Ann & Dylan's Wedding - Ceremony

All our prior worries about the ceremony evaporated when the time came, and were replaced by others. The park rangers, far from hassling us, gave us their blessing, and instead of the scorching temperatures we expected it was a glorious 90 degrees. Now we had to concern ourselves with getting changed (pit toilets provided the only privacy!), and fading light.

People were still filtering in. (Steve Cox & Catherine Yu, groom's family)

We found we needed help with the flowers. Annette DeMay gets credit for flowering the groom.

Ann with "maid of honor" Jonathan Roth, and Dylan with best man Peter Bergman, took their places on opposite sides of the clearing.

Minister Rev. Irma Sawyer stepped to the front with Ann's aunt Judy Wood, who began singing "Indian Love Song" acapella, and everyone was quiet. Bride and groom approached the center with their attendants, trying to walk towards each other slowly enough to let the song finish.

Rev. Sawyer began:
Welcome everyone. We have come here today from our homes far and near to join Ann and Dylan in this place that has inspired their spirits. Here we will celebrate with them as they return to unite in spirit, heart, and home. To those loved ones we do not see here today, your presence is felt.

For Ann and Dylan, this day marks the end of their separate lives, and the first hours of their life together. Although their marriage today is new, it arises from the nurture of others that came before. In recognition of their parents and grandparents, whose unions created the lives we join today, we give flowers.

Flowers were given to the groom's parents first. The couple had clearly not practiced pinning flowers on, and managed only with the help of their attendants.

Dan, if you have anything to share with your son and daughter-to-be, they open their ears and hearts to you.

The groom's father recognized members of the groom's family who could not be present, and guessed how they might feel about the event. A few eyes needed wiping before he was done.

After some more difficulty with flowers, Ann's parents spoke.

Ann's cousin Cory Wood sang "Walk Hand in Hand with Me" acapella in the dusk light before the ring ceremony began.

Ann, Dylan, from this moment forward each step you take will be felt by the other. You have chosen to walk as one, and must find your pace and your way together. Breathe freely together, and seek the air in which your partner thrives. Drink deeply together, and seek the springs that will quench your companion's thirst. Eat gratefully together, and seek nourishment for your spouse. Love fully, rejoicing in the warmth and fulfillment of your lover. Discover in one another the reflection of a nascent self, now complete. Prepare for the fear and wonder that will come your with first steps in the world as a new being, a married couple.

(Dylan, repeat after me) I, Dylan, take you, Ann, to be my wife. As a symbol of your acceptance will you wear my ring? (I will) I intend to care for your heart as my own, to accept you unconditionally, to speak to you honestly, to share your trials, and your trails, to catch you when you fall, to trust you to catch me, and to love you for all my days remaining.

(Ann, repeat after me) I, Ann, take you, Dylan, to be my wife. As a symbol of your acceptance will you wear my ring? (I will) I intend to care for your heart as my own, to accept you unconditionally, to speak to you honestly, to share your trials, and your trails, to catch you when you fall, to trust you to catch me, and to love you for all my days remaining.

By the power vested in me by the State of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.

When the kiss began Dele, the lead drummer, smacked his drum so loudly that many guests jumped and one went for his gun (which he wasn't carrying, fortunately). The drummers then led a precession to the barbeque area, where Dele presented us with a gift of traditional Nigerian cloth and chastity belt.