Yurie and Chris’ mint, gold and gray wedding in Japan combined cultural traditions and all-out fun at their wedding at The Ritz Carlton, Tokyo. They truly had the best of both worlds and with 37 Frames Photography as their photographers – everything from the traditional tea ceremony, the couple’s first look (with a surprise appearance by their beloved puppy), and the colorful French macarons was captured perfectly.

The Couple: Yurie and Chris

The Wedding: 5.25.13 – The Ritz Carlton, Tokyo, Japan

The Goals: Our main goal was that we wanted to incorporate both our cultures and traditions into our day. We wanted the details to be personalized and make it ‘us’. Of course, we wanted our friends and family to have fun and for it all to be documented and photographed by 37 Frames Photography.

The Design: Our main goal for the wedding was to make it feel romantic, whimsical and rustic. We wanted to create a really warm, soft atmosphere. The dress was the main inspiration. We wanted to bring outdoor elements indoors so decided on having tall lush tree/branch centerpieces with lots of ivy flowing onto the mirrored tables. We included more ‘fun’ elements in the reception with live music, photo booth, candy buffet, cotton candy machine, and our signature cocktail, The Yurberlie, flowing throughout the night.

The Moments: Our favorite moments include the first look at the shrine when I saw Chris in the Japanese montsuki haori hakama (wedding kimono), listening to all the reception speeches (especially Chris’ and my sisters on behalf of my father who passed away when I was younger), having our dog, Charlie, be part of our day, experiencing all of our friends and family from all around the world comeing together and seeing everything we worked so hard complete. Also, our dear friend, Marié Digby’s performance made almost everyone in the room cry. Her voice is like an angel.

The Photographer: We instantly connected with Dee and Tracey from 37 Frames Photography from the very start. At our engagement shoot, we knew that they were going to be the ones photographing our wedding…they made us feel so comfortable. We wanted the best talent who also understood who we are as a couple. We wanted natural, ‘in the moment’ shots more than the posed shots. Dee and Tracey see shots that you would think wouldn’t work, but end up being the best. We will cherish our engagement and wedding photos forever so definitely worth every cent.

The Advice: Try to enjoy every minute, time flies! Believe that nothing is impossible and never give up on what you want.

Thank you Yurie and Chris, for sharing your stunning day with us! We wish you all the best in your new life together. See more gorgeous weddings in Japan at 37 Frames Photography Blog.

The Wedding Team:

Photographer: 37 Frames Photography
Event Planner: Ryo Sue and Izumi Shikama, The Ritz Carlton, Tokyo
Ceremony Venue: Hie Jinja Shrine
Reception Venue: The Ritz Carlton, Tokyo
Videographer/Film Maker: The Ritz Carlton, Tokyo
Invitation Designer: Dauphine Press
Catering: The Ritz Carlton, Tokyo
Florist: Hanahiro for The Ritz Carlton, Tokyo
Cake: The Ritz Carlton, Tokyo
Wedding Dress: Romona Keveza via The Treat Dressing Minami Aoyama
Bridal Accessories: Shoes – Jimmy Choo
Bridesmaids’ Apparel: Dress – J.Crew
Groom’s Apparel & Accessories: Custom Tailored Suit and Bespoke John Lobb Oxfords
Hair: The Ritz Carlton, Tokyo Beauty Salon
Make-up: The Ritz Carlton, Tokyo Beauty Salon
DJ: Guy Perryman
Live Music: Kaleb James, Me and My Friends
Favors: Yamada Heiando Bowls, Toyo Bijin Junmai Daiginjo Custom Label Sake and cups
Rings: N. Alawdeen Ltd.