A small tree with low hanging branches stood next to a koi pond on the side of a mountain. Water trickled into the koi pond creating an ambiance of solitude. Framed by the branches of the tree, Janice and Paul held hands and looked into each other’s eyes. Smiles radiated from both of their faces, and the clearing on the side of the mountain was filled with the joy of their wedding day. This was just one of the many magical moments from Janice and Paul’s Hakone Gardens wedding.
This was all so magical!
To enter into the Hakone Estate and Gardens, you have to walk through an entrance literally flanked by redwood trees. When we showed up for the rehearsal on a warm day in autumn, the entrance was backlit by the setting sun. As a result, walking inside the gardens felt like stepping into a magical world for us. It’s something you really can’t experience in Indiana. And it’s safe to say the wonder of this venue really struck us, and that was even before we had an opportunity to take in all of the unique architecture inside.
We’re so glad we were able to capture Janice and Paul’s beautiful wedding! Shooting a wedding outside of Indiana is always difficult for us, because of the stresses of travel and working with vendors we don’t know in a place that’s new to us. This whole trip was amazing though. Janice and Paul, and their family and friends, made us feel so welcome while we were in town and everyone gave us great recommendations of things to do before we had to catch our plane to leave. We had so much fun capturing this amazing wedding and this amazing couple. We wish Janice and Paul nothing but the best as they continue their life together.
Thanks to all the wonderful vendors part of their wedding team:
Ceremony & Reception Location: Hakone Estate and Gardens
Officiant: Ryan D’Costa
Wedding Dress: Trish Lee
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Suits: Indochino
Hair Stylist: Fresh Face Makeup
Make-up Artist: Rachel with FFM
Catering: Flourishing Gardens
Cake Designer/Bakery: Jen’s Cake
Entertainment: Elite Entertainment
Videographer: Dream Together Films
First Dance Song: Back to One Brian McKnight
Honeymoon: Maui
Did you love this Hakone Gardens wedding in Saratoga, California?
If you loved this Japanese Estate and Gardens wedding then check out some of our other more adventurous shoots!
Firstly, check out Kylie and Rick’s dreamy wedding in the Dominican!
Next, check out Jason and Mandy’s perfect proposal photos on top of the Incline at Manitou Springs!
Lastly, check out Falisha and Daron’s beautiful wedding in Chicago!
If you loved the photos from this wedding, consider supporting the Hakone Estate and Gardens in Saratoga, California! This is one of the oldest Japanese estate and gardens in the Western Hemisphere. It’s a gorgeous location, and it’s open to the public during the day if you want to visit!
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