Hank posing in front of the Huppa
Erica and Vlad had a few “non-negotiables” when it came to their wedding. First, it would be located at our house in Vermont; second, Christopher would act as the Officiant and third, the ceremony would be held under a Huppa. There were other requests, but these are the ones that stand out.
Depending on the local custom and the preference of the bride and groom, the ḥuppa may be a simple Jewish prayer shawl (ṭallit) suspended from four poles, a richly embroidered cloth of silk or velvet, or a flower-covered trellis.
Erica visualized a portable unit that could be used in the Living Room if the weather did not cooperate. As it turned out, August 29 was a spectacularly beautiful day with high clouds and a gentle breeze. Erica mentioned something about dowels attached in a squarish pattern that could easily be lifted from location to location. She sent a box of vibrant flowers in anticipation of decorating the Huppa during the wedding week.
Craig did some research on the Internet and bought quite a bit of lumber. It looked like he was going to build a small chapel. Erica’s Improv comedy kicked in and she decided that the Huppa was the back-up plan for rainy weather. In fact, the entire bridal party could stand under the Huppa if needed. Craig seemed puzzled. You asked for a Huppa, isn’t this a Huppa? Yes, it is a fancy Huppa, not to be confused with Huppo which is Michele’s nickname.
The wedding actually began with the announcement in May. Erica and Vlad were engaged and wanted to get married at the house. I was all for it. It’s so much fun when the kids show up for vacations. New smells, people to snuggle, boundaries to push. Then Michele started saying things like And this is why you are not invited to the wedding. I didn’t take it seriously because let’s face it, I get away with a lot of foolish behaviors. Michele and Craig are push-overs for my soulful brown eyes and elegantly plumed behind. Rumor has it that I am the first dog allowed in the parents’ bed. I am actually the first dog allowed to stay in the house. Yeah right, I thought whenever the mantra about my dis-invitation was bandied about. It turned out to be true. I spent two days at a pet boarding center in New Hampshire. It wasn’t so bad. They read everyone bedtime stories and there was plenty of play-time with the other dogs. In fact, there were three other Golden Retrievers staying at the center while I was there. The staff told Craig that I was the best behaved. I’m not going to lie, the pet center is a nice break from Craig and Michele. They feel guilty about sending me there and shell out top money for the Mount Washington package. I’m worth it.
