Nozomi and Shunsuke met at university and have since gotten engaged. We asked them about their experience doing an engagement and pre wedding photo shoot with Ryuma Yorita Photography and share some of the photos with you.
How did you arrange your outfits, hair and makeup for the shoot?
We bought our outfits online about one month before the photo shoot. Our ceremony theme is "Rapunzel" so we wanted photos that would match that theme, as well as our own style of photos. We also bought the white dress and matching props via Rakuten. As for my hair and makeup, I went to my favorite salon in Shibuya and had my hair done an hour before the shoot, and I did my makeup myself. Winter is quite cold but I really wanted these pictures so I focused on my warrior spirit while putting on my dress (haha!).
What was your photographer, Ryuma Yorita, like in person?
He was very easy to talk to from the very beginning. Moreover, we were amazed (and felt a bit guilty) that he took the time to check out our locations beforehand to look for photo spots. We told him that it would be really helpful if he could direct us, especially for poses and such, and he did it so well. It really helped the shoot move along smoothly. It also helped that he had an assistant there to help me with my coat between shots because it was incredibly cold that day! In total, the photo shoot took about 7 hours. We went and took photos at our alma mater and around the Gaienmae, and had coffee and chatted while we moved between spots. Everyone was in great spirits from start to finish.
Did you have any specific requests for your photographer?
Well, since our ceremony theme is "Rapunzel" I said I would like photos that would match that theme. We used the Famarry messaging system a lot to discuss these things, it was great.
The Photos
Photo Shoot Part I: The University
The photo shoot started at the couples' alma mater. "We were so nervous at the start!", Nozomi commented.
Although the cold weather and nerves resulted in some stiff faces and poses, Ryuma was able to perfectly capture a smiling moment between the two.
The No.1 picture the couple wanted to take
What school photo shoot is complete without the blackboard?
Nozomi and Shunsuke really wanted this cutesy shot with the blackboard.
※ You may need permission to use the classrooms and take pictures within the school grounds, so make sure to speak to your photographer about this! ※
Right now, wedding props are in! Bringing or making your own props is a great way to make your photos more unique and more you. Just a few small props can completely change a photo, creating special and unique memories.
Matching couple outfits! Holding a Micky and Minnie plushie each, the couple changed into matching outfits and had a relaxing time together.
Photo Shoot Part II: Gaienmae Area
Next up was the shoot in the Gaienmae area, but unfortunately for the couple, there was a bit of rain!
"The rain just seems to follow me everywhere!" Nozomi commented.
However, thanks to Ryuma Yorita's talented photography work, the dreary rain drops were transformed into glowing white orbs, reminiscent of snowflakes, creating a beautiful romantic backdrop.
The most romantic shot of the photo shoot...
With the beautiful warm lights in the background, this picture looks like a scene out of a movie.
This proposal shot will surely become a treasured memory for the soon-to-be newlyweds.
If you're elementary, middle, high school, or even college sweethearts, this is a great photo shoot idea for you! You can walk through the halls of your old school together, recalling past memories and making new ones in your photos.
Nozomi and Shunsuke decided to use the pre wedding photos for their welcome board at their wedding ceremony and also made them a part of the small gifts they gave to guests. Thinking about the poses beforehand really helped the photo shoot run smoothly. And having two outfits is a great way to get a variety of photos out of the same photo shoot.
Ryuma Yorita Photography
*Names have been changed to protect privacy