Last weekend, I went to Kagoshima to witness my friend’s wedding, my first for a Japanese ceremony. I didn’t have any idea on how the wedding will proceed except that it will be in Japanese. And having a limited knowledge with the Japanese language, I knew that it will be quite a challenge for me to understand everything. But love has the power to translate things and action speaks louder than words, clichéd as it may seems. Everything was systematic. Everyone was very formal. No hint of panic at all. As soon as we arrived at the venue, we were led to the chapel. I was surprised that it was almost a Christian wedding, officiated by a priest. Fortunately for me, part of the sermon was in English so I didn’t need any translation at that moment. (And of course, I was busy shooting).
love's an elusive thing
everything turns red, once found
bound to forever
After the final blessing, my friend (the groom) was very emotional. He is one my closest Japanese friends, just like a brother. There was no mandatory photo sessions unlike the previous ceremonies I've been to, which I liked. Everything was very fast yet very smooth-sailing. After the bouquet toss, we were led to the reception area. And believe it or not, we had a seat plan with our names on the table. No gate crashers allowed. Donned in traditional Japanese kimonos, the bride and groom listened to the speeches of the well-wishers. All speeches were in Japanese and my friends tried to translate it to me from time to time. This is also the time where guests can give their wishes to the newly-wed. Of course, beers are a must. Wonder how much the couple had drink during the wedding.
The 3-hr ceremony was full of love and cheers. Applause is never ending. There was a presentation of photo montage about the years they were together. A presentation from couple's friends and families. Speech from the couple again. This was another emotional moment. After which the couple went to each table to convey their appreciation and thanks. I know they're very tired but still, it was overshadowed by their emotions.
We joined the 2nd party but skipped the 3rd and 4th parties. See, in Japan, wedding is a grand celebration.
All I wish to my friend and his wife is to have a good family and that their love will be forever. Happiness all throughout as they start a new chapter of their lives.
Tetsuro-kun, Madoka-san, gokkekon omedetou goizamasu!
/totomai
2012/04/29
What a lovely couple. Can't believe the Japanese value their wedding like that.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to the both of them. ^_^
http://iifatree.blogspot.com/
They do. :-)
DeleteThanks musta na?
ganda ninong! :D
ReplyDeletenasalo mo yung boquet? :P
yung nakasalo ng bouquet ang nasalo ko haha
Deleteadik!
you captured the moment perfectly. thank you for the post because this just made me realize how grand weddings in japan are! imagine, 4 parties to celebrate the union of two hearts? but when you really think about it, that is how it should be really done once you find THE ONE :D
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. Who cares about the expenses when you want to show the world how you love each other right?
DeleteWow, this entry made me remember our wedding too last December 2011. It was solemn yet fun.
ReplyDeleteI have with me my closest friends and buddies, family members and relatives. It's the most gracious event I've had in my life.
These couple exudes the love as evident of how they are in photos. Continuous blessings to them
Thanks! I guess being intimate with the guests is also important. Limiting the visitors is one of the plans I have too lol
DeleteA beautiful day.
ReplyDeleteIt is!
DeleteIt was a very expensive experience for me. I needed to have my hair fixed, buy fancy clothes, take the cab and give cash gift to the couple. No regrets, though. Just probably like you, I learned so many things about Japanese culture at the ceremony. And ang sarap ng food!!!
ReplyDeletehaha. i never included this aspect on the entry. but yes, it was an expensive experience haha. we took the plane so that costs a lot already lol
Deletethis is a lovely post. congrats to your friends. what a nice couple!! :<)
ReplyDeletehttp://veggiesyarnsandtails.wordpress.com/2012/04/28/a-mr-cheddar-haiku-elusive-prey/
Thanks Geraldine :-)
DeleteMay love never elude them in all their years together!
ReplyDeleteA haibun, Honey for My Soul
Same wish as yours :-)
DeleteYhey reached out and grasped the elusive!
ReplyDelete:=) Thanks!
DeleteIt's time for your own wedding! :D
ReplyDeletesure. just wait haha
DeleteI love weddings so this post definitely made me all giddy inside.. :) Your photos are lovely as always. And wow at the number of parties after the wedding. It must've been exhausting for the newly-wed couple! Anyway, best wishes to Tetsuro-san and Madoka-san.. ^^
ReplyDeleteOh yes, it's unlimited parties here in Japan. It's either you get drunk. or you get very drunk. LOL!
DeleteA wedding is the epitome of happiness. Such a joyous occassion. Thank you for sharing the photos.
ReplyDeleteThanks TWG!
DeleteI love weddings... a very lovely couple.. And a truly enchanting haiku with truth in it! :)
ReplyDeleteBehind that elusive mask!
what a happy photo! :<)
ReplyDelete:-) they sure are during the celebration :-)
DeleteAwesome photos! Best wishes to your friends. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.dekaphobe.com
Thanks Michy!
Deletemust be a great experience to witness a wedding from another culture, beautiful photographs by the way John.
ReplyDeleteYes Ms Beth, it was different. and hope to get married here too haha
Deletehahaha, nice one John, wishing you well and hope it will be soon?
Deletehoping it to be very very soon. haha
DeleteThank you very much☆ We will never forget the day... and I will be a good husband!!
ReplyDeleteMAI san, when will you invite your wedding??
Bunso! i will never forget it too as well as kagoshima.
Deleteof course I will invite you for my wedding. but i think it will be in switzerland haha