Tokyo Wedding

When Hughes Photographics was asked to photograph a traditional Japanese wedding at the 5-star, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, we were thrilled and gladly accepted! We planned a two week trip with the wedding about a third way into our stay. This was only my second visit to Japan, previously visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, the Mt. Fuji area and Osaka over a three week stay. It was decided to spend the bulk of time in Tokyo and focus on what we could absorb of the world’s most populated area.  Right… two weeks! Awesumo!

The excitement built once we were on site the day prior to meet with the great people at the hotel. As we always do when visting a new venue, we invest the time to view the locations and become familiar with the schedule and logistics. This photo is from the day prior and shows a small portion of the magnificent gardens of the hotel.

On the day of the wedding, our early morning start found us on site two hours prior to the ceremony time. Teruko and I spent time with the bride and groom in their respective rooms preparing for the day, as well as the two families in their waiting areas. The bride’s kimono and hair prep was different to what we are accustomed, but the bride’s 'before ceremony jitters’ were familiar.

The ceremony started on time at 10:30 AM and again, it was different from western weddings but all went smoothly. Very well organized, everyone knew what to do and when, so there were no surprises.

Following the ceremony and a brief break, an eleven (!) course meal was started off with the parents and the couple breaking open a barrel of sake!

The day after their wedding, the couple was off to Croatia for their honeymoon!

Photographing each and every wedding is an honor. Being charged with the responsibility of capturing the images of this wedding is one we will never forget!  Email if Hawaii or Japan is the location of your wedding!