The formal — not to mention timeless — beauty of an official Japanese wedding photograph. All perfectly choreographed in the equally timeless and beautiful surroundings of a Tokyo shrine.
A formal Japanese wedding photograph
Photographs from a small group of islands
ex-expat says
Pity the photo will be shut way and only briefly see the light of day; I don;t ever recall seeing any family display their wedding photos (or any family photos really) in their homes.
Lee says
That’s a very good point. Not sure I do either.
Jaska says
Timeless indeed. Begs the question when exactly was this taken, last week, last century or was it perhaps the 22nd century?
Lee says
Certainly could be any. And the 22nd Century really would be something. But sadly it was simply last weekend.
david says
I always think it’s a shame that only the ladies dress in traditional costume.
Look at the hands of the front row; split by gender. Is there something I’m missing in the position?
Lee says
That’s a good point. Something I’ve never thought of. All the fellas in traditional gear as well really would be a spectacle.
As for the hand position, I have no idea. Clearly a tradition/distinction, but not sure what it means — if anything.
____ says
As for the hand position: http://www.lotussculpture.com/mudras.htm
Bernadette Marchetti says
They don’t seem very happy, though. It seems like such a solemn affair. No wonder they hide them away.
Lee says
That’s what always surprised me when I first came here. The photos invariably seem more akin to a funeral than a wedding. Pretty much the way with all formal photos. Not sure why.
Fabrice says
Absolutely beautiful the photo, I was lucky myself to be able to see a wedding ceremony in Meiji Shrine but then again I heard it was a popular thing there!
Thats something I hope Japan doesnt lose its beautiful tradition!
Lee says
Thanks. It was a lovely sight.
Yeah, there are a lot at Meiji Shrine, but it doesn’t make them any less wonderful. Pretty sure such traditions will survive too. Like you, I certainly hope so anyway.
Lurker says
I wish them well
Lee says
They are certainly off to a great start.
Hans ter Horst says
Thank the Flying Spaghetti Monster that I’m no wedding photographer, taking these kinds of photos everyday must be terrible 🙂 On the other hand, I do love the photos of the couples in kimono parading with the priests at the head of the procession that you published last year and I’ve taken several of those myself. On the plus side, the wedding photographer at the Meiji shrine was using two Pentax 6×7 cameras, a camera I use myself, so I felt connected.
Sorry for rambling 🙂
Lee says
I know what you mean. These kinds of shots must be incredibly tedious. It took about 5 minutes for one of the staff to get the kimonos looking just right….
The processions are great though, aren’t they? Be interesting to see what kind of shots the official photographers get of those,
Hans ter Horst says
I watched about 6 weddings in about an hour at Meiji Jingu last year and I don’t recall any photographer running around shooting the procession, only the tourists showed interest. And it is indeed the most visually impressive part of the ceremony.
Lee says
That’s a good point. Pretty sure I’ve seen the odd procession photo taken, but yeah, the vast majority are these overtly formal, set up affairs. A real shame.