Vendors

Venue: the views at mt. fuji

Hair / Make-up / Kimono Dressing: sao morris

Photographer: Aspen Sage Photo

Videographer: @foghorn_co

DJ: @djmarvi

Florist: @michldub

Kagamibiraki: @nanbubijin_sake & @hakkaisansake

Ice Luge & Ice Sculptures: @okamotostudio

lichiko Booth and : @lichiko_usa

Cocktails: @highroadspirits @suntorywhisky

Sake: @sakediscoveries @kome_collective @mtcsake

Hockey and Sake with Jessica + Kevin

Traditional wedding ceremony in a decorated garden gazebo with a couple in traditional attire and guests seated outside.
Three women in traditional Japanese kimonos, smiling and standing together indoors.

Witnessing the intricate rituals and the couple’s heartfelt vows set against the backdrop of stunning decorations was an honor. Each moment was thoughtfully curated, making it easy to see how much thought they had put into their special day.

Photographing Jessica and Kevin's beautiful cultural Japanese wedding was an incredibly rewarding experience that I will cherish for many years to come. The stunning ceremony beautifully blended deep-rooted traditions and thoughtful personal touches, creating an atmosphere that was truly filled with love, warmth, and respect for each other and their families.

A couple in traditional Japanese attire, the woman wearing a red kimono and the man in a black kimono with gray hakama, standing on a wooden staircase surrounded by cherry blossom trees.
Traditional Japanese tea ceremony with participants in kimono, surrounded by cherry blossoms.
Two women in traditional Japanese attire smiling in a mirror with a makeup table in the foreground, featuring cosmetics and a plate of food.
Bride and groom dancing at a wedding reception, wooden dance floor, guests in the background.
Group of people performing a traditional sake barrel opening ceremony indoors with wooden mallets.
Group of people toasting at a traditional celebration with a sake barrel in the background.

The couple's dance was mesmerizing, full of energy that captivated every guest. They moved together in harmony, spreading joy and inviting everyone into their celebration. Dressed in matching white outfits, they looked stunning against the wedding backdrop. The simple elegance of their attire matched the lively atmosphere, making the moment unforgettable. It was a night where love was beautifully shown through every twirl and spin on the dance floor.

Bride and groom dancing indoors, wearing wedding attire. The bride in a white gown holds hands with the groom in a white suit.
Two people holding hands and bowing at an indoor event, with a DJ in the background.
Bride in red kimono approaching groom in traditional Japanese attire under red torii gates, with attendees in formal suits.
Traditional Japanese wedding ceremony with bride in red kimono, groom in black, and another woman in ceremonial attire, set outdoors with floral decorations and a traditional building in the background.

The combination of gracious interactions and thoughtful gestures created a warm and inviting environment. Laughter and conversation mingled, highlighting the genuine connections among the attendees. Each moment was marked by shared smiles and engaging discussions, reinforcing the sense of community. As the festivities unfolded, it became clear that the collective spirit of the vendors were instrumental in making the occasion truly memorable. Their participation ensured that every detail felt intentional and appreciated, from the carefully chosen decorations to the delightful presentations of food. This harmonious energy contributed to an unforgettable celebration, leaving lasting impressions on all who attended.

Outdoor wedding ceremony with bride in red kimono and groom in traditional Japanese attire, surrounded by guests and a gazebo in the background.
Person in traditional Japanese attire walking with others, holding a large red parasol, in an outdoor setting with trees and potted flowers.

One of the standout moments for me was the couple's outfit change during the reception. Their transition from traditional attire to modern styles was both seamless and visually stunning, allowing me to capture a range of emotions and styles throughout the day.

Group of elegantly dressed people participating in a traditional Japanese sake barrel ceremony indoors.
Bride and elderly man hugging on dance floor, wedding reception scene.
Bride in white dress lying on dance floor, showing red-soled high heels, surrounded by wedding guests.
A woman wearing a traditional kimono with floral patterns is getting assistance in dressing from another person in a room.

The sake barrel smash, a traditional Japanese ceremony known as "kagami biraki," presents a captivating spectacle filled with symbolism and cultural significance. As participants gather around the barrel, anticipation builds in the air. The wooden structure, adorned with intricate designs and often wrapped in twine, holds the promise of celebration within its confines.

When the time arrives, the atmosphere shifts. The sound of the mallet striking the barrel resonates throughout the space, a resounding crack that signifies the breaking of barriers and the opening of new beginnings. The forceful impact of the smash sends an igniting a sense of unity and festivity.

The aesthetic of the moment is equally captivating. The contrast of the rough wood against the smooth liquid embodies the harmonious balance present in Japanese culture. Every element, from the craftsmanship of the barrel to the carefully poured sake, contributes to the artistry of the occasion.

In essence, the sake barrel smash is not merely a ritual; it encapsulates the joy of togetherness, celebration, and the appreciation of tradition, leaving a lasting impression on all who witness its striking beauty.

People participating in a traditional Japanese sake barrel opening ceremony, with a wooden mallet and a decorative barrel.
Bride and groom participating in a sake ceremony, holding cups, with a traditional sake barrel and wooden ladle on a table.
Bride kneeling and holding a black bowl in a formal setting with three men in suits nearby.
Woman wearing red Japanese kimono with floral patterns.

Woman wearing red Japanese kimono with floral patterns.

Three women in traditional Japanese kimonos laughing and standing together indoors.

Three women in traditional Japanese kimonos laughing and standing together indoors.

Bride in traditional Japanese kimono approaching groom and groomsmen in tuxedos under red torii gate.

Bride in traditional Japanese kimono approaching groom and groomsmen in tuxedos under red torii gate.

Couple in traditional Japanese clothing embracing in garden setting

Couple in traditional Japanese clothing embracing in garden setting

A couple in traditional Japanese attire on a red bridge surrounded by cherry blossoms.

A couple in traditional Japanese attire on a red bridge surrounded by cherry blossoms.

Man and woman smiling outdoors; woman in red floral kimono, man in apron; both holding drink cups.

Man and woman smiling outdoors; woman in red floral kimono, man in apron; both holding drink cups.

A couple in traditional Japanese attire bowing on a wooden floor, with a background of a decorative sake barrel.

A couple in traditional Japanese attire bowing on a wooden floor, with a background of a decorative sake barrel.

Elegant table setting with floral centerpiece, glassware, labeled Table 8, and gift boxes with pink ribbons.

Elegant table setting with floral centerpiece, glassware, labeled Table 8, and gift boxes with pink ribbons.

Two women in kimonos, one holding a dish, reflected in a mirror, surrounded by makeup items and beverages on a table.

Two women in kimonos, one holding a dish, reflected in a mirror, surrounded by makeup items and beverages on a table.

Japanese bride in traditional kimono under large red umbrella with two men walking on brick path.

Japanese bride in traditional kimono under large red umbrella with two men walking on brick path.

Wedding ceremony in a gazebo with a bride in a red kimono, a groom in a suit, and an officiant. Guests watching outdoors.

Wedding ceremony in a gazebo with a bride in a red kimono, a groom in a suit, and an officiant. Guests watching outdoors.

Traditional Japanese wedding ceremony, couple in kimonos, exchanging rings outdoors.

Traditional Japanese wedding ceremony, couple in kimonos, exchanging rings outdoors.

Couple in traditional Japanese attire during an outdoor ceremony, surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms.

Couple in traditional Japanese attire during an outdoor ceremony, surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms.

Japanese couple in traditional kimonos participating in an outdoor wedding ceremony, surrounded by greenery and pink flowers.

Japanese couple in traditional kimonos participating in an outdoor wedding ceremony, surrounded by greenery and pink flowers.

Outdoor wedding ceremony with couple in traditional Japanese attire, guests seated, red gazebo in background.

Outdoor wedding ceremony with couple in traditional Japanese attire, guests seated, red gazebo in background.

Woman in floral kimono being assisted with attire.

Woman in floral kimono being assisted with attire.

Bride in white lace wedding dress walking with partner in a bright hallway.

Bride in white lace wedding dress walking with partner in a bright hallway.

Bride in lace wedding dress laughing with groom in a white suit indoors.

Bride in lace wedding dress laughing with groom in a white suit indoors.

Couple dancing in formal attire, woman in wedding dress, man in white suit with pink tie.

Couple dancing in formal attire, woman in wedding dress, man in white suit with pink tie.

Bride and groom dancing at wedding reception, wooden floor, elegant attire, guests in background.

Bride and groom dancing at wedding reception, wooden floor, elegant attire, guests in background.

Bride dancing with an elder man in a formal setting.

Bride dancing with an elder man in a formal setting.

Mother and son dance at a wedding reception, with a bride in the foreground and a chandelier above.

Mother and son dance at a wedding reception, with a bride in the foreground and a chandelier above.

Man in white suit dancing with woman in blue dress on wooden floor at event with DJ in background.

Man in white suit dancing with woman in blue dress on wooden floor at event with DJ in background.

Group of people performing a sake barrel ceremony with mallets indoors.

Group of people performing a sake barrel ceremony with mallets indoors.

People performing a traditional sake barrel ceremony, with a man opening the barrel and a woman holding a wooden mallet.

People performing a traditional sake barrel ceremony, with a man opening the barrel and a woman holding a wooden mallet.

People participating in a traditional sake barrel opening ceremony indoors at an event.

People participating in a traditional sake barrel opening ceremony indoors at an event.

Wedding celebration with bride and guests sharing sake from a traditional barrel indoors.

Wedding celebration with bride and guests sharing sake from a traditional barrel indoors.

Group of people toasting with sake cups near a large traditional sake barrel.

Group of people toasting with sake cups near a large traditional sake barrel.

Two-tier wedding cake with figurine toppers in traditional attire, red ribbon decoration, displayed on a decorative tray.

Two-tier wedding cake with figurine toppers in traditional attire, red ribbon decoration, displayed on a decorative tray.

Ice sculpture with 'Hockey in Sake' text and five bottles of sake on a table with glasses, traditional wooden background.

Ice sculpture with 'Hockey in Sake' text and five bottles of sake on a table with glasses, traditional wooden background.

Wedding photo booth with bride, groom, and guests posing in a decorated room with a chandelier and wooden accents.

Wedding photo booth with bride, groom, and guests posing in a decorated room with a chandelier and wooden accents.

Bride and groom seated at a wedding reception table with floral decorations and a scenic outdoor view in the background.

Bride and groom seated at a wedding reception table with floral decorations and a scenic outdoor view in the background.

Bride kneeling with hands extended, holding a bowl in a dimly lit room with people in formal attire in the background.

Bride kneeling with hands extended, holding a bowl in a dimly lit room with people in formal attire in the background.

Two women dancing and smiling at a party, one in a wedding dress and the other in a sparkly dress, surrounded by other guests.

Two women dancing and smiling at a party, one in a wedding dress and the other in a sparkly dress, surrounded by other guests.

Group of people in formal attire enjoying a dance party

Group of people in formal attire enjoying a dance party

Bride in white dress playfully lying on dance floor with red-soled high heels visible, surrounded by guests.

Bride in white dress playfully lying on dance floor with red-soled high heels visible, surrounded by guests.