Mike and Anna had their commitment to marriage ceremony this past Thursday; I guess that would be the proper terminology because they are both Catholic and this was more of a blessing/formality or some such. They’re still gonna do up a proper wedding so that their (thanks VoW) families can attend and such. But officially, the Japanese government recognizes them as a married couple.
Anyway, it was a really nice ceremony. It took place in Maiko, Hyogo at the Seaside Hotel Maiko Villa. I was most amused by the fact that they managed to find a Filipino priest to give the blessing, and boy howdy, was he ever Filipino! I wondered whether or not the others who were not used to such accents could understand his English, let alone the Japanese attendants! Still, it was a lovely little blessing.
There was a private lunch afterwards and we had a nice view of the bay. The formal reception was the following day, mostly for convenience due to being unable to book both venues on the same day. It was a bit odd, but it meant that people who couldn’t go to the ceremony could at least attend the reception and vice versa.
The reception itself was held on the Santa Maria which took us around the Osaka Bay. It was a bit short and not as detailed as the usual affair, but it was still fun.
I’m really glad I was able to share the day with my two friends, ‘cuz quite honestly, who knows if I’ll get a chance to attend their real wedding.
Here’s to the happy couple!
Now the Filipino priest bit was impressive. I understood what he said during the ceremony in the video so I’m sure most people did. Yay for the couple.
Congrats to Kuya-Mike and Anna!
..Additionally, because I’m a nerd:
“so that *they’re* families can attend”
heh.. ;p