Padre Ripoll blessed 2 rings, for man + wife, threw a scarf, symbolical of an unbreakable yoke, across shoulders of the kneeling ‘novios’ GUILLERMO HARTNELL + MARIA TERESA DE LA GUERRA Y NORIEGA

+++  The early tolling of ancient bells announced an impressive ceremony during which Father Ripoll blessed two rings, for man and wife, and threw a scarf, symbolical of an unbreakable yoke, across the shoulders of the kneeling ‘novios.’  ++  Not until the end of all ritual did mirth appear, when Indian choirboys, singing and playing the flute, violin, and horn, changed their tunes from solemn church music to popular, even ribald songs.  From the church steps a procession formed and marched  - more like dancing was the pace – around and across the ‘presidio’ to the ‘commandante’’s spacious adobe, where noonday dinner awaited a number of invited guests.  ++  According to custom, it was a colorful, noisy cavalcade.  After the liberated choirboys, now wearing their gaudiest blankets, came a garlanded ‘carreta’ drawn by two white oxen.  In this rode the bridal pair, Teresa in white lace cascading from her high Spanish comb to tiny white slippers, and Guillermo resplendent in a velvet suit, embroidered jacket, and brilliant sash.  Following them came carts filled with the officiating Franciscans, who had changed their gorgeous church vestments for the drab robes of daily use, and with members of the family and friends whose attire, age, or avoirdupois interfered with mounting a horse.  ++  Sunshine fitfully stressed the sheen in the blue-black hair and the color embroidered in flowers on shawls and dresses.  Real flowers composed the ‘carreta’ garlands and were tucked into tresses and bosoms.  The most dashing ‘caballeros’ caught up maidens to ride before them on their prancing, silver-decorated horses.  Trailing the procession were mission Indians and humble ‘paisanos,’ afoot and childishly happy over a fiesta.  To these Don Jose turned, at the entrance to his home, and scattered gold pieces with the lavish gesture of a Spanish grandee.  ++  The invited guests hurried inside, out of a mad scramble into the peace and order of the patio, where tables were set for the feast, and pretty Indian girls awaited La Senora’s signal to serve.  Toasts and songs enlivened the long meal.  And toward the end there came a dramatic interruption, an international incident to distinguish this wedding from similar occasions in California, which have been so often, so similarly described. … +++