of real life fiction.

xoxo,
Tish

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Ashley June 5, 2012 - 5:02 pm

Loved this story! Xo, Ashley

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Delana@dujour June 5, 2012 - 5:21 pm

Enchanting Sharon.

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The Blue Farmhouse June 5, 2012 - 5:24 pm

My morning ritual didn't disappoint me (reading your blog)…what a beautiful fictional but true to life story that reminds us as mother that when our children grow…there is a letting go and the beginning of a friendship between adults.

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I Dream Of June 5, 2012 - 5:29 pm

Sharon, this is absolutely delightful. You're such a terrific writer and truly brought this bride and her doting mother to life for me. I'm sure it was a beautiful wedding! XO

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kim June 5, 2012 - 5:36 pm

I really got caught up in the story! Thanks!

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Splenderosa June 5, 2012 - 5:38 pm

When I read about the flower vases I laughed out loud, as this is exactly what I would say, maybe. I, also, posted about the much more casual, outdoor venues, etc. that brides of today seem to prefer. You little story is fabulous and so like all of our mothers. Thank you, Sharon, for being such a lovely part of "By Invitation Only." Each of us adds our own unique facet to the whole and makes our diamond sparkle very brightly. xx's

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Lee June 5, 2012 - 5:55 pm

Enchanting is right! Those photos and the post are a dream. Lovely

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Jenny Rose-Innes June 5, 2012 - 6:11 pm

How I happily indulged in your ficticious wedding story.. it was enchanting and as a mother who's daughter married 3 years ago… oh boy did I relate !! Lovely to discover your blog too ! Jenny

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Nancy June 5, 2012 - 6:22 pm

what a beautiful story and pictures. Thank you for your creativity and sharing it with us!
Nancy
powellbrowerhome.com

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peggy braswell June 5, 2012 - 6:53 pm

This is absolutely enchanting + pictures + story. I adored Charlotte + Philippe + Mama + Papa + everyone in supporting cast. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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kabayoz June 5, 2012 - 7:11 pm

Sharon, does this mean a future career as a romantic writer? Love it that Charlotte stood her ground and poor maman worried about keeping up appearances. "What will the bishop say, he never conducts such small wedding ceremonies, we shall all look so forlorn in the cathedral, oh dear… are you sure you wouldn’t like me to come to you, I could take care of all the arrangements."

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Pamela Terry and Edward June 5, 2012 - 7:18 pm

Just lovely.
Makes me want to get married all over again.
To the same man, you understand!

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Maison de lin June 5, 2012 - 8:29 pm

Hello Sharron,

I love when you post this kind of fiction. Thanks! This was Lovely!

Greetings
XX
Jérôme

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Christina Garcia June 6, 2012 - 12:38 am

Sharon ~ Lovely story. . . and perfect on the heels of Mother's Day. Thank you.

~ Christina from Los Angeles ♥

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Blue Muse June 6, 2012 - 1:12 am

I loved the letters; the way they were written and the sentiment. It made me long for more handwritten letters arriving by mail… Beautiful, beautiful post.
xo isa

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Julie in Provence June 6, 2012 - 1:28 am

Loved this. Very sweet. Loved the photos too…

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Cheryl June 6, 2012 - 2:11 am

I had very little to do with my daughter's wedding. She planned it and followed through on every detail. It was lovely and all Katie and Hunt. It was actually a relief to simply be an honored guest. Thank you for reminding me that our children are grown ups, too.

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Betsy Brock June 6, 2012 - 2:30 am

well, that was just beautiful and very fun!

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Karena June 6, 2012 - 2:31 am

Sharon I adored your bridal conversation with your daughter Charlotte, I remember some of these same topics with my own daughter!

xoxo
Karena

Art by Karena!

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Elizabeth Eiffel June 6, 2012 - 4:38 am

A charming conversation. I was a touch unconventional when I was married, but my parents stepped back and supported each one of my decisions without question or suggestion. How lucky I've been.
Bisous

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Martha June 6, 2012 - 4:53 am

I was only allowed to do the flowers and yes they were lilies, hundreds of star gazer lilies That was it! but OMG they were beautiful.. I can so relate to this. Very entertaining to see yourself in print.. Now I am the chief babysitter and very much in need. I still do not understand why grandchildren are so sweet and good at Gamma's house and so rotten at home!

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Dianne June 6, 2012 - 6:21 am

Sharon, that was one of the most delightful and touching conversations that I have read. The photo's were wonderful, it certainly took me back to my Wedding Day quite a long time ago.

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Julie June 6, 2012 - 6:37 am

Hi Sharon, my first time posting on your blog, but I couldn't help myself..I loved your little wedding story and as I read I could feel this little smile creasing my face..thankyou

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Today's Treasure by Jen June 6, 2012 - 8:00 am

Just lovely… made me think what a lost art letter writing is and what a gift it would be to have that group of letters tied up in a beautiful ribbon as a very special keepsake. We really should bring letter writing back. Thank you for the wonderful story.

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Magnolia Verandah June 6, 2012 - 8:49 am

How wonderful – I hung on every word! A book maybe in the future…………..

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Coty Farquhar June 6, 2012 - 9:32 am

Beautiful Sharon…. beautiful!!!
I loved everything!
I would love to be at wedding prepared by you Sharon… how beautiful your imagination is!
Sending love….xxxxxxx Coty

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The enchanted home June 6, 2012 - 12:06 pm

AMAZING Sharon! Bravo to you, it was like a storybook……love how you think. See you over at my place later today:)

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heather @ new house, new home, new life June 6, 2012 - 1:56 pm

How wonderful! You've managed to capture all of the joy and frustration in being mother-of-the-bride. My daughter is slowly planning her wedding to her longtime partner – I had visions of a church and a big banquet. But it's a barn wedding too. At 35, she will be doing most of the arrangements. But I will have the joy of helping along the way.

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mrscorrad June 6, 2012 - 2:08 pm

We just learned that one of my sons is engaged and we are starting down the same path, so I had to chuckle at some of the letters and what mama was thinking. How sweet that it all turned out beautifully – the wedding and the relationship!

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Pamela RG June 6, 2012 - 2:32 pm

Great wedding ideas and soo romantic!

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Anonymous June 6, 2012 - 2:58 pm

I felt like I was there! I actually cried with the last line. How do you do that? That certainly would be a beautiful country wedding!

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Chris June 6, 2012 - 10:07 pm

Poignant and exquisitely charming!
xoxo, Chris

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LPC June 7, 2012 - 3:55 am

Hahahahahaha! This was great! Am I odd to have found it funny?!?!?! Also, I bet the family veil looked GREAT.

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Veronica June 7, 2012 - 3:01 pm

Oh Sharon it is just de lovely and I giggled and enjoyed each and every letter, imagineing all the rolling eyes and gestures of mamma's despair!!
Prescious and captivating!

Veronica
Tassels Twigs and Tastebuds

PS: Pardon the late comment!

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Rowan June 7, 2012 - 7:09 pm

What a lovely post, Charlotte obviously has a very nice Mama:) I do agree with Charlotte though – I would much prefer a small country wedding to a large affair in a cathedral.

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Kim June 8, 2012 - 2:47 am

Oh how charming and funny and touching! LOVE your fiction.

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Vintage Finds June 8, 2012 - 10:33 am

Ahhh Sharon … are you thinking there may be such a conversation on your horizon or does this hark back to your own wedding? Seems so well drawn it could have been a personal experience! Such fun and a great giggle – just loved it – thank you! x

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Fifi Flowers June 9, 2012 - 8:23 pm

Ooooh how LOVELY to be married in the French countryside!!!

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