Carpenter Who Helped Rebuild Notre-Dame's Wooden Structures
Receives Rare Permission from Paris Archbishop for Wedding Ceremony
Government Awards Medals to 101 Restoration Contributors
A carpenter who participated in the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, held an exceptionally rare wedding ceremony inside the cathedral. According to Yonhap News on the 28th, citing France Info, "Carpenter Martin Laurence tied the knot with his longtime partner at Notre-Dame Cathedral on the 25th (local time)." Yonhap News reported that Laurence dedicated three years to rebuilding the cathedral's wooden structures. Together with his colleagues, he carved wood using techniques from 800 years ago, working day and night to restore the cathedral to its former glory.
Holding a wedding inside the cathedral was a dream Laurence had during his time working on the restoration. While private ceremonies are not typically allowed at Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Archbishop of Paris made an exception and granted permission when Laurence requested it.
Father Rivadeau, who officiated the wedding mass at the cathedral, greeted the carpenter warmly, saying, "Welcome to this cathedral. You know this place well-especially from high up." About 500 guests, including fellow carpenters who worked on the restoration, attended the wedding, and tourists visiting the cathedral also congratulated the couple.
Having achieved his dream, Laurence said, "I want to share my love, our love, with the world and with everyone who needs love," adding, "Today is the best day of my life. I don't think I could express it any other way."
Notre-Dame Cathedral has hosted historic weddings in the past. In 1558, Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, and Francis II of France were married here; in 1572, Henry IV, then a Protestant leader, and Marguerite de Valois (daughter of Catherine de Medici); and in 1853, Napoleon III and Empress Eug?nie all exchanged vows at this iconic site.
In May, Catholic believers attended a mass honoring the newly appointed Pope Leo XIV at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. Photo by AFP Yonhap News
Notre-Dame Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, suffered fire damage in April 2019. At the time, French President Emmanuel Macron visited the cathedral's forecourt and declared, "We will rebuild the Notre-Dame that the people of France are waiting for. This is what our history demands and it is also our destiny." He specifically set a goal to complete the restoration within five years.
However, in the early stages of the restoration, lead contamination issues temporarily halted work, and the COVID-19 pandemic further delayed progress, preventing President Macron's initial hope of reopening the cathedral in time for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Nevertheless, thanks to the Macron administration's strong commitment, a reopening ceremony was held on December 7 last year, defying expert predictions that the restoration could take up to 40 years.
In April, marking six years since the fire, the French government invited 101 individuals who participated in the restoration to the presidential office and awarded them medals. Among them were both public officials and private sector workers, including carpenters, stonemasons, scaffolders, roofers, organ restorers, and stained-glass restorers. The ?lys?e Palace stated at the time, "More than 2,000 skilled workers and numerous companies demonstrated expertise, perseverance, and dedication to complete the cathedral restoration project. Thanks to them, the splendor of this heritage has been restored."
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