Uncle Severin's wedding!

On the first Friday in July we went to a wedding here in Austria.  In fact it is because of this wedding that the kids and I are able to be in Austria at all!  Dominik would have been coming to work this summer again at the Schloss, but I would have been in Canada with the younger children.  However, as his brother was getting married, we all very happily flew over!  We have had Severin with us in Canada quite a few times and he has worked closely with Dominik on the plans and the building of our cottage.  We were so very happy when he announced to us that he and Ruth were going to be married.

Unpacking the sawmill together.

Building our cottage with Severin.

A wedding in Austria sounds romantic from the start, but this wedding was taking place in a ruined castle which dated back to the 12th Century!  It is situated on a hill overlooking the Danube river, and the reception was to take place in a large, open stone room- such as one might find in an old castle.  One of the most amazing things, especially when you come from Canada, is that this large room had large open windows without screens.  They're not needed as there aren't really any bugs to speak of.  There might be the occasional mosquito, but I didn't see any that night.  We could lean over the stone windowsill and look out across the Danube valley in the gathering twilight.  The lights of the towns along the river and the starts broke up the darkness. 

Looking down the Danube.

The castle as dusk approaches.

Bars on the windows.

Yes, this is a toilet. 

The wedding was a very small and almost informal affair, considering that it was in a castle.  Only immediate family and a pair of friends were invited.  It was cosy and relaxed, and it gave us an chance to catch up with family that we hadn't seen since our move overseas. You can enjoy the photos and look up the website for the castle, if you like.  www.ruineaggstein.at
It is open to the public and they have a restaurant in the courtyard.  There are also river tours from further upriver, taking you through the Wachau region, which is famous for its wine and its apricots.

Preparing for the wedding.

Severin's neices lead the way for 

His first view of his bride!

The Rittersaal is ready for the reception.

Guests after the ceremony.

Our five children.

The boys and the bear!

 Cousins!  Benjamin and Paul are missing though.

Dominik and Benedikt.

The party is beginning.

Lighting the torches.

We roasted marshmallows before the kids left for bed!