(Figure 1) A poetic and picturesque view from the kitchen window. (Figure 2) Natural scenery under thick morning mist.
(Figure) A view of the castle's rear courtyard in sunlight.
(Figure) A luxurious wedding carriage from the early 20th century.
(Figure 1) The newlyweds being led into the town hall by the mayor. (Figure) The couple signing the marriage certificate.
(Figure 1) A church wedding scene. (Figure 2) The Acana chamber orchestra is on the right side of the church.

As the newlyweds stepped out of the church, they were showered with a baptism of colorful rose petals. After settling into the castle guesthouse, we experienced a quiet and poetic night, drifting into sweet dreams under a starry sky. September 15th was my uncle’s wedding day. We woke early to witness the unique natural morning light. Looking out from the rectangular kitchen window, the entire landscape was shrouded in white mist, creating an ink-wash painting-like poetic scene that captivated me completely. I felt intoxicated by nature’s embrace and its beauty; if this is heaven on earth, it draws one irresistibly into its heart. Immersed in this dreamlike natural beauty, I contemplated in silence, resonating with nature. All of this was beyond words. Accepting nature’s baptism, enjoying the fusion of body, mind, and spirit, there is nothing more beautiful or substantial in life than this. It allows one not only to taste the world’s most exquisite beauty but also to receive its embrace.

The sun rose slowly, its bewitching morning light shyly appearing before bright rays quickly awakened the earth. Light pierced through the clouds, clarifying the contours of the natural scenery and ushering in a beautiful day. My wife and I shared an intimate breakfast while admiring the view. Cake, bread, grain bread with pear jam, and a large cup of rich coffee made me deeply feel the happiness and fulfillment of human life. The wedding ceremony was held in the afternoon. After breakfast, my wife and I walked out of the castle to Bridore, a quiet small village. The only street was empty. As we passed the elementary school, laughter from playing children echoed inside, adding to the tranquility. We visited a magnificent small chapel. Though modest in scale now (only half of what was once a cathedral remains), it features a golden shrine, wall decorations, and stained glass windows.

We then strolled along winding country paths behind the church. Chestnut trees were laden with fruit, and we picked up fallen ripe chestnuts as we walked. Unknowingly, we arrived at the castle’s rear courtyard. Several tall walnut trees stood there, their ground covered with fallen walnuts, which we also collected. We enjoyed the warm morning sunlight in the beautiful rear courtyard. While my wife read novels and played crossword puzzles, I lay on the lawn, embracing the earth.

At noon, we began to dress up. Many ladies went to Tours early in the morning for hair styling, all wearing their finest attire—dresses, suits, or sharp business wear. We drove to Sepmes, a small farmhouse, bumping along through forests and flat countryside fields, offering endless views of the bright Touraine landscape. We arrived punctually at the Sepmes town hall, where many familiar faces gathered. Today, weddings or funerals have become moments for family reunions. Relatives from across France and even abroad had almost all attended this grand event. It was rare to see so many members of a French family together. Three generations reunited, chatting and catching up. Notably, everyone was dressed up. Titien wore a sharp suit with a colorful tie, earning praise from his daughter E. Besides the younger generation of nephews, who are now handsome men or beauties, everyone waited for the bride and groom.

A luxurious vintage car from the early 20th century drove into the town hall square. Amid cheers and drumbeats, the bride and groom appeared. The bride looked stunning in her elaborate dress, like a Snow White princess, arousing envy. The groom wore a sharp suit typical of the late 19th century, appearing steady and mature. Cameras clicked rapidly as photographers followed the newlyweds. Led by my great-uncle, the mayor, they entered the town hall, and the civil ceremony began. Holding hands, the couple sat directly in front of the officiant. Witnessed by joyful relatives and friends, the mayor greeted them, recited the civil marriage regulations, and after signatures from the couple and witnesses, the legal marriage was completed. Immediately after, relatives and friends took group photos with the newlyweds in front of the antique town hall. Then, everyone followed the bride’s car, forming a majestic wedding convoy honking horns and playing symphonic music, heading to Tauxigny.

In the small village of Tauxigny, many residents came out to welcome this extraordinary wedding. The small chapel in the square was already filled with relatives and friends participating in the religious ceremony. Quickly, everyone took their seats. To the right of the altar was the Acana Chamber Orchestra (replaced by two young musicians), and to the left was a choir of over ten musicians (their colleagues and friends). In the rhythm of the Wedding March, the priest led the groom, accompanied by my wife, into the church. Then, the beautiful bride entered, held by her father. Joy and celebration opened the wedding under the priest’s address. Bathed in music and beautiful songs, blessings were given through hymns such as "Jesus the Shepherd," "Under the Name and Glory of the Lord," "The Lord's Promise," and "Holy Marriage Service," along with sacred vows and poetic musical performances. Witnessed by the priest, they exchanged gold rings, completing this solemn and sacred religious wedding. Lasting two hours, it resembled a wedding concert. Professional orchestras, choirs, and conductor friends attended to celebrate the sacrament, making this religious ritual extraordinary. When the newlyweds stepped out of the church, the climax was reached with showers of colorful rose petals, joyfully welcoming a new, beautiful world of life.