Charlotte and Marcus (known to some of us as Charcus or Marlotte) recently got married in a small village in the Pyrenees region of southwestern France. Marcus’ mum and dad retired to a beautiful farmhouse down a country lane in the village of Caubous, where one of the most charming and delightfully bucolic weddings I’ve ever experienced took place.
About 1.5 hours southwest of Toulouse are a cluster of villages lying in the shadow of the mighty Pyrenees mountain range. Forming a natural border between France and Spain, this mountainous corner of the country has all that you’d expect of a jaunt to rural France but is unspoilt by the crowds you’d find in more well worn parts.
The neighbouring village of Castelnau-Magnoac was the epicentre of pre-wedding festivities and guests descended upon it for morning rituals. The village ticked away as normal with the busyness of the morning market and villagers running their weekend errands. The square was occupied with stalls of fresh produce, cheese and baked goods and the cafes warmly welcomed us visitors in for pain au chocolats and cafe au laits. The fogginess of early morning eventually gave way to sunshine and newly energised from a quiet breakfast overlooking the village centre, guests readied themselves for the celebrations to begin.
The ceremony took place in the village church down the same lane from the farmhouse. Guests as well as locals piled in to see Marcus and Charlotte join hands in marriage and exchange their vows. As no one had gotten married in the village for well over a decade, this was certainly an event not to miss. Surrounded by loved ones, they became Mr. and Mrs. Littlejohns, and not a dry eye was found. The exit from the church to reception saw the entire wedding party walking casually in the warm afternoon sun towards the house.
From this point on you were in a dream. There was light music in the background being played by Charlotte’s talented musician friends, a lemonade station upon entry to the property, an aromatic hog roast greeting each passerby as well as mason jars filled with floral delights leading you up the gravel drive and into the back garden. Canopied by an old, blooming tree whose reach extended across the entire cocktail area, each guest nibbled on canapes, sipped champagne and thanked themselves profusely for having the good sense to RSVP “yes” to an affair such as this.
With atelier stations serving shaved jambon, smoked salmon, and other grilled selections all overlooking the surrounding countryside, the atmosphere was not surprisingly one of satisfaction, excitement and utter class. The evening carried on as entrees were served, wine was drunk and meaningful words were spoken. Music carried us into the night and joyful proclamations of our affection for them both were communicated with drinks in hand and songs in our hearts.
Marcus and Charlotte throughout the day were as they always are, present in the moment and the absolute picture of ease and contentment. Both from sporting backgrounds and years of experience managing athletes and the events that promote them, these two are usually more comfortable in the background. But for those that know them well, we’re aware of the paradox of this. Two people as highly intelligent, openly warm and generous, unendingly interesting in thought and conversation, exceedingly talented in life and work, and absolutely lacking in ego and self-importance, never successfully fade into any background. Their brilliance shines wherever they choose to stand. And standing together on this Saturday there was never a more perfect day put together to symbolise the internal and external converging of two synchronous souls and the celebration that should follow such a life-affirming occasion.
Lots of love to you both. It was a privilege. xxxx
