It’s long overdue, mainly because I’ve been editing all of the photographs to put into a book for Francois and Gratiane (a belated wedding present which is now caught up somewhere in the inefficient French postal system). But we got some great shots of the wedding, so I thought I’d put them up here.

In Nancy, a little way north of the cathedral is Place Stanislas (originally the Place Royale), which along with the adjoining squares was mainly built by Emmanuel Héré between 1752 and 1760. Around the square are five imposing palaces, with balconies and balustrades. In the center of the square is a statue of King Stanislas. Along its north side are single-story galleried buildings, which continue along Rue Héré. The most characteristic feature of the square is the magnificent gilded wrought-iron railings (by Jean Lamour) at the ends of the streets entering the square and round the Fountains of Neptune and Amphitrite (both by Barthélemy Guibal). The largest of the palaces round the square is the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), with magnificent banisters by Lamour on the staircase.

Matthew at the wedding, in front of the Grand Hôtel de la Reine at Place Stanislas

Aude at the wedding, in front of the Grand Hôtel de la Reine at Place Stanislas

Francois and Gratiane as they emerged from the town hall after their wedding

A very happy bride and groom!

A very French way to leave the ceremony

The chateau where the reception was held…