YCGL - Saturday, July 20, 2024 - Day 38 - Et Bryllup og en Fest - Part 2 - Draft

En Fest!

Yes, it was a Party!  We USAers have a lot to learn from Norwegian wedding receptions.  It was held at  Samfunnshuset Fjellheim (the community center, Mountain Home)

(from Fjellhiem page on Facebook)

We arrived a little before 3:15.  Family and friends had been decorating it for two days.  It was eye-popping to me and even more so when I helped a bit to take it down on Sunday.  

The party was supposed to start at 3:30.  However, pictures in the mountains took a little longer and they drove in at 3:45, i.e., right on time...

in a 1957 Mercedes 220S sedan.  They had their first toast (of many) in the parking lot.

Tore, Marit Helene, brother and best man Esten and maid of honor Kirsti

It started with a toast from Tore to Marit.

And then, there was the first serenade.

Then was one of many traditions I think we ought to adopt.  Everyone tapping on the wine glasses is a signal for the couple to stand on their chairs and kiss.

Then everyone stomping on the floor signals the couple to get under the table and kiss.

And finally, everyone drumming on the table is for the parents to kiss.  And each gets a toast.

(I was laughing so hard, I didn't get pictures of the last two any time they did it.)

Then it was Marit's time for a toast to Tore.

There were many times I wished I understood Norwegian, because it sure looked like she told a good story on Tore.

Next came another Norwegian tradition we should start.  All the men in the room have a chance to walk around the table and kiss the bride.

Of course the ladies have equal opportunity.

  

Next, Kirsti and Esten and Sveinar have their toasts.

Then, the guys had a chance to serenade Tore.

and folks, there is 5 minutes more on my video!

 The Tore's two older sisters Silja and Mali had their chance to toast!

As older siblings, we are relieved that it is you, Marit Helene, who will stand by our little brother's side, when life takes a turn and if he has hard times.

On the farm and in the home area, however, it feels good, with the Wagyen and a newly refurbished seat so great.

An exquisite "dream team" to run a farm, where everyday life can be both demanding and hard.

None of the rest of us bothered to take over, but we stand as bid owners - on a lifetime contract - we promise!

The young man greatly appreciated his uncle and aunt, who were dressed, caring and elegant.

Our takeaway: however, you can safely throw away the contraception, ... and let the wedding night take place according to tradition...

Remember: With each other - be generous and good, "water the grass" and let the best grow.

No relationship runs smoothly, but together you are dynamite!

Then we toast it and thank you, Marit Helene, for finding Tore, despite the fact that he is a big troublemaker. (No, Yes, No, Yes).

We appreciated dock and are very happy with dock both!

SKÅL!

Next Einar gave his tribute....I wish I understood it!

Notice Erik on the climbing bars.  He watched from there for quite a while.

Soon (it's now 9:00!), it was time to cut the cake.  

       The Traditional Norwegian Wedding Cake

Someone must have gotten the word.  The cake went into both their mouths without it being smeared over their faces.  Quite civilized.  

Then time for another serenade to Marit.

Everyone there seemed to know the tune if not the words.