Q: What do you get if you take some urbane Germans, add a large contingent of Irish (Dolans at that!), numerous comedians, old friends, new friends, families, Salzburg, mist, mountains and a band called Jason und der Argonauten?

A: A kick-ass wedding that's what!



Last weekend was an unrelenting good time. I was in Salzburg for the wedding of one Mark Dolan to one Maria-Rosa Kramer and the torrential rain on Friday night and all day Saturday could do nothing to dampen the spirits. Staying at the charming Schloss Leopoldskron didn't do any harm either. This was used as a location for the Sound of Music . It's probably a site of special significance to film lovers around the world. The sort of people who might consider the place defiled if they were ever to hear about Dom's tribute to Paris down by the lake at about 6am...


The wedding ceremony was in Bad Durrnberg about 45 minutes from Salzburg, up a winding road into the mountains. The church itself was wreathed in cloud and had the most stunning baroque interior. You don't get that in the Church of England I thought. And you don't get "He's got the whole world in his hands" in German either. The order of service thoughtfully provided words in English as well but I wasn't going to pass up the chance of giving the German version what-for. Next up was "Morning has broken" and while Damien wasn't pointing out what looked like rude words I tried my best there as well. You can't beat a sing song.

We headed back to Salzburg in a long cavalcade of cars but hadn't got far before we all came to a stop. Moments later the groom came running downhill back into the village. It didn't look like an auspicious start to married life but in fact all was well.



The reception was in the Schloss, in an elegant baroque ballroom with high ceilings, enormous chandeliers and gigantic paintings. It's probably the closest Mark will ever get to living like his idol, Elton John. The meal was delicious and the speeches were outstanding. Mark entertained the troops in English and German, winning my eternal respect in the process. And Maria said a wonderful thing when explaining that she knew when she was away from Mark for too long - her face wasn't aching from smiling and laughing. There was a lot of that going on and the whole event had a marvellous atmosphere.

The party kicked off downstairs in the schloss once we had finished with dinner. Thats when Jason und der Argonauten took over. They were an excellent wedding band. Not a glittery sequined waist coat to be seen. And an eclectic range of material that seemed to suit everyone. There is however no excuse for DJ Otzi. If Austrian content is required the polite option is surely "Rock me Amadeus" by Falco. My particular favourite moment came during "The Lion sleeps tonight" when I distinctly heard the singer explaining that "in the Willage, the peaceful Willage, the lion sleeps tonight". Bless him! Anyhow the dancing was vigorous and a good time was being had by all. The room was also awash with stunning lady architects from all over Europe, on whom I managed to make no impression what so ever. Ha! The old magic's still there.

Now I am a notorious lightweight but by thunder these boys had stamina, the Argonauten I mean. And I was just having so much fun that I could scarcely believe it was 3am when they finished. But that wasn't the end of the fun because the hyper-talented Susy Kane took to the piano and finally brought some much needed Elton John to the proceedings. But soon time had caught up with me and I took off to bed. But the carousing carried on till daybreak I believe. Well done everyone concerned.

True to form the day after the wedding dawned sunny and bright. People slowly emerged for breakfast and we went off to explore Salzburg, or should I say try to drink more coffee. It's a beautiful place and the coffee is very strong. I can offer no greater praise to say that it reminded me of Edinburgh. Without the Calvinism. And I'd particularly recommend the castle - I scored it at 9 out of 10 (just losing points for lack of turrets and a slightly domestic aspect from certain angles. But then I'm very harsh - Paula Abdul gave it 10.). Above all it gives a great view of the old town below it. Then round the other side it offers a stunning mountain panorama to which I have utterly failed to do justice below.


(Click to see a bigger version!)

After spending all winter in the Rockies, the Alps came as quite a surprise. There is something really primal and even sublime about their shape and the contrast with the urbane gentility of baroque Salzburg round the corner was quite something. The clouds and snow did help, lending the scene some extra romance!

Soon we had to be back at the airport. But even Ryanair were prompt in arriving, departing and getting the bags off the plane. Some enchanted evening eh?

More pics:
- Nice Schloss
- The Church
- German chassis, British name...
- Edinburgh pals
- The Parents
- Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr Elton John!
- Francesca keeps time
- Sorry Macca!
- Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr Neville Chamberlain
- Party Hard
- Groovy Bishop statue
- Sinister hot dog idol