They met at school, in a sushi-making class. When class was dismissed, he wrote about her in his blog. She bugged her friend for his email address. If they only knew that some three years later, they would be engaged and planning a wedding. Another reason to love sushi, I’d say.
When Jennifer and I were emailing back and forth about this shoot, she mentioned her interest in cherry blossoms seeing as her fiance is Japanese. I loved it and we both had the same location in mind – one of my favorite summer reading spots – the park at City Hall. Surrounded by trees just bursting with blossoms, we started there as the late afternoon light poured through the branches.
All throughout our time together, you could sense the love that Jennifer and Naoya share. You could see it and feel it. In the way Jennifer looked at him, in the way Naoya would lightly touch her face. But maybe more than anything, in the way they laughed together. Before I say anymore, let me say this: Jennifer is a self-proclaimed “quiet” girl. That’s how I knew her before spending time with the two of them, and before witnessing the way in which Naoya brought out this other, radiant, carefree side to Jennifer. It was infectious.
This is why I fell in love with photography, portrait/wedding photography in particular. The opportunity to connect with such people and document their happiness. This makes me happy. Jennifer & Naoya, it was an honor to get to share in your joy and I wish you all the best in your plans for the wedding and move to Japan :)
Rose Dykstra says
these are beautiful! love the cherry blossom shots.
Tanis says
SO AmaZING!!
Mikaela says
thanks so much :)