37 Frames“If I could reach up and hold a star for every time you’ve made me smile, the entire evening sky would be in the palm of my hand.” ~ Anonymous
Tadaima!! We’re back to summer loving & wishing with today’s inspired Tanabata (7/7) dream wedding. We have so much to share from our time away in Europe & the UK . So many fabulous stories, people, encounters & moments. All will feature soon, a very happy diversion from the heat right now…as we get ready for an incredible ride through to the end of 2013. For today it’s all about wishes coming true, which has certainly been a relevant theme for us this year. Half way through an Italian adventure we had for the first time trans-continental dual weddings. Trace in Europe and Dee flying back to Tokyo for Mayo & Tomo’s beautiful day. And here is how the Japan wedding unfolded, assisted by 37 Frames Associate Photographer (& dress savior…) Taro Irei. It couldn’t have been hotter. 38 sweltering degrees. Or more lovely. Throw in stunning kimonos, true love, heartfelt wishes, traditions, a splendid shrine, endless ice packs, a nod to Hollywood, one rocking party, a gorgeous Tokyo crowd, the stellar TAC service and finally clear skies…And it was a match already written in the stars…
And it all started very traditionally, in Japanese style…kimonos & all the darling details…So perfectly them. And seriously Mayo’s hair & flowers were a work of art…The getting ready always a favorite part of the day…
So loved Tomo’s photo-taking…
And she is divine…
Breathtaking…so love Japan as we never know what to expect…
Did we mention it was 38C? The heat was absolutely suffocating. Throw in all those kimono layers and photographing outdoors was next to impossible. We kept things slow and as air-conditioned as possible…
And then it was time to depart for the shrine…and that meant meeting the heat…Icepacks. Check. Check. Check.
The ceremony was held in the most incredible little shrine in the heart of Tokyo – Azabu Juban Inari Shrine. A tiny shrine tucked away, right off the main street. One room. Another of Tokyo’s hidden gems. The iconic stairs something akin to climbing Mt Fuji on this hotter than hot day. But the summit was so worth it. An oasis of gold. And we were free of all the regular rules & limitations to photograph as we liked…
Bridal icepacks & fanning. De rigueur.
And the ceremony begins. Intimate. Real. Soaked in sake, commitment, love and all the moments in between.
And with everything official, the air-con went old school…and we had a few brief minutes to photograph the happy couple before we all melted down (and the wonderful priests served us all tea roadside…)
Back to TAC for touch-ups before the traditional reception gets underway. First Japanese style, then a lovely western style change half way through. 
Relief…a beautifully cooler bride materializes…
Just a little time to be together, to take in the day, before it’s back to the celebration, the traditions, the surprises, a famed Japanese pianist performance, the love & emotions…
Tomo…and his glances…sigh…Eyes for no-one else. Peeking at his beautiful bride – all day.
Clear skies in Tokyo = Tanabata love. The stars meet & the folklore continues to inspire…And the after-party gets underway…
A take on the Tanabata wish tree…all the guests had a polaroid taken, wrote their wish for the couple and it was hung in the bamboo bouquet…
Nijikai entrance 1!!!
Nijikai entrance 2!!! (With the undelivered dress now rescued by Taro…who dashed across town to retrieve it…many, many, many thanks…for going above & beyond…)
New favorite first bite. Ever. 
And the party explodes…the celebration, the dancing, the toasts, the love flows…
New favorite bouquet catch. Ever.
Mayo & Tomo, thank you for a simply spectacular day. From start to finish…it was amazing, so full of joy & fun & warmth. From your engagement session we just knew how special this experience would be. You are so meant to be. We can’t wait to see where your life together takes you next. It was always in the stars.
With love,
Trace & Dee
37 Frames
9 comments
Nice to meet you in Amsterdam finally. Your work is incredible. I think I can learn so much from you. I hope to shoot a wedding in Japan with you both one day. – Martin.
::sigh:: PURE loveliness…
Another gorgeous wedding from 37 Frames!!!!!!! You always capture moments in such a beautiful way! This couple is SO beautiful and that kimono is like a dream. What a cool, beautiful couple.
Beautifully romantic.
Amazing couple, and beautiful moments. How great did the bride look in that wedding kimono. I want to get married again!!
Amazing!!!! What lense did you use?
Love these images!! Gorgeous as usual! Love the whites, purples, golds and reds! Love the bride and groom! What a cute, fun couple:)
You guys really are the best. I’m so in love with your work and your passion for the work you do. and can’t wait for your Wedding Photography workshop. I need to see things the way you do. I really do!
Amazing wedding. Lovely details, very classy. The groom’s suit is fabulously cool. The bride’s dress has a touch of fantasy. And the photographs really look like they are straight from a magazine.