Ischin and Masumi's Wedding Ceremony!!!

These photos that Taka and I got, were a few of my favorite!

This was out of focus, but I love Ischin's look as he helps Masumi step down.

And then there was this... after the rings, vows, and sake drunk, what seems to be a new tradition which the Japanese have created?! Mother "gives away" Son!

These cards that were designed by Ischin and Masumi, were SO lovely!

And then there are all of these photos following that Sheon took! 

The wedding was held in Nagoya at a 400 year old restaurant called "KAWABUN"

Taka, his father and I had arrived earlier, and we waited in this waiting room with our side of the family.

We were taken to this next area for the beginning of the ceremony 

and where Masumi's family filled 3/4 the benches! 

Finally, in came the groom and bride.

And this photo I love~

Across the way were all the guests waiting, and surely already toasting these two!

Almost as soon as all was said and done, the rain began!

Next our families joined the guests in the dining hall, and it was then that I had the honor of walking my son to his place at the front.

Masumi with her father.

SAKE BIRAKI, where Masumi hammered open the barrel, and sake was first drunk between the two of them, then shared with others.

 

I'm not sure how it worked, or why, but Zen was called to walk Ischin out.

A bit of time later, and back they came!

BANZAI!!! for Ischin and Masumi!!

There was great food, I heard.

Sitting next to Kieahla, and I got to watch her a whole lot and hardly paid attention to any of all that was served. (I didn't know what it was, much that was served as well!)

Naomi, imitating Kieahla.

I found Masumi's mother so beautiful! Later I learned she's a year younger than I!

After the ceremony was when we got to do what was pretty unusual. To Masumi, Sheon, Taka and I said 初めまして！ "Nice to meet you"! It was our first time meeting her, and it was joyous, great feeling time! Masumi's parents too! Motohiko had met her parents before, and Naomi knew Masumi from her school days.