Unfortunately we have to close the Guestbook, to much SPAM!
But we are keeping the Franco-American exchanges alive at our new site:

www.FrenchFriends.info  

I'm a French teacher getting married june 27, 1998. My fiance and I are both Irish -Americans so no croos-culture there! Bonne Chance! Meilleurs Voeux! Shannon & John

I think that the site is great . Just keep it updated with how you are doing.

I thoght you guys were terrificly matched. Best wishes to you.

I am an American marrying a Canadian...not quite as extreme but very interesting. His different culture and accent are two of the reasons I like him so much! Your site is wonderful, very comprehensive, funny, and well done. Hope things are going well for you and Christophe!

Christophe and Shannon Hi! What a lovely site! I wish I would know how to design one like this! Being French (Christian/Protestant of Huguenot descent) and my wife, Rachel, being Jewish (from Lithuania), I suppose we have quite a few things in common, although we have already been married for nearly 21 years!! The only advice I could give you would be ...lots of patience, and above all...transparency! The main problems often come from respective families. As a French tutor (at present), just a word on the French expressions: Attention a l'orthographe et a la grammaire!! (Sorry, this E-mail editor does NOT take accents!!!). As I'm currently designing a French tuition method for beginners, I'd be pleased to send a copy to Shannon as a wedding gift (if she wishes so and when it's ready, i.e. in a few months time. Congratulations and best of luck!!

Gostei muito da su Home Page e lhe desejo muita felicidade!

You have a very nice site, I really enjoyed it. I got married a month ago and are working on putting something on my own site from the wedding. All the best.

Hans

Dear Shannon,

Thank you so much!!! I knew I was not alone. Stephane and I will be married in July '99 and I'm desperately seeking ideas. The wedding will be in the States (much easier) though we will be living in Paris afterwards. But the friends and family will be visiting. Already I am looking for a baker to make a piece monte. Any other suggestions? I've never been to a french wedding.

Good luck to you. I will definitely be visiting your site again. Shouldn't someone write a book about this?

Diana

p.s. What are you doing about a bridal registry? I'm lost!

this is a great web site. I was in a relationship with an american woman for 4 years but eventually it did not work out. Right now, I have started a relationship with someone who lives in California and I am in France. We started as pen-pals but there is more than friendship going on. I don't know how this is going to turn out because of the distance but it is great to hear that some people went through that (ie being far from each other for a while) and finally got married. If anybody has had an experience similar to mine, feel free to e-mail me. I have been eager to meet people who married although they are from different countries

au revoir,

Bernard

Hi Christophe and Shannon!!! Best wishes to both of you. Hope everything went smoothly (the trip, wedding and reception). We just wanted to let you two know that the people at Griffin are thinking of you. Make sure you take lots of pictures. Have lots of fun on your Honeymoon.

- Celeste and Alain (and everyone else)

while looking up some sites re:learning french, i came across your site. very well done... you're brave to share so much of your personal life with strangers. you did a nice job on the web pages and your writing is splendid.. i just happen to love the french language and culture -- been to paris 4 times... i'm married in my 30's but won't count out a possibility of living in france some time in my life. when were you married? still crazy in love? any children? are you fluent in french now?

I have been dating a beautiful, intelligent Bulgarian woman that I met while on a Fulbright Fellowship to Cologne (Germany). Although we've been together now for some three years, we have only spent about a third of that time on the same continent--and the preponderance of that in a land that is neither her home nor mine! . . . I fear we could never happily marry. For one thing, we speak a mutually foreign language together (=German). This puts neither of us at the kind of disadvantage one party in cross-cultural relationship often suffers. At the same time, the fact that neither of us speaks German like a native makes some of our conversations less engaging than I would like . . . If we have a future together, it is in the U.S. My girlfriend (wife!) would be compelled to speak English. I try to imagine what our relationship would be like if we spoke English together. I am confident that she could learn English well (and that I could pick up some rough-and-ready Bulgarian). But I worry that her nascent English would get on my nerves quick . . . There's this too: I'm a devout Catholic, whereas she's a card-carrying atheist. Formula for disaster?

Hi Shannon! I am a result of a French-American marriage and couldn't be happier about it. I feel as if I've been able to take the best from both sides. I am researching French customs and Weddings to plan my own. Would you or one of your readers point me to some other links?

I am just about to read more, so I cannot comment on the site right now. But I have the feeling I may be back to it sometime later. I am personally in a X-cultural relationship and most of my friends are, too. I am Romanian and my boyfriend is British. We live in Bucharest, Romania, and the relationship is the most satisfying I have ever had (I am 27). We have been together for two years now, and I really enjoy it. I might even get married with the guy, provided he proposes, but not before I have accomplished some stuff. Anyway, the fact that he is not Romanian, or maybe the fact that he is a Brit ( I love Brits, by the way) makes everything new, interesting and challenging. We managed to stop being upset at comments about our countries and people, and we have fun at such comments now. I also admire him very much, as he is extremelly intelligent and has a different way of looking at things than I was used to. Actually, I don't think I could ever be together with a Romanian before, it will all seem so common. Do I sound like I am in love? Cause I am.

Adina

i was really looking for a french recipe?? oops!!!

I love your site. I married a French man (Jean-Marc) almost 6 years ago, and although it didn't work out (for reasons other than cultural differences) I still have a great love for France. I even work for a French company and speak French most of the day. If I can give you any advice at all it is to share the things that you grew up with with eachother. Show Christophe Sesame Street and tell him the funny memories it gives you, make him watch 16 Candles and tell him how you and your friends were. Christophe, share your French music with her (Clo Clo, Goldman, etc.) Find a way to share the classic films (Les Bronzes, Le Pere Noel Est Une Ordure, etc.) The one thing I missed the most was not being able to talk about these things with Jean-Marc.

Best of luck to both of you!!

Stacey

Hello I think you site is most informative and very nice. I do have a couple of questions? 1. How hard is it to meet a women of french persusion and get a relationship going or at least a friendship. 2. And I couldnt get to your study aids site please let me know if you have any answers thanks jon-karl

This is a test

Well, Ms. Adamson, I have to admit..

this is QUITE an interesting site you have set up!

FELICITATIONS `a toi et `a Christophe! Je vous souhaite une vie ensemble pleine de bonheur!

When I first started reading this site, I thought "this is too cute, even sickeningly sweet" and then I read several things that just made me laugh.. the cultural misunderstandings, the stereotypes.. and then I realized that it’s good of you both to be willing to share your lives (and all its incumbent challenges) with the rest of the world over the internet. For that, I give you much credit!

I now have the impression that you and Christophe are simply two people (from different backgrounds) who have been blessed to find each other and share your love with each other. Indeed, your backgrounds will add something extra to your relationship!

As an American who definitely prefers "la Republique Francaise" to "Disneyland," (ooops! did I say that???) I confidently say that once you adjust to life in France (and like most major adjustments, this one WILL TAKE TIME) you will have, enjoy, and appreciate a way of life that is beyond description. You see, Ms. Adamson, I have been to France nine times since March '85, and the last three times since Thanksgiving '97. My last trip to France-- July 31-August 27-- was, without any qualifiers, the BEST 28 DAYS OF MY LIFE. I typically get sad and depressed when I leave France, but this last time my depression was greater, as I was really beginning to get used to living there. EVERY DAY I ate food I couldn’t even imagine in my wildest dreams.. I got to know people who were in fact friendly and helpful (I NEVER bought into that “rude French people” stereotype to begin with) and every day I was there, not only did I learn something about the region I was in-- Rhone-Alpes-- but I learned some things about myself.

It takes a certain type of person to put him/herself into a totally different environment than what they are used to. Most people are quite content to stay in a place/situation/way of life that they know very well and in which they are very comfortable. I am someone who is open to new experiences-- particularly experiences that I wouldn’t normally find “in my own ‘backyard.’ ” I pride myself on being flexible and willing to try new and different things. Further, unlike many Americans, I am not obsessed with material things or status things.. I put much more value in having a good quality of life: family, friends, and the simpler things. Indeed, the French have a strong appreciation for these things. This is a big part of my own attraction to and interest in France. Remember that compared to most other cultures of the world-- those of Africa, Europe, Asia and South America-- America is like.. a teenager. (A big, powerful, influential teenager, though!) Using that metaphor, there are still many things that we as a country have not developed an appreciation for. Simply put, and as I’ve said many times before: the French KNOW how to live.

By no means do I see the French as totally perfect or above reproach on anything. What I have learned from my innumerable conversations with French people (in France and in America) is that the French have the habit of overanalyzing things too much (or, at least much more than we Americans do!) I’ve read where you have gone through a bit of this, having conversations with Christophe, and the way he seems to go on in a way that you don’t follow too well. That is typically a French thing. A good friend of mine-- from the southern half of France-- has even said that the French overanalyze to the point of getting stuck and not making a decision on the topic in question. And then when they do finally decide something, they are very inflexible about changing their decision-- after all, they just spent one month totally dissecting it, right? :) Further, I HATE how many (most?) of the French smoke cigarettes most of the time and they usually don’t ask you if you mind. Yes, they DO have the right to take years off of their lives by contaminating their lungs with the SAME STUFF used to make streets-- but they DON’T have the right to contaminate my lungs as well!

I read a VERY interesting and insightful book about French culture, Ms. Adamson, and if you respond to my email I will be happy to tell you more about this book that I learned a lot from.

Christophe: je vous felicite bien et je vous souhaite les meilleurs voeux dans la vie avec Shannon. Certes, devant vous, il y aura beaucoup de defis. Mais, porvu que vous vous aimiez de vos coeurs et des vos gestes, vous irez bien. Vous aussi, monsieur, je voudrais bien rester en contact avec vous. Peut-etre je peux vous expliquer des choses de ce pays qu’on appelle les Etats-Unis, et je suis bien pret `a faire ca!

Again, to the both of you, I wish you ALL THE BEST.. I wish you, as Al Green sings in one of my favorite songs of his, much LOVE AND HAPPINESS !

I look forward to seeing the wedding pictures on your site, and I will definitely check back WEEKLY to see how you all are doing!

on the WRONG side of the Atlantic..

JaChri

JaChriX2@aol.com

You have a very pretty site. You both must be very artistic and in LOVE! I was just browsing through the webpages of people in Paris to learn more before our vacation. My wife and I plan on visiting your lovely city in October. Any pointers?

What an excellent site! Just what I was looking for. I am looking into studying in France again next year, as I did last year, so I can spend more time with my French boyfriend and plan for our future, and teach French to foreigners in France! I'm searching for all the info I can find on cross-cultural relationships. Thanks! (emails welcome)

Send you wishes for all the luck you are destined for, although late. I think cross-cultural relationships help you to discover more about other people from the other parts. Of course we get married to one and not all of them eventually. Mine relationship is a mixture of Indian and Dutch relationship. I am Indian and my fiancé is Dutch and we are very much in love. We met in Cambodia, and are now living on the border of France, and working in Geneva. Talk about being international!!!

Great site! How exciting to read about cross cultural relationships that work! I plan to return to France next fall to be with my French boyfriend, and hopefully one of these days he will get time off from work to come visit me in the States BEFORE we tie the knot! Long distance relationships are no fun, but he's worth the wait until we can be together!

Hi Shannon, Congratulations! You were a very beautiful bride! I'm so happy to see your site is updated. My wedding plans are coming along. I've finally found my dress and am considering having french and american flags on each of the tables. You had suggested putting them on the piece montee. I've even found TWO french people willing to make one for me, so I think I'm set.

I'm very excited, but sometimes I get a little nervous about the cross-cultural thing. It wasn't always easy living there when I did. But I'm really willing to make it work this time. You had mentioned you knew of some good books on this topic - well, maybe more about the weddings than living overseas. I think I know all of the French or Foe types. Stephane is not "bourgeois" so those books aren't very fitting. BUt I'd love to know of some about weddings!

By the way, if you go see the movie Ronin, there are some good shots of Arles. Don't know if it's your type of movie, but it did make me feel a little nostalgic.

Oh, and about the myths...unfortunately I think we do have bigger breasts in america. You see, I was so happy when I got my weight down and became a size C finally. They never seem to carry D in France for some reason. Well, the C's were too small. Sooooo I had to buy all my lingerie and Marks and Spencer! HAHA!!! It's true though! : )

Well, good luck to you and your new husband.

Diana

p.s. I like to tell people I kissed a frog and he turned into a prince. Doesn't that mean fairy tales can come true?

What a wonderful site! Shannon, you made a beautiful bride. Thank you for sharing your story. I do not really have a cross-cultural relationship as we are both mutts with various backgrounds. But one heritage we do share (a little in my family and a lot in his) is French. We are talking about getting married and I am wanting to make the cerrmony extrememly personal, special for us and our families and something a little different. (At least for Rockledge, Florida.) So, I have been searching the web for French Wedding Traditions - with minimal success. I have found a little about the wine ceremony, the fathers signing the marriage certificate after the vows are exchanged, the lack of a bridal party (please, if this is not true, do not tell me), and some food customs. If you have any to offer, I would be very grateful.

the site is beautiful. Let God carry you and your husband through ya'll's lives. Jamie Kidder@giz.cie.net

What a great website! I thoroughly enjoyed your wedding photos and your text! Congratulations to you both!

I was recently married on 9/26/98 - I'm Canadian (of Filipino-Thai heritage) and my husband is American (of Finnish stock) and we have noticed a few differences in the way we and our families approach things (his family is very traditional and mine is not!), but we've all been able to blend quite well!

Nisa

hi Shannon et Christophe! i just love your home. Christophe ought to be proud of you Shannon 'cause you did a very great and beautiful job. Wish i could do something like this on my own page. anyway, best of luck to the both of you always. God bless! -margo

hi Christophe et Shannon! your home is very pretty and charming. You did a very good job Shannon and i wish my hompage could be as nice also. anyway, best of luck to the both of you. God bless. will visit your page often.-->margo

Channon : congratulations on your wedding and on the creation of this great homepage . I've enjoyed your wedding pics very much , great shots . I'm also part of a cross-cultural relationship . my wife is american from NY state and i'm from Paris , we have been maried for 12 years and still maddly in love. :) .. We met and live in Australia ( that's another story ..) i wish you both happyness and i hope you will feel the way we feel for eachother in 12 years and for ever. Christophe , felicitations tu a marie une tres belle femme. bonne chance .

What a beautiful site! My husband, Franck, and I were married (in a very short civil ceremony) on August 31, 1998. He is from Chambery, France and has been in the U.S. for 1 1/2 years (after an initial 3 yr stay in London)...I grew up in the Santa Cruz Mountains, CA. We, needless to say, discover cross-cultural differences (and similarities!)daily, and relish in sharing all of it with each other. I applaud your journey to France to wed and your study of the language; we are hoping to have another ceremony for his family and friends in April, hopefully, and as I've yet to travel east of the British Isles, it will be an exciting trip. As for learning the language, after 10 years of speaking Spanish, those "r's" are NEARLY impossible but I am trying... Your pictures of Southern France are beautiful and I wish you the best in your life together.

Really enjoyed your site. I have searced and searched for information on french/american romance and yours is the first informative site I have found. I have only had an internet relationship with my french friend until just recently when we were finally able to meet. It was a magical weekend for us both. I found your stories of the language barriers very familiar, very funny too. Thanks again

I think the site is great. My fiance, Philippe, (guess which one of us is french) plan to marry in April. Although we are marrying in the states, your site was helpful. I recognized some of the same pleasant and not so pleasant points of miscommunication. It was a pleasure to read about your expreience. I can't wait to see what you add when you update.

Great site! Tres bien! :)

toutes nos félicitations pour ce très beau mariage et ce très beau site. a vous de traduire pour votre charmante épouse.

Wonderful website, Shannon & Christophe!

Shannon - what an elegant site! I hope you don't mind if I borrow some of your images! I majored in French in college and lived in Nantes for a year, so I can empathize with you about all of the cultural differences. Relating to the french can be difficult, but well worth the trouble! It has been 10 years since I've lived there, yet I still consider myself nantaise and think of it often. Until I met my husband, it was the best time of my life! Best of luck to both of you! By the way, if you want some good practice in french, log on to a french channel on IRC and chat away!

Hello Shannon, I enjoyed your website.It is very neat. I recently married on may 4th of 1999. My husband is of french descent too. He is very kindhearted and sweet. I am a very lucky girl.I couldn't ask for a better person to marry. I was born in vietnam to an american father who is of syrian and lebanese descent and my mother is of cambodian descent.My father was stationed in Saigon in the U.S army. I think to live in France or to visit there would be great. France is such a beautiful country and the food is wonderful ! You are very lucky. Best of luck on your marriage!! Regards, Jane Rambo

I'm in love with a Canadian and we want to get married and live in canada, I am having trouble finding out info on the process of that. Can you offer any help. I'm desprate!!!!!