A lot of people have asked me how a Japanese wedding is different from one in America. I always say, “completely!” Of course, just like weddings in the states, each couple puts their own persontal touch on it, but that is about where the similarities end. Religion is not nearly as big of deal in Japan as it is here and in fact, Tomoko and Kohei had no religious ceremony but simply put their hanko (stamps used as their signatures) on a document for city hall to officially get married back the fall of 2009. The other big difference is not only is there no first dance, but there is usually no dancing of any kind. For the structure of the party, there tends to be a series of parties (yes, series). For Tomoko and Kohei, they started off with a luncheon for family at a trendy soba restaurant in Omotesando. The second party, at the same location, was for their friends. Third party, new location, smaller group of friends, fourth party, new location even smaller group and this keeps on going until morning! A few other differences that stood out to me in this wedding, instead of a bridal bouquet toss, there was a bouquet ribbon pull (yeah I totally just made that name up). Instead of throwing the bouquet, there were ribbons handed out to all of the women and only one was attached to the bouquet (just like picking sticks). Also, it is customary for the bride and group to pour sake or another kind of drink for the guests and while they did this for their family members, for their friends, instead they served soba noodles.

I had an incredible time shooting this wedding in Tokyo and I cannot thank Tomoko, Kohei and their families enough for all their kindness. I was especially touched by the chopsticks I received with my name carved into them! Sweet! Again, congratulations on your wedding and the baby that is on the way! I am so happy for you!

 

I am so lucky to have a job that allows me to travel! Especially, when it means I get to go to places I love, like Japan! At the end of January, I returned to Japan for the first time since leaving in 2008 to photograph a wedding. I was only in Japan for one week and had a lot of friends (and a lot of food and coffee drinks) to catch up with, but in addition to the wedding, I decided to take on one portrait photography session as well. High school senior portrait photography isn’t a popular at all in Japan, but instead, especially for women, it is common to get some portraits done for Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi). Wikipedia explains it better than I can:

[Coming of Age Day] is a Japanese holiday held annually on the second Monday of January. It is held in order to congratulate and encourage all those who have reached the age of majority (20 years old) over the past year, and to help them realize that they have become adults. Festivities include coming of age ceremonies (seijin-shiki) held at local and prefectural offices, as well as after-parties amongst family and friends.

So in honor of Ayumi turning 20 years old, we did a photography shoot with her wearing her kimono. As you can see, both Ayumi and her kimono were beautiful! Ayumi and her family had picked out a spectacular restaurant to use as the backdrop for our session and after we finished taking photographs, treated me to a delicious lunch (again, I am so lucky)!

 

I was contacted by Olivia’s mom with an all too familiar story.  Olivia had her senior portraits done by one of the large national photography studios recommended to them by their school and was not satisfied with the cookie cutter results.  So while it was a little later than usual to shoot senior portraits, we braved the cold, December weather  and I really enjoyed my last high school senior portrait session of 2009.  Olivia and her family were nice enough to welcome me into their lovely home and we were able to come away with some great shots!  Thanks again Olivia and hope the rest of your senior year is enjoyable and memorable!

 

I met Emily and Jordan a LONG time ago. It was very soon after returning to North Carolina from Japan and just after shooting a basketball game at the Dean Dome. So even though I was still having trouble making complete sentences (speaking the simplest English possible for 3+ years in Japan took a toll on my English for some time) and was all worked up after a great game, I somehow managed not to make a bad first impression! Seriously though, I immediately felt comfortable with Emily and Jordan, as anyone would with such a wonderful couple. I had been looking forward to their wedding for too long and am so happy their wedding date finally came! Their wedding was so much fun to shoot and had an incredible vibe from all the loving friends and family. Not too mention it was at a sweet location at Chatham Mills and although I shot the wedding for Andrew Bryant Photography, Andrew was off being a dad. After all, his son Stafford, was just born the day before (Congrats Andrew and Courtney)! So, I had the pleasure of shooting with a super talented photographer from Always Autumn Studios, Courtney Navey. That being said, I wish he had brought some “autumn” with him as last Saturday was a cold, cold, cold, but beautiful, winter day! Congrats to Emily and Jordan, we are all so happy for you!