Alexis' Kyoto Garden Elopement - The "Summer" Gown in flowing silk and magic
When Alexis dreamed of her wedding, she imagined a place that felt like a fairytale — quiet, romantic, and filled with natural beauty. She and her fiancée chose Hakuryuen Garden in Kyoto, Japan for their elopement, a private retreat of moss-covered stones, winding paths, and still ponds that felt like stepping into another world.
Alexis loved and chose the “Summer” wedding gown, one of our most romantic and lightweight designs. Made with layers of silk chiffon and floral lace bodice, the dress is soft, flowing, and easy to travel with — important for a ceremony half a world away.
We worked together across distance, through FaceTime at first, and then by photos and videos. All the details came together, the gown became hers — personal, unique, and ready for her journey to Japan.
On the morning of the ceremony, Kyoto’s garden was alive with spring colors and filtered light. As Alexis walked through the mossy paths and over stone bridges, the silk chiffon of the Summer gown moved with her, catching each breeze as though the dress belonged to the garden itself.
The gown blended into the setting, a piece of living art against the backdrop of centuries-old beauty.
From the website about the Hakuryuen Garden:
“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.”
Photo and video: Stanley and Allie wedding film and photo.
Wedding Gown: Summer
Planner: Serendipity Flower + Wedding
Ceremony location: Hakuryuen Garden
Hair: Yuko Torimoto
Every bride follows their own dress creating process. Some choose FaceTime, others are comfortable with just photos or videos. However it happens and no matter how far away, each wedding gown we design around each of our brides and their stories. Hoping you will enjoy the photos from Alexis’ elopement to Japan as much as we did!
These dresses are more than wedding attire — they are art pieces meant to be worn, kept, and treasured. Just as Alexis’ wedding gown was made for Kyoto, yours will be made for your story. Click here to connect.
