All discussions of Bourges begin with the Cathedral of St. Etienne, a magnificent Gothic
ediface that is the focal point for this modest-sized town, two hours south of Paris, in the Loire
Valley.
Upon arriving in Bourges, we headed directly to the Cathedral and spent nearly an hour listening
to the organist practice.
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For the wedding, however, the focus was on this farmhouse, 6 kilometers outside Bourges.
Here, the family and friends of the bride gathered and/or stayed, some arriving as much as
a week in advance of the ceremony, a few staying two weeks after.
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The interior of St. Etienne is even more spectacular than the exterior.
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Simple, elegant decorations around the altar for the ceremony.
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Laurie, a niece to our friend Kay, succeeded in getting photos of
folks at the wedding. Intimidated by the dimmed lights, we settled for
this portrait of Stephan, a wise and amusing friend of ours from Houston.
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The reception was held at Chateau Meillant, a 15th-century chateau, nearly 40 kilometers
south of Bourges. The owner, who resides in the chateau, joined the party.
The chapel is in the left foreground; the lion tower is to the right.
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The base of the lion tower.
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Detail of the lion tower.
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Detail of the lion tower.
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The chapel.
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The great challenge of decorating for the reception: Because it has long been
used as a hunting lodge, the chateau's great hall features three large deer.
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The florist's elegant solution--keep the lights low and put trees in front of the deer.
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The great hall.
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The head table.
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Take note of the menu cards and the center piece, the sense of verticality. Now,
imagine this meal set before you!
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The assembled crowd.
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Can you find Laurie, the photographer?
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Kay, with us.
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Peggy, Kay, and Denise, with Phil.
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Jim and Phil.
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Carrie wants us to help plan her wedding, beginning with an appropriate groom.
This seems to amuse Carmen-Gloria.
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Allison.
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Jean.
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Jean and Kay.
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Chris, Jean, and Kay.
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Xavier.
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Jean, Xavier, and Marie.
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Jean, Xavier, and Marie.
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Jean, Xavier, and Marie.
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Marie.
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Marie, Nicholas (Webmaster of the official Girou Wedding Site), Felicite, and Lucia.
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Marie.
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Marie and Felicite.
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Marie.
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Marie.
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The Abbey of St. Ambrose has been restored and now serves as the restaurant at our hotel.
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Note the use of glass to replace the collapsed part of the wall.
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The old wall from the inside.
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The glass wall from the inside.
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The back wall of the restaurant.
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