SHE SAID YES, IN JAPAN!

Julius, being the ever laid-back guy that barely even plans for next week’s grocery shopping, originally came to us with the idea of proposing in Japan. But where, and how?!

Over the past 6 months leading up to the day, Julius, Lysa, and myself pored over the planning process and locations, and decided it had to be Mount Fuji. Given that his hopefully soon-to-be fiancée, Hannah is half Japanese as well. The significance of Mount Fuji behind them carries so much meaning for her family.

I had the idea of shooting the couple in Osaka and Kyoto prior to making our way to Fujiyoshida and Mount Fuji, in order to get her warmed up to being in front of my camera, and to think it was just a fun couple’s shoot booking that Julius had made. Lysa even carried the engagement ring to Japan to hand it to him on the big day.

From the neon lights and hustle and bustle of Osaka’s Dohtonbori district at night, to the historical alleys and temples of Kyoto’s Gion district dressed in Kimonos. We worked our way eastwards, back towards Mount Fuji for the finale.

The day before the planned proposal, Mount Fuji was covered in thick clouds, and we started thinking about alternative locations as a backup. But Julius was positive and adamant that the next day would be perfect.

Cometh the next morning, our 2nd shooter Jonny was outside the house, watching a surprisingly clear blue sky and Fuji in all its glory poking above the roofs of the town. He said to us ‘We have to go now’! And Hannah started rushing to get ready for the next part of the couple’s photoshoot, and Julius became even more nervous and jittery!

Arriving at the beautiful Nagasaki Park, on the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko. I distracted Hannah with some quick photos while Lysa handed Julius the box and ring, and the couple meandered down to the water’s edge as we hovered nearby watching them.

Julius, now at his most nervous self, mentally froze, and absentmindedly started clearing some rocks with his feet around him, while Hannah stood there simply posing for my photos.

An awkward moment passed, until I said out loud – ‘Julius…..GO!’

Then he finally got down on one knee, and the rest is beautiful history.

Congratulations guys! And a big thanks to Lysa and Jonny as well for helping out!