Matsujima and her husband decided to capture their love story through a series of beautiful pre-wedding photoshoots, reflecting their unique backgrounds. Their journey began in Taiwan, where the groom’s mother hails from. They decided to incorporate his heritage into their wedding photos during a trip to visit his grandfather’s grave. Witnessing a local couple dressed in traditional Taiwanese attire sparked an idea for a pre-wedding shoot.
The couple, with the help of the groom’s cousin, embarked on a photoshoot in Tainan, exploring the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Matsujima chose a traditional Taiwanese outfit adorned with exquisite embroidery, and her hair and makeup were styled to perfectly capture the vibrant Taiwanese aesthetic. This experience provided a refreshing change from her usual style, creating a unique set of photos.
Back in Japan, Matsujima’s love for traditional Japanese attire rekindled. Having worked on numerous weddings featuring Japanese wedding attire, she felt incomplete without her own set of photos in a kimono. Determined to capture the essence of both her and her husband’s cultures, they decided to have a photoshoot in a Tokyo hotel where her parents had celebrated their wedding 40 years prior. They donned white and colorful kimonos, creating a timeless collection of photos that beautifully reflected their shared heritage.
These pre-wedding photos were meticulously crafted into albums and panels, becoming a centerpiece at their Hawaiian wedding, serving as a warm welcome to their guests. The albums were later gifted to both sets of parents, marking a special memory that would be cherished for years to come.
Matsujima and her husband wanted to extend their love and appreciation to their guests, making their wedding a truly shared experience. They decided to present each guest with an Aloha shirt as a parting gift, a thoughtful gesture that ensured everyone felt comfortable and stylish during the celebrations.
Choosing Aloha shirts as a gift addressed a common concern among guests attending Hawaiian weddings – the struggle to find the perfect attire. They wanted to eliminate the stress of finding the right outfit, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy the festivities. Matsujima meticulously selected the shirts, considering each guest’s personality and family dynamic, adding a personal touch to the gift.
The couple’s thoughtfulness extended to their parents, incorporating a special vow renewal ceremony as a surprise. The vow renewal, a cherished Hawaiian tradition, included a beautiful exchange of leis, symbolizing the couple’s unwavering love and commitment. This heartwarming ceremony took place towards the end of the reception, creating a moment of emotional connection between the couple, their families, and friends.
The timing of the vow renewal was particularly poignant, coinciding with the 40th wedding anniversary of Matsujima’s parents. This joyous occasion provided an opportunity to celebrate their enduring love and reaffirm their commitment to one another.
Through thoughtful planning and an unwavering focus on their guests’ comfort, Matsujima and her husband created a wedding that was not only a celebration of their love but a testament to their shared heritage, familial bonds, and the joy of creating lasting memories with loved ones.
