Anyway, the key reason for this trip was..... the wedding of one of my good friends from grad school. Suzy is this crazy smiley ball of energy who is so genuine and nice and fun to be around. I actually didn't meet her fiance until the weekend of the wedding but from what I had heard about him, they are the perfect pair.
How they met: Interestingly, Steve is the best friend of Suzy's ex-boyfriend's brother (I think I got that right....) Or the brother of her ex-boyfriend's best friend..... Well, one of those!
Where the wedding was located: It was held in this old art deco hotel that was renovated and is rented out for special events. It actually borders this infamous park in the middle of the city (it is even named in a popular song from the late 70's -- the park, that is.) These days it is infamous for not the most positive of things but it is really interesting to have these anachronistic interplay between the park and this hotel. Those staying at the host hotel took shuttles to and from the event which worked out really well since 1) there was not a lot of parking available and 2) we had been informed, jokingly by the bride, that there was an 8 drink minimum at the open bar!
The ceremony: So Suzy's mother is Japanese American and her father is Mexican American of Persian decent. Steve is Canadian. So how did all of this play out in the wedding ceremony? Well, the ceremony was held in a square courtyard in the middle of the building. When you first walked into the hotel, you were greeted by a large Asian -inspired flower arrangement of orchids, draped by paper origami cranes that Suzy's friends and family created for the couple. It is a Japanese tradition to create a 1000 of these cranes as a wedding gift by the folder, who is wishing a thousand years of happiness and prosperity upon the couple.
The ceremony was actually a Buddhist ceremony held under a gazebo by the family Buddhist minister in traditional dress.
It included the a version of the Shinto San San-Kudo ceremony of three x three (9 is a lucky number in Shinto tradition) sips of sake from three flat cups, almost like dishes with small, medium and large size. Both the bride and groom sip from the cups and the ritual was also shared with both of their parents.
Attire: In a move that was probably less Canadian and more reflective of his personality, Steve and his groomsmen wore tuxedos and.... brand new black Converse low top tennis shoes! Suzy's bridesmaids wore brown or black strapless cocktail length dresses.
Suzy herself, wore this beautiful strapless Oscar de la Rente dress will an a-line multi-layered tulle skirt, hand embroidered with beading and tulle flowers. It was really amazing as you can see....
The brand: Suzy is in marketing so, everything related to her wedding, from the Save the date card to the invitation to the program, menus, gazebo, and candles at the ceremony, to the spotlight shining down on the dance floor at the reception were all consistently branded with their fonts, monogram and logo.
The reception: After the ceremony, there was a cocktail reception with hors d'oeuvres in the room right off the courtyard where the wedding ceremony was held. Then the whole party moved to the the ballroom where the full reception was held.
The ballroom was true art deco style and old black and white movies were being projected onto the wall above the stage at one end of the ballroom.
The tables were decorated with big centerpieces with large white ostrich plumes 
and the wedding party sat in the middle at a long table which was really nice because everyone else could see them.
The cutting of the cake happened at the top of the stage so everyone could easily see it as well.
The party!!!: After all the formalities and eating were complete, we all got down, drinking and dancing and having a great time.
As you can see, she doesn't get out much anymore! Two kids will do that to you!
A good time is being had by all!
1 comment:
great posts looks like it was a blast!!!
one love still
ps I love all the personal touches!
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