Remi and Walker Wed

A family we got to know well on our mission to Tsuruoka, Japan was the Satohs.  We love them like family.  Their daughter Remi married Walker Murakami, an elder that served with us in Tsuruoka.  Sparks flew between them when Walker returned for a visit after his mission.  They decided to wed in the Bountiful temple.  They were engaged for over a year as it took a long time for Remi to get her visa. I think they spent a lot of time on Facetime during that year. We think of her as our Japanese daughter.  We love her so much.

The Sugawaras (love them!) with Rizumi (Remi's sister), and Remi's best friend, Hikaru Sugawara.  Can you tell it was cold?

A couple of the missionaries we (and Walker) served with in Japan, Elder Robb and Elder Haskins.  This is the only picture I got of Sister Smith (in the background), our mission president's wife.  I love her.  It was so good to see President and Sister Smith again.

Everyone was waiting and anticipating Remi and Walker coming out.  Instead, out came President Smith and Ken.  Everyone got a good laugh.

Finally, the bride and groom emerged.  I couldn't eliminate any of these three pictures as I loved them all.

The beautiful bride, Mrs. Remi Murakami.

The back of her beautiful dress

Remi's bridesmaids: her sister, Rizumi and Hikaru Sugawara, her best friend since childhood.

The couple with the Sugawara family

She calls me her American mom.

The beautiful view from the temple hill

The luncheon was held at Walker's maternal grandparents' house in North Salt Lake.

The two on the left were missionaries we served with in Tsuruoka and companions to Walker at some time in the mission.  The other one, I think, is Imi's nephew from Hokaido, Japan.  He and his mom came for the festivities.

I love this picture of the Sugawaras with Hiroyuki.  The Sugawaras had to go back Sunday morning so they wouldn't miss too much work.  What good friends.  That is a long trip for just three days stay.

Remi had each guest write their name on a little wooden star and then insert their star into this frame, creating a wall hanging for their home.

We stole the Sugawaras away from the festivities for awhile and visited with them.  Brother Sugawara is such a fine priesthood holder and counselor in the branch presidency and Sister Sugawara is the branch Relief Society president.  We quizzed them about every member of the branch and how they are doing.  We love these dear people with all of our hearts.  We hope we will make it to the celestial kingdom because we're pretty sure they will be there!

Happy wedding, dear Remi and Walker!!!!!!!!!