There lived last century, in one of the high-lying inland valleys of Norway, a fiddler, who has become in some degree a legendary personage. Of the tunes and marches ascribed to him, some are said to have been inspired by the Trolls, one he heard from the devil himself, another he made to save his life, &c., &c. But the most famous of all is a Bridal March; and its story does not end with the story of his life. Fiddler Ole Haugen was a poor cottar high among the mountains. He had a daughter, Aslaug, who had inherited his cleverness. Though she could not play his fiddle, there was music in everything she did—in her talk, her singing, her walk, her dancing. At the great farm of Tingvold, down in the valley, a young man had come home from his travels. He was the third son of the rich peasant owner, but his two elder brothers had been drowned in a flood, so the farm was to come to him. He met Aslaug at a wedding and fell in love with her. In those days it was an unheard-of thing that a well-to-do peasant of old family should court a girl of Aslaug's class. But this young fellow had been long away, and he let his parents know that he had made enough out in the world to live upon, and that if he could not have what he wanted at home, he would let the farm go. It was prophesied that this indifference to the claims of family and property would bring its own punishment. Some said that Ole Haugen had brought it about, by means only darkly hinted at. So much is certain, that while the conflict between the young man and his parents was going on, Haugen was in the best of spirits. When the battle was over, he said that he had already made them a Bridal March, one that would never go out of the family of Tingvold—but woe to the girl, he added, whom it did not play to church as happy a bride as the cottar's daughter, Aslaug Haugen! And here again people talked of the influence of some mysterious evil power. So runs the story. It is a fact that to this day the people of that mountain district have a peculiar gift of music and song, which then must have been greater still. Such a thing is not kept up without some one caring for and adding to the original treasure, and Ole Haugen was the man who did it in his time. Tradition goes on to tell that just as Ole Haugen's Bridal March was the merriest ever heard, so the bridal pair that it played to church, that were met by it again as they came from the altar, and that drove home with its strain in their ears, were the happiest couple that had ever been seen. And though the race of Tingvold had always been a handsome race, and after this were handsomer than ever, it is maintained that none, before or after, could equal this particular couple.

Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson's 'The Bridal March; One Day' is a compelling work that explores themes of love, betrayal, and redemption. Written in a captivating literary style, Bjørnson's use of vivid imagery and intricate character development adds depth to the narrative. Set in a rural Norwegian village, the book delves into the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of societal expectations. The lyrical prose adds a poetic touch to the storytelling, making the book a timeless classic in Scandinavian literature. With its rich cultural references and poignant themes, 'The Bridal March; One Day' stands as a masterpiece of Norwegian realism. Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson's intimate knowledge of rural Norway and its people shines through in this captivating tale. Drawing from his own experiences as a playwright and poet, Bjørnson brings a unique perspective to the narrative, offering readers a glimpse into the intricacies of human nature. I highly recommend 'The Bridal March; One Day' to readers interested in exploring the nuances of human relationships and the impact of societal norms.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1882.

When California's local and state governments enacted sweeping COVID pandemic restrictions, San Diego wedding planner Amy Ulkutekin found herself forced to fight for the survival of both her industry and her own small business. A need for social impact quickly developed into political action, bringing her to the steps of California's state capitol, followed by hundreds of protestors, all dressed for a wedding. While many accounts will be written about the year 2020, most of which will discuss COVID and its lasting impact on society, The Wedding March presents a unique microcosm of the struggle endured by both a specific sect of the population as well as the United States at large. Small business owners (like this book's subject) and individuals alike battled wars of attrition against governments, corporations, and healthcare behemoths. This book is the triumphant true story of one such business owner faced with the threat of financial ruin.