THE OAK GARDEN, KYOTO - TAMMY & BEN
They were married in Kyoto in early spring at The Oak Garden. The cherry blossoms were out, the sky pale and cloudless.
People kept remarking on how beautiful everything looked, but Ben and Tammy seemed barely aware of it. They were focused on each other instead, laughing quietly, fixing each other’s hair, sharing small exchanges that didn’t need to be spoken aloud. They also held a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, simple and intimate.
The day moved without urgency. Nothing felt rushed. It unfolded as if everything was happening exactly when it was meant to.
This film is a quiet record of that, a handful of glances, soft laughter, and two people who didn’t need anything more than what they already had.
CHERRY BLOSSOMS, THEN YOU. FIRST LOOK
petals falling without any concern for the schedule. Ben looked overheated and clearly nervous, unsure where to put his hands. Tammy and his mates wiped his forehead, sweat, maybe. Or tears. At that point, it didn’t really matter.
Inside the ceremony hall, soft light poured through the gridded windows. A spring breeze cut through the room, fresh and grounding. The venue overlooked Kyoto’s Kamogawa River, steady and unmoved. The two just stood there and felt it.
TEA, THEN EVERYTHING ELSE
​It’s a Chinese tradition to hold a tea ceremony before marriage. Tammy and Ben did exactly that, exchanging tea and red envelopes, moving through the ritual with quiet focus. Friends and family gathered close, the room filled with small smiles, gentle laughter, and the feeling of everyone coming together before the day truly began.
AND THEN EVERYONE LET GO
The reception began with an entourage, Ben and Tammy leading the way, each holding a photo of their two cats mounted on sticks. It set the tone immediately. Personal, playful, unmistakably them.
There were heartfelt speeches, plenty of tears, and then a shift in energy. They took part in the Japanese tradition of breaking open a sake barrel with a wooden mallet, pouring and serving sake to one another. From there, the night loosened up, games, dancing, and waves of laughter carrying on well into the evening.
