“True love stories never have endings.”  ~ Richard Bach

The love streamed in. The light was sublime. There was laughter, tears, nerves, music and more, much more than one double-bass. With a hot pose at the end. There was a quick stop at the convenience store. In a silver morning suit. The reception at a dream location. The bride stunning.  First in white. Then beautifully colorful. The groom besotted and family and friends who got us. Instantly. And were up for our rather unorthodox methods, for Japan, in documenting the day. Always key is getting the reactions we dream of and to tell the story as it unfolds. A love story in every sense. Love for each other clearly,  love & untold support from both families, now coming together as one. It was pure happiness from the start. We made hearts together, yelled “happy” a lot and came home with pockets full of cookies from relatives – on both sides. That was following the Nijikai (2nd party), floating high above Tokyo. The celebration continued, the warm smiles and congratulations & photos, drinks and food endless, new friends made.

All and much more featured at the recent wedding of Aya & Daisuke. If there is a literal version of joy then this was it. And so away we go with an epic blog post because we came away with something like 1000+ photos (after the cull!!!) from their beautiful story, and it’s our nature to share. Some say less is more, but we just love a fabulous tale and when it’s 14 hours coverage and counting it deserves to be told (and figuring out which ones to cut is way tooooo hard…) And so on with the show… An early start at the chic Conrad and just a little time for Aya & Daisuke get in some last-minute practice for their performance later in the day. They met through music. They would start their married life together firmly in it. The ultimate love duet. And then it was time for the getting ready. And the transformation begins…

The meeting of the families. Over bento boxes.

And then the groom departs for the church (with Trace in tow).

And I stay with Aya, a vision in white and lace. The reactions from her mother, sister and mother-in-law-to-be so heartfelt and beautiful. Sure, there were tears, through beaming smiles and showers of love. And seriously…that veil…was exquisite. It was a blue-sky day, not a breath of air to lift it skyward. She was stunning as she swept through the lobby. Into her Tokyo Taxi.

Meanwhile, at the church, the boys were getting ready. The bride was on her way, so excited – breathless to arrive. They waited in separate rooms. Distanced only by time, they wouldn’t have to wait too much longer to be one. It gave us a little chance to document behind-the-scenes focusing on the anticipation, the emotions, the customs and the millions moments in between.

And then it was time. Here comes the bride. Her groom was more than ready. It was a moving service, tempered with that incredible light, delicate candles, florals, quiet exchanging of vows and the purest sentiments. And a most fabulous group shot from the rafters at the end.

We had just a few moments for family portraits at the end before heading back to the hotel via Family Mart – of course.

And onto the reception. Which started and ended with music. A very quick, quick rehearsal before it all begins. A bride and a double-bass. Make that at least 5. What an overture.

Then the grand entrance, into the Hamarikyu Ballroom. Elegant & chic, real and intimate. Let the celebration begin. Toasts, speeches, more music, the customary pouring of drinks for guests, exits with the parents, more entrances, a divine meal, photos table by table, some fierce table pose-offs, laughter, history-in-the-making. This wedding had it all.

And now for the second entrance. Aya was a vision in color and we had a few (lucky) moments to ourselves in the luscious Conrad surroundings.

Actually… we had 30 seconds in the lobby before the next entrance for this series…

And to the musical portion of the evening…

Encore. Encore. It was almost the end of the reception but not before Aya read a touching letter to her parents followed by the final speeches and an emotional send-off and receiving line (with those Conrad cookies!!!).

Planners extraordinaire… Thank you Conrad Hotel Tokyo. It was truly fabulous.

But wait there’s more… and so on we all go to the Nijikai, high above the city, with Tokyo Tower just out of reach. The party continues, the celebration goes on, the tributes flow. Surrounded by family and loved friends, we kidnapped them for 2 minutes…for some alone time with a backdrop of a glittering Tokyo below.

Yes, it was a buffet in the sky…

Then more music! Those basses get around. It was a fitting finale to an incredible day. And then under a tunnel of love, friends and laughter, all beautifully raucous, it was over.

And when the final guest departed we just had to ask for another minute with them. And sometimes it’s the first shot of the day that’s the favorite. And we certainly have plenty of them. Equally though it was the last shot that will linger. For some time. It is so them. Right at the end of this post – is what we keep in our hearts.

Aya & Daisuke, thank you truly for a beautiful experience and for so warmly welcoming us and enveloping us in your day. You were made for each other. And this is just the beginning of your Life Safari together (enjoy the honeymoon!).

With love, Trace & Dee  x