Planning a wedding is hard enough, but finding a way to honor and blend different cultures can add even more complex layers! This modern spring wedding seamlessly blends Japanese tradition with American wedding inspiration to create something fresh, new, and beautiful. The floral designers and planners behind Floracultured sought to answer the question, “What would it look like to have a Japanese wedding in the midwest?”.
The loft of The Local Archive was the perfect venue for J3 Designs to photograph this amazing shoot! With the help of a cultural committee comprised of this shoot’s model, Rita, her mother, Kei, and friend Mari, these vendors were able to create the perfect Japanese spring wedding.
Spring Has Sprung
Pink, pink, and more pink! This color palette is as Spring as can be! These invitations created by Jon Ringger were the perfect drumroll for this dream wedding.
Model Rita wore a unique open shank engagement ring with a white gemstone center. Here are a few more of our favorite non-diamond engagement ring alternatives!
Did you know that a traditional kimono takes over an hour to wrap? This stunning garment is deeply meaningful in the Japanese tradition, and every kimono tells its own story! From family crests to butterflies and chrysanthemums, each element symbolizes something different.
Ikebana
Ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arrangement, was crucial to bringing this wedding inspiration to life. Roughly translating to “bringing flowers to life”, ikebana is rooted in minimalism and a connection between the artist and the flowers they are curating.
Interested in enjoying a delicious meal? This Japenese-inspired menu includes traditional dishes like Ichigo Daifuku (strawberry mochi), sushi, and more!
There’s no cuter addition than these pretty pink candles lining the table!
Let’s talk about this hanging floral display! A combination of viburnum, blossoming branches, and more made this display a dream come true. Inspired by modern Japanese design but sourced locally in the United States, it’s the perfect marriage between two cultures.
With flowers this stunning, they belong in the bride’s hair, too! This design was inspired by a kanzashi, a traditional Japanese hairpiece.
There are more and more children being born who don’t fit neatly into one ethnicity or race. In an age where American society is moving forward and becoming more inclusive, I think it’s vital to not leave behind those of us who are our own unique blends of ethnicities. We deserve to be seen and included. We also deserve to feel beautiful well-represented on our wedding day. – Rita Quinn
This was some spectacular Japanese Spring wedding inspiration! Looking for even more inspo? Check out this elopement in Nairobi or historic wedding in New Orleans!
photography: J3 Designs Photography // venue name: The Local Archive, Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA // event design: Floracultured // planning: Floracultured // florals: Floracultured // wedding dress: Adrianna Papell // wedding dress boutique: Wendy's Bridal // hairpiece: Floracultured // bride's ring: Cream & Concrete // hair stylist: Erica Leichty // makeup artist: Julie Marie Artistry // videography: DE Media Design // paper goods: Jon Ringger // desserts: Strawberry Ichigo Daifuku by Mari Martin // tabletop rentals: A Party Apart // furniture rentals: A Party Apart // linen rentals: A Party Apart // models: Rita Quinn // silk ribbon: May Arts // concrete styling coasters + ring holder: Cream & Concrete
