Jinly & Kazuya were married in a traditional Shinto temple surrounded by 2000 flowering cherry trees at the Hokkaido Shrine in Sapporo Japan.
This was the most logistically complicated wedding I’ve done yet and it all went off without a problem due to the AMAZING planning skills of Jinly the bride. She personally coordinated all the travel, transfer, hotel and meals for 120 guests including me and my 2nd shooter.
The Shinto style of wedding is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and involves various rituals and customs. It is believed that the gods will bless the couple’s union if the wedding is performed according to traditional Shinto customs.
Shinto weddings are known for their elaborate and colorful ceremonies. The bride and groom wear traditional Japanese attire, with the bride donning a pure white kimono and a white hood, while the groom wears a black kimono with a white haori jacket. During the ceremony, the couple exchanges nuptial cups of sake, signifying their commitment to each other. The wedding is then followed by a series of rituals, including the sharing of sacred food and offerings to the gods.
The Hokkaido Shrine in Sapporo is a popular location for Shinto weddings due to its beautiful cherry blossoms that bloom in the spring. The shrine’s beautiful grounds offer an idyllic setting for couples to exchange their vows. The cherry blossoms, or sakura, are a symbol of love and hope in Japanese culture and represent the transience of life.
The wedding festivities spanned two days, with the first day being a 20-person dinner for friends at a traditional Japanese restaurant, complete with tatami mats and cushions. The menu consisted of an amazing assortment of Japanese seafood, which Hokkaido is known for.
On the second day, the couple and their guests had a busy schedule that included picking up rental clothing, dropping off place cards at the restaurant, and spending 2.5 hours in hair and makeup. The western-style wedding ceremony at an adorable woodland chapel, was followed by a reception at a garden surrounded restaurant, where the guests enjoyed traditional Japanese food and drinks.
Overall, Jinly and Kazuya’s wedding was a beautiful representation of Japanese culture and traditions. The couple’s attention to detail and their willingness to embrace the customs and rituals of Shintoism made their wedding a truly unforgettable experience for their guests. It was such an honor to be included and trusted with such an amazing event.
