A group of neighbors who cook for dozens of homeless people each Sunday organized a sidewalk wedding for a couple who are regulars at the weekly meals.
“They’re kind of like our other family,” said Vicki Butler, one of the organizers of the Rainier Pop-up Kitchen, which started about a year ago under I-90.
For Bob J. Kitcheon and Michelle Vestal, the dinner is an escape from the stress of living on the streets. And so it just made sense, that the stretch of pavement, a kind of outdoor family room, should become a venue for them to celebrate their next step.
“I haven't cried yet, I know I'm going to start crying,” said Vestal.
They decided about a month ago to get married, and the neighbors who organize the pop-up kitchen started planning. Vestal and Kitcheon have been together six years and live in a tent a few blocks from Rainier Ave. Vestal is now in a job training program, and the couple hopes to find housing soon.
“This is the best day of my life,” said Kitcheon, following the brief ceremony. The couple cut a cake someone baked for them, and made a toast with sparkling cider.
They opened a donated gift, and then danced as traffic whizzed by.
