Mark & Tomoko 19/08/2006

2006-10-15T09:27:00.000-07:00

The Middlemen

The Middlemen were the jazz band for the night. But they were more than just background music - everyone enjoyed their playing. Sarah Whittle, the drummer, is one of my Dad's former students and a friend of ours.

2006-10-15T09:22:00.000-07:00

Melissa, Brock, Rachelle and Alex

2006-10-15T09:17:00.000-07:00

Okasan and Keisuke enjoying the atmosphere.

2006-10-15T09:12:00.000-07:00

Deirdre and Katie have a chat, while the cousins sit in the bay window

2006-10-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

Father and Daughter

Katie and Steve Birkenshawe

2006-10-15T09:05:00.000-07:00

Otosan and Okasan sit with David and Miyo in the foreground.

2006-10-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

Evening Reception

The party resumes at the White House, N.T.C, in Didsbury

2006-10-15T08:49:00.000-07:00

Tomoko and I with Sayako and Naoko

Before we leave Chetham's, we pose with the Koto players.

2006-10-11T12:13:00.000-07:00

The Wedding Cake

2006-10-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

Sweet Violets.

Uncle Keith and Uncle Kent sing a rendition of "Sweet Violets". It's been a tradition for uncles/aunts to sing it at a family wedding (I think starting back when my mum got married).

2006-10-08T07:18:00.000-07:00

Otosan's Speech.

The speech of the father of the Bride:

I am Makoto Ichitani, the bride’s father.

First of all, please excuse me for reading a manuscript. I had to prepare this manuscript in advance, as I do not speak English and had to ask for a translator’s assistance.
It gives me a strange feeling that we, all the bride’s family members including her, are here in Manchester, in a place far from Japan. At the same time it gives me a deep emotion to see that so many people are here to celebrate the start of Mark and Tomoko’s new life together.　

I would like to express my sincere thanks to Mark’s family, Tomoko’s host mother Peggy, and Mr Brian and Mrs Jean Vaughan, Mr Robert and Mrs Pauline Keen from the Rotary Foundation, and Mark and Tomoko’s friends, for having offered the bride their kind support throughout her 6 years of stay in England.

Our daughter Tomoko was born in Kyoto, in 1974, as our first child. When this began in Japan is above my humble knowledge, but for a long time it has been our custom to refer to the twelve signs, calling each of twelve succeeding years the year of ‘mouse’, ‘ox’, ‘tiger’, ‘rabbit’, ‘dragon’, ‘snake’, ‘horse’, ‘sheep’, ‘monkey’, ‘rooster’, ‘dog’, and ‘pig’. The thirteenth year is counted as the first year to restart this cycle.

Tomoko was born in the year of tiger. It is said that people who were born in this year have a strong willpower. As a child she was a little shy, but once she decided to do something, she would do it. To take an instance, she would sometimes escape from the kindergarten. Then there would be a phone call from her teacher, who would say, ‘Tomoko is not here. Isn’t she at home?’ Her mother would be surprised and run to the entrance of the house, to find Tomoko standing alone there. Being asked, ‘Why did you come back?’, she would answer: ‘Because there was nothing for me to do there… ’. Perhaps because she would feel a little too shy to play with other children in the kindergarten, she would decide to come home.

She has always been curious about things since she was a child. I’d say that the combination of her original curiosity and the strong willpower peculiar to a child of the tiger year sent her to Australia, where she camped for her research on Aboriginal studies as a graduate student of Tsukuba University. Although she had told me that she would be with a guide who was introduced by the Australian embassy, I was concerned about her security and would convince her to reconsider the trip. And when I tried to phone her to ask when she was planning to leave for the trip, she had already left. Things were the same when she decided to come to England. Tomoko has always been such a character. I would heartily appreciate your generous understanding of and kind guidance for her.
　
We reside in a town called Azuchi, in the prefecture of Shiga, which is located in the heart of the main island. Shiga Prefecture has Lake Biwa, which is the largest lake of all in Japan, and Azuchi is situated on its eastern side. It takes about one hour to get to this town from the world-famous city Kyoto by train.
In this town, Oda Nobunaga, a regional lord, built Azuchi Castle about 430 years ago, in the era of constant political conflicts, aiming to unite the whole country. The Castle was burnt down only two years after it was built, and nowadays you can only see its remains. It is said that it was a spectacular castle. For a long time it has been Azuchi townsfolk’s dream to restore the castle as it was in the past, but it hasn’t been realized yet, as there has remained no precise plan of the castle.

Oda Nobunaga sent four boys to Italy for diplomacy. The boys had a folding screen with a picture on it as a gift, and this picture is said to have had a precise depiction of Azuchi Castle. Last November our mayor had the honour to see Benedict the Sixteenth in the Vatican Palace. Then he requested the folding screen to be searched. It hasn’t been found yet, but they found a portrait of one of the boys.

Azuchi is a small but very historic town. We would welcome every one of you to visit us in Azuchi.

Now I would like to say a few words to Mark and Tomoko:
First, to Mark: You visited us in Japan with Tomoko in March and April this year. Tomoko had told us about you, but we had been wondering what kind of person you were till we finally met you. It turned out to be very nice to have you in our house, even for several days. While you were with us, you had to have Japanese food for each meal, which you kindly appreciated, saying, “it’s delicious, it’s delicious”, in Japanese. We were glad to know that you are a friendly and warm person. We are happy to have you as a member of our family.

There is this Japanese proverb: [...], the English equivalent of which will be ‘A mud-wall deadens a cannon-bullet’. I understand that the meaning of this proverb is that the soft will dominate the hard. While you were with us in Japan, I felt that this proverb could well describe you two as a couple.
Mark, as Tomoko’s father I humbly ask you always to love your wife, my daughter from the year of tiger, with your warm heart.

And to Tomoko:
You’re a grown-up woman, but you have always been and will always be a child to me. As your father I will always be caring about you. At times I may seem to you only to be excessively worried, but I’d like you always to remember that this is my parental privilege. I’d also like you to remember to be considerate and compassionate towards other people, and to be thankful for the experiences and the relationships with people which have been given to you. Wherever you may decide to settle down, please remember that I will always be caring about you, and you’re missed dearly when you are away. As your father, Tomoko, I wish you all the happiness.
Lastly, I would like humbly to ask you all for your kind guidance for the two to build a happy life together. Thank you very much

2006-10-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

The Best Man speech.

The Speech delivered by Steve Tamburello:

In the best of academic traditions this speech is actually a reply to a speech that was delivered on April 2nd last year by the honourable Mr. Rainey. So, for a few of you that were present at my own wedding this will be a “Part 2”, for the rest of you who weren’t there I’ll be able to change a few names over and reuse Mark’s speech and jokes. It has been an emotional day – just look at all the tiers on the cake.

I always find wedding days interesting, as for one day the spotlight is thrust upon quite unassuming laid back people, such as Mark and Tomoko, and for that day they are superstars. Everybody wants pictures of them and everyone wants to speak to them. That’s why I feel so honoured that Mark asked me to be part of his and Tomoko’s day. On the other hand, it means that I had to sit down and try and define my friendship with Mark, to dissect its inner workings. Actually, one of the great things about our friendship is that it doesn’t really need defining, it’s one of those effortless things that just works. Generally it’s founded on a lot of coffee, a fair bit of “Chillin’ like Bob Dylan”, some good conversation and a mutual appreciation of random facts. I did mention that Japan is the only country where the ex-capital, Kyoto, is an anagram of the present capital, Kyoto, didn’t I?
My first memories of Mark were from about 10 years ago when he first arrived on these shores from Canada. The first time we met we went on a trip to Blackpool. I remember some guy who was quite enthusiastic about something called a Subway sandwich, about ice hockey and strangely, milk. At Blackpool I recall being crammed into the Mousetrap together, a ride that actually boasts that it is one of the few wooden rollercoasters from the 1930s that is still in use today. Maybe it was that brush with death that helped us form a friendship.

In Part 1 of this speech Mark made a key observation, that we only rarely actually live in the same city as each other. I’m sure this just gives us more of an excuse to spend longer time putting the world in order when we do return from our wanderings.
One of the highlights of my times in Manchester were our Wednesday afternoon coffee meetings, 3 minutes past 3 at the Greek café every week without fail. It was actually at these coffee afternoons that I first noticed the mutual interest between Mark and a certain Japanese lady that would pop in every now and again. Even then I could see the relationship was going to work as Tomoko had a knack of making Mark look good. I always remember her leaving slightly early as she knew Mark and I had deep topics to discuss. Although I’m sure it can’t all have been as intellectual as Tomoko would kindly give us credit for.
In fact Tomoko seems to have a skill for seeing the best in people. A couple of weeks back I met Mark in town. It was also the day that they had their appointment to register their forthcoming wedding at the town hall. Outside the office Mark informed Tomoko that he had in fact left his wallet at his parent’s house and didn’t have the £60 required. Tomoko wasn’t flustered by this and said “ok, well I’ll just go to the cash machine first”. To which Mark replied, “no, you can’t – the appointment is in 3 minutes”. At this point I realised that on this rare occasion I had exactly £60 in my wallet which I gladly offered, pleased to finally be of use as a best man. It was later suggested by Tomoko that perhaps Mark should be more prepared like Steve, who carried some cash with him in case of an emergency. To which Mark replied, “What?, Steve Never has any money!”.

So what defines Mark? Well, the first thing that sprung into mind was that Mark was quite the renaissance man, a true all-rounder. Let me walk you through a few facets of his character and his multitude of skills.

Obviously Mark is a well respected Philosopher, among the most prolific that Northenden has ever produced, in fact literally tens of people eagerly await the latest offerings from his self-published website, but even if the internet has passed you by so far, you could catch Mark on his local radio show guiding the unemployed people of Manchester towards worthy employment. Failing that you can read about him in the paper. In fact, if you picked up Thursday’s Northwest Enquirer, which I’m sure you’re all familiar with, you would see Mark pictured. And before you ask – that is the paper that is made by the Financial Times. It seems Mark’s witty remarks on his famous Manchester tour have not escaped the eye of the press. What this man doesn’t know about the centre of Manchester just isn’t worth knowing.

As a free thinking philosopher Mark strongly believes that knowledge belongs to the people and should be free to all. I remember a time when we went to listen to the author Douglas Coupland read from his latest novel. After the reading we went to get a book signed, and Mark simply picked up a book from the display and joined the queue. After sharing Canadian stories with Coupland and getting the book signed we headed down the stairs and towards the doors. I mentioned “So, Mark are you not going to pay for that book at some point?”. The reply was “well, it looks like the shop is kind of shut, where I would pay”. So out we went. I’m glad to say Mark did not remain part of Manchester’s criminal elite for long. The next day, in an act of reverse shoplifting, he managed to sneak the book back into the store and up to the tills where the bookseller quizzically sold him a book already dedicated to him on the front page.

Mark is not just a thinker but a man of action as well. Even though Mark had only been in Britain a short time I remember him displaying a natural flair for rugby at an NYI holiday. One moment Deirdre and I were trying to throw water over Mark and the next moment Mark had rugby tackled Deirder over a low wall and down a 10 ft drop into bushes on the other side. Mark came away unscathed having cushioned his fall with Deirdre. Unfortunately Deirdre’s X-rays tell another story.

Mark also has a great appreciation for the arts. For every bizarre Welsh band I imposed on Mark, he came back with equally strange German rap. And the few times witnessed his dancing skills have truly taken my breath away. Let’s see . . . there was the time we went to hip hop night straight from a barbeque and Mark produced some killer apron twirling moves. And lets not forget the time Mark could be seen dancing on the tables at the Footage and Firkin to Tom Jone’s Sexbomb.

Of course, there is a romantic side to Mark as well. Whilst preparing for the speech I was able to speak to somebody who was on the receiving end of the Rainey school of charm. Understandably they want to remain nameless, but they told me about a first date and a first kiss followed by the line – “so, what are you reading at the moment?”. Luckily the girl in question didn’t fall for Mark’s chat up line or I wouldn’t have a wife.
Some of you may know that the building we are in has a lot of history. For those who don’t know, Chetham’s Library [actually pronounced “cheetham’s” (ask Mark)] is in fact the oldest public library in the English-speaking world. It’s also quite special because Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels used to have their own little chats, just upstairs, where they sorted out the world. Now I think Marx mayhave had a bit of spare time while he was busy researching Das Kapital, as he seems to have collected together some greetings and advice for Mark and Tomoko which I found down the back of his chair. Let’s see what we have here:

First off, there is a note from your old friend Socrates. He says:

To Mark, Sorry I can’t be with you today. By all means marry. If you get a good wife you will be happy. If you get a bad one you will become a philosopher.

Then there are some greetings from a Mr. S. Kierkegaard. He was in two minds whether to come today, but wanted this advice passed on to you. He says:

Marry or do not marry- you will regret it either way.

Then there is a note from Marx himself. He wanted to remind you:

Marriage is a wonderful institution, but then who wants to live in an institution?

Wait. . . That was Groucho Marx. Finally there’s a card from you friend Nietzsche. He wanted to share this day with you, but he says that life is a bit crazy at the moment. He just wanted to pass on some thoughts that I think were passed on at my own wedding. He says:

The best friend will probably acquire the best wife as a good marriage is founded on a talent for friendship.

Mark and Tomoko definitely have that talent for friendship and I’m so glad that in each other they have found someone to share love, life and friendship – even if it has to stretch across the world.

2006-09-29T07:37:00.000-07:00

My Speech

On behalf of my wife, Tomoko and I, I would like to begin by saying thank you for everyone who has attended this wedding. It makes us both very pleased and very proud to have so many friends and family members who have travelled from around the world to celebrate this day with us. We know some of you have travelled thousands of miles and spent many hours in airplanes to be here – so again, thank you. Tomoko and I would especially like to thank everyone who has got involved with the wedding – whether it was helping to organise and set it up, play music, or participate in the service.
We’d like to thank: Mitch and my new brother Keisuke for reading scripture and ushering. We also thank Jordan for helping out with the ushering.
Thanks goes to Brock & Andrew for playing prelude music, Brock on the Piano and Andrew on his viola. A special thank you to Rachelle and Ruben for the music played during the signing of the register. Ceanna must be thanked too, for running the guest book and hopefully everyone has had the chance to sign it.
Deirdre gave a wonderful homily during the service and we must thank here for that as well. A very special thank you goes to Mayumi for the beautiful flower arrangements in the church. She has spent a lot of time on the flowers and that shows. They are wonderful.
We’ve also had some great music played and sung at this reception – Uncle Kent and Uncle Keith with their song, and Naoko and Sayako with their absolutely mezmorizing koto playing. Louise has been taking photographs throughout the day, and we appreciate her time not only with that, but also with her help designing the invitations, name settings, and order of service. Finally a thank you must go out to Dr. McCulloch for doing the registrar duties, he took care of all the legal duties.
We couldn’t have had such a wonderful ceremony and reception without you.
We’re in a medieval English building, listening to traditional Japanese music and I hope that helps express the beauty of a cross-cultural marriage. We’ve also listened to farm animal noises! Its all come together, its great. So thanks to everyone who helped out.

I would like to give a special thanks to Peggy McNevin.
– this isn’t just a thank you for all the preparation work that you have done for the wedding, but a thank you for the past 5 years. You made Manchester feel like home to Tomoko and her time in Britain would not have been the same without your support. The first time I stepped into your house I felt your warmth and welcoming spirit, as if I also belonged there and that feeling never left over the past years. You really provided the grounds on which our love flourished and Tomoko and I will always be thankful to you – our Irish mother.

I am also very grateful to my parents. My Mum put a lot of time and effort into organising this day. I know you really enjoy this sort of thing Mum, but I also know that it can be a bit stressful at times. Tomoko and I really appreciate all the effort you have put in
And to my Dad – its not everyday that you get married, and its certainly not everyday that your dad performs the ceremony. Its always hard to compliment your own parents, but I really appreciate the advice and constant help you have given to us in the past year. Especially as Tomoko and I have often had difficult decisions to make. I could never have asked for better parents. You have continually supported me, and allowed me to follow my own path in life.

I am also especially thankful to Tomoko’s family. I want to thank you for raising such a wonderful woman. I think everyone here, and anyone who has had the opportunity to meet Tomoko, would agree with me in saying that she is a genuine, caring and hardworking person and full of integrity. These are qualities she must have learned from her family.
Earlier this year when I asked Tomoko to marry me, it seemed the natural thing to do – we were and are deeply in love. But I soon realised that it was probably very difficult for you, as your daughter was now engaged to someone that you had never met.
Last March I visited Japan for the first time and I remember arriving in the airport with Tomoko. It was my first time to meet you. I recognised Tomoko’s father, Otoosan, because you were wearing your favourite blue hat which I had seen in many pictures of Tomoko’s family. Tomoko had told me that I should expect a polite and formal greeting from you when we met. But, Otoosan, when you first saw me you came right up and gave me a big hug. I could not have expected a warmer welcome from you. You accepted me before you had even got to know me. I will remember forever the trust and love that you showed.
I’m going to try and speak in Japanese now:

Otosan, Okasan, Arigato Gozaimasu.

Watashi wa anata ga tano musumede aru Tomoko-San o totemo

aishitemasu. Kore kara Tomoko-San to shougai o tomoni shite

ikukotoni ima kimochi o aratani shite imasu.

Mata (Gaikokujin dearu nimo kaka wazaru) watashi o Ichitani

Famiri – e musukoto shite atata kaku uke irete kudasari hijouni

ko ueini omotte imasu, soshite ko ushite Tomoko-San tono kekkon o

yuru shite kudasari chuuhinnkara ore imo ushiagemasu.

Keisuke-san, Watashi ni wa imo utoshika imasendeshita kara,

kyoudai ga dekiru koto wa atarashii keiken desu. Kore kara sho

uraini watatte yoi tomodachi ni natetara to negate imasu, ishhoni

sakazuki o kumika washite iro iro katare tara to omoi masu.

Douzo korekara yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.

Now this is the point of the speech where I get to talk about my bride Tomoko. I know how much you like being the centre of attention.

Tomoko I have to thank you as well. I know you will never believe me when I say this, but you are beautiful. You are beautiful not only physically, but also your personality and spirit. You have a deep care and concern for others that I can scarcely hope to achieve. You are exceptionally talented, intelligent and gifted. You also have style – I’ve noticed over the past 3 years that you’ve given me a completely new wardrobe.
Its for all these reasons that I love you. But I love you without reason too.

When I proposed to you early this year, we were out in the Peak district, hiking in the hills on a cold winters day. I thought I knew the area, and had the route all planned – I would propose to you at the top of one of the highest hills. But I lost my way from the start and we had to cross at least one stream and walk through a forest before we got on the right hill. By then the fog was so thick that we couldn’t see more than a couple metres ahead. It was cold, and the ground was covered in ice and snow. And I ended up proposing to you while we took shelter under a dry stone fence.
But it could not have been more appropriate.

I know that International relationships can be difficult, and we have had to make difficult decisions. Sometimes things are not clear and it often feels like we are back on that hillside with thick fog, not knowing which direction to turn. But I have confidence in your abilities and I have confidence in our love. I will stand and support you with whatever you do. And we will stand together, whatever we do and wherever we are.
You are my best friend Tomoko. We have a deep connection and love that can only come from a deep friendship. This is the ground of our love and nothing can take that away. I want our friendship to continue to grow into the distant future.
In one of his books the Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche wrote: “When entering a marriage, one should ask the question: do you think you will be able to have good conversations with this woman right into old age?” Well, for me the answer is yes. That is one of the beauties of an International relationship, and our relationship. We always have more to learn about each other, each of us will always have something new and different to the relationship. It will continually grow – and get better. This is exciting to me. Long may our conversation continue.

2006-09-29T07:34:00.000-07:00

Toast to the Bride.

Peggy gave the toast and was on the verge of tears.

2006-09-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

Koto Players

Naoko and her daughter Sayako played the Koto - a traditional Japanese instrument. Not only was it very cross-cultural to have these instruments played in a Medieval English building, it was also absolutely mesmorizing. Their music had us all entranced. They introduced the workings of the instruments, with Ritsuko translating, before explaing that the music would take the form of four movements, each expressing a different aspect of the bride's beauty.

2006-09-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

Grandpa's Story.

Instead of impersonating a single animal Grandpa creates a whole narrative variety of sounds. In his story he goes duck hunting with his favourite dog. By the end we heard everything from a dog and cat fight, a flock of ducks, to the sound of a shotgun going off. This was truly the work of the master. And Tomoko's mum agreed.

2006-09-24T12:30:00.000-07:00

The Master takes his turn.

The "sensei" steps up to deliver a whole variety of farm animal noises. Grandpa certainly encouraged all of us as children to learn this art form.

2006-09-24T12:24:00.000-07:00

This is my attempt at a cow.

2006-09-24T12:14:00.000-07:00

The infamous Farm Animal Noises.

During my visit to Japan in April I happened to impress Tomoko's Mum with my impersonation of a cow. At the reception I got together some of my cousins who displayed a whole range of animal noises. It was the level of detail in the impersonations that made this a hit. Jordan, on the far left, did a calf before, during, and after its feeding time. Brock and Andrew did a cow and sheep duet. Mitch impersonated a calf walking into an electric fence and Melissa did an elephant (not really a farm animals, but a good impersonation nonetheless.

2006-09-24T08:52:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Brower Blesses the Meal

2006-09-24T08:24:00.000-07:00

A couple of Tables at the reception.

2006-09-24T08:17:00.000-07:00

The MC opens the proceedings.

Uncle Kent was the MC for the afternoon. Introducing the next "act" and entertaining us all.

2006-09-24T05:09:00.000-07:00

Chetham's School Of Music and Library

The red sandstone building nestled in the grounds of Chetham's School of Music is the oldest complete structure in Manchester. It was constructed in 1421 when the Parish church in Manchester was granted license to become a collegiate church - that is a religious college. Chetham's was originally built as a cloisters to accomodate the eight new priests and one church warden now serving in the town. A new church was also constructed at this time which has since become Manchester Cathedral. The Cathedral has seen many changes over the centuries as the Victorians rebuilt the church tower and facade. The Cathedral also suffered heavy damage during the Blitz of Manchester in the Second World War and an entire wing had to be rebuilt. Chetham's however, has remained virtually unchanged over the centuries.

After King Henry VIII broke with the Roman Church, the college was shut down but remained undamaged. Over the years various monarchs re-opened the college or closed it according to their whim. In the 1640s the English Civil War broke out as supporters of Parliament fought against the monarchy for control of the country. Manchester was the only town in Lancashire to support Parliament against the royalists. In 1642 royalist forces laid siege to the town and it is likely that Parliamentarian troops used Chetham's as a prison to hold captured royalist soldiers and also as an arsenal to store guns. Within two weeks Manchester successfully repelled the royalist seige and Parliament would go on to win the war.

In 1650, the building was not being put to much use. A wealthy Manchester mercahnt named Humphrey Chetham decided to rectify this. Chetham was umarried and had no children and ensured that after his death his vast wealth would be put back into the town. This buildng was pruchased to found both a public library and a new school. Chetham's Hospital School was a charity school to educate forty underprivileged boys fromt the surrounding area. Many of the boys would have been orphans and otherwise would not have had the chance to be educated. Chetham's school remained until the 20th century when education became free and universal. In 1969 it re-opened as Chetham's School of Music, a boarding school for young talented musicians from around the country and the world.

Chetham's Library occupies the top floor of this building. Chetham's vision was to open a library that would rival Oxford and Cambridge, yet be open to the public. It remains the oldest public library in the English speaking world. It has over 100,000 books, 60,000 of which date before 1850 and many of which are pricless treasures such as the first edition of Isaac Newton's Principia.

In the 1840s a German immigrant named Friedrick Engels lived in Manchester. He managed a factory in the city owned by his father. In Manchester Engels saw modern society taking its most distinct shape. This city was the centre of the manufacturing world and inspired him to write extensively on the apalling conditions faced by the factory workers. Engels was a close friend to fellow German Karl Marx who would often visit him in Manchester and together they would study in the library. They composed parts of The Communist Manifesto while in the library. Since the library has not changed much over the years you can actually sit in the same seats that Engels and Marx once sat in.

In the Baronnial Hall, where you are now sitting, the priests and warden woud have had their meals. The large hearth on the West side is not original and was likely added in the 18th or 19th century. Above the hearth is a bust of Humphrey Chetham. The oak screens at the entrance to the Hall are form the previous building on the site and date back to the 13th century. The Baronnial Hall is now used to hold recitals for the students of Chetham's School of Music. And of course wedding receptions!

The hall to the side of the Baronnial Hall has a series of black doors. These were originally the entrances to the priests accomodation. Each priest had his own room comprising of two floors. The top floors have since been converted into the library. With a vivid imagination you can see the priests puttering around through the medieval building on their way to the church or gathering in the Baronnial Hall to eat their meals together. And if you push your imagination far enough, you might hear Marx and Engels thrashing out their ideas in the room above you.

(A copy of this was placed on every table at the reception).

2006-09-24T05:06:00.000-07:00

The Head Table

2006-09-24T04:57:00.000-07:00

Tomoko and I take our seat in the Baronnial Hall, Chetham's School of Music.

I chose this hall for our reception as it such a unique and atmospheric place. Almost everyday I visit Chetham's as part of my work. The building is from 1421 and is the oldest structure in Manchester. They had never held a wedding reception in the hall before and it took a little persuading to let Tomoko and I use it.

2006-09-24T04:55:00.000-07:00

The Cake

Mayumi puts the final touches on the cake minutes before the reception begins.

2006-09-24T04:51:00.000-07:00

The Exit.

The ceremony was over, the pictures finished, and the day would continue elsewehere.

2006-09-24T04:31:00.000-07:00

Naoko and Sayako walk with Tomoko, Ritsko, Kazumi and Otosan.

The kimonos add a brilliant burst of colour to the scene. We have to thank Bob for this picture. We also have to thank Kazumi for carrying the dress train all day.

2006-09-24T04:23:00.000-07:00

Jodi, Mitch and Little Isaac

2006-09-24T04:14:00.000-07:00

Masha and her boyfriend.

2006-09-17T04:15:00.000-07:00

Colleagues and Friends from work.

2006-09-17T03:57:00.000-07:00

Uncle Kent & Arseny Ermakov.

Arseny is from Russia and is a good friend of mine. We spent a lot of time reading Plato together in our Philosophy reading group.

2006-09-17T03:51:00.000-07:00

Two of Tomoko's students getting ready

2006-09-17T03:39:00.000-07:00

Students

Tomoko taught math at the Manchester Japanese School. A few of her students came to the wedding, along with their families.

2006-09-17T03:25:00.000-07:00

Don and Hazel Maciver

2006-09-17T03:17:00.000-07:00

Katie Fawcett, Lisa Radcliffe, Jonny Rotheram

2006-09-17T03:06:00.000-07:00

Jens and Eiko

Jens and Eiko are a photogenic couple. It was hard to choose what picture to put up. It must mean love. Eiko translated Otosan's speech at the reception.

2006-09-17T02:51:00.000-07:00

The Kobayashis with Kanji and Yurino Tomioka.

Kanji and I meet once a week for a language exchange. He teaches me Japanese and I help him with English. Kanji translated Deirdre's homily during the ceremony and helped me with the Japanese I spoke during my speech.

2006-09-10T13:14:00.000-07:00

Peggy and Terry with Tomoko and I

Peggy was always more than just a landlady to Tomoko. She became a mother away from home and the 6 years Tomoko lived with her made her stay in Manchester a lot more comfortable. Peggy's house was always a warm and welcoming place. She is our Irish mother.

2006-09-10T13:04:00.000-07:00

Tomoko and I with Grandpa Brower.

Grandpa made the trip over from Canada as well. It makes me proud to have a Grandpa such as him. When Tomoko and I told him that we would be living on separate continents for the coming year he told us about the early years of his marriage. He had to spend the winters in logging camps up in the remote Alberta bush, while Grandma stayed in Wainwright working at the hospital. In some ways each generation faces similar issues, just in different contexts.

2006-09-10T12:58:00.000-07:00

The Brower Clan

It was both a pleasure and a privilege to have so many relatives make the trip from Canada to Manchester for the wedding.

Left to Right: Jordan Priebe, Brock Priebe, Mitch Brower, Jennifer Brower, Doug Priebe, Marian Priebe, Melissa Rainey, Barry Brower, Mark Rainey, Tomoko Ichitani, Deirdre Brower-Latz, Andy Brower-Latz, Ceanna Priebe, Isaac Velleau, Jodi-Ellen Velleau, Rachelle Wood, Andrew Sargent, David Rainey, Alison Rainey, Fran Brower, Kent Brower, Keith Brower, Aileen Brower

2006-09-10T12:44:00.000-07:00

The Brower Cousins.

Visit any Brower household and you'll likely see one of the infamous Cousin Line photos on the wall. It's a tradition in the Brower Clan that when all the cousins get together, or at least the majority, we all line up for a picture. It only takes place on the rare occasions but its a great way to see how everyone has changed over the years. It's also good to see the latest entries: This is certainly Tomoko's first appearance and if I'm correct little Isaac is also a rookie.

Left to Right: Jordan Priebe, Brock Priebe, Mitch Brower, Jennifer Brower, Melissa Rainey, Mark Rainey, Tomoko Ichitani, Deirdre Brower-Latz, Andy Brower-Latz, Ceanna Priebe, Isaac Velleau, Jodi-Ellen Velleau, Rachelle Wood, Andrew Sargent

2006-09-10T12:42:00.000-07:00

The Rainey's.

Tomoko had been one of us for a long time already. This just confirmed it.

2006-09-10T12:40:00.000-07:00

The Rainey's and the Ichitani's together.

2006-09-10T12:34:00.000-07:00

The Wedding Party, including Ushers.

2006-09-10T12:29:00.000-07:00

It was raining a little bit, so the first photos were taken inside. I think that just added a certain atmosphere to the photograph. Portraits of former NTC principals hang in the bacground, one of whom was a valued guest at our wedding.

2006-09-10T12:27:00.000-07:00

This was taken from the 1st floor of the White House, NTC. The beautiful back lawn makes a nice background.

2006-09-10T12:24:00.000-07:00

Husband and Wife

2006-09-10T10:52:00.000-07:00

Homily for the Wedding of Mark & Tomoko, August 19th 2006

Rev. Deirdre Brower-Latz with translation by Kanji Tomioka

Readings: John 15: 9-13 & Colossians 3: 12-15

Introduction: Good afternoon – it is an honour to have been asked to bring the homily for this marriage ceremony – and I join with all of you in sharing the joy and delight of seeing Mark and Tomoko join their lives in marriage.

Today, this day, both this ceremony and the Bible passages that Mark and Tomoko have chosen, prompt us to exercise our imaginations together… to think about an idea that is as old as time, the nature of love, ‘true love’– And we are offered several reminders, or pointers along the way:

First, we are reminded that true love is rooted and grounded in the love of God in Christ. You are holy & beloved today – beloved of God. You are rooted in his vine, branches weaving together in the love of God in Christ – and the blossoming of your love, this sharing of your lives, is created, nurtured, nourished, by God’s love for you. And so – as each of you have turned your lives towards God – and have chosen to draw together, be together, as bone of bone and flesh of flesh – joining to each other in the difficult and wonderful relationship between a man and a woman that we call marriage – (and both are true)…

The second reminder leaps out to us: You need compassion, patience, kindness, humility – patience (did I say that twice?!), forgiveness, & love… above all love. To live in any community these characteristics are demanded –how much more to live in the community of three (you two, and God)– we call marriage.

Rooted in Christ’s ways with us, the Bible is very realistic about how our ways are to mirror His – Your one-ness, your love, begun in your meetings over coffee and chess, philosophy and sushi, will take place in and over time: Over time you have begun to unravel the mysteries of each other – sharp brains, occasional clumsiness (Mark!), integrity, humility and servant-spirit’s, senses of humour & adventure, good taste (Tomoko!), gentleness & meekness, curiosity, ability to live cross-culturally, …

Today, you commit to a life-time -where you continue to learn and reflect together in your love for each other and the love of God. A life-time (both difficult and wonderful, remember), where you will enable each other to become yourselves, to grow into the beauty that defines you… That is true love – mirroring Christ’s love

But, the third reminder is this:

This true love, your marriage, rooted in the love of God, and shaped over a life-time of loving each other, takes place in the midst of Community: Your families become one. Mark brings with him the wonderful and weird Brower and Rainey clans (I can say that as family!!), Tomoko, your family brings a line of ancestry - generations who stretch before you. Today, your families join together… but also, you are part of this community of “family” who are your friends~ who love you, and support you, and it is to US together that the third reminder comes ~ we are to also be rooted and grounded in the love of God in Christ, which expresses itself in all the ways Colossians reminds us ~ and so we are to enable and encourage, support and rejoice, witness together to true love, as Mark and Tomoko reveal it to each other and to us in these moments of ceremony, and in the life-time of commitment they cement today. Rooted in the love of God, mirroring the sacrifice true love demands, and living within a community who are invested in your marriage – for you represent true love to us, it is our prayer and our hope that your marriage be blessed, that God is with you in your lives together.

2006-09-10T09:59:00.000-07:00

Signing the Register

2006-09-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

My first kiss - as a married man.

2006-09-10T09:54:00.000-07:00

Rings and Vows.

2006-09-10T09:49:00.000-07:00

Tomoko and her Father arrive.

2006-09-08T14:03:00.000-07:00

The Wait.

Steve is a seasoned best man and skilled in the art of waiting. Okasan (mum) and Keisuke are in the background waiting too.

2006-09-08T13:54:00.000-07:00

The Bride in her ride.

2006-09-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

Tomoko and Otosan

2006-09-08T13:50:00.000-07:00

Melissa and Kazumi outside Peggy's.

2006-09-08T13:47:00.000-07:00

Getting Ready

2006-09-08T12:19:00.000-07:00

Prof. Kobayashi

Weddings can be a time to meet old friends. Louise captured the moment I saw Prof. Kobayashi, a friend of Tomoko and I who used to live in Manchester. He spent a year as a researcher at the University. We met him and his wife at the Japanese Bible Study at the university's chaplaincy and enjoyed time and meals together before he returned to Yokohama. It just happened that our wedding coincided with their holiday in Britain.

2006-09-08T12:17:00.000-07:00

2006-09-08T12:14:00.000-07:00

Father and Son/ Priest and Groom

As I said in the speech: "It's not everyday that you get married, and its certainly not everyday that your own father performs the ceremony".

2006-09-08T12:11:00.000-07:00

Groomsmen are there to support you on the big day.

2006-09-08T12:02:00.000-07:00

The Groomsmen.

Steve is one of the first friends I made when I moved to Manchester back in 1996. He's a fellow "Obscurist", so we've always clicked. It was only natural that he was my best man (and I owed him one).

Simon and I did the same MA course at Warwick in 2003. It was an intense year of study, but Simon was always a friend on hand. I'll always remember the double esspressos in the cafe, sessions in the bar and 3.00 am walks around campus talking about Proust & Nietzsche. Saying that, he's still one of the most down to earth people I know.

2006-09-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

Bridemaids.

Kazumi was the Maid of Honour and flew over from Tokyo just for the wedding. She is a good friend of both of ours - a genuine, kind and unique person.
Melissa came, well, from Levenshulme. She's my best sister.

2006-09-08T11:55:00.000-07:00

Together under the old oak tree.

2006-09-08T11:51:00.000-07:00

The Wedding Party

Left to Right: Melissa Rainey, Kazumi Yokoi, Steve Tamburello, Mark Rainey, Simon Fuller, and Tomoko Ichitani,

2006-09-07T06:12:00.000-07:00

Everyone.

This was a perfect day. Not only because of our marriage, but because it brought together so many people from around the world. Friends and family flew in from Japan, Europe and Canada to be here. There was a strong contingent from Manchester's Irish community. It was a great mix of cultures and backgrounds. New friends were made and new families met for the first time.

2006-09-07T06:09:00.000-07:00

New parents, new family.

2006-09-07T06:02:00.000-07:00

The Ichitani Family.

From Left to Right: Aunt Yoshiko, Kazuko Ichitani (Mum), Makoto Ichitani (Dad), Tomoko Ichitani, Mark Rainey, Keisuke Ichitani.

2006-09-07T05:55:00.000-07:00

Tomoko and I were married on August 19th 2006 in the J. B. Maclagan Chapel, at Nazarene Theological College, Didsbury, Manchester.