kikit's kit

Today I attended the wedding ceremony of Yumi, my former Japanese teacher. It was a little costly for me but it's worth the experience! I guess I'll never be able to attend a Japanese wedding again for the rest of my life. Thanks to Yumi and Kazuhiro! =)

Unfortunately, with Kuya Wendel and Ate Lorraine climbing Mt. Fuji (Yeah, I missed it!) and Cecil vacationing in the Philippines, I did most of the preparation for the event all by myself. I went to Ate Chris who did my make-up. After the session,  I walked back to my apartment, which is about 10 minutes on foot, and it was freaking hot. When I got to my place, I was sweating a bit and  I had to retouch. Grrr...

I took a taxi and headed for Shin Gifu. I got there just a few minutes before Koji, Yumi's brother arrived. What I didn't know was he was going to pick up two ladies, me and Mana. Fortunately, Mana speaks English fluently as she and Yumi started their friendship in the UK where they both studied for about two to three years. Not only was she gorgeous, she was also friendly, nice and sweet. How grateful my soul was!

As I expected, the venue of the wedding wasn't a church. It was very Japanese. While waiting, I chatted with Koji. He's studying English in the UK as well but he's currently here for the her sister's wedding. He'll go back to the UK next week and he wants to travel around Europe. With his love for photography, I'm sure he can take beautiful shots of a historic continent. I love the idea!

Wedding Ceremony

When the ceremony started, I started to realize that this is the kind of wedding I want to have...

From the waiting room, the organizers (perhaps part of the venue package) led us to a room where the couple is going to exchange vows. It looked like a chapel without a cross or an altar. It has two rows of pews without kneelers, one for the family and friends of the groom and the other for the bride. The sixty visitors watched the groom entered the room first. Then, the bride accompanied by her father walked along the aisle. Clad is her simple wedding gown, all eyes were on her and all of us thought she was the most beautiful lady in the world at that moment.

The ceremony was short. There was no mass or an officiating person like how we do in the Philippines. There was an emcee who kept the flow of the ceremony though. At first, the couple read a message of gratitude for the visitors and then the reason why they are marrying each other. That part was really cute! Then, they signed a marriage contract, which was also signed by their mothers. It was followed by the wearing of wedding rings and then the kiss. That's it! While leaving the room, we popped crackers instead of blowing bubbles or throwing grain. I tried to hold back my tears but Mana couldn't. For her, to see her best friend marrying a guy she has been with for fourteen years is something special for her too.

Wedding Reception

The "hiroen" or reception started. Everyone applauded when the couple entered. It was explained that Yumi's gown was handcrafted by her mother and her necklace was made by her colleague. The groom's shoes were made by the bride herself. (By the way, Yumi makes bags, shoes, wallets, etc. for a living). Each visitor has an assigned seat. I sat between Mana and a Japanese guy I never spoke a word with the whole time. It was kinda awkward. =(

After the toast, the waiters started to serve the food. It wasn't buffet style. Each course was served to each visitor in a plate. When the visitor eats up, the waiter comes, gets the empty plate and gives another course. I'm not sure how to call that arrangement. Honestly, I didn't know what I ate (lol) but it was really good. While eating, the couple went around and distributed a piece of bread which wasn't supposed to be eaten until instructed. All guests opened it together and those which has filling got a nice gift: they were asked to give an impromptu speech! =)

In the middle of the reception, the couple left the room and changed their outfit. When they got back, the groom was in a different suit and the bride was wearing a Japanese kimono. This is part of Japanese traditions. Don't ask me why. =) Another highlight of the ceremony was the slicing of the cake. Many guests stood up to take a photo. Then, that cake was brought to the kitchen, sliced and given to the visitors. We also watched two videos Koji made. One video was about their future home in Yamanashi-ken and another was a slide show of pictures since they were young. Yumi's friend also played the saxophone beautifully.

The couple gave lots of presents for the visitors. First, they gave 10 CD albums of the saxophone player and small bags made by Yumi. My luck came when my number was picked to get the bouquet Yumi used in the wedding ceremony. (Does it mean I'm going to get married next? Lol!) Another lady was chosen to receive the reception bouquet. Lastly, they also gave bags to the necklace maker and the saxophone player as a sign of gratitude.

The reception ended with a message of the couple for the parents. Yumi read it and then, they gave a bunch of flowers to their parents. They lined up at the back of the room. The father of the groom gave a message. Then, the groom ended the reception with his own message for everyone. A couple of tears fell. I couldn't help it. I believe the couple couldn't have loved each other if they had not seen love in their parents.

All the visitors left the room not empty handed. Each was given a paper bag of souvenirs.

Awkwardness in Perfection

The wedding was a simple and solemn one. It was only attended by family members and close friends. The couple has organized everything well, from the invitations to the giveaways. Everyone was comfortable and everyone had fun. The couple looked so at ease perhaps it's because they have been together half of their lives. I could see that they're not only lovers but also friends.

I think everything was perfect except for my awkwardness. Defensively, I would say that I couldn't blame myself because it was my first time to attend such event and I didn't know anyone at all. But what frustrates me was the fact that I didn't try to speak Japanese with anyone. I was so shy to do that and I hate it. I couldn't figure out what's happening to my confidence and friendliness since I came to Japan. As I said, I didn't speak a single word to the man next to me and that sucks.

Nevertheless, I had a wonderful experience today. I witness again a commitment of love. Seeing the couple together,  I have faith that their marriage will last until they grow old. The party was also perfect. If I got married someday, I'd surely be asking tips from Yumi when it comes to preparation.

I got home, opened my souvenirs from the couple and I got a Japanese cloth, two glasses, a pack of cookies, two cake rolls, a box of chips and of course, my bouquet! =)