We married off the last of the brood on my side of the family (on the water – get it? What-er Wedding), but there are plenty left on Electric Horseman’s side, so not to worry. This bride is my brother’s daughter, although technically she’s his step-daughter, which I find a rather harsh term, for both parties involved. She entered his life over 20 years ago, at the tender age of 7. I think when you have been through all the turmoil involved in growing up, in raising a child, in developing all the attendant relationships among the adults involved … well, you should just get to throw that word “step” right out the window. Who needs it?
We (and by “we” I mean “WE” – my mother, my sister, my bother-in-law (I’m keeping that moniker), my hubby, and I) flew to LA for the festivities. We had been told that this was going to be a non-traditional Jewish wedding. Since I had not been to any Jewish wedding, I wasn’t going to be able to tell the difference. The bride told me that when she and the groom met with the rabbi to prepare for the event, he said he had only three requirements; that there be a chuppah (the canopy that is a symbol of the home to be built and shared by the couple), that the vows be said in Hebrew, and that there be rings. These were things they, too, wanted, so it was a “Go!”
We all gathered in Marina del Rey to board the Hornblower for a rollicking good time.
Butterfly was delighted to have all of her brood in one place, which is a rare occurrence.
Even Electric Horseman gave up his jeans for the occasion.
All the stops were pulled out… what we women go through! Everywhere could be seen the pointiest toes and the highest heels. There were lots of bare female feet before the night was over.
Is this anything like “walking the plank”?
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boats of all shapes and sizes
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We motored out into the harbor to begin a lovely evening, after we had been welcomed aboard with glasses of champagne.
The guests gathered on the top deck to await the beginning of the ceremony.
The wait proved to be too much for one of the little flower girls, who needed some special time with Mom.
Finally the big moment arrived.
The chuppah was carried to the bow of the boat, whipping and snapping in the breeze. It was a gorgeous sight. It had been lovingly hand-made by the groom’s mother, from bits and pieces of the lives of the bride and groom.
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just one of several sentiments
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It is more than a work of art – it is a work of love, one that will be treasured for generations, I’m sure.
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finally, we get to do our job!
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One of these kids is having way too much fun!
I love this photo of the bride making her entrance, not just because she looks so lovely, but because of the reaction of the woman in the background. She has put her hand over her heart as if she can’t believe what she is seeing, obviously very touched.
The bride and groom took turns circling one another.
All this circling business fascinated the flower girls.
Then it was time to listen to the rabbi and take their vows.
My brother and his wife liked this part.
Don’t you think Rip looks nice with flowers? He should carry some all the time.
Before long it was time for the traditional first kiss as husband and wife.
The happy couple danced down the aisle, much to the delight of their guests.
The groom greeted his mother with open arms.
Before heading below deck to join her partying guests, the bride found a moment to just … be.
To be continued …
