It rained the night before Laine and Jonathon’s wedding at Ocean Trails in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, so we were prepared for the worst case scenario. My unflagging optimism rallied as I approached the site and saw some bits of blue sky breaking through the gloom and, by the time of the ceremony, the sky and ocean sparkled and Catalina Island appeared to be much closer than 26 miles away. 

Always conscious of having a precise number of chairs in the front rows of an outdoor event, I was confounded when the seating on the bride’s side changed repeatedly, despite my efforts. 

To acknowledge the bride’s Japanese mother, they chose architectural pillars of Asian fabric to define the altar. Jonathon’s French father prepared a bilingual speech of philosophical references to the institution of marriage. 

The Processional complete, Laine’s mother was seated in the second chair from the aisle and the groom’s father began his speech, only to be overcome with emotion, as he felt the presence of significant loved ones who were absent. I was satisfied that the deceased  father of the bride had a designated place of honor. 

The Sikh officiant gently welcomed the community of guests and Tibetan bowls and bells were played to enchant them. A close friend read a moving excerpt from “Tuesdays with Morrie” regarding the subject of marriage, at the conclusion of which the best man spontaneously left his ceremonial position to approach his wife, take her face lovingly in his hands and kiss her. I was among the many that were tearfully moved by the gesture. 

The bride and groom’s personal remarks and vows were unique and touching, and the officiant spontaneously placed the written pages in the custody of the groom’s father, charging him with the task of framing them, so that the couple could appreciate these treasures in their preserved state with the passing of years.