Una boda (a wedding)

Anita, sister of Jose & Henry, had her wedding today. When I arrived at the father's house, where she has lived all her life, the patio was decorated for a lunch, later, (crepe paper, balloons) and many family members were standing or sitting around, waiting for the event to begin. All the old women sat together, and each person who entered the house passed them, kissing each of their hands. In her bedroom was the bride, having her hair curled. All of the women in the family had to get in on the act, with advice, curling, arranging her elaborate braids, etc. She was dressed in a falda (wrapped skirt), faja (embroidered belt), and blouse like any other day, but all new and the blouse was white and  more elaborate - much like the top my daughter Anna wore to her wedding.  Her elaborate white veil hung nearby.
Many tears as her hair wouldn't curl properly; finally Anita took over the job herself.  When she felt things were good enough, she went out into the patio and rehearsed the young niece and nephew with their role as pillow-carriers, to walk in front of the bride.  I said something to the father about "losing your daughter today" but he didn't seem to relate.  Then I remembered she will live nearby (in the house of her husband's family, as I understood it.) 
People seemed to be waiting for something, and finally Anita's madrina - her godmother - arrived.  More kissing of hands (an elaborate system that honors elders, or those important in the church or community.)  Finally the madrina went to the bride, and it is she who has the honor of putting on the bride's veil.
When everything was ready the whole assembly, family and close friends, went out onto the street in front of the house, and ahead of them two bombas were set off - huge noises like a cannon-shot, reverberating in the surrounding mountains.  Then the procession to the church.  I asked a man where the novio, the groom, was in all this; he said he was doing something similar, but not as elaborate, in his house.  "After all, he is the receiver," he said.  So we all, some 40 people, walking slowly up a steep alley and then thru the streets of town to the church. 
Inside all the pews were decorated with balloons and some little statuary.  When she entered...alongside her madrina and her parents - the music started up, marimba and chorous - the Wedding March that we know, although someone altered.  The groom and his padrino (godfather -my old landlord and community leader) were waiting near the foot of the area that includes the set-back altar.
They joined and all sat in the front pew for the mass.  My informant said the audience of some 2-300 people was not divided - groom's side, bride's side.
There were the usual call-and-response Catholic prayers, and then many readings from the Bible by assistants (sacerdotes?) --  two were wearing leather jackets, but most robes, and one his traditional Catholic robes with the additional of a local traditional men's brightly-colored sash.  Several of these readings (on the subject of weddings) were given by a French woman who has lived here for 20 years, speaks perfect Tz'utujil and seems to have the - perhaps informal - role of a nun.  She is completely involved in the local traditional community.
The priest then spoke at length about the importance of trusting completely in God, and how that will aid this couple on their journey together.  He seems like a lovely (young) person - speaks informally and personally.   He said he had a secret; he and the bride and groom had grown up together, and the padrino and one other man closely involved had been two of their "professors."  So this wedding was special to him.
He then called the couple up and had them join hands.  He blessed their union and said what an important example they were to the youth of the community (many people never get legally married, much less in the church).  They then repeated their vows to each other, each saying, "I give myself to you promising to be faithful in poverty and richness, sickness and health.." and then I can't recall the ending words...as long as we both shall live??    The priest blessed their rings as symbols of their promises on this day, and they exchanged them with some help from the padrino.  They then each said to the other "I promise to love and respect you."  (I was sort of listening for this, because when the priest spoke, there were several phrases about the woman being obedient, and the man being caring...as Christ cares for his church.)   The priest didn't give the direction, as in our customs, but the groom then pulled back the veil and gave his new wife a quick kiss.
The couple then faced the crowd and were heartily applauded.
They then came into the center of the church were they took Holy Communion, (and at that point I sneaked out of the church to go to the bank before it closed.)  She will go to live in his house tonight.