Thursday, March 29, 2012

Invasive Kimonos

 
For the past 5 years my friend, Megumu, has been a diligent student at the National Institute of Polar Research studying invasive, non-indigenous species introduced into Antarctica.
 She graduated this week and so wore a traditional furisode for the ceremony, a kimono with long flowing sleeves.

The extravagant kimono looks so elegant.  I wish it was a part of our culture to wear such beautiful graduation attire!
I hope in the future someone studies the introduction of non-indigenous kimonos into the United States.

'Yay, Mu!!!'... is what these men are thinking. 

Megumu holding her well deserved degree. 
Congratulations!

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Smokey and the Bandit Wedding

Our friends, Walter and Malia, were married yesterday at Pioneer Ocean View Church in San Diego. The theme was Smokey and the Bandit, and western wear was encouraged. Malia designed the 'top secret wedding' herself; Walter had no idea until his wedding day (although he did get suspicious when he was allowed to keep his 'stache). 

The pastor incorporated just the right amount of humor into the ceremony for the couple who met in improv class. 

 
Yippee ki-yay!  The elated couple is looking good!  

 Their ride and driver awaits- the Bandit Trans Am. (Kidding about the driver.)

Giddy up! Fred and I embraced the western theme with pleasure. 
We went to Target in our getup and you wouldn't believe the stares we got. I didn't know peoples necks could twist like that! I guess people aren't used to this look in San Diego. 

You just have to love all the cowboy hats.

On the label of this Jones soda bottle is their engagement picture, and the candy attached is a chocolate mustache.  
Malia did such a great job!

They rented a photo booth for attendees to create guest book pages.

But these guys totally out did us!


Walter and Malia cutting into their wedding cake. 
We were betting on if they would smash cake into each others faces; I am so glad they didn't. 

Grrrr!

Walter and his sister, Theresa. 


Malia absolutely shined in her wedding dress. 

Coors six packs were on every table as wedding favors.  

Props are fun for everyone. See the enjoyment Micheal can't help but exude?

Phil's Event Center (adjacent to Phil's BBQ) were very professional at catering the event.  The whole thing went off without a hitch (besides the getting hitched, of course). 
Happy wedding, Partner!