“This is true love. Do you think this happens every day?” ~ Wesley, The Princess Bride

There are couples, and then there are couples. There are weddings and then there are weddings. This couple, this wedding was absolutely one of a kind. It all started with the e-session and the back-story.  Several Starbucks and endless stories later we finally all made it to the big day. Excited much? Truly. Filled with the sweetest surprises, the most fabulous handcrafted gifts, and cinematic moments. Today we share some of the many highlights.  Fran + Hide. The wedding. And just for some background, to know and love them as we’ve come to… here’s what they have to say about themselves. (Direct from their darling wedding website…)

Fran is a hyperactive cook with a graphic designer alter-ego (or vice-versa), who talks a lot, loves to make things, has an acute dog phobia, organizes everything alphabetically and sleeps very little. She hates wet shoes, peach-flavored stuff, beer and most of all, grapefruit – but loves her kitchen, sharpened knifes, watermelon, great friends, japanese plums, ballet, Tokyo, traveling, pudding of any kind and most of all… Hide.

Hide is a skilled personal trainer, massage and aroma therapist who doesn’t pass a good training or basketball practice, sleeps quite a lot, is afraid of butterflies and eats like the Cookie Monster. He hates cilantro, coconut flakes and heart-of-palm salad – but loves beer, beaches, traveling, soccer, berry-flavored anything, açaí, training shoes, tiramisu, homemade food and most of all… Fran.

Here is their Love story.

We start at the start with curlers and smiles in the beautiful new Guest Studio rooms at the Tokyo American Club. Always smiles. Fran, you were adorable at every stage.

Japanese weddings are simply fascinating. Fran + Hide went for a very traditional affair and started in full Kimono. Often the bride wears a very elaborate traditional katsura (wig). No need for Fran. The transformation of this very special up-do was fabulous and intricate. And every little detail was attended too. Usually the delicate hairpieces used to adorn the hair are very colorful. Fran wanted white kanzashi and had them order made by a delightful group of ladies in Aichi. Gorgessness…

Some of the many details. From wedding rings forged by the mokume gane technique. To the prettiest specialty clips to keep the kimono in place.

Hide was already pretty hungry around this time. With endless chocolates on hand we were all kept happy. And so his transformation began.

Love your pom-poms.

And on to Fran. And the fascinating dance and ritual that is Kimono dressing.

Ready + stunning. All in the room were just a little bit breathless.

Official photo time around the endlessly inspiring interiors and exteriors of TAC.

And then some very moving moments with family before the ceremony.

The limousine van. Fran, you were a vision on arrival at Atago Shrine. And Hide, so cool. Guests and family from all over the world waiting in the quaint Tea Room. So excited to see you. A celebration of your love with smiles and sunbeams.

And then on to preparing for the ceremony. Watching you wait, just the two of you, from a little distance in the little back room was so special. Little glances. Smiles. Signing of official documents, an unexpected visit from the shrine cat. And it was hot… Always in attendance the stellar TAC bridal team, with neck fans and perfect touch-ups for your perfect lips.  You both waited patiently knowing soon you would be one. You didn’t have to wait long.

We were quickly re-positioned off the virgin road. And so the wedding was announced and the procession began. Like a dream.

Rules + etiquette often color our landscape working in Japan. And so sometimes, even unexpectedly we have to get creative. And that’s when the magic happens, in all those moments in between. When life entwines with the inside and out. And then just sometimes, really sometimes we get one of our most favorite shots. Ever.

Mrs Fran + Mr Hide.

And on to the fabulous reception, waiting to be greeted back at TAC and immerse ourselves in all the little details as the party gets underway, all handcrafted with love and F + H style.

From a delish Candy Bar to the bubbly florals, it was a celebration peppered with thought and care. Fran loves cooking. Hide loves beer. So as part of the Guest goodie bags they actually brewed their own beer, with bottle labels designed by Fran, featuring their signature animated characters. But wait….there’s more and a duo twist. In our e-session we ran off a couple of quick images for what was going to be the cover shot. The cover shot for Fran’s superb From our Kitchen with Love Recipe Book. Pots of their favorite foodie fare, all paired with Hide’s beery suggestions, in 3 languages. It was a masterpiece and so loved by all.

The arrival. The toast. The incredible band. The food. The photo booth. The celebration continues.

A very brief moment alone, to themselves. Separated by a quick change out of the traditional into the now as they ready themselves for their first look.

Fran, you are stunning even getting your hair done. Seriously.

Hide. We have no words for this one. You own it.

And they are together again. This time for a lightning fast romantic series floating above Tokyo.

Back to the reception. In the spotlight and time for the first dance. Go on… melt our hearts a little bit more.

And it’s not a first dance unless everyone is dancing… Made more tempting by the cutting of the wedding cake that follows. You had us at cupcakes, let alone the toppers.

The bouquet toss. No pressure. At all.

And the joy and laughter, memories and moments after… And the hugs. Of course. All those hugs. There was also an epic video shown around about this time. It’s essential, quite fabulous viewing and you can watch it here.

You are both divine.

Fran + Hide, you know how much you have come to mean to us. And all this beautiful, perfect day symbolized and meant to so many. There are simply not enough words. We’ll leave it to the photos and hope they speak from the heart.

With love. T & D x

 

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