Ms. Butler’s husband, Larry Butler, who works as a Santa Claus for a Seattle mall, gave away the bride. Everyone knew him from his appearance at the Christmas meal. Adelaide, held by her mother, followed them to a small podium in the gazebo. Sue Alexander, a volunteer, made the wedding cake and also stood in for the maid of honor, who was injured by a camping fire the night before. (Because fires are a frequent hazard in homeless camps, Mr. Lloyd buys and hands out fire extinguishers to those in the community.)

The vows were a simple declaration made through teary eyes of, “I will always love you forever.” Passing cars honked as a unity candle was lit, and Ms. Butler announced the couple as husband and wife. Guests blew bubbles as “Always and Forever” by Heatwave played over portable speakers and Mr. and Mrs. Kitcheon held each other tight and danced.

Greg Jacobs, the best man and a Los Angeles native who is also homeless, shared wisdom from his own experience: “When you’re homeless and you’re in a relationship, it gets real, real serious. It’s unbearable sometimes. She might be hungry and you’re not. She needs coffee but it’s dark outside. You don’t know where the next meal is coming from. But if you can go through that with an individual, that’s love.”

After the ceremony, the couple walked along the busy road back to their tent, carrying leftover food and flowers and a gift of a boombox from the Butlers. “It’s hard for me to be happy,” Ms. Vestal said, “but with this man, I am.”