The first ceremony was in the Mairie de Rugles, where (traditionally) a small service takes place between the bride, groom and town mayor before close family. However, because Clem's father IS the mayor it turned out to be a huge mass of friends, family and townspeople pushing into the hall to support the family. Also, unbeknownst to us, Denis (Clem's dad & mayor) was going to casually introduce Jane & I because we traveled so far! Haha while this speech was going on our GPS was giving us a backroads tour of rural Normandy...and we arrived late! Caught again!
We were forgiven and kisses & hugs were shared by the dozens. Then the town meandered to the Rugles Cathedral for an hour+ Catholic Mass. Jane and I might have been doodling the whole time. But it's in French!! (she says defensively).
The town again migrated together through town for a post-ceremony reception with sparkling wine toasts and tons of amazing tiny foods.
The night began & ended back in Evreaux at a huge estate filled with close friends and family, 5 hours of dinner (seriously we ate from 8p to 1a), dancing and lots of merriment. It was such a special day and I'm honored and pleased that Jane and I were welcomed so ardently by old-friends and strangers alike.