A Garden of Their Own: Katelynn & Micah’s Elopement in Kyoto
Sometimes the whole plan fits in a sentence: we’ll say our vows, take some photos, and enjoy Japan. That’s how Katelynn and Micah began, and the day that followed was exactly as simple, and as beautiful, as they’d hoped.
What they asked for
The brief was refreshingly specific. They wanted an outdoorsy setting away from downtown, with Kyoto, Mount Fuji, or a nearby beach all open for discussion. They wanted to say their vows, and they wanted the photos to include both far-away shots and close-ups, so the place and the two of them would each get their moment.
They also asked for no hair or makeup artist. It was a small decision, but it set the tone for the whole day: relaxed, unfussy and entirely theirs.
Choosing Kyoto
For a ceremony that needed to feel private, I presented two options in Kyoto. The first was to rent a private garden. The second was to use a public spot early in the morning, which in Kyoto often requires a permit for photography. I offered to handle that, along with transportation from their hotel.
I also mentioned that October is usually a little early for Kyoto’s autumn color, which tends to arrive in early to mid-November. Katelynn told me they weren’t chasing fall foliage at all. What they wanted was an outdoorsy setting that captured the essence of Japan, without the busy places, like the bamboo forest, that most visitors head to first.
A private garden fit that description perfectly.
Getting ready
We arrived at their hotel around noon, and I brought my associate, Louie, to help Katelynn with her dress and with moving around during the day. While she got ready, I photographed the details: the ring, the dress, and the small things that make a wedding morning feel like a wedding morning.
I always spend time on this part. Nothing else captures the little things as well, and it’s often what couples return to years later.
Keeping the ‘first look’ a surprise
We rented a car and traveled together to the garden. Micah took an Uber separately, so that the first look would stay a surprise.
At the garden, we photographed Katelynn first, then waited for Micah to arrive and took some portraits of him. Then came the first look, and the happiness on both of their faces made every plan and detail worthwhile.
The vows in the garden
The garden gave it everything it needed. Micah turned toward her; Katelynn was ready, and the two of them were suddenly standing in the same place they had been planning to reach for months. They were so happy to be in such a beautiful garden for the occasion, and it showed in every frame.
A private garden, two people and a promise: the setting required very little from anyone else. This was exactly the kind of moment Katelynn and Micah had asked for in their first message, simple, with no crowd, and no schedule beyond the one hour they wanted.
The wide frames let the garden surround them, and the close-ups stayed on their faces and their hands. It was a simple, yet very beautiful moment to cherish forever.
If you’re picturing an elopement in Japan that’s small, private, and exactly what you want, send me a message. We’ll find the place that fits your day.
