My Brother's Wedding

May 25th was an awesome day. My little brother wed the woman of his dreams, someone who supports him, loves him, makes him laugh and more than anything makes him want to be a great man. The day was made even more special for me because I was able to be there.

I'll spare you the backround story (if you really want it check a few blogs down) but just know that although living in Okinawa is nice, it can be a pain. The flight is brutal, expensive as hell and you just can't be at big events- no matter how big. For some people this isn't a problem. I know people who've opted out of their siblings weddings when they live in the same state!! But for me the thought of not being at my brother's wedding tore me up.

If this is your first visit to my blog you may not know how close my family is. To give you an idea, and I'll make this easy, think of the closest family you've ever met, multiply that families closeness at least by 5, and you might have the Thomas'. That said, me not being there was not an option.

So here was the plan. I would leave my family and make the 17hr trip from Okinawa to Las Vegas and arrive on Saturday afternoon. Once in Vegas I would go straight from the airport to the bridal shower. I would surprise my brother sometime that evening, make the rehearsal on Sunday, the wedding on Monday and fly back to Japan on Tuesday.

Here are my girls on the way to the airport.


These pictures were snapped just before we reminded Charlie that we were heading to the airport to drop me off. She cried the entire trip and then had to be pried off of me outside the terminal. It was heart wrenching... I plan to never leave her like that again if I can help it.

Mom and Jalynn (my niece) picked me up in Vegas. We decided to go to the house and change because Jason and Charles weren't there. But when we turned on to the street Mom saw CT's car, apparently they had forgotten something. I ducked down hoping that they wouldn't see me as we turned into the driveway. They were both walking up to the car and I couldn't help thinking how wack my surprise would be if they walked up and saw me wedged btw the dash and passenger seat in a lame-o attempt to hide. But Jason, realizing they needed something from CT's car, stopped about 3ft short and said something to CT which made them both turn around. I saw my chance and took it. I sat up, rolled the window down and yelled at them. Jason and CT were about 3 & 5 ft from the car. They both jumped- like seriously, they got air- and turned around. Jason grabbed his chest like he was having a heart attack and when they both realized it was me, Jason yelled, "That's what I'm talkin' about! Man I knew you would be here, I mean I hoped you would be here... Man... THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKIN' ABOUT!!" A phrase which he repeated over and over every other time he looked at me the the whole trip :)

My older brother was also shocked beyond belief and super happy. We then went inside and surprised my Dad before heading to the bridal shower.

The shower was held at Buca de Beppo. I met Blair's grandma and a couple of her aunts and cousins.

Here are my favorite pictures.

Blair's family.

Plus us.

If you ever eat at Buca de Beppo and reserve a private room I would advise you to specify that you do not want the "Pope" room. That's him in the box looking at us.

Here's another angle.

Very creepy.

Blair had a "lingerie" shower. If I'm not mistaken this is her, her mom's and her sister's reaction to her Grandma's gift.

Blair had also arrived to town just before the shower and Jason hadn't had a chance to see her yet so he surprised her with some flowers.

Wedding Day.

JT and Ahmad.

Me & JT.

The wedding was held in an outdoor garden just off the lake. It was beautiful!!

I went the Carrie Bradshaw route with my outfit.

Jason, Mom and Blair's Mom just before the ceremony.

My nephew in his baby tux.

Mom after lighting a candle.

Jalynn & Blair's niece Sydney.

Blair & her Dad.

The happy couple and my folks.

CT, Dad, Jason, Blair's Dad and her brother.

Me & Jason after the ceremony.

The Mr. & Mrs.


The reception was very fun and very emotional. There were lots of speeches and tears. Lots of drinking- I stuck to Shirley Temples of course :). Lots of dancing which of course included the Cha Cha Slide (my favorite) and even a You Got Served- type dance competition btw the kids- hilarious!

Another SUPER cool thing was meeting Jen. Jen is one of my "blog followers" :). The crazy thing is although she's a good friend of Jason and Blair's, she followed my blog for the longest before even realizing that I was Jason's sister. She found my blog through Brianna's blog which she found through Jasmine's blog. Jen's an aspiring photographer and since Jasmine Star is the most awesome photographer on the planet, Jen along with countless thousands, follows her blog. Anyway meeting her was really fun so I wanted to make sure I shouted out Jen- What Up!

Back to the reception.

Introducing Mr & Mrs Jason Thomas!

The cake.

Mom & Dad.


CT, Unuva and Chance.

Me and my little brother, again.

Jason and Jalynn having a father daughter moment.

"The Thomas' "

I love you guys!!