Wedding Ceremony & Party in the UK
On 17th September, an auspicious day (we hope anyway ED.). We were married in the UK. I dressed a long -sleeved kimono (worn by unmarried women on ceremonial occasions). It was my last chance to dress in this style of kimono, so I was very glad to wear one. The British guests were glad to see it.
When I arrived the place, Janet handed the yellow bouquet and button holes for other guests. Before the ceremony, we had an interview. The officer asked my Dad’s name and his occupation. She wrote the information onto a document and we both signed it. After the ceremony, we also signed the marriage certificate. Our witness signed this too. I asked Rebecca to be my witness. I think of her like my big sister.
My Kendo teachers especially celebrated on the day, because married through Kendo. I wrote in this First Blog, “the only man who said to me Good by” (I will never be forgiven for this ED.), Reader I married that man. My Kendo teachers recommended him, he was glad to attend the ceremony.The last two years went across my mind, the teacher had asked him to pick me up at the airport when I came to the UK second time from Japan, and we spoke in a friendly way together.
After the ceremony, we moved to the Chinese restaurant; 大同大酒楼 in London. I told our friends who were going there for the first time, “Be hungry that day as the restaurant dishes are delicious!”. I said them,”Are you hungry? Are you ready?”
Mr. & Mrs. Ko ready the special menu for us. They know our favorite dishes, so they arranged changed the standard menu. I was a little surprised to see that some British people used a knife & fork to eat Chinese food. Janet used them when ate a fly of squid (I have no idea what this is either ED.!!).
We ordered a Wedding cake for the pudding. I did not think to order one, but Rebecca said, “WE MUST!” I ordered it just 3 days before, but the bakery is next to the restaurant bakery and made it speciallyy.
I ordered just a “simple cake, with fresh fruit, not showy” but they baked such a nice cake! It was very delicious. Everyone was very glad to eat it. The Doll next to the cake is a present from Rebbeca. It is so cute. We were very happy. We had another special pudding; an egg tart! The restaurant’s the egg tart is VERY delicious!
At first, I did not think to wear a kimono. Rebbeca suggested that I buy a white long dress, so I bought one. I was too shy to dress in a true white dress,so I bought a beige one. I changed into the dress from the kimono, because I had purchased it. Before changing, my friend; Kaori suggested she take a photo of the kimono. Kaori said to make a pose. The first picture was taken by Nigel. The second one by Kaori. Normally when dressing in a kimono, we do not wear rings, but I wore the lapis lazuli ring for “something blue”, and of course I wore the wedding ring.
I changed my dress quickly. I came back to the room and Kaori took my photo in the second dress. I can see my face on the photo, I wanted to eat soon. I notice another now that I forgot to wear the accessories that my aunt gave me for the big day…
The reason for changing the dress, was not for to show guests another dress but so I could eat easier. The dress did not squeeze my waist like a kimono.
When I got to my seat and started to eat, my friends came to see me laughing, ” I have never seen such a bride!” They said when I opened my mouth to eat. I will not upload these photos, but I will show the pictures when I was enjoying my meal…
Some people came from Japan I was a little uneasy as they cannot communicate in English, but my friends; Nori and Kaori kindly helped them. I want to thank them for their help. I was very happy to see that everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.
I think we had a good wedding ceremony & party with them. I deeply appreciate all my guests that day.
Mostly people go to honeymoon after the wedding day, so many people asked me,”Where did you go for honeymoon?” In my case I spent it on the stage of Japan Matsuri (festival) in the centre of London.
I attended the Japan Matsuri thank you Party the day before yesterday, when people heard I had married the day before the festival they were surprised but I have two good memory’s now.