Brides and Blossoms...

...have arrived. In the short time we were away, what were barren trees are now overflowing with tiny and delicate pink petals, hanging precariously on branches until the first strong wind knocks them down.

Weddings held during this week are especially joyous and we had the honor of attending one on Saturday. One of baba-san's colleagues graciously invited both of us and so off we were to experience what we had only observed outside our window and further shame ourselves by being ignorant of Japanese traditions. While the actual ceremony is for family only, the reception is larger, with friends and colleagues invited as well.

First of all, when the invitation says noon, they mean noon. Not five after, not even 2 after - they mean noon. As it was the first time leaving Ariana (with April and Jed - it worked out wonderfully - apparently not a tear was shed), we ended up arriving at about five after 12 and were immediately spotted by a lovely woman in an exquisite kimono (one of several worn that day) who knew who we were (first sign we were in trouble). She ushered us downstairs and into the reception room where EVERYONE ELSE WAS SITTING DOWN WAITING....FOR US!!!!!). As weddings here are intricately orchestrated events timed down to the minute, any deviation is cause for concern. We immediately knew where we were seated, as the only two empty chairs sat quite obviously at a table in front of us. A detailed program was placed at our setting, listing everything from the schedule, which includes a presentation by the chef, the menu, the bride and groom's history and likes and dislikes (it even listed their blood type - T.M.I. perhaps??). The welcome introductions started as soon as we were seated and then the groom gave a toast. There were several speeches given - some in English and some in Japanese. It is customary for the groom's father to give a speech and this one was lovely. I can say this because he gave it in English. The groom's boss also gave a speech as did the bride's. This is customary in Japan. There is no best man, no "whoever wants to give a toast stand up" kind of thing. I do have to say all of the speeches (the ones I understood, that is) were beautiful and touching and humble and very Japanese.

In between the speeches they served a wonderful meal, with an even better dessert buffet afterwards. While outside, we all posed for a group photograph. It was all over by 2:30pm. At that time, the bride and groom said goodbye and left. That was our cue to pick up our gift bags (yes, in Japan guests receive a shopping bag filled with treats that is placed conveniently under ones chair), follow them out and go through the receiving line greeting both sets of parents and the bride and groom. As we left, he handed us a copy of the group photo we had posed for earlier.

What a great memento and a great day!!