Satoshi & Julie | Claremont Hotel | UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley Wedding
“It’s not going to rain. But if it does, we will still want to do rainy pictures in the redwood grove.”
Meet Satoshi & Julie...
This was a beautiful wedding that unfolded before us. From the trails of the redwood groves and botanical gardens of Berkeley, every breath in was full of calm joy and beauty. We diverted from the original plan and caught the bride briefly getting ready at her bridal suite in the Claremont Hotel & Spa, an architectural masterpiece in itself, and captured some lovely moments before a first-look rendezvous with her patiently waiting bridegroom.
Every trail we took was surrounded with beautiful green tendrils and the burnt siennas of redwood bark. Providentially, it seemed the bride was being showered with blessing after blessing as she was graced by hummingbirds, wooded-butterflies, and even April showers (which, especially on a wedding day, is a sign of blessing). Despite the rain, the couple was up for the romance at any cost and welcomed the open heavens with eagerness.
In the end, we left shortly after the toasts and first dances, but found out a few days later we missed out on all the grand fun–Apparently, the power went out, leaving the musically-inclined wedding guests to piano playing in candlelight! We would have loved to be there just a bit longer to witness, but we know some moments are best called to mind through the echoes of one's remembrance than a photo.
More about the couple...
What are your wedding colors:
Ivory, blush, champagne
What is your wedding theme and why?
No specific theme. :)
Describe the mood/look you envision for your wedding:
Rustic elegance
How did you meet your fiancé?
We met at a mutual friend's birthday party in 2013
Who proposed and how?
Satoshi proposed on a hike in the woods. We have an inside joke about squirrels and he attached the ring to a small squirrel figurine. It was hilarious.
Groom's Name:
Satoshi
Describe your personality:
Outgoing, friendly, sincere
What would you like to capture of yourself on your wedding day?
Laughing and connecting with Julie
What makes you laugh and/or smile?
Nature and Julie
What are your hobbies:
Music and outdoors
What would you like to capture of your bride on your wedding day?
Her feelings
How you knew she was the one?
Everything about us just works.
What's your "Happy Song"?
Paper Route "Sugar"
Do you have any pet peeves?
Not a ton actually
What kind of memory would you want to have captured for your Dad?
Our extended Japanese family coming from Japan is important to him
What kind of memory would you want to have captured for your Mom?
Same for my mom
Most important thing at the wedding?
Julie
Bride's Name:
Julie
Describe your personality:
Introverted, fun, thoughtful
What would you like to capture of yourself on your wedding day?
I want to capture myself looking really calm. :)
What makes you laugh and/or smile?
cartoons
What are your hobbies?
music, writing, reading, cooking, hiking
What would you like to capture of your groom on your wedding day?
laughing
How you knew he was the one?
His kindness
Favorite bands or significant songs:
All Ryan Adams songs
Do you have any pet peeves?
I have a million. Ha! :) Mostly typos in published content.
What kind of memory would you want to have captured for your Dad?
For both parents, all their kids and grandkids in one place. A picture of me with each parent
What kind of memory would you want to have captured for your Mom?
Same as my dad. A picture of me and her only.
Anything else we should know about you or your expectations?
It's not going to rain. But if it does, we will still want to do rainy pictures in the redwood grove. The ceremony will have to take place at the reception location, but we'll still shoot in the grove regardless.