I am absolutely beside myself with excitement over today’s wedding, brought to you by Martine Cotton of Martine Cotton Photography, based out of Australia. If you haven’t had a taste of Martine’s photographic apéritifs, then you’re truly missing out. Her work is what many brides seek out: the fusion of beautiful portraits, honest moments and timeless photography.
When I woke up to this wedding dreamscape that unfolded in Japan, I just had to have it grace Wedding Nouveau’s homepage. Like very few weddings already featured, today’s love story between Jane and Daisuke must be told in two parts.
Setting: Kyoto, Japan
Heroine & Hero: Australian Bride – Jane and her Japanese Beau – Daisuke.
Scene #1: A NEW DAY, A NEW SALON.
Jane and Daisuke had a western style wedding in her native Australia prior to having a traditional ceremony in Japan. Although the bride owns and is familiar with dressing in Kimonos, she was aided by the staff at Dai-Ichi Hotel in her butterfly evolution. The art of wearing a wedding kimono (or “Uchikake“) is a time consuming and highly detailed process, all part of the beauty and mystique of traditional Japanese customs.
Scene #2: MAJESTIC MORPHINGS.
Cutting Costs in Fusion Weddings:
And on a purely superficial note, J’adore the little feminine bow in her wig or “Katsura,” which bore a rental cost of USD500/ day! Not a small fee. And if you’re like most brides, you’re probably on top of your budget like a hawk. Fortunately for this budget smart bride, costs were “recouped via cash gifts” that wedding guests provided in lieu of presents.
Which brings me to a point I’d like to make about planning fusion weddings that could easily get expensive when you factor in travel, currency exchange rates and customary requirements for different traditions: LESS is MORE. 1. Pick a few items that are a must, and find alternative ways to cut corners or subsidize the cost. 2. Buffets are typically cheaper than multi-course meals. 3. Wine and beer will achieve the same results as cocktails, for a fraction of the cost. 4. Collecting recyclable cans and online social networks are clever new means to raise money for wedding costs. And in this case, 5. monetary gifts from guests (whether requested or not) can be more practical than home appliances.
Stayed tuned for part two of this beautiful Shinto/ Japanese wedding filled with historic shrines, vintage photos and modern fusion of love, family and food. In the spirit of anticipation and teased palettes, here’s a wedding dream palette inspired by the aura of vintage Japanese style.
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