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Derek & Minori

A Traditional Wedding in Japan.

Hayden Phoenix had the opportunity to capture Derek and Minori’s beautiful Japanese wedding. He shares the details and his stunning images below.

Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography

Location: Takamatsu City, Japan
From: UK / Japan

Number of Guests:55
Nearest Airport: Takamatsu

Having shot Derek & Minori’s UK wedding in the spectacular pavilion in Brighton I was over the moon to be asked if I wanted to head over to Japan to shoot their second wedding.

This was to be a traditional Japanese wedding in a Buddhist temple and so the day started with an incredibly detailed bridal prep for Minori.

Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in // Japan Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in // Japan Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in // Japan Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in // Japan Hayden Phoenix PhotographyDerek & Minori's wedding in // Japan Hayden Phoenix Photography

This aspect of the day was fascinating to photograph and included traditional make up, elaborate headwear and jewellery, multilayered wedding kimono, a large wig and finally the tsuno-kakushi.

The literal translation of tsuno-kaksuhi is a ‘cover for horns’ which is said to hide the bride’s horns of jealousy’. These headdresses date back to the 14th century Muromachi period.

Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography

From there we went into the temple for the ceremony which again included many traditional elements such as the Harai-gushi which is a purification ritual and the drinking of sake by the bride and the groom which is said to ‘seal’ the marriage.

Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography

Group photo’s were followed by a ride in a traditional Japanese cart pulled by one of the temple assistants then a boat ride with a symbolic firing of an arrow by the groom.

Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography

Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan Hayden Phoenix Photography 33 Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography

A glorious feast of sushi and all manner of seafood was served by the Bride and Groom (as is the Japanese custom) then more rituals including the kagami-biraki ceremony in which the lid of the sake barrel is broken open by a wooden mallet and the sake served to the guests.

Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography

Next was the mochitsuki ceremony. This is the custom of pounding large amounts of mochi rice into soft, stretchy and sticky mochi! Using a giant hammer and a huge mortar, one person hammers down on the mochi while another person adds water and flips the mochi over in between pounding to stop it from sticking. It is a technique that takes a lot of coordination.

Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix PhotographyDerek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix PhotographyDerek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography

Many speeches, musical performances and more sake was followed by dancing and then finally more traditional Japanese games involving teams battling it out performing various tasks.

Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography Derek & Minori's wedding in Japan // Hayden Phoenix Photography

Prior to their wedding in Japan, Derek & Minori married in a Civil Ceremony held at the Royal Brighton Paviliion, UK. Red Carpet Video were on hand to capture all the details of their day. Watch their fun cinematic wedding trailer below.

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The perfect Partners

Photographer: Hayden Phoenix  // Ceremony: Shinmeiden temple, Takamatsu City

Marthe & Marius 
Weddings and Honeymoons in Cilento
Welcome to Weddings Abroad Guide a website dedicated to those planning a destination wedding providing independent information & advice for those planning a wedding abroad.

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Mix & Match Bridesmaid Dresses from Dessy Group

Honeymoon & Wedding Gift List by Holidaysplease member of the Destination Wedding Directory by Weddings Abroad Guide

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Digital Wedding Planning Tool Kit - The Essential must have Easy to Follow Checklists, Spreadsheets & Workbooks Guide for a Destination Wedding Abroad by Weddings Abroad Guide

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