kenleewrites in 日本

I was invited to a friend’s wedding last weekend. In Japan, there are usually 2 events on the wedding day. The official wedding ceremony and banquet, and the less formal nijikai (second party).

This was his nijikai.

Reception. Lots of coats. It was still rather cold given the time of year.

The official wedding is usually held in the late morning over lunch. Everyone is suited up or dressed up. A formal event with family, friends, bosses, colleagues etc.

The nijikai is an informal event usually only attended by friends and some colleagues, away from the eyes, ears and reach of the older generation. ^^.

Lots of take home presents from the first wedding ceremony. Although it is common for friends to attend both the official ceremony and nijikai, the nijikai is also a good opportunity for friends, like me, who didn’t attend the wedding ceremony to take part in the festivities.

Was trying out some movements. Does this look at all lomographic to you?

Limited sitting lets you stand and socialize.

In a party, do you find corners more comfortable than standing in the middle of the room?

A congratulatory speech for the happy couple by one of the groom’s colleagues.

I guess you must have noticed by now – this nijikai has an Hawaiian theme.

I was told some of the accessories they were wearing had to be imported.

The happy couple cutting their heart-shaped cake topped with lots of strawberries.

Always a shutter chance.

The total number of photos taken from every camera in the room is bound to be a huge number!

She takes the first bite of happiness. The cake was pretty sweet. ^^.

The wedding ceremony is not only an event to commemorate the happy couple’s union, but it is also a photography event! With the groom and bride as models. ^^.

Sometimes I wonder what happens to the photos. What are the chances of it ending up on another blog?

Her turn to feed him.

And it’s a mouthful!

I don’t understand why, but at every wedding I’ve attended, the groom always gives his bride a modestly sized slice of cake. But the bride always gives her groom a mouthful.

eh..

Is that to symbolize marriage? Husbands getting a mouthful from their wives? ^^.

…aww…

Everyone loves to take a photo of the happy couple.

There’s always one of these videos at weddings. We get to see baby photos, embarrassing high school pictures etc. Most of these photos are usually sourced from family or childhood/high school friends without the knowledge of the happy couple.

That’s why they are interesting. ^^.

Close friends from high school also like to perform for the happy couple.

Sometimes the groom also joins in.

Taking a breather and checking that every moment is caught on camera.

Food on this table usually goes untouched.

I just like taking pictures of people taking pictures of other people.

Lots of group pictures from here now.

See anyone you might know?

Here’s a mini quiz. Can you figure out what digital camera the guy is holding? Even better, how many megapixels it takes!

Lots of pretty girls, in front and behind the camera. ^^.

Attending weddings are big events for girls. There’s the buying of a suitable dress, the fixing of the hair, the ………

With a camera in one hand and my camera in my other hand, I stealthily took this photo.

Instead of throwing it over her head, this is how we play the “who’s the next bride” game indoors.

The footage in that video camera is going to be rather interesting. It will have everybody except the groom!

The party was held at a Hawaiian restaurant in Ebisu. Everyone just walks to the station after the party.

Congratulations guys!

Live long, prosper and hopefully help raise Japan’s 1.23 children born/woman (2007 est.) total fertility rate. ^^.

How different are weddings where you live?