Annie + Jon | Okinawa, Japan
Anyone who has ever planned a wedding knows how much work it can be. Anyone who has ever planned a destination wedding knows how much MORE work that can be (I speak from experience on this one!). Well, not only did Annie and Jon plan their Japan wedding all the way from Canada, but they did it all in just a few months. In fact, this was such a near impossible feat that they came close to postponing it altogether, just one month before the big day. Thankfully, with the help of some good friends, the expertise of their wedding planner Freya, and the team at Hotel Nikko Alivila, their destination wedding became a reality.
While Okinawa, Japan may have been a bit of a long trek for Annie and Jon (who live in Toronto full time), it was the perfect midpoint location for their families and guests, most of whom live in Taiwan and China. The little glass chapel at Alivila set the stage for their ceremony and was definitely one of the most stunning ceremony locations we’ve ever had the pleasure of photographing. After the ceremony, we took a walk along the beach for some portraits, and explored the lush green ocean floor, kindly provided to us by the low tide.
We loved being introduced to a brand new location, so far-removed from mainland Japan, let alone our own home, and we are so grateful to Annie and Jon for having given us this opportunity. Browse through a few of our favorite images from their wedding day by clicking on the arrows, above.
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Vanisha + Chris | Napa, CA
Our history as two couples has very much been intertwined since we first struck up a friendship five years ago. We bonded over sushi, wine and hockey games; first as newly dating couples… and now, today, as two married couples. For this reason, the story of Chris and Vanisha’s wedding is one that is very close to our hearts.
When it was time for Chris to propose to Vanisha (and we all agreed it was time!), Daniel helped Chris pick out a ring, that we then brought with us to Mexico where we were all headed for our own wedding. And on the eve of our wedding, by the ocean where Daniel and I would exchange vows the very next day, Chris asked Vanisha to marry him. When she said yes, we had the great honor to be the first ones to congratulate them and share a very tearful hug with them.
When it came to planning their own big day, Chris and Vanisha knew what they wanted: a small, intimate affair in Napa Valley, a place they had always dreamt of visiting. Despite the painful task of limiting their guest list to just their parents, their sisters and Daniel and I, they stuck to their dream wedding plan.
There was something so beautiful about watching them exchange vows in the carriage house at the Charles Krug winery – a room big enough to hold hundreds of people, yet only had 8 people bearing witness to this special moment. We mused that there was just enough space to hold the invisible presence of their many friends and family who were absent.
Sharing their tiny yet magical wedding days was one of the most special moments of our lives. And, well, needless to say, we just love them so much.
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fer juaristi Wow guys, just visual harmony, love them all!
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V I love the post!
thank you xoxo -
Erin Chrisman Wow guys I think this turned out perfectly. LOVE Daniel’s shot of Vanisha on the bottom floor waiting, with the family on the upper level. And love that first shot too.
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Dana Goodson Beautiful in every way.
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joey kudish aww, such beautiful moments and photos. Congrats again Vanisha & Chris!
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Gedas Girdvainis Amazing. love it all of them.
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Bridal Profile Amazing!!! What a lovely couple.
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Becca Spears oh the photo of the bride waiting downstairs while you show what’s happening upstairs! Awesome!
And I love the way you see light. I can tell that you are in love with light -
Jose Miranda beautiful and full of rhythm, your work inspires many photographers
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cassie CRYING.
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Will Pateman Photography Stunning ..Fantastic work
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alvaroserranosierra beautiful images. last one is awesome.
Gorgeous images! I miss Japan *sniff sniff*
Killer pic, so cool they manage to make the wedding on japan! I also know how much work is to organize a wedding in a destination, but it totally worth it!
My jaw is literally on the floor. These pictures are insanely breathtakingly gorgeous.
Canadian greatness!, congrats guys!
Even two years ago you guys were amazing. Looking at the images above it’s so clear how your photography has evolved since then. I wonder were you’ll be in another two years. I truly can’t wait to see.
Zowie. I extra-specially love the two reflection ones: inside the chapel and the off-kilter one on the exposed sea bed. Besides the amazing cover shot. So beautiful. I want to go to all of your weddings!
amazing images!!!!!!!
so beautiful!!!!
Really really love the black and whites guys! Stunning work.
Crazy frames!!
Wow!!! Amazing images guys!! I love them. Great couple in a great locations with great photographers. Congratulations!
Awesome set of images! I totally love this!
In place of a string of expletives I’m just going to say, “Awesome.”
So many beautiful and delightful images! Such a pleasure to behold.
Amazing, Amazing!!