37 Frames“Life is a song. Love is the music.” ~ Anonymous
A fairy-tale to tell today…truly. It was a dream wedding, with a stunning couple, complete with the perfect castle. Right in the heart of Tokyo. Their story is one for the ages, orchestrated by their mothers and what followed is a whirlwind. The entire backstory can be found here in their NY Times announcement. Our stunning bride, a professional tennis player and designer. Her groom, a maestro. And it was epic. Spectacular in all the big moments, but the equally compelling in it’s intimacy. This celebration had so much story. Starting with the couple themselves. Two of the kindest, sweetest, loveliest, most talented people we’ve had the tremendous honor to meet.
From the incredible designer gown, a collaboration between the Bride and her grandfather, eminent Japanese designer Taeko Nishida, in collaboration with Akiko Endo (of Hatsuko Endo). It was her grandfather’s final design. We had the opportunity in August to actually photograph the final dress fitting, along with Yuri’s grandfather, which we are so looking forward to featuring here soon. Such an emotional experience and so extraordinary be part of. The perfect start to our story together.
And then the wedding day arrived…Yuri was a complete vision. Then there was Keitaro in his tails (designed himself). So perfect. And there was so much more…a beautiful balcony first look, a love-filled church ceremony, champagne in the iconic garden, glorious afternoon light to love & get lost in, an historic kimono, the last creation by Kyouya Rinzou, the 17th kimono master of Kyourin with 400 years of kimono making history. Then there was a surprise performance by the tremendous Matsuyama Ballet Company, a world-class performances and the pièce de résistance…Yuri changed for her final look, into her mother’s wedding gown, which her grandfather had also designed. Her parents married on Sept 19th, 1981. Yuri & Keitaro on the same date 36 years later. The room was left breathless & the poignancy not lost on any of us. It was sublime planning by the team at the exquisite Tsunamachi Mitsui Club and Hatsuko Endo. We truly cannot thank them enough for all their amazing support. It was an utter collaboration of love, light, laughter & heart… And one of those days, in September, when love simply reigned…
Wishing you both a lifetime of love & happiness as your forever soundtrack…with love, Tracey, Dee & 37 Frames
Wedding Dress: Akiko Endo & Yuri Kurashima
Hair & Make-up: Hatsuko Endo
Flowers: ARDOISE
Wedding Planning: Hatsuko Endo
Venue: Tsunamachi Mitsui Club
37 Frames
2 comments
You are amazing! Thank you for capturing and being part of the story making,
Loved the story and it does read like a “fairy tale”. The bride looked beautiful in her designer dress and the kimono being the last creation by a kimono Master and then to wear the same dress her Mother wore for her wedding 36years ago were amazing photos. The ballet photos were delightful. The photos of the couple taken inside the Castle and outside around the fountain were beautiful. The couple have wonderful memories as you captured the day perfectly.