FRANCE 98 – Marseille – Symbolic Wedding in the stade Vélodrome before Brazil-Norway

One hour before the start of match N° 35 BRAZIL-NORWAY (Group A), Tuesday 23 June, Rose Angela De Souza and Øivind Ekeland were married on the stade Vélodrome pitch in MARSEILLE.

For this symbolic ceremony, Øivind wore a black suit and a top hat, Rose Angela was dressed in a beautiful white wedding dress, with a long train and a lovely veil. The young lady, clearly very moved by the occasion, shed a few tears.

In front of the Pastor Tore Thomassen, the Rose Angela’s “si” followed the Øivind’s “ja”.

Their little daughter, Christina, carried the wedding rings. After the exchange of rings, the groom kissed the bride.

The couple left the pitch to thunderous applause; the song “Stand by me” was played as they left.

The groom then threw his top hat to the spectators in the Jean Bouin stand.

The newly weds then installed themselves in the Ganay stand to watch the match with all their family.

The groom:

“I was nervous right up to the last moment. Going onto the pitch was a fantastic moment. It is without doubt the best day of my life.

I was really pleased to see the Norwegian players applauding us on the pitch,. I don’t think many wedding couples have the joy of having such prestigious guests. When the public stood up, a shiver went right though me.”

The bride:

“I was very moved and particularly touched by the public’s welcome. I’ve waited along time for this moment. Now, we’re in some ways free to enjoy the match.

Of course, I’m a BRAZIL supporter, but I won’t cry if NORWAY win. If NORWAY qualify this evening, Øivind and I will have our respective teams in the competition.”