Chapter 13

The wedding planner thought of everything. Sean was flying in two days before the wedding. The planner arranged for the couple to complete the required pre-marital counseling one hour after Sean’s plane landed, and the rehearsal the day before the wedding. Everything went as planned. James took the bridal party out to a luncheon instead of a dinner. That gave everyone time to prepare for the 10am wedding the next morning. Out of respect for rank, the only person of military rank who was a guest was Sean’s commanding officer and his wife. They were to be seated at the head table with the bridal party.

The very front pew of the Chapel on the left side was reserved for Sean’s commanding officer and his wife. The first pew on the right was reserved for Megumi’s mom and dad, Suki, her mom Midori, and her father. It had been decided at the rehearsal that since the pew was big enough to hold about a dozen people, Sean’s family of five would sit with the bride’s family. The second pew on both sides was reserved for four Air Force honor guards on the right and four on the left. The third pews on each side were for the bridesmaids on the left and the ushers on the right. Everywhere else was open seating.

Military weddings are different in many respects to a civilian wedding. Since Megumi’s dad was wearing his full navy formal dress uniform, he wore a saber on his left hip. Therefore, the bride will walk down the aisle on his right side instead of his left. Sean, being a noncommissioned officer, had not been inducted into the Order of the Swords. Therefore, his formal dress blue uniform did not include a sword or saber.

All the guests were informed in their invitation that the wedding would begin promptly at 10am. At 10am, the stringed quartet started playing the Bridal Chorus by Richard Wagner.

The eight-man honor guard led the wedding procession, four on each side of the main aisle, followed by the four bridesmaids and their escort ushers. Next came a little girl and boy from Megumi’s Bethesda church who served as flower girl and ring bearer. The little girl spread rose petals as she walked up the aisle.

The front honor guard airman had reached the front of the first pew, and they began to peel off one to the right, one to the left and would enter the second pew from the outside side of the Chapel pews [so they could exit the pew one at a time in proper order down the center aisle].

Next came the maid of honor, Suki, dressed in a powder blue Halston evening gown with a gold sash. The Air Force colors are blue and gold.

When Sean saw his bride for the first time, he almost started to hyperventilate. He had tears streaming down his cheeks as he saw his tall, handsome father-in-law dressed in all-white formal navy dress and on his right arm was the bride. Dr. Megumi Kashuahara-Gibson was wearing a Vera Wang creation called “Yvette.” A strapless princess cut gown with an open “V”-shaped back. A ballroom gown with soft tulle with unusual organza bands creating volume and texture. A simple sweetheart bodice uplifted with a semitransparent ‘wrap’ effect ... simply gorgeous!

When James and Megumi stood before Sean, Sean snapped a crisp salute. Lt. Commander Johnson returned his salute.

The minister asked, “Who gives this bride in marriage, announce yourself.”

James answered. “I, Lt. Commander James T. Johnson, do hereby give my daughter. Dr. Megumi Kashuahara, in marriage.”

Turning to Sean. The minister and, “You may take her hand.”

James gave Sean Megumi’s hand, pivoted right face, and moved to sit in the aisle seat of the first, right-hand pew.

The minister smiled at the bride and groom and said, “Dearly beloved. We are gathered here before God, country, family, and friends to celebrate the union of these two fine individuals in holy matrimony. Dr. Megumi Kashuahara, do you enter into this marriage of your own free will?”

“I do.”

“Staff Sergeant Sean Michael Gibson, do you enter into this marriage of your own free will?”

“I do.”

“Then let us proceed.

“We are gathered here in the presence of God, family, and friends to unite Staff Sergeant Sean Michael Gibson and Dr. Megumi Akiko Kashuahara-Johnson in holy matrimony. Marriage is an honorable estate, and is therefore not to be entered into lightly, but reverently, advisedly, soberly, and with God’s blessing. Today, they will receive God’s greatest gift; another person to share with, grow with, change with, be joyful with, and to stand with as one when trials and tribulations enter their lives. It is fitting, therefore, that we should on this occasion begin by asking for God’s blessing on this marriage. Let us pray.

“Heavenly Father, we gather to celebrate your gift of love, and its presence among us. We rejoice that these two people have chosen to commit themselves to a life of loving faithfulness to one another. We praise you, Lord, for the ways you have touched our lives with loving relationships such as Sean and Megumi’s, and we give thanks for the special love and friendship you have put in their hearts. Renew within us an affectionate and loving spirit.

“Enrich our lives with the gracious gift of your love so that we may embrace others with that same love. May our participation in this celebration of love and commitment, give to us a new joy and responsiveness to the relationships that we cherish. In your loving arms, we pray, Amen.