We had the good fortune of having these two enter our lives thanks to a trusty old Google search that Eric did when looking for a Chicago proposal photographer to document him popping the question to Aya while they were on a trip to the Windy city from Tokyo (where they live)!!! We exchanged countless emails planning the big moment (Eric is on-point with his plans, let me tell you!) – and when the moment came on a beautiful July night in Chicago – we immediately fell in love with these two too!! It was such a joy to be a part of that moment in their lives, and even more humbling and such an honor to document their wedding day as well!!!
Although these two live in Tokyo, they decided to do their wedding stateside in California, where Eric grew up. It was the most picturesque location for a wedding, with the most perfect weather (every day day there, it seems) for an outdoor wedding on the beach – so it was the perfect choice!!! It was so amazing to watch all their loved ones come from all over the WORLD to celebrate with these two!!! There was so much excitement and JOY around their day – it was seriously so much fun to document!! We spent the morning with them getting ready at Lobos Lodge in Carmel, and then trekked over to Asilomar State Beach where they held the ceremony in this perfect little cove to the side of the main beach!!! The ceremony was heartfelt, emotional, funny, and laid-back … everything these two are as a couple was embodied in their ceremony!!! Afterwards we of course had to do some photos along the beach and the rocky bluff (gorgeous!!!) before heading back to Carmel to celebrate over a laid-back and delicious dinner at Il Fornaio!! It was seriously such a perfect day – and we had a hard time leaving at the end of the night as the sun was setting behind one seriously epic dance party on the patio!!!
Eric & Aya ~ We honestly cannot thank you enough for trusting us enough with your absolutely beautiful and emotional wedding day. It really was such an honor and we are SO HAPPY for the good fortune that brought you two into our lives!! You truly are a one of a kind couple and your joy for life & love for one another is absolutely contagious. We love you guys and we hope you love these photos and that they make you smile for a lifetime to come!!! We cannot wait to see you both again in the future – because we know our paths will cross again! (Especially because we need to get our butts to Tokyo ASAP!! ;)) All our love ~ Christy & James (& Chloe! ;))
I can’t stop smiling looking through these moments!! Congratulations again, you two!! xoxo!!
