Wedding bells (Part 2)

Since the end of 2009 is approaching, I couldn't help but reflect on the happenings of the past year. I am happy to say, I accomplished two happy things this year. I finally passed my 2nd degree (Nidan) black belt test in Shorinji Kempo! I've been building up my training and had a lot of support. I can barely believe I did it. Also, Scott and I had a second wedding ceremony for the family. I wrote this a while back and just finished it... it's kinda long, but it was hard not to leave anything out.


On September 20, 2009, Scott and I had a lovely wedding ceremony and reception in Brooklyn with our family and friends. But what? We're already married? Yes, well, we did get legally married at City Hall in NYC on July 27, 2007, but we didn't exactly invite anyone but ourselves to the ceremony. We thought we were being sly and got away with it, but not exactly!

Honestly, that was our attitude at the beginning of planning all this. Apprehension, some whining (do we have to?!), and then it started to get fun and exciting, but then it got stressful and then it got happy and then it got scary. Planning a wedding is no joke! I get it now when people talk about it and why there's so many reality shows about it. Now I kind of feel like we're part of a special club who've gone through it and can only understand it because we've gone through it. Who knew!



But the wonderful thing we never expected was all the love we felt from our friends and family. We had so many well wishers and genuinely felt their happiness for us. It was much more emotional than we ever anticipated. We really are so lucky to have such wonderful friends and family who support us and want the best for us. We can't thank you enough for everything!

Just to highlight some behind the scenes... our good friend Jane was gracious enough to custom make my wedding dress. It was so much fun shopping in strange stores in the fashion district for all the intricate pieces (esp the vintage lace) and designing and fitting. She also made my headpiece in one night! And her lovely mother Diane helped with last minute sewing needs. I've never felt so glamorous.


Scott's Dad made and printed all the invitations, the name cards and table seating charts, as well as decorating the tables with candles during the ceremony with beautiful fabric. Speaking of dads, my Dad made ceramic cups of all different colors for guests with our names engraved in them. Scott's sisters helped bring and set up everything for the party and many pitched in (my cousin Chris and Aunt Seiko, and best friend from home Rosemary, Felipe for the van!). My sister helped keep me calm and get ready and made a touching speech as my maid of honor. Our brother in law was a kickass DJ with all his pro equipment and helped with announcements and got everyone onto the dance floor. Moms for all their support and for trusting us on big decisions!


My friend Rich was an awesome photographer with great angles on account of his height. And my friend Dan provided elegant music for the ceremony and classy jazz tunes for the cocktail hour. My friend Maggie, a pro film director, filmed our ceremony and guests and her husband Masa provided lots of entertainment! Scott's buddies Evan and Adam really knocked it out of the park (Evan married us with a lovely speech, Adam made a humorous and touching toast as the best man).


Thanks to everyone we were able to relax, enjoy, and take in all the love!

Additional info:
Bacchus Bistro- wonderful location for our party with room for the ceremony, reception, dancing and ping pong! The food was classy and tasty, great wine, and the owner was so kind and helpful.

Opalia Flowers- Just down the street from Bacchus has unique and sweet arrangements that were just lovely.
Richard Louissaint Photography- Prints are available for guests at the link.