It Was Bare And Bright, And Smelled Like A Stable

A dream wedding — on Valentine’s Day, no less:

An Island couple was married yesterday aboard the 4 o’clock boat. It was Valentine’s Day, and the most romantic day yet shared by bride and groom Leonora Ramirez and John Gonzalez of St. George, who are both in their late 40s.

“The ferry represents crossing over to a better life,” said Ms. Ramirez. “It always makes me smile to be on the boat and to see the harbor, and John loves it too, the way I do.”

They boarded the ferryboat John J. Marchi with eight friends and relatives, for a ceremony that was intimate and spontaneous.

“We are gathered here today in a very unique place,” began the Rev. Ben Bortin, pastor emeritus of the Unitarian Church of Staten Island, New Brighton, “on the Staten Island Ferry, this icon . . . for a very happy purpose.”

The entourage huddled at the back of the ferryboat, snowflakes floating among them, the engine whirring. A few ferry riders pressed their foreheads to the back-door windows and looked on; one was moved to tears. Seagulls followed over the boat’s gray-green wake.

During the ceremony, the couple read aloud the lyrics of the “Phantom of the Opera” duet, “All I Ask of You.” Then their eyes welled with tears, drawn by the raw power of their vows.

Halfway to Manhattan, the light changed just as Rev. Bortin pronounced the couple man and wife: The sun had pierced the fog.

. . .

Before docking, a message blared over the boat’s public announcement system:

“To the newlyweds, on behalf of the captain and crew, congratulations.”

Location Scout: Staten Island Ferry.