My sister actually suggest I wear ren-faire garb. I don't think so...

Part II

Monday October 10 2005 -

Hiroki had spent the night at Bear Haven - Peter III having gone over to his grandmothers. He was warned to sneak out in the morning without attempting to see Kim - and not to return until after she left for her hair appointment. Pete slept in - so did I. But the ladies and Peter had Kim packed up and ready for her hair appointment by a few minutes past noon - Jess and Jen heading down to Esperanza to prepare themselves, Rabbit acting a chauffuer. The girls packed food - the rest of use graxzed on leftovers. Hiroki arrived with his parents and Sakai folded the kimono and packed it up , then went to get checked into the Esperanza for the evening. - arrangements made with Nino to pick up Mom and Dad for the wedding - Sister Lauri and her SO had also checked in with us. I decided to drive myself - one less thing to worry about. Pete got "tuxed", Sue dressed and they headed off for the Esperanza (Sue) and the church to deal with flowers (Pete) - I relaxed a bit, got 'tuxed' and headed for the church about 3.

Church was scheduled to be opened at 3 - I got there a few minutes after and within a minute or two guests started arriving. The ladies had so organized Kim that even *she* was ready almost an hour early - so we milled around and got flowers where they were suppossed to go - took some photos, and kept Kiroki INSIDE the church and Kim OUTSIDE the church just in case that "seeing the bride" thing has any validity.

Truid Moon (harpist, organist, piper - a truly talented woman!) did a lovely prelude on the harp, then organ for the entry of the mothers, Hiroki escorting Sakai to her seat, Peter III escorting Sue; Then the "Entrance of the ladies" - Kim's five 'special guests' - and finally it's time for the bride!!!!

ONce Hiroki had escorted his mother to her seat he was at the front of the church, which allowed Kim to at least step into the vestibule - thought we kept her well back so he still couldn''t see her. I unhooked the bustle of Helga (the dress, remember?) and spread out the train as duly instructed by Warrdrobe Mistress Jen. Then as the strains of the organ swelled - Pete, Kim and I carefully negotiated the turn (this is a TINY church) and walked the aisle. I only stepped on the train once!    She was so beautiful! Even those who had seen the dress, and Kim in the dress were stunned. There really is something special about a bride on her wedding day.

Once to the front of the church Kim stepped forward, her father and I falling into formation behind the bride and the groom, they flanked by Man of Honour Peter III and Best Man Al. Pat Hanen - in her own style greeted the people, gave the announcements regarding the non-recieving line after the service and instructions on picking up reception materials) and then launched into the service itself. The responses must have been adaquate - she didn't make any of us repeat ourselves - and no one objected to the marriage. Then the combined families responded in unsion to the "Who gives..." question. Readings followed - (all beautifully done by various of the ladies and Hiroki's friend Jim) and my song. Porr Kim delicatley dabbing at her eyes under her veil - (I forgot to mention - Jen made beautiful silk hankies for all the men in tuxes and the women of the bridal party - bamboo patterned silk on one side, absorbent white cotton on the other!) .

The vows were exchanged, rings echanged and then the peace eschanged - right after the "you can kiss the bride" portion. I hope someone got a picture of Kim standing there lips pursed waiting for the kiss! Communion followed - and fhen Trudi piped the couple out at the end of the service - she continued piping outside as the bride and groom returned and greeted everyone (the non-recieving line) People picked up their reception packets - we stripped the church of flowers, collected the wedding vestments to be returned to St. Mark's (Pat had borrowed a set of vestments I had made for St. Mark's) put the various peieces of furniture back in place and it was off to the reception.

Part III will follow.