“To travel is to live” ~ Hans Christian Andersen

And in this case… ‘to travel is also, to love’. It was a wedding and honeymoon, all-in-one. A love story. An epic adventure. A dream realized. And we were so thrilled to be part of it right  from the get go. When John first contacted us and inquired about having us document their time in Japan we were thrilled. Totally.  Then we found out that they were coming from the US and that photography was indeed very special and important to them. We certainly knew they perhaps had other choices for photographers in Tokyo, so we were delighted they sought us and our style out. Lovelovelove that. We were bursting with ideas. And then we found out it was for their wedding.  And that it was also their honeymoon.  And we were so very there.  With bells on. Here they come from the ATL to Tokes (yep, we’re ATL Housewives fans from way back…don’t hate on us haterville…).

We were so thrilled on many levels. Thrilled people were travelling to Japan, coming back, making plans. Thrilled that Japan is now being considered as a most fabulous, one-of-a-kind destination wedding option. Thrilled that through this kind of experience Japan would ultimately be at the heart of some very magic memory making. And for us this resonated so deeply in light of the year we were just coming to the end of.

There were a flurry of emails back and forth until we finally settled on a 2 day shoot. Day time and Night time. Just the way we like it.  And the perfect, most real way to experience the kind of city Tokyo is.  As different, as random, as incredible, as stunning, as wacky, as impenetrable, as fascinating as both day and night. We heart Tokyo.

John and Amber arrived in the middle of December. The city was still a mass of gold, thanks to the late turning Ginkos. Ready for the trip of a lifetime. Which started with the minefield that is… getting married here. Without any language. Without ever having been here before. Go on guys… really dive in to Japan. And so without any Japanese they went for it. And after endless paperwork, pilgrimages to the local ward office and lovely help from The Prince Park Tower concierge they were a few days later officially official in Japan. Mass respect, truly. Honto ni omedeto!!! What an intro to Japan. So here we go. Featuring Tokyo by Day. A journey of love and wedding bliss, poignant and OIJ (only-in-japan) moments in some of the city’s most iconic and unforgettable locations.

We started at Shiba Koen. Right next to their hotel. Amber was a vision in her gown. Breathtaking as she glided down Route 319. As you do. John, looking super fab in his tuxe. We found a stunning grove of Ginkos to start and as the leaves delicately fell around us, creating that golden carpet, it was a mesmerizing beginning to their photo love story.

From there we moved on to the park, the shrines and the neighborhood and of course made a brief appearance at those famous red doors. At their request! Just the place for some quiet, romantic, red-hot moments.

A first dance under the torii leading to Zozoji caused a sensation. Seriously, just look at Amber in that dress, those eyes. Go on, knock us out a bit more. And so of course we had to wait until all the school girls on their field trip and their teachers had the required pics on the keitai’s with the happy couple. The peace sign featured a lot in that series…

It was then back to the hotel, to warm-up and for a quick change.

Next stop, the beating heart of Shibuya, before their afternoon whirlwind trip to the ward office. Shibs was everything shibs is. Completely Japan, and as perfect a place as any for a street session. The station, the crossing, the people, the chaos on a Wednesday. Billboards and love featured and we think at some point John went all “Sexy Zone” on us… that’s one for the private gallery, for sure.

It was such a joy to photograph, hang out, feel the love, energy and excitement of such soul mates. To see them experiencing and exploring so many firsts, was both truly meaningful for us as photographers and inspiring. And if it wasn’t for the ward office requesting more paperwork you can be sure we’d all still be there if we could. But no worries…we had Day 2 to go. And that will all feature tomorrow. Right here. On the blog. With an incredible hotel and locations. A view. Absolute glamour. A convenience store shoot. And a love story. And it’s as different as night and day.