Congratulations Tim and Imee!

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA, August 31, 2002 – “…I now pronounce you husband and wife.” exclaimed Pastor Buehler. Everyone applauded as Pastor Buehler pronounced the two, husband and wife, now Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Nakayama.

Approximately 3pm, while the warm weather was still appeasing, families and friends started to assemble at Lower Pierce on the William Carey Campus where the wedding ceremony was to take place. About 30 minutes later, the place was already packed.

Just as the program was about to begin, we were advised to hold for a few minutes as other arrangements weren’t quite completed yet. The situation at hand was severe enough that it required us to reschedule the whole program. Leaving us with no choice, we were forced to postpone the starting time to three hours later.

Frankly, our patience had to be put to a test as the time gradually advanced considering the fact that people were already seated. Some of us took the liberty and started entertaining the crowd with a few songs while we waited for the problem to be resolved. Expressions of frustration were easily noticeable on many faces. But gratefully, everyone sympathized with us and patiently waited until the ceremony proceeded.

It was a long story, but to make it short, three dresses for the bride’s maids weren’t ready on time. Finally, after three hours, we received the relieving call that the dresses were on their way and should arrive within minutes. Everyone applauded as the news was announced.

In spite of the problem encountered, we were overwhelmed by how wonderful the wedding had actually turned out. Even those who traveled from far distances stayed until the reception that followed was completely over.

During the reception, representatives from both sides had their chances to offer words of wisdom to the newly weds as well as express thanksgiving to the crowd. Ricky Solomon (Imee’s brother) first took the floor and opened up his speech by addressing the newly weds. “I must admit that I don’t usually give my sister advice. I seek advise from her.” said Ricky. Later, he addressed everyone and expressed his appreciation for their love for his sister that was shown through their caring and contributions to the event. Ricky and his family, including their mother, currently live in Tucson, Arizona.

From Tim’s side, since the honorable Toshiuo Nakayama was not well enough to speak, we asked Herbert Lodge to represent the family. In his speech, Herbert challenged the newly wed to have a Christ-centered family and quoted powerful passages from the Scripture.

One of the most enjoyable items on the program was great entertainment presented by the following individual groups of performers:

• Buamoe, Lori, Eileen and Janette
• Maverick & J-One
• Siwine Lodge
• Juliet
• John Akapito.

The ceremony was concluded with a closing prayer during which Mr. Tara (from Kosrae) was asked to include thanksgiving and acknowledgement for three other special occasions that fell on the same weekend, a wedding anniversary for Mr. and Mrs. Lodge and two separate birthdays, one for J-One and the other for Tim, himself.