Jane and I loved photographing–and getting to know–Mika and Brendan and their families on their gorgeous blue sky wedding day last weekend at the Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial Park in Waterford, Connecticut.

Mika’s family is Japanese, and the couple incorporated many distinctive Japanese elements into their day: delicate origami cranes held their escort cards, custom Mika and Brendan Japanese fans were arranged next to the table settings and Japanese tea was served during the reception.  Also check out the ladies in kimonos silhouetted against the night sky with the sliver of moon and Venus (hmm…goddess of love..interesting) above them.

After the ceremony Mika changed from her wedding dress into her cool traditional kimono for the cocktail hour.  Mika’s family friend, dressed in her striking orange and yellow kimono, performed a traditional Japanese wedding dance prior to their first dance.

Mika and Brendan were great in their first dance—”In My Life” by the Beatles played by the band Shine from Boston.  Later in the evening, Mika’s friend serenaded the couple, nicely belting out a customized rendition of “Don’t Stop Believing.”  The large contingent of Tufts friends (Mika and Brendan’s alma mater) was lots of fun, and added to the festive feeling.

They chose a beautiful green and pink color scheme, which fit perfectly with the jade of the Eolia mansion.  The amazing flowers were provided by the always great Yumiko from Hana Floral Design in Mystic CT.  Loved working again with Talia from Sixpence For Your Shoe wedding planners–they do a great job planning and executing a wedding!  And Naomi Martinez Salon did a beautiful job styling Mika and the ladies.

Mika and Brendan, congratulations and thanks so much for having us document your day!!