whimsical wedding dress for an Intimate Elopement at a mountain garden in Kyoto, Japan

Alexis wore Summer, our whimsical silk chiffon and floral lace top wedding gown for her elopement. When she reached out to us, she mentioned that she was searching for a flowy, ethereal, and elegant wedding dress. She also shared that her wedding would take place in a mountain garden in Japan. Since she lives in Chicago, we arranged a bridal appointment over Face-time, where she fell in love with the Summer wedding gown. We then created her custom wedding dress, exchanging videos and photos throughout the entire design process to ensure every detail was just right. Once finalized, we shipped the dress to her, and it fit her perfectly, ready for her special day.

Alexis and Jacob had an intimate elopement wedding at a magical Japanese garden in Kyoto, called Hakuryuen garden.

From the website: “This dreamlike four-season paradise, which opened in 1963 (Showa 38), was named Hakuryuen after the two characters that came from the name, as it was built with a large torii gate and a shrine dedicated to the mountain's deities, Shirahige-no-Okami (eternal youth and longevity) and the Eight Great Dragon Kings (prosperity in business), forming a shrine that protects the sacred area.

A vermilion-painted arched bridge stretches from the top of the two-tiered waterfall over the Teratani River to the foot of Anyoji Mountain. This arched bridge was also painstakingly built by employees and their families. Over the years, the stone steps leading from the arched bridge have become covered in moss.

The river is irrigated by purified water from the source of Sojogatani Valley deep in the mountains, and in the autumn foliage season, the area truly exudes the beauty of a hidden region.

Everything from leveling the mountain to arranging the stone steps and constructing the gazebo and bridge was carried out by the founder, Shoichi Aono, himself, along with the families of employees and local helpers. They carved out paths where heavy machinery couldn't enter, carried up the stones on their shoulders, and built each one by hand. The unique atmosphere is truly impressive.”

Hoping you will enjoy their elopement to Japan photos as much as we did!

Photo and video: Stanley and Allie wedding film and photo.

Planner: Serendipity Flower + Wedding

Ceremony location: Hakuryuen Garden

Hair: Yuko Torimoto