Wedding Bells at the Mairie

Shortly after our arrival here in January,  we invited our neighbors in for "un verre" to introduce ourselves. The building has only four residential units, the remaining tenants being commercial businesses. To our delight, all the neighbors came to our little soirée, and we discovered we are quite an international group:  Lorenzo (the dashing), who lives next to us on the 5th floor, is from Sicily. Below us on the 4th floor, Alexis, Christine, and their three children are a Moroccan-French family -- Alexis is from a Moroccan Berber family, Christine is French. Ingrid and Olivier, who live in the other 4th floor apartment, are both French.

After about an hour of pleasant chit chat, Olivier and Ingrid whispered shyly to each other, then Olivier announced that they had just become engaged and would marry in early April. I was flattered and honored that they chose our little gathering to share this happy news, and we all toasted them with much enthusiasm.

A few weeks later, we received an invitation to the wedding. Again, we were touched to be included and marked our calendars for April 2nd.

Needless to say, when you get married in France, there are strict protocols that must be followed. To begin with, no matter what kind of religious ceremony you might choose (or not), a civil ceremony at the local mairie (town hall) is required in order for the marriage to be legal, and this ceremony must take place first.

So it was that yesterday, April 2nd at 12 noon, under sunny spring skies, we made our way to our local Mairie du 2e Arrondissement on the rue de la Banque to attend the civil ceremony of Ingrid and Olivier.

The downstairs lobby quickly filled with friends and family from near and far. At first we knew no-one, but shook hands with one and all anyway, explaining we were the neighbors from the 5th floor. "Et je suis le ton-ton d'Olivier", one charming elderly gentleman said by way of introduction ("I am Olivier's Grandpa"!). Whoever said the French are not a warm and welcoming people!

I was happy to spot our neighbor Christine and her two daughters, Milena and Nais. In honor of the occasion, Milena wore a sparkling princess tiara!

The tall, handsome groom made his way through the guests, and, when it was time, led the way upstairs into the "salle"

Together with the other guests, we took our seats on red velvet benches in a grand room, with lighted chandeliers, ornate gilded ceiling and elaborate painted wall panels.

Along with Oliver and his Best Man, we all awaited the arrival of the bride. Ah, voilà!

Ingrid made her entrance on her father's arm, to smiles of joy from everyone. Like Oliver, she is tall and elegant, and wore a simple, slim white frock, topped with a short, black lacy bolero jacket, a black velvet choker, long long, dangling glass earrings and delicate lace-patterned half-gloves. She carried a pretty bouquet of pink roses.

After all the paperwork was checked and double-checked, it was time to get down to the business at hand. Monsieur Jacques Boutault, the mayor of the 2nd Arrondissement, took his place behind the high bench, and called the room to order. Smiling, he welcomed us all and invited us to be seated as he had a few words to share before the "official" ceremony began.

Wrapping the words "liberté, égalité, fraternité" into a metaphorical framework for a successful marriage, he delivered a delightful 15-minute homily. Perhaps he repeats the same remarks to every couple who come before him to be married, but to me, he managed to make it seem absolutely personal to Olivier and Ingrid only. I was impressed!

The legal requirements took less than one minute. In response to the question: "do you, Olivier... wish to marry....." and "do you, Ingrid...wish to marry..."  and with both answering, promptly and firmly, "oui",  M. Boutault officially announced them legally married according to the laws of the State.

To loud cheers and a hearty round of applause, the young couple embraced....

...exchanged rings...

...signed the register and received their official "certificat de mariage"...

...and emerged onto rue de la Banque as newly-weds! By this time, Milena has given Ingrid her princess tiara to wear.


A short stroll through the 2nd arrondissement brought us back to 95 rue Réaumur, where a lovely reception took place in Olivier and Ingrid's flat on the 4th floor. Thankfully, the repairs to the lift were finally completed Thursday afternoon, making the trip up a lot easier!



Along with our little band of neighbors, we raised our glasses to wish good health, long life, joy and prosperity to the young couple. We were so delighted to be witness to this happy day!

Meanwhile, the warm, spring sun continued to shine down and from the balcony we could just spy the Place des Victoires down the street, with its newly restored statue of Louis XIV, and, in the distance, the gleaming dome of Les Invalides.







Who doesn't love this city?

À bientôt!