We are both Buddhist, albeit different sects, so we are doing a hybrid ceremony, involving a Wishing Tree and San San Kudo.

What is up with all the CRANES?!

The crane is a buddhist symbol of longevity and prosperity and so 1,001 origami cranes are folded to bring luck, good fortune, longevity, fidelity, and peace to the marriage. Also, in Nichiren Daishonen, there are two cranes: One with its mouth open (the male, the teacher) and one with it’s mouth closed (the female, the student). You are welcome to take some of the cranes home with you.

The Wishing Tree

Rather than a guest book, we would like you to write any well wishes and advice you may have for us on a card and envelope (which will be provided). They will be incorporated into the ceremony.

San San Kudo

The Japanese ritual of "san-san-kudo", the three by three exchange is rich with meaning. It is performed by the bride and groom; each person takes 3 sips of sake from each of 3 cups. The first 3 sips represent three couples, the bride and groom, and their parents. The second 3 sips represent three human flaws: hatred, passion, and ignorance. "Ku", or 9 is a lucky number in Japanese culture. And "do" means deliverance from the three flaws.