Bringing a Couple’s Dream Wedding to Life: Alisha and Tyler’s Elopement Wedding
People have many different preferences when it comes to weddings. Some dream of a grand ceremony surrounded by everyone they know. Others want a destination wedding. Some prefer a small and intimate gathering. And for a few, the perfect wedding is simply being present with the one person who matters most. For Alisha and Tyler, getting married in a quiet ceremony with just the two of them was already everything.
Planning From Las Vegas
Alisha and Tyler had been planning their wedding from Las Vegas, and it took many months of preparation to bring everything together. Since they lived far away, they entrusted me with coordinating and organizing the details so their wedding day would go smoothly. After several calls and discussions, we decided on a half-day wedding package in Tokyo.
Taking Over the Coordination
Once everything was finalized, I took over the planning and logistics. My responsibilities included:
Contacting the driver from the hotel to the venue
Finding an English-speaking officiant
Booking the wedding venue
Securing an on-the-day assistant to help the bride and groom
Hiring a hair and makeup team
Coordinating their legal marriage process in Japan
Capturing and documenting the big day
Choosing the Venue
I first coordinated with the driver who would take them from their hotel to the venue. We chose Tantoku Teien, a traditional Japanese garden with more than 150 years of history. It is a private home with a serene garden where couples can enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and other intimate rituals.
Preparing the Team
Next, I arranged for an assistant to support them on the day itself, especially since they were foreigners and most of the preparation had been done online. I booked Alisha’s hair and makeup artist, then secured an English-speaking officiant who could guide them through the ceremony clearly and comfortably. Lastly, I also handled the coordination needed for them to be legally married in Japan.
Elopment Wedding in Japan
Their ceremony was exactly what they hoped for. It was simple, quiet, and deeply meaningful.
It unfolded gently, without rush or noise, allowing them to be fully present with each other.
Every moment felt intentional, heartfelt, and true to who they are as a couple.
Traditional Tea Ceremony
The newlyweds did a traditional tea ceremony led by the officiant. The ritual highlights the four principles of Cha-do: harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. The sharing of thick tea symbolizes unity and connection, and the officiant guided them through each step while explaining its significance.
A Sake Barrel Ceremony to Mark the Beginning
The couple also took part in a sake barrel ceremony. This tradition involves breaking open a sake barrel with a wooden mallet. It represents the couple taking their first step together, similar to cutting a wedding cake. It is a symbolic gesture of opening their future as partners.
A Warm and Intimate Celebration
The wedding took place during the autumn season, surrounded by warm colors and peaceful scenery. Everything flowed seamlessly. Alisha and Tyler expressed how happy they were with the experience and thanked me for taking on the organization from thousands of miles away. On this day, I was more than just their photographer. I was someone they trusted to make their wedding possible with nothing but calls and messages exchanged from across the world.
Let’s Plan your Dream Wedding
Whether you want a simple, heartfelt ceremony or a grand, vibrant, and joy-filled celebration, I will make sure your day reflects your vision. I am here to guide you through every step, making the process smooth and stress-free. Your wedding should feel true to who you are as a couple.
Let me take care of documenting your special moment so you can focus on the experience and the person you love. I can even go as far as handling the logistics to ensure everything flows seamlessly. Reach out to begin planning your dream wedding in Japan.
