After the devastating fire that tore through Notre Dame Cathedral in 2019, countless craftsmen worked tirelessly to restore one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.

Among them was carpenter Martin Lorentz, who dedicated years to helping rebuild the historic structure, preserving centuries of artistry and tradition.

When restoration reached a milestone, that same carpenter was granted a deeply personal honour: becoming the first person to be married inside Notre Dame after the fire. The moment symbolised not only love, but renewal, proof that even after immense loss, history, faith, and human connection can be rebuilt piece by piece.

He married his fiancée, Jade, in a deeply personal and symbolic event celebrating love and restoration, with fellow workers forming an honour guard.

“Jade and Martin, welcome to this cathedral. Martin, you know it well, you know it well, you know it from above,” declared Monsignor Ribadeau, the rector of Notre-Dame de Paris. Amidst the crowd visiting the cathedral, Martin and Jade chose each other for life. This marriage, he had imagined it long ago, when the cathedral was under renovation, a dream he thought unattainable.

For three years, Martin worked on the framework. With his companions, he cut the beams in the old way as 800 years ago, working day and night, before all the pieces interlocked at the top of the cathedral. So, when he asked the Archbishop of Paris for permission to get married at Notre-Dame, Monsignor Ulrich agreed, but only as an exception.

The result: 500 guests, many of them carpenters. “It’s amazing to see it finally happening, and to see my friends there. I’m so happy ,” one of said. ” To end like this, it’s a really great moment. And besides, getting married in our cathedral, it’s like being at home,” another rejoiced.

At the end, tourists and carpenters, axes in hand, clapped. “I want to share my love, our love, with the whole world, with all those who need it. I just want to say that this is the most beautiful day of my life. I don’t think I can say anything else,” declared Martin, now a husband. One of those beautiful stories that contribute to the legend of Notre-Dame.

(Picture Courtesy: France 24 TV)