Sewn Together: Lion Dollar Dance

With a quick trip back to the dressing room, I unwound myself from the kimono and slipped on the red cheongsam I bought custom-made from China. It was so much lighter than both kimono and my wedding dress, so I left it on for the rest of the night. It also helped that the dress was a little loose, definitely a comfy thing to be in!

And then the lions arrived.

Sak and I grabbed our red envelopes with each lion's donation. Our goal was to feed them! Unfortunately we were separated by our own head table, so it's a little awkward that we aren't standing next to each other. Staging could have been better, but oh well!

Flirty little lion.

Naw, I think he's just money-hungry!

Mmmmm.

FEED ME!

After they both got ate our envelopes, they stood up and unfurled their banners of good luck.

Our emcee announced that the lions were going around the tables next, and if anyone wanted good fortune, they should feed the lion a dollar.

So I guess we had a dollar dance. Minus bride and groom, plus two lions. I didn't know that this would happen (after all, I've only seen lions fed oranges and lettuce), and I remember being a little worried that the lucrative lions would offend our guests.

But no - the guests ATE IT UP.

(Photo by family)

And so did the lions, obviously! The proceeds go to their non-profit cultural organization, which I guess teaches kids how to be lion dancers. There was always a little kid standing behind the lion, and they took turns being the lion's bum! So cute!

(Photo by family)

Some people even teased the lions, causing them to perform a trick before getting their food!

One friend of ours was particularly excited, and in our wedding video, he's nearly crying in happiness when the lion comes over to him. Who knew they'd have such a big impact?

(Photo by family)

For an on-the-fly decision and ten minutes on the phone reserving our date, I'd say the lion dance was a whole lot of excitement for very little planning stress!

(Unless otherwise noted, all images by Terra Photography)

Our wedding week in review:

• We took care of some last minute DIY details, and officialized everything.
• We vacationed with our out-of-towners, and threw a yummy welcome beach brunch.
• Sak saluted an angry dragon during our wedding rehearsal, and we sniffed at our dinner.
• Wal-Mart crashed my bachelorette.
• The women magically transformed, and Sak tied me into our dress.
• There was a windy photoshoot on the beach, and then we hung out at the chapel in flat shoes.
• We marched to the altar and got married.
• Everyone was camera-happy.
• Reception time! A bustle for our first dance, and then it was time to eat.
• I wore a kimono.

Sewn Together: Kirei Kimono

Tucked away in the dressing room, kimono dresser H, me, and a troupe of Polynesian dancers began the changing process. Yes, I was really worried about the dancer's next-door party at first, but either we were louder or the sound-proofing was good, because I couldn't even tell they were there.

I shuffled out of my wedding dress, and fifteen minutes later was wrapped up in a gorgeous (and super-heavy) kimono.

Time to go back to the party!

I walked out, and twirled around a bit to the sound of Sak's family applauding.

That surprised me, but I guess they were just really happy that Sak's new wifu was on-board with his culture. Sak, on the other hand, was chided for not having found a matching hakama (men's kimono) to wear. Silly husband.

In any case, I tottered over to thank my friend for letting me borrow the beautiful silk garment.

Pocket obi?

(Photo by family)

And then we took some table pictures.

Our lovely helpers! They did a fabulous job with set-up!

I'm really glad we took the time to do table group pictures. It's nice to have a way to remember who was there, and for someone still learning who's-who amongst her in-laws, they serve as flashcards of sorts. The only problem is people who were in the buffet line for seconds weren't present in the photos, but that's okay. We know who enjoyed the food I guess!

Anyway, after a very short 20 minutes in the kimono I had pined after my entire engagement, it was time to change again. I didn't want to risk having it dirtied, and besides - the lions had arrived.

(Unless otherwise noted, all images by Terra Photography)

Our wedding week in review:

• We took care of some last minute DIY details, and officialized everything.
• We vacationed with our out-of-towners, and threw a yummy welcome beach brunch.
• Sak saluted an angry dragon during our wedding rehearsal, and we sniffed at our dinner.
• Wal-Mart crashed my bachelorette.
• The women magically transformed, and Sak tied me into our dress.
• There was a windy photoshoot on the beach, and then we hung out at the chapel in flat shoes.
• We marched to the altar and got married.
• Everyone was camera-happy.
• Reception time! A bustle for our first dance, and then it was time to eat.

Sewn Together: Bad Sign for Good Food

(Note: please don't open this post if you have an aversion to decorated, whole roast pigs.)

Alright. We had a great wedding, and I can't complain. But if I can, just for a minute, serve as a warning to other planning brides - do not trust your vendors when they say they can provide signs for the buffet food. If you haven't seen the sign, just don't trust it.

Half sheets of paper, printed out with big, icky font. When I think of buffet table signs, I think tent cards. These never crossed my mind as a possibility. *Sigh*

It's good that I never actually saw the signs until the wedding pictures came in, or for sure I would have been doing a flying leap to remove the offense.

Anyway, the noodle bar appetizer was pretty cool, though I suppose we should have explained how to eat cold noodles since a few confused guests tried to eat it like soup. (For the record, you dip the noodles in the sauce, then eat!)

After our short first dance, my cousin prayed over the food, and everyone hit the buffet line. We had a slideshow going on in the background, which my parents had created. It had funny pictures of us throughout our six years together, as well as wedding photos from various family members in attendance.

(Photo by family)

Although the signs are regrettable, at least the food looked good!

(Photos by family)

(Photo by family)

And I can't believe how awesome our roast piggu was! He's so festive with his hat, earring and tusks! Oh, and he was delicious too!

And in regards to food, here comes mistake #2. When we chose our buffet items, we were given a list to circle. Sak and I matter-of-factly circled all our favorites. Beef sukiyaki, lemon chicken, lechon, etc.

Do you see what the problem with this is? We did not circle ANY vegetables. It was all meat and carbs.

I'm ashamed, people. What kind of gluttons are we that we failed to see the lack of a balanced meal?

Luckily I like fruit, so we at least had a fruit tray, and Penga-mom at the last minute decided Chinese chicken salad would be a good addition, so there were some greens (though I still don't think it counts as a legit veggie dish, since the emphasis is on the chicken and deep fried noodle topping).

(Photo by family)

Though despite our major fail with the food selection, I haven't heard any complaints. Thankfully, it seems most of our guests are meat and potatoes gluttons like ourselves. Sak received plenty of compliments on the tasty food from his family members! *Phew*

They look like they are enjoying themselves! (Photo by family)

Sadly though, I didn't really get to try most of the food. At this point, I was back in the dressing room - changing into reception "dress" number one!

(Unless otherwise noted, all images by Terra Photography)

Our wedding week in review:

• We took care of some last minute DIY details, and officialized everything.
• We vacationed with our out-of-towners, and threw a yummy welcome beach brunch.
• Sak saluted an angry dragon during our wedding rehearsal, and we sniffed at our dinner.
• Wal-Mart crashed my bachelorette.
• The women magically transformed, and Sak tied me into our dress.
• There was a windy photoshoot on the beach, and then we hung out at the chapel in flat shoes.
• We marched to the altar and got married.
• Everyone was camera-happy.
• Reception time! A bustle for our first dance.

Sewn Together: First Dance

After a short, five mile drive to the Japanese Cultural Center, Sak and I stood in the parking lot as he bustled my dress.

I talked about bustles before, but on the final dress Sak decided to get creative, and he engineered his own bustle system. Instead of ties or hooks, my dress was on a pulley system. Yep. My dress bustled like a curtain that's pulled up at theater stage.

(Personal photo)

(Personal photo)

Two strings in the front, and two in the back, I pulled them out from the waistband of my dress and Sak tugged on them to make the hem rise. Then he tied the strings together and I tucked them back into the waistband. It was so fast, no one took any pictures, and Sak's mom was confused as to how my train suddenly disappeared.

Anyway, after waiting a while for everyone to get situated, we entered. To the Pokemon theme from Super Smash Bros.

I love how both Sak's dad and my dad are both doing the same politician wave.

(Photo by family)

As soon as we entered, our first dance began. We used Lucky by Jason Mraz and Colbie Calliet, which is what we say is our-song-if-we-want-people-to-think-that-we-are-normal. Our "real" song is a lot less danceable.

I had asked Sak's uncle, our emcee, that if it starts to look awkward, to call our parents up to join us. Luckily, he did.

(Photo by family)

And even luckier, other people decided they wanted to come up too. My brother even made Penga-Sis dance with Sak's brother. Both were a little reluctant and grumpy about that situation.

I'm glad we both made it through the dance in one piece. We are horrible, awkward dancers - but the step and sway worked okay for us. I asked Sak if I could twirl him, to which he responded "Can I dip you?" Alas, we'll just never be twirlers or dippers.

The song ended, and guests clapped. Obviously they were glad it was over and dinner could start!

(Photo by family)

(Unless otherwise noted, all images by Terra Photography)

Our wedding week in review:

• We took care of some last minute DIY details, and officialized everything.
• We vacationed with our out-of-towners, and threw a yummy welcome beach brunch.
• Sak saluted an angry dragon during our wedding rehearsal, and we sniffed at our dinner.
• Wal-Mart crashed my bachelorette.
• The women magically transformed, and Sak tied me into our dress.
• There was a windy photoshoot on the beach, and then we hung out at the chapel in flat shoes.
• We marched to the altar and got married.
• Everyone was camera-happy.