Nahoko and Taro's big day finally arrived on February 11, 2012. We were so thrilled, honored, blessed, and deeply thankful that we were asked to share their special day. It was truly an amazing and wonderful experience for our family.
The Martyniaks got all dressed us... which is a pretty big deal for Scarlett as she doesn't like a lot of clothes and she actually wore tights. We arrived at Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya at 2:00pm. The Kato family was dressed in traditional kimono and Nahoko looked so beautiful. First the bride and groom, followed by the family and guests, walked through the shrine to pray and then stop to take pictures. (As an aside: on many of my visits to shrines, I gawked and took pictures of unknown brides but after this experience I feel bad). Now picture Scarlett walking the whole time with her dress up and her hands constantly adjusting her tights.... classic!
Next we walked back to the wedding hall and warmed up with green tea and talked to the other guests while Nahoko and Taro took formal pictures. Lastly we entered a special small "chapel like" room for the actual ceremony (no pictures allowed). We all sat in silence as the rituals/vows were performed including drinking sake in threes, a special reading by Taro and a ceremonial dance and finally we all drank a small drink of sake.
Lastly we all sat down to eat food and have drinks. The drinks never stopped including beer, wine, champagne, sake. Everything was beautifully presented and delicious. The kids had special meals in soccer ball obentos. Of course, Scarlett didn't eat a bite until the bride ordered her a simple bowl of white rice and then she was perfectly happy. Quinn and Shintaro were happy to compete on their DSs and play games.
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| Edamame |
But the night wasn't over yet. All of the Japanese quickly changed into their comfy clothes and we met back at the hotel and went out (including the kiddos) for a few more drinks and snacks. My kids had trouble keeping up with the others and crashed as soon as we got home.
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| Deep fried spaghetti |
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BFFs and ice cream
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The next day, we tried to go to the Nagoya Science Museum but the line was huge by the time we got there and they sent us away. Lucky for us there was a great park and some geocaches in the area. Then it was off to the train.
Lastly we all sat down to eat food and have drinks. The drinks never stopped including beer, wine, champagne, sake. Everything was beautifully presented and delicious. The kids had special meals in soccer ball obentos. Of course, Scarlett didn't eat a bite until the bride ordered her a simple bowl of white rice and then she was perfectly happy. Quinn and Shintaro were happy to compete on their DSs and play games.
The next day, we tried to go to the Nagoya Science Museum but the line was huge by the time we got there and they sent us away. Lucky for us there was a great park and some geocaches in the area. Then it was off to the train.
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