When Noguchi told me that they’ll have a “little Sake ritual” I did not imagine a huge cauldron filled with the amazing brew, nor the couple smashing the lid with two wooden hammers and spooning the rice wine out with wooden ladles. Noguchi and Asako got married on Thursday, November 5 at the Inn in Topanga mixing up American and Japanese wedding traditions with lots of giggles and happy smiles and a couple of fun surprises.

The wooden cups had to be arranged in a “mountain” shape for good luck and were taken home as favors.

Everybody had a blast and welcomed the next surprise: Noguchi’s friend serenaded a song written for them, which was emotional…

… and funny…

…and very much enjoyed and applauded by their guests.

The organic cakes and cup cakes were all baked by family and so delicious!

About 50 cameras clicked…

…until I climbed on the roof and shot the Inn’s famous staircase picture.

I’m still smiling, thank you Asako and Noguchi for having me as your wedding planner for your fun wedding, where we didn’t need a DJ to get the party going.
Photos: Copyright Angelica Weihs