WEDDING: Nidom Resort + Jozankei Onsen, Hokkaido Japan

This wedding is from a long time ago, 2007 to be exact! I keep it in my portfolio to show my history and because I just loved this event. It was three days of festivities in two locations in the north of Japan: welcome party, a Shinto Wedding with the cherry blossoms in bloom, a brunch, a Western-style Wedding at a Ryokan (thermal spa), a Chinese-themed after-party, and finally a Kaiseki Ryori (fancy spa banquet) to wrap up the weekend.  You can see part one HERE.
A tree branch covered in white blossoms extends against a pale blue sky with scattered clouds. The flowers are abundant and delicate, creating a soft, airy scene.

DAY 2: Nidom Resort – 1.5 hours south of Sapporo

  • Western Wedding
  • After Party
  • Kaiseki Farewell Dinner

After the reception at Elm Garden Restaurant in Sapporo city we all hopped on a bus to the Nidom Resort about 1.5 hours south of town. At 11pm all 120 of us had checked into our personal 2 story log cabins for the night. Even in the dark, this place was amazing. Beautifully manicured pine trees interspersed with the log cabins stretched as far as I could see. The next day we rented bikes and relaxed a bit before we had to start photography in the afternoon. This was a traditional western wedding with the western white wedding dress, bouquet, cake, and all the trimmings. Again, Jinly had everything timed to the second and everything was PERFECT.

Funny Fact: You will see me working around the photographer that is employed by the wedding venue (Shinto Shrine). I enjoyed incorporating them, in my own funny way, into the story of the day. Such a stunning location, I am still so thankful to have been a part of this wonderful event.

  • A woven basket with a lid sits open, revealing assorted snacks and small gifts inside. The lid features a pale green ribbon and a welcome card with floral designs. The basket rests on a wooden surface.
  • A bride in a strapless wedding dress and veil holds a bouquet of flowers, smiling softly outdoors with trees blurred in the background. The image is in black and white.
  • A bride in a white gown and veil walks hand in hand with a groom in a black suit down a stone hallway lined with green plants and soft lights.
  • A bride in a veil laughs joyfully while holding hands with her groom during a wedding ceremony, with candles and a stone wall in the background.
  • A young boy in a black suit smiles and points while standing on stone steps outdoors. Adults dressed formally stand behind him, some laughing, with trees and greenery in the background.
  • A large wedding group poses outdoors, facing the camera. The photo is taken from behind a ladder, with a pair of shoes and legs visible at the top, framing the group below. The setting includes trees and buildings.
  • A joyful bride in a strapless wedding dress and veil laughs while standing on a wooden bridge over a pond, with bare trees in the background. The image is in black and white.
  • A bride and groom walk arm-in-arm down an aisle, smiling, surrounded by seated guests who are clapping and watching them. The setting appears to be an indoor wedding ceremony.
  • A joyful bride laughs and hugs a guest while holding a note at a wedding reception, as seated guests in suits watch and smile in the background. The scene is candid and lively, captured in black and white.
  • A group of people at a formal event, dressed in elegant attire, stand and cheer near a long, decorated dining table while others are seated, all in a well-lit room with large windows.
  • A woman in a strapless white wedding dress stands in a room, adjusting the skirt. Her reflection appears in a large wall mirror behind her. The photo is in black and white.
  • A close-up of an older man in a suit looking thoughtful, with a bride in a white dress and veil holding a bouquet softly blurred in the background.
  • A rustic log cabin with stone lower walls and a wooden upper structure stands among tall, leafless trees in a forested area on a clear day.
  • A groom in a dark suit kisses his bride, who is wearing a white wedding dress and veil, as they stand together in a forest with bare trees. The bride holds a bouquet and both are smiling.
  • A bride and groom joyfully walk on stone steps through a garden, the groom raising his arm while the bride holds up her dress. Leafless trees and a wooden cabin are visible in the background.
  • A bride and groom share a kiss at their wedding reception, dressed in formal attire. They stand beside a decorated table with flowers, glasses, and plates visible in the foreground.
  • A black-and-white photo of a woman smiling joyfully with her arms around a man, both looking at each other closely, suggesting a moment of happiness and connection.
  • A sparkling silver and pearl brooch and a jeweled hair accessory with floral designs rest on a delicate, white lace fabric atop a wooden surface.
  • A bride in a white dress and veil holding a bouquet smiles while sitting next to an older man in a tuxedo. Both are laughing and appear happy, sharing a joyful moment together indoors.
  • Rows of tall, white candles are lit and placed on metal holders against a stone wall, creating a warm, glowing atmosphere in a dimly lit space.
  • A newlywed couple walks down the aisle of a rustic stone chapel, smiling. The bride wears a white gown and veil, holding a bouquet, while the groom is in a black suit. Two men stand nearby, one clapping.
  • A bride and groom, both smiling, walk hand in hand on a green lawn in front of a stone building. The bride wears a white gown and the groom wears a black suit with a pink vest and holds a bouquet.
  • A bride and groom stand smiling and embracing on a gravel path in a forest, with a small stream and rocks flowing behind them among tall, leafless trees.
  • A bride in a white dress smiles and holds hands with a seated woman at a formal indoor event. Guests sit at tables in the background, and both women appear joyful and engaged in conversation.
  • A bride in a white gown dances with an older man in a suit at a wedding reception, laughing joyfully. Guests sit at decorated tables in the softly lit background.
  • A delicate silver and pearl bridal headpiece rests on soft white peonies, surrounded by light green hydrangea blooms, creating an elegant and romantic scene.
  • A joyful bride in a white dress and veil holds a bouquet of flowers, smiling and looking at a groom in a black suit, white shirt, and pink tie; they are walking arm in arm and laughing together.
  • Two men in suits, each wearing glasses and a boutonniere, stand side by side at what appears to be a formal event, possibly a wedding. The image is in black and white.
  • A large group of people, including a bride in a white dress, stand on a lawn outdoors, looking upward. Tall trees and a cloudy sky make up the background. The image is in black and white.
  • A bride in a long white dress and veil stands smiling beside a groom in a black suit by a peaceful lake, surrounded by trees and grass under a cloudy sky.
  • A young boy in a suit plays the piano, reading sheet music placed on the instrument. The image is in black and white, and draped curtains are visible in the background.
  • A man and a woman sit closely together at a formal event, both smiling and looking toward the front. The woman wears a traditional dress and pearl earrings. The image is in black and white.
  • A bride in a white wedding dress and veil holds a bouquet of flowers while standing outdoors on a sunny day, surrounded by green bushes and trees.
  • A bride in a white wedding dress and veil sits, looking down peacefully. A bouquet of flowers in a vase is visible in the foreground. The image is in black and white.
  • A bride and groom exit a stone building as guests on both sides throw flower petals and celebrate; a child stands in front of the couple, and everyone is dressed formally.
  • A bride and groom walk arm in arm on green grass, smiling and dressed in wedding attire, with a bouquet in hand. Behind them is a stone building and a tall stone tower surrounded by trees.
  • A man in a suit with a boutonnière on his lapel smiles gently at the camera. The image is black and white, and the background is softly blurred.
  • A modern house at dusk with warm lights glowing from the windows and pathway lights illuminating the curved walkway, surrounded by trees and landscaped bushes.
  • A bride and groom stand together, smiling as they cut a white, three-tiered wedding cake decorated with pink flowers. The groom wears a black suit and the bride is in a white dress with a shawl.
  • A woman in a wedding dress sits while another person helps arrange her hair in a fitting room. Wedding attire hangs on a rack, and the scene is reflected in a large wall mirror.
  • A curved stone building with an arched double doorway, decorated with a flower wreath and two potted plants. A stone wall and green bushes are in the foreground.
  • Several wooden cabins line the far side of a calm lake, surrounded by tall trees with sparse branches, under a cloudy sky in a serene, natural setting.
  • A black and white photo of four people dressed formally, including a bride holding a bouquet, a groom adjusting his tie, and two attendants standing beside them, all in front of a wooden wall.
  • A joyful bride and groom walk arm in arm down an outdoor aisle, smiling and laughing as guests applaud and celebrate their wedding. The scene is captured in black and white.
  • A bride and groom walk hand in hand down a stone path toward a serene lake, surrounded by tall pine trees and soft sunlight filtering through the branches.
  • A black and white photo shows people dressed formally, seated on both sides of a long table decorated with flowers and glasses, as they smile and engage in conversation at a gathering or celebration.
  • A man in a suit and tie with a boutonnière and a woman in a white dress sit side by side, both smiling and laughing, surrounded by guests at a formal event.
  • A man in a suit leans back to perform the limbo at an indoor party, while guests around him cheer, clap, and smile. The scene is lively and joyful, with people dressed formally.
  • A small black structure stands against a high stone wall with a cross above it. In the foreground, there is a white planter with green plants and colorful flowers.
  • A young child with short hair, wearing a dark outfit, looks directly at the camera while holding onto a draped piece of fabric. The image is in black and white with soft lighting and a blurred background.
  • Guests seated in a rustic, wooden-beamed chapel with stone walls, attentively watching a ceremony taking place at the front. Sunlight filters through the windows, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
  • A group of people dressed formally stand behind a rope barrier, some taking photos and videos with their phones and cameras, in a rustic indoor setting with wooden beams and stone walls.
  • A bride in a white gown and a groom in a suit walk together through a forest of bare trees, holding hands, on a clear day. The scene is in black and white.
  • A bride and groom in wedding attire share an intimate moment outdoors; the groom gently touches the bride’s face as they gaze lovingly at each other, with rocks and blurred nature in the background. Black and white photo.
  • A bride and groom share a kiss at their wedding reception while a smiling man in traditional Japanese attire stands nearby, watching them. Guests are seated at tables in the background.
  • A joyful woman in a white dress and light jacket laughs while dancing with a man in a dark suit. They are holding hands and appear to be enjoying a special moment together at an event or celebration.
  • A bride in a white dress holds a bouquet of white and pale pink flowers with greenery and a pink ribbon. She has long dark hair, a veil, and pearl earrings, and stands in front of a neutral, blurred background.
  • Thin bare branches with small buds extend across the image in front of a plain, light gray concrete wall, creating a minimal and serene composition.
  • A bride in a white dress and veil places a ring on the groom’s finger during a wedding ceremony, with a stone wall and lit candles in the background.
  • A photographer stands on a tall ladder, capturing a group wedding photo below. The image is shot from beneath the ladder, framing the bride, groom, and guests gathered outdoors.
  • A bride and groom sit closely on a bench by a lake, facing each other and smiling. The bride wears a veil and gown; the groom is in a suit. Trees surround the calm water in the peaceful, outdoor setting.
  • A bouquet of white and pale pink flowers with greenery rests on an elegantly set table with a glass of water, plates, chopsticks, candles, and a soft pink table runner.
  • A woman laughs in the foreground while two men in suits playfully interact, with one man holding the other’s lapel as they both smile, in a lively indoor setting.
  • A jeweled brooch in an open velvet box sits on a wooden surface, with blurred white ballet flats and ribbon in the background. The image is in black and white.
  • A stone building with a tall chimney, large windows, and a sloped roof is surrounded by green grass, trees, and a small planter with yellow flowers in the foreground.
  • A bride in a white gown and veil walks down the aisle with a man inside a chapel, as guests seated on either side watch. The church features wooden beams and a cross at the front.
  • Six people, including a bride and groom, pose for a wedding photo outside on green grass, with trees and a stone building in the background. The group is smiling, dressed in formal attire, and holding bouquets.
  • A close-up black-and-white photo of a bride and groom, their faces gently touching, both smiling softly with eyes closed, conveying a sense of love and intimacy on their wedding day.
  • A woman and a boy play the piano together, seated side by side. They both look focused on the keys. The image is in black and white, with a curtain in the background.
  • Two women embrace tightly, one holding a handwritten letter and a microphone. The woman facing the camera is visibly emotional, eyes closed and tearful, while the other’s face is turned away. The scene is captured in black and white.
  • Four people are enjoying themselves at an indoor party. Three women are dancing energetically, smiling and laughing, while a man in glasses stands in the background, partially obscured. The photo is in black and white.
  • A close-up, black-and-white photo of an ornate brooch adorned with pearls and sparkling gemstones, fastened to a smooth, light-colored fabric, possibly part of a dress.
  • Young pine trees supported by wooden stakes stand in a grassy clearing, with taller, leafless trees in the background under a bright, slightly hazy sky.
  • A bottle of JOY by Jean Patou perfume sits on a white surface next to a sparkling jeweled hair comb and silver jewelry, with a blurred white shoe in the background.
  • A bride in a strapless wedding gown sits holding papers while another woman adjusts her veil from behind. The scene appears to be indoors, with both women focused on their tasks. The image is in black and white.
  • A person holding a bouquet of white peonies and green hydrangeas, tied with a pale pink ribbon. The background is softly blurred.
  • A smiling bride with long dark hair, wearing a white strapless wedding dress and veil, holds a bouquet of white and light pink flowers outdoors on a sunny day.
  • A group of people dressed in semi-formal attire walk along a stone path in a green park, with trees and a pond in the background. A woman in a black dress and orange shawl leads the group, smiling.
  • A bouquet of white and light green flowers in a clear glass vase with a pink ribbon sits on a dark table next to a folded white handkerchief, against a soft brown background.
  • A black and white photo of a bride from behind, wearing a veil and strapless gown, sitting near a table with vases of flowers. The scene is softly lit and elegant.
  • A woman in a light green kimono with floral patterns walks on a stone path, holding a gray handbag and a folded paper. She is outdoors, with greenery, trees, and potted plants in the background.
  • A bride in a white gown walks down the aisle with a man, likely her father, in a rustic chapel as guests stand, watch, and take photos. The setting is decorated with flowers and wooden beams overhead.
  • Two women in the foreground wipe tears from their faces at an indoor event, while other well-dressed guests stand behind them, some smiling and others watching solemnly. The setting appears warm and rustic with wooden beams.
  • A silver bicycle with a front basket is parked on grass near a calm pond, surrounded by leafless trees and tall evergreens under a bright, partly cloudy sky.
  • A calm pond reflects trees and wooden cabins on its far shore, with bare branches and evergreens under a cloudy sky in a peaceful, natural setting.
  • A bride is kissed on the cheek by an older man, likely her father, during a wedding ceremony. The groom and another man stand to the right, while an officiant smiles in the background against a stone wall.
  • A smiling bride and groom stand arm in arm. The bride, wearing a veil and holding a bouquet, looks at the groom, who is in a suit with a boutonniere. Both appear joyful against a plain background.
  • A group of people dressed formally gathers on a lawn, some smiling and talking, while a young girl in a black dress stands in front clapping. Trees and stone buildings are visible in the background.
  • A man in a suit stands on a stepladder holding a camera and equipment, with another person holding the ladder. The scene is outdoors near a building with trees and a suitcase on the ground. The image is in black and white.
  • A bride and groom pose outdoors among trees. The bride wears a white dress, holds a bouquet of flowers, and has a veil over her head. The groom is in a black suit with a pink tie and boutonniere. Both look at the camera.
  • A couple in wedding attire stands on a wooden bridge over a calm lake, surrounded by trees with sparse foliage under a cloudy sky.
  • A bride laughs joyfully, leaning back beside the groom and family members, all dressed formally, holding bouquets at an outdoor wedding ceremony. The mood is joyful and celebratory.
  • A bride and groom stand together on a wooden bridge over a small lake, surrounded by trees and greenery under a cloudy sky. The scene is peaceful and romantic.
  • A bride in a white dress and veil walks on grass, smiling, while a groom in a suit and boutonniere sniffs a bouquet of flowers beside her. Trees and shrubs are in the background.
  • A close-up of pale pink flowers and green leaves arranged in a clear glass vase, with some flowers submerged in water and others resting on the rim, against a softly blurred background.
  • A bride in a white wedding dress and veil sits beside a small stream in a forest, surrounded by moss-covered rocks and trees. She is looking to the side and smiling gently.
  • A black-and-white photo of a string quartet of women in formal dresses performing indoors, with music stands in front of them. In the background, chefs and guests stand near a grand piano and large windows.
  • A bride in a gown and veil stands on a wooden bridge over a lake, while a man in a suit stands near her, with leafless trees in the background. The scene is in black and white.
  • A woman in a white dress laughs heartily while sitting beside a man in a suit with a boutonniere at a formal event, possibly a wedding. Other guests are visible in the blurred background.
  • A bride and groom kiss at their wedding reception, standing behind a white, flower-decorated cake. Guests seated at long tables watch and smile, with some clapping and taking photos. The scene is joyful and festive.
  • A young child with a serious expression sits at a table, holding food in both hands, with plates of food and a glass in front of them. An adult in a suit sits beside the child. The image is in black and white.
  • A bride and groom dance together at their wedding reception. The groom is smiling while holding the bride, who is wearing a flowing gown. The scene is in black and white, with guests seated in the background.
  • Cozy wooden cabin interior with armchairs, a long sofa, and tables set for tea. Warm lamps and red lantern decorations create a welcoming atmosphere. Large windows reveal evening or nighttime outside.
  • A person in a green and white kimono stands by a red-decorated table with vases, jars, and lanterns. Red lanterns and garlands hang above, creating a festive atmosphere in a wooden room.
  • A woman in traditional attire sings into a microphone with her arm raised, standing beside a man in a suit and a boy in a white shirt; another woman stands in the background. All appear to be at a formal event.
  • A festive table decorated with red candles, ornate jars, traditional sweets, and Chinese wedding symbols, set on a red cloth with gold accents and lit by warm indoor lighting.
  • A woman in a red and gold embroidered dress dances with her arms raised at a lively indoor celebration, surrounded by people also dancing and enjoying the event.
  • A woman in a traditional red and gold embroidered dress fastens a necklace, with two women in black standing beside her. A white dress hangs in the background.
  • A festive table decorated with red candles, bowls of wrapped candies, floral arrangements, and red lanterns, set in front of a window with a double happiness symbol, evoking a traditional Chinese celebration.
  • A silver necklace with two green teardrop-shaped gemstones surrounded by small clear stones, displayed on white fabric, with matching green gemstone earrings in the background.
  • A red tablecloth with gold patterns is set with Asian-themed lanterns, candles, and a variety of plated appetizers, creating a festive atmosphere in a warmly lit room.
  • A woman wearing a traditional, ornate red and gold embroidered outfit stands barefoot on a staircase with green carpet, holding the sides of her garment. The setting appears to be indoors with light-colored walls.
  • Cozy wooden cabin interior with comfortable chairs, a lamp, red decorations, and tables set with glasses, plates, and red candles, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
  • A couple dances joyfully at a celebration, with the woman in a red floral dress and the man in an open white shirt. Guests in the background cheer and clap, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
  • A close-up of several glass goblets filled with a colorful vegetable salad, arranged neatly on a black serving tray at a buffet or event. Warm lighting creates a festive atmosphere in the background.
  • A man in a white shirt and pink tie laughs with a woman in a red and gold traditional dress, adorned with red flowers in her hair, both smiling and enjoying a joyful moment at a celebration.
  • A close-up of a pyramid stack of rolled firecrackers wrapped in red and green paper, commonly used for Lunar New Year celebrations, set against a festive red background.
  • A plate of traditional Chinese pastries wrapped in colorful paper packaging sits on a red decorative cloth with intricate floral and Chinese character patterns, often used for festive occasions.
  • A black-and-white photo of people socializing and dining in a wooden, cabin-like venue decorated with string lights. Tables are set with food and drinks, and guests are seated or standing around the room.
  • A festive table with traditional Chinese lanterns, vases, decorative boxes, and assorted sweets on a red cloth, celebrating a cultural event such as Lunar New Year.
  • A festive table decorated with red lanterns and gold-patterned cloth displays various small dishes and appetizers, set for a celebration in a warmly lit room.

Farewell Dinner

  • Colorful koi-shaped windsocks (koinobori) hang above a small cityscape with modern buildings, a river, bare trees, and forested hills in the background under a cloudy sky.
  • A black-and-white photo of people in traditional Japanese attire arranging food on low tables in a tatami-mat room. Some individuals are seated, while others are serving or organizing the meal.
  • Small, shiny green leaves grow among moss and pine needles on a forest floor, near a twisted, textured tree root.
  • Two young children wearing traditional patterned robes stand barefoot on a small wooden platform in front of a stage with curtains. The child on the left looks to the side, while the child on the right looks at the camera.
  • A woman in a patterned yukata smiles and walks past a low table while two people sitting at the table smile and clap in a traditional Japanese-style room. The photo is in black and white.
  • A riverside town with tall buildings, colorful carp streamers flying across the river, and forested mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A group of people wearing traditional Japanese robes sit closely together on the floor around a long, low table set with various dishes and bowls, engaged in conversation. The photo is in black and white.
  • A calm pond reflects trees and wooden cabins on its far shore, with bare branches and evergreens under a cloudy sky in a peaceful, natural setting.
  • A group of people wearing traditional Japanese attire sit around a long table, enjoying a meal with various dishes, drinks, and bento boxes in a brightly lit room.
  • Two women in traditional Japanese robes sit at a table set with various dishes and drinks in a tatami room. The background shows other people dining and sliding shoji doors. The scene is captured in black and white.
  • A black bento box with assorted tempura, including shrimp and vegetables, sits next to a small bowl of dipping sauce. In the background, a tray holds small portions of pickled vegetables.
  • A small blue wildflower with green leaves grows beside a pile of dry, brown, fallen leaves on the forest floor.
  • A group of people wearing patterned robes sit around a long table filled with various Japanese dishes, drinks, and hot pots, sharing a meal in a festive, indoor setting.
  • Close-up of pink azalea flowers on thin branches against a blurred background of greenery and cloudy sky. The image highlights the delicate petals and natural outdoor setting.
  • A metal ladle rests on a stone basin in front of a bamboo fence and a wall of large, rounded stones. A wooden sign with Japanese writing stands upright behind the basin. The image is in black and white.
  • Colorful koi-shaped windsocks (koinobori) are strung across an outdoor area near buildings and trees, fluttering in the breeze under a clear sky. The scene appears festive and vibrant.
  • A group of people stands outside a building entrance with several suitcases and bags on the ground. Some individuals are picking up luggage, while others are conversing or waiting. A hotel staff member assists the guests.
  • A black and white photo showing people standing and sitting inside a bus, some placing bags in overhead compartments, while others talk or look out the windows. The scene captures a busy, crowded atmosphere.