(Image) Newlywed car. (Image 1, right) Colorful bouquet on the bride's car.

(Image) The scene of the groom and bride bathed in colorful confetti before the church.

(Image 1) A corner of Titien’s place at the dining table. (Image 2) Tiered wedding cake. (Image 3) Endless champagne.

(Image 1) Luxurious wedding banquet venue. (Image 2, left) Invitation to the religious wedding mass at the church. (Image 2, right) Wedding banquet menu for Alain and Nathalie. This year was quite special; two grand weddings took place within my large French family, both during the crisp autumn days of September’s Double Ninth Festival. Early this weekend, we took the train south to Orleans to attend the wedding of my nephew Alain and Nathalie. This is an intercultural marriage: Nathalie is a Vietnamese-French woman (a refugee from the 1970s) who grew up in France, receiving French education and social values. Thus, calling it an “intercultural” marriage seems slightly inaccurate, as their life and values are built upon a foundation of two cultures; perhaps it is not so “foreign.” For the new generation of immigrants or refugees, their “homeland” is the country they reside in by default, making integration into society and daily life no problem, unlike the previous generation who still harbored deep nostalgia for their homeland. This generation feels no sense of drifting; instead, they possess a unique transcultural perspective and a new outlook on life. Intercultural marriages are frequently seen in metropolises, especially in Paris, where such diversity is commonplace and unremarkable. In Paris, like a melting pot, colorful hues become part of the social culture and popular lifestyle. Alain previously lived in Paris, where his circle included friends and colleagues; he reportedly met Nathalie through a colleague’s sister. Two years ago, they moved to Orleans because almost all of Nathalie’s family members live there, and the living space is much more spacious than the small apartments in Paris. They had known each other for years, living together like a couple long before marriage. Often appearing intimate and loving, they were inseparable at family gatherings; marriage seemed merely an administrative proof or a public declaration to others. Of course, in France, cohabitation and marriage both offer benefits regarding personal income tax. Cohabitation resembles marriage, but property remains separate; only after marriage do financial inheritance rights apply. Otherwise, there is little difference. In today’s era where divorce is common and emotional, marriage offers no special guarantee; it may simply be a way to announce to friends and relatives that one is taken. However, in this city of romance without infidelity, it does not mean wildflowers cannot be picked.

We arrived in Orleans early in the morning. The civil ceremony at the city hall was at 11:00 AM. Passing through Joan of Arc Square (Orleans is a metropolis liberated by Joan of Arc over five hundred years ago, with its history constructed around her myths and anecdotes), we came to the magnificent cathedral (the facade was recently renovated, appearing even more majestic; the mesmerizing stained glass inside features Joan of Arc’s story as the main theme). I often indulge in beautiful things wherever I go. The city hall is next to the cathedral. Approaching 11:00 AM, I saw a stream of newlyweds coming and going from the city hall for civil registrations. Cars decorated with lights and ribbons, accompanied by convoys, and couples in formal attire entered and exited the hall, surrounded by many relatives and friends. On Saturday, the city hall was livelier and more bustling than usual. Meeting relatives and friends at the city hall, I noticed many Asians wearing traditional Vietnamese clothing, naturally members of Nathalie’s family and friends. The two families chatted warmly while waiting for the bride’s car. When a decorated float arrived, the appearance of the dressed-up bride and groom drew cheers and applause. Photographers rushed forward. Since there were many weddings that morning (over ten couples), the secretary apologized that we might be delayed by half an hour. Cameras and video recorders came out immediately, everyone scrambling to take photos with the couple. At the photographer’s request, we went to the garden inside the city hall for group photos. Both families posed on the city hall stairs with the newlyweds, ensuring photographic evidence that Alain and Nathalie were officially married. Then we entered the luxurious Joan of Arc Hall in the city hall. Surrounded by the mayor and the secretary, the newlyweds sat at the front, with witnesses and families seated on both sides. In the solemn atmosphere, the young mayor quickly eased the tension with experienced humor. Under joyful celebrations, the mayor greeted the couple, read the civil code regulations, and after signatures from the couple and witnesses, Nathalie became “Mrs.” The civil ceremony concluded with a public kiss, the presentation of a family register, a colorful bouquet, and a commemorative pen from the city.

Then, the grand wedding convoy drove through the city center to the lunch venue. My wife and I did not go directly; instead, we had lunch at my sister-in-law’s house and met my nephews, as there was a religious mass wedding at 3:00 PM. We had a friendly lunch with my nephew and sister-in-law, chatting about the grand wedding of his third brother on the 15th, etc. My brother-in-law, being a doctor, was busier on Saturdays and didn’t return home until nearly 3:00 PM, saying he had too many patients and hadn’t even had lunch. He then joined us at our home near the Saimt Mareau church (where Alain and Nathalie worship) to participate in the religious wedding. We arrived on time, and the ceremony proceeded. Under the priest’s guidance, the groom entered the church accompanied by his mother, while Nathalie, whose parents had passed away early and who has over ten siblings all present, made her entrance holding hands with her uncle. The priest opened the service with words, blessing the couple under hymns like “Jesus the Shepherd,” “In the Name and Glory of the Lord,” “The Lord’s Promise,” and “Holy Marriage Liturgy.” Witnessed by the pastor, they exchanged gold rings, completing this sacred religious wedding. As the couple exited the church, they were welcomed by relatives and friends throwing colorful confetti, reaching the climax of the religious wedding in a joyous, painted world, ending with a reception of champagne and exotic Vietnamese snacks.

The end of the ceremony marked the beginning of the wedding celebration frenzy, the moment many relatives and friends had waited for. After the church reception, people gathered at a community festival hall on the outskirts of Orleans for the wedding feast. The tables officially opened at 8:00 PM, inviting nearly three hundred guests. The spacious hall was decorated like a luxurious restaurant and ballroom. Tables were set with an array of tableware and drinks, and audio-visual equipment was installed on stage, ready for a joyous banquet and dance party. As time came, couples entered, each with a glass of champagne or juice, finding their assigned seats by name cards. My “Titien” card was mistaken for an old gentleman or a relative from Nathalie’s side, and I was seated among Vietnamese elders, flanked by older ladies (Mami). I temporarily switched places to sit with the French family. The French meal was abundant with delicacies rarely eaten elsewhere: foie gras pâté, white wine sea bass, duck marinated in red raspberry vinegar, various cheeses, and Dordogne red wine and other wines to drink freely. Everyone feasted heartily. Accompanied by lively music, we enjoyed the food and danced when inspired. Under these two unusual cultures, Vietnamese modern rock and traditional Breton music played, creating a lively atmosphere. Young Asians personally taught Vietnamese dances. Dancing hand-in-hand in circles, the collective revelry reached its peak. Couples embracing in beautiful dances also captivated many. Finally, amidst noisy celebrations, delicious desserts, a nine-layer basil wedding cake, and endless champagne, we exhausted ourselves, partying until dawn broke, ending the longest night, etched in personal memory. The wedding thus concluded. (To ensure private image rights, portraits are not visible here.)