The Ceremony

On the morning of the wedding, the valley surrounding Devil's Thumb Ranch was filled with sunshine. By 4 p.m., when the ceremony began, it had grown terribly windy, but fortunately no clouds obscured the views of the majestic mountain range spreading in the distance. Shana and David married beneath a huppah borrowed from the bride's cousin and her husband, who also provided the music. The ceremony was filled with poetry and symbolic rituals borrowed from multiple cultures: Hindu, Native American, and traditional Jewish. Readings included original compositions by the bride and groom, Eclipse by De Jean, and Finding Your Beshert by Kim Simon. Shana and David wrote their own vows. When it was David's turn to speak, describes Shana, his words were so beautiful we were all crying. At the close of the ceremony, prompted by the officiant, the entire crowd pronounced the couple husband and wife with resounding cheers.