Trystan's POV:
We had invited our immediate families, wedding party and their sig. others, and out of town friends to the dinner. After everyone had finished eating, we started the thank-yous. We both gave cards to our parents, and individual gifts to each of our wedding party members. The rundown:

• Mike - monogrammed silver pocket watch and leather case
  
• Chris - silver cigar holder, cutter, and monogrammed lighter case
  
• Scott - silver money clip and card holder

• Irina - cat garden kit for growing catnip and cat grass, plus a videotape of Swingers (the latter inspired by our Vegas trip - we were so money!)
  
• Elisa - glow star recharger kit (makes ceiling glow stars last long after the room lights are out), plus Swingers
  
• Kelly - flaxseed neck pillow that can be heated or cooled, plus Swingers

• James - a Yellow Submarine wine goblet (my idea) and a black g-clef clock (Thomas' idea)
  
• Rich - a gift certificate for Guitar Center (which can be shared with all of Kao Tao)

Then I made a little presentation to my mom. I had a Chinese red envelope and explained that this is how Chinese give each other money gifts on birthdays, new years, and other special occasions. Giving money brings luck to both the giver and recipient. Inside the red envelope, I had put that new dollar coin. On the front of these new gold coins is a picture of Sacagawea with her papoose strapped on her back.

"This is the ideal image for my mom," I said, "because, just like Sacagawea, she struck out west alone when I was just four years old. She had her papoose on her back and she didn't know almost anyone in California. But she persevered and she made a life for us, all by herself. If it weren't for her courage and strength, I would have had a radically different life than I do now. I might never have even met Thomas or most of you here. So I'm very grateful to my mom for all she's done for me, and all she continues to do."

I was very proud that I got through the speech pretty much as I'd planned it and with out choking up too much. My mom was really touched, and everyone was impressed. Plus, everyone was very curious to see the new dollar coin!

That was pretty much the end o' that day. Thomas and I went home and opened up two wedding gifts that his family had given us at the dinner. His aunt Carolyn gave us the great black sheets we'd registered for at Macy's. His cousins Mary and Amy, along with Mary's fiance Ian, gave us a fabulous set of antique demitasse spoons. We made notes of both so we can make sure to write the right thank-you notes after the honeymoon.

Scott and Kelly stopped by to pick up her massage table, and we talked a bit. None of us wanted to stay up late though. Everything was to start terribly early the next morning!

Thomas' POV:
Kelly, bless her heart. She gave us all one last foot massage even though we were all dead exhausted. An excellent and soon-to-be-licensed massage therapist, Kel works wonders on the human body when it's needed. MMMMMM! :)

back to Part 4  ... ... on the Part 1 of the Wedding