Weddingbee Blog

Mr. G and I had just said our vows, exchanged rings, and kissed. We had walked down the aisle together and it all happened in a flash. I couldn’t believe I finally had a wedding ring on my finger after a 2 year engagement and being married at a government office in Tokyo just a few months prior. It was a great feeling!

We walked to the entrance way to my parents’ backyard where no one could see us, our photographer following us the whole way. We took a moment to be alone and have a cuddle.

We talked excitedly about the ceremony and our wedding bands. Deciding not to exchange rings at our courthouse “wedding” made the symbolism of them very special to us that day.

But our wedding day was definitely not just about us. Something much bigger was happening that day.

My Japanese mother and Brooklyn-born father were acknowledging that this is their son-in-law. Their little girl, their only child, is married and starting her own family.

I have grown up not having a lot of family around. My mom’s side is all in Japan, and my dad’s brother’s (small) family is in Mississippi. No living grandparents on either side to see during the holidays, and years would go by for me without seeing aunts and uncles.

Whose face is better, the ring bearer’s or my dad’s?

We are a big family now. I’ve gained wonderful in-laws; they are halfway around the world in England, but I’m pretty used to that! It’s been an interesting experience for our family to get to know them. We’ve never had relations in England but now it’s a flurry of Christmas cards across Japan, America, and the U.K.

Most of all, Mr. G and I appreciate the love and support of our family. After our portraits, we popped bottles and joined the cocktail hour already underway in a toast.

Poppa Glasses made a lovely toast about how nice it was to see everyone, that he was excited for us and the merging of our families, and that he could feel the love tonight. Momma Glasses made a not so nice toast. BIL was quite busy but gave a few words. I toasted to Mr. G and told him how thankful I was for all his help. We raised our glasses and did what my crew and I do best: DRINK!

Are you an only child? Do you come from a small family? Did your wedding day make you feel close to your family?

All images by L.A. based wedding photographer Tam T. Nguyen.

Missed something?

• First, we prepped the yard.
• Then, the girls got ready.
• After that, our ceremony got off to a rough start.
• I gave you a glimpse of our wedding day.