A Blessing Ceremony in the tiny chapel of St. Jean in the valley beneath the medieval hill town of Cordes sur Ciel….
Donald Douglas’* daughter Eliza’s marriage to James in Michigan, is being blessed here–for friends and family this side of the Atlantic.
Eliza has asked Meredith to be the “Celebrant“.
Meedith is nervous–it’s yet another “first” for her and there has been no rehearsal.
We arrive early at the chapel–founded in 1224 near a place of safety from the plagues that hit the unhealthy walled Cité high above it.
There is minimal light for reading, which adds to the anxiety and the hour approaches.
But by the time the guests arrive–all decked out in white (the couple’s request)–by “Le Petit Train” from Cordes…
–more light has been shed inside (candles lit) and on the words (a few run-throughs) and Veronique is spreading calm from the strings of her celtic harp.
The chapel–decked out with white flowers–and Meredith, are ready to welcome the buzzing crowd–about fifty adults and children–to this ancient site.
The bride approaches on her father’s arm and the ceremony begins.
It goes off beautifully, of course–Meredith performing her priestess-like duties perfectly with clear-voiced sincerity.
Poems–chosen by the couple–including Shakespeare’s 116th Sonnet (“Let me not to the marriage of true minds…”) are thoughtfully read.
Donald sings in his broadest Scots brogue, “The Braes O’ Birniebouzle“, so splendidly, we all burst into spontaneous applause.
As everyone files out our aptly named friend, Puck, whispers in my ear: “You know that from now on you’ll be known as the Vicar’s wife!”
*(Captain McNeil in Poldark)
Robin Ellis 
Hello Meredith and Robin (aka Vicor’s wife):
What a lovely posting. How in the world did your friends every find such an “unworldly” beautiful little place to hold a wedding? I just bet the two of you will be sold as a package in the future (along with the chapel) as the consummate place to hold the perfect wedding. Robin, if you don’t watch it they will want you to cater the affair.
🙂 Norma L-H
What a wonderful wedding in such a beautiful spot! I love how everyone dressed in white. Such a special day. Thanks so much for sharing this. Best of luck in love and life to the bride and groom.
Hello,
Congratulations to the happy couple and to Donald! That was a nice cermony with lots of good weater and nice pictures!
Have a nice week,Chantal (Belgium-Antwerp).
Simply wonderful! Congratulations to Meredith for so great responsability. Seems you have had terrific time and the bride andbridegroom was so
beautiful!!!
What an absolutely beautiful post! It was a treasure to read, thank you for it. And many blessings to the happy couple. 🙂 ~delayne (in Minnesota)
I loved the pictures! I’m very happy to know that you and Capt.McNeil are friends.
what a fabulous wedding it appeared to be. Lets hope they enjoy a long & happy mariage.You must be so proud of Meredith, she seems to be a truely wonderful lightworker. God bless you both & all involved in the joining of celestial souls.
A delightful post. I once met Donald Douglas on a foggy November day in Warsaw in 1986, when a huge Scottish company performed “A Satire of Three Estates.” (I think the Middle Scots was probably lost on most of the audience back then). I’d been in Poland for a year then and it was, as you might imagine, quite a thrill for me to meet some of the illustrious names of Scottish theatre. He looks as if France was a better-choice health-wise than chilly Eastern Europe.