Maki and Shinsuke's wedding
6-19-2011
(Photo BOMB!)
I have so many photos from this and it's hard not to share lots with you, so.... here it goes
at the reception desk, cute! Nice work with the sunflower theme
After doing make-up at home, Kyohei's mom and I headed over to the hotel/ event place for our hair and kimono appointment. Here, one of the stylists opens my kimono!
Half-way done. After the joys of being undies and nipples with all of Kyohei's and Shinsuke's female relatives.... good thing that is only awkward for me. I was annoyed that I couldn't wear a bra.
Also, I wish they would have set my hair with Diet Coke cans, but alas. Here the stylist is fastening a rolled up towel around my waist (how NOT flattering, I thought). It was a good thing it was there to soak up all the sweat from wearing 6 layers in the summer.
Finished product!
Kyohei's grandma told me over and over again that I looked nice and that a kimono suits me.... because from behind you couldn't even tell I was foreign! I'm just going to decide to take that as a compliment.
After getting ready, we all met in a big room so the families could face each other and give formal self-introductions. This was a bit nerve-rackingly formal, even some of the Japanese people messed it up, so I didn't feel so bad.
When I first saw Maki though, I couldn't help by cry, which Kyohei made fun of me for. Whatevs!
We love this ridiculously oversized blue sofa that turned out to be a secret door into the photo room.
GORGEOUS, am I right?
During the photos, some family played games in the waiting room
The Ceremony!
I was, regretfully, cringing the entire ceremony. It was one of those fake "Christian" weddings in a fake "Chapel" I hope the priest was at last real, even if he is a total sell-out. GRIPE: Ok, I just went to a fantastic and beautiful wedding the week before where two non-Christians had a very lovely and moving secular wedding ceremony. This proves that you don't need Jesus to have a wonderful wedding ceremony. I really don't understand why Japanese people want to have a wedding absolutley dripping in Christianity. I mean, there was more Jesus and "before God" than there was in my wedding and I AM A CHRISTIAN. We prayed to the Lord, we prayed to Jesus, we read from the Bible and sang 3 hymns! WTF!!! I was so irritated that everyone was just nonchalantly saying Jesus-this and Jesus-that and using something that is profoundly important to me as mere theatrics. END GRIPE
Did I get some fantastic photos or WHAT!?
Grandma and I pose on this amazing leopard print chair in the lobby. If only this would have fit in my suitcase.
Kyohei, his dad and Kaori: one of Maki's best friends who came to Florida in November with the family. It was good to see her again
Kyohei's cousin and Aunt "Ha-chan" I stayed at her house for a few nights when I was doing the Pilgrimage (her house has since burnt down) I was so happy to see her again and hear that she is doing OK.
Kyohei and his best friend forever, Sukko
himawari
Kyohei giving a speech. He was so nervous, he stayed up till the wee hours with Sukko practicing. He did great, though!
Good work on your speech! This is one of my favorite photos of Kyohei!
Mom & Dad
The cake!
the paparazzi of friends I had to fight to get a photo
Time to eat
Outfit #2
Adorable
I should probably have my head checked for posting this online, but here is the video:
Nat King Cole's "L-O-V-E" Yes, I chickened out and did an English song.
Disclaimer: The sound quality is not good and I am NOT a singer. Also, Kyohei stopped the recording right before I did a little impromptu dance with the fan and before I REALLY broke it down in the second verse. Just saying.
I was so nervous because the wedding planner told me my song was after they changed into kimonos.... yikes! Here I am relieved to be done. People cheered a lot and told me it was good... so I'm just going to choose to believe them.
The next act was Shinsuke's friends. He likes horse races, hence the costumes
More food! After the song, I hurried through the rest of the courses to get to the cake
icecream of sorts
In Japan, the couple goes around and lights the candles at each table together
At the end with parents
Before this, though, the video crew had already put together a short film of the wedding. It was unbelievable that they already had something edited and ready to show. I was impressed.
Happy couple in outfit #3
Grandma and her sister
Kyohei's relatives
I love this photo
After that, we went back to the house to get changed. I headed out with Maki and Shinsuke for the after-party!
I'll stop there for now. Hope you enjoyed!
