Tokyo Proposal & Engagement Photos in Japan (Ushijima Shrine, Asakusa & Shibuya, Mt. Fuji)
By Andrew Mori — Ventura County Wedding & Destination Engagement and Elopement Photographer
Photographed on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 — Tokyo, Japan
Keywords: Tokyo proposal photographer, Tokyo engagement photographer, Ushijima Shrine engagement, Asakusa Senso-ji engagement, Shibuya Crossing engagement photos, Mount Fuji engagement session, destination engagement photographer, Ventura County wedding photographer, Camarillo wedding photographer, California photographer in Tokyo, free travel engagement session, Japan elopement photographer.
Based in: Camarillo (Ventura County), California — available worldwide
Travel Policy: Travel & lodging are FREE with any 4‑hour engagement photo + video booking
Book: 📩 Email / DM to reserve your date; limited 2026-2027 destination availability
The Story
When my good friend Michael told me he’d propose to Briyana in Tokyo on Wednesday, Oct 29, 2025, I cleared the calendar, packed two kits (I shoot photo; Melissa shoots video), and flew out from California. We landed Tuesday afternoon, scouted, and locked the perfect sunrise‑calm location: Ushijima Shrine & Garden along the water with an unobstructed pond view and a flat stone path that felt built for proposals.
To keep the surprise airtight, Melissa and I showed up in “incognito grandparent” disguises—white hair, glasses, a fedora—the whole thing. We set a picnic blanket, basket, a hand‑calligraphed letter Michael had mailed me earlier, and the exact tequila he requested.
The Proposal at Ushijima Shrine
They approached down the path. She saw the setup, he pulled out the letter, and—yes. We stayed silent until the moment landed, then revealed ourselves and documented the sweetest, most relaxed portraits around the garden. It’s the kind of location where the light and water do half the work for you—soft, romantic, and timeless.
Asakusa Afterglow
From there we headed to Asakusa for the classic Senso‑ji vibes—lanterns, temple gates, a more dramatic, cinematic look to contrast the shrine portraits.
Night in Shibuya
After a quick rooftop stop at their Airbnb, we went full street style at Shibuya Crossing. I had Melissa hand‑hold an off‑camera flash high above them while they ran into the middle during a red‑light pause. The result: punchy, fashion‑forward frames—part editorial, part album‑cover energy.
A Next‑Morning Bonus + Mount Fuji Day Trip
We grabbed a few daytime frames back in Shibuya for context, then the next day took a train to Mount Fuji. With a local driver guiding us to the clearest vantage points, we mixed playful movement—spins, piggy‑backs, easy jogs—through tall grasses with Fuji clean in the background.
What We Photographed (Locations)
Ushijima Shrine & Garden — the surprise proposal and romantic portraits
Asakusa (Senso‑ji) — dramatic temple architecture, lanterns, alleys
Shibuya Crossing (night + day) — editorial, street‑style, flash‑lit action
Mt. Fuji area — candid, playful portraits with sweeping vistas
Highlights & Style Notes
Vibes: Romantic (Ushijima), Dramatic (Asakusa), Street/Editorial (Shibuya), Playful/Natural (Fuji)
Lighting: Available light + off‑camera flash
Video: Melissa filmed complementary coverage for a 3 minute and 60 second highlight
Turnaround: Next‑day sneak peeks are standard for my destination sessions
Book Me for Tokyo (or Anywhere)
I’m a Ventura County wedding & engagement photographer based in Camarillo, CA—and I love destination work. For 4+ hour engagement photo + video sessions, travel and lodging are included (no extra fees). If you’re dreaming of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, or anywhere else in Japan, I can help with scouting, timing, and permits so everything runs smoothly.
FAQ
Do you charge extra to travel for engagement sessions?
Not for 4‑hour photo + video bookings—travel and lodging are included.
Can we pick multiple locations in Tokyo?
Yes. I help plan a realistic route (e.g., Ushijima Shrine → Asakusa → Shibuya) with timing for night vs. day looks.
Do you deliver next‑day sneak peeks?
Absolutely—destination clients receive next‑day previews.
Can you also film video?
Yes—Melissa films video while I photograph so you get both without compromise.
What if we want Mount Fuji too?
We can add a Fuji day trip (driver recommended). It’s typically quoted as a separate half‑day inside a travel day.
Ready to plan your Tokyo proposal?
Tell me your date, a rough route (or the vibe you want), and whether you’d like a 4‑hour photo + video bundle with free travel. I’ll send a clear plan, backup options, and a simple contract to lock it in.
Santa Clara Church Oxnard Wedding → Sterling Hills Golf Club Camarillo | Rinna & Marvin
Authentic, romantic wedding at Santa Clara Church in Oxnard with a lively reception at Sterling Hills Golf Club in Camarillo. 160 next-day sneak peeks by Amori Weddings.
Rinna and Marvin’s wedding blended timeless tradition with heartfelt, candid moments—first at Santa Clara Catholic Church in Oxnard, then at a sun-kissed reception at Sterling Hills Golf Club in Camarillo. I delivered 100 next-day sneak peeks for the blog (below), with Melissa second-shooting for layered ceremony perspectives and Nick filming (video not featured here).
Looking for an Oxnard or Camarillo wedding photographer who delivers next-day sneak peeks? You’re in the right place.
Ceremony at Santa Clara Catholic Church (Oxnard)
Inside Santa Clara, we focused on quiet, genuine interactions—hand squeezes, soft smiles, and the kind of eye contact you can feel. From the center aisle and side aisles, I layered compositions of stained glass, architecture, and expression in a single frame, while Melissa covered wide, story-driven views from the back of the nave during vows and the ring exchange.
Family & Wedding Party Portraits (Church Grounds + E Street)
Immediately after the ceremony, we moved outside for organized, flattering family portraits—clean light, efficient groupings, everyone looking their best. Then we slipped a block over to E Street in downtown Oxnard for a few relaxed couple and wedding-party frames with architectural texture to contrast the church interior.
Reception at Sterling Hills Golf Club (Camarillo)
Sterling Hills offers rolling greens, golden light, and a spacious patio—photographer heaven for storytelling. I used the terrace and lawn to create wide, contextual scenes of cocktail hour and the dance floor, then moved in close for authentic candids throughout the evening.
Speeches & Reactions: Some of my favorite frames came during toasts—real, unprompted emotion from Rinna and Marvin and their families.
Golden Hour on the Greens: We stepped out briefly for portraits at sunset—soft, directional light, a modern feel against the open fairways.
Dance Floor & Details: String-lit patio moments, laughter, and movement, balanced with detail shots that tie the design together.
100 Next-Day Sneak Peeks
Enjoy a curated set of 100 next-day sneak peeks highlighting the ceremony, family portraits, creative portraits, reception candids, speeches, dance floor, and details. (Full gallery above.)
Vendor Team
Venue (Ceremony): Santa Clara Catholic Church — Oxnard, CA
Venue (Reception): Sterling Hills Golf Club — Camarillo, CA
Photography: Amori Weddings (Andrew + Melissa)
Photobooth: Amori Photobooth www.amoriphotobooth.com
Thinking about your own wedding in Oxnard or Camarillo?
If you love candid, true-to-you images and fast delivery (100+ sneak peeks within 24 hours), I’d love to help you plan photography that fits your day. Get in touch • See packages
Jamie & Joey’s Editorial Vespera Resort Wedding on Pismo Beach
Jamie and Joey Editorial Style Wedding at Vespera Resort in Pismo Beach
I can’t get enough of how absolutely stunning these moments I captured came out from yesterday’s wedding. Everyone showed up with an abundance of love, gratitude, and joy, and it made my job as the photographer so smooth and easy. Thank you Jamie and Joey for trusting me with photographing such an unforgettable moment in your love story. Here’s to a lifetime of love!
Jamie and Joey’s wedding took place at the beautiful Vespera Resort in Pismo Beach, California, overlooking the Central Coast shoreline. This coastal wedding venue is known for its ocean views, luxury style, and timeless atmosphere — the perfect setting for a warm and dreamy celebration.
The day was filled with authentic emotion: from the heartfelt vows and joyful tears during the ceremony to the lively reception that carried late into the night. Jamie’s bridal vision included a Pinterest board of editorial-inspired shots, which we incorporated directly into the wedding timeline. It pushed me creatively to capture fresh perspectives and to craft photographs that blended editorial elegance with natural, candid emotion.
As a California wedding photographer, moments like these remind me why I love what I do. From elegant portraits on the beach to romantic first dance photos under glowing night lights, Jamie and Joey’s Pismo Beach wedding was pure magic from start to finish. Here are 250 next day sneak peeks I delivered to them a day after their wedding <3
If posting to social media, please be sure to tag www.instagram.com/amoriphotography
Thank you!
-Andrew
St. Mary Magdalene Chapel Wedding → Heritage Square Oxnard | Celeste & Franz
Candid, romantic wedding at St. Mary Magdalene Chapel in Camarillo with a lively outdoor reception at Heritage Square, Oxnard. 100 next-day sneak peeks by Amori Weddings.
Celeste and Franz’s wedding blended timeless tradition with heartfelt, candid moments—first at St. Mary Magdalene Chapel in Camarillo, CA, then at a vibrant outdoor reception at Heritage Square in downtown Oxnard, surrounded by Victorian homes. I photographed 100 next-day sneak peeks for the blog (below), with Melissa second-shooting from the balcony for incredible ceremony perspectives and Nick filming (video not featured here). Photographed on September 27, 2025.
Looking for a Camarillo or Oxnard wedding photographer who delivers next-day sneak peeks? You’re in the right place.
Ceremony at St. Mary Magdalene Chapel (Camarillo)
Though Celeste and Franz describe themselves as shy, their love photographed effortlessly. Inside the chapel, we focused on quiet, genuine interactions—hand squeezes, soft smiles, and the kind of eye contact you can feel.
From the upstairs balcony, Melissa captured sweeping views of the vows and ring exchange; from the aisle and side chapels, I concentrated on layered compositions—candles, architecture, and expressions in the same frame.
Family Portraits on the Chapel Grounds
After the ceremony, we moved outside for efficient, flattering family portraits. I kept groupings organized and lighting even so everyone looked their best, then transitioned into a few relaxed photos with immediate family before sending guests to the reception.
Reception at Heritage Square (Oxnard)
Heritage Square’s courtyard feels like a “bowl” embraced by Victorian houses and stairways—photographer heaven. I used those elevated stair angles to craft wide storytelling frames of the dance floor, speeches, and toasts. This mix of aerial context + close candid emotion gives the gallery its energy.
Speeches & Reactions: Some of my favorite frames were during toasts—true, unprompted emotion from the couple and their families.
Water Tower Portraits: We slipped away for a few portraits in front of the water tower—romantic, modern, and a perfect contrast to the historic architecture.
Dance Floor & Details: With stairs all around, I could float between bird’s-eye scenes and ground-level moments to keep the coverage dynamic.
Florals by the Bride’s Sisters
Every floral element felt personal. Celeste’s sisters handmade the flower arrangements, and they were stunning—cohesive palettes, elegant shapes, and thoughtful placement throughout the venue. Those details tied the entire day together beautifully.
Local Favorites Featured
Churro Champ (Oxnard, CA) — a huge guest favorite and very photogenic treat moments.
DJ Electric (Oxnard, CA) — kept the dance floor packed and the energy high all night.
100 Next-Day Sneak Peeks
Enjoy a curated set of 100 next-day sneak peeks highlighting the ceremony, family portraits, creative portraits, reception candids, speeches, dance floor, and details. (Full gallery above.)
Vendor Team
Venue (Ceremony): St. Mary Magdalene Chapel — Camarillo, CA
Venue (Reception): Heritage Square — Oxnard, CA
Florals: Bride’s sisters (in-house)
Dessert: Churro Champ — Oxnard, CA
DJ: DJ Electric — Oxnard, CA
Photography: Amori Weddings (Andrew + Melissa)
Videography: Amori Weddings (video not featured in this post)
Thinking about your own wedding in Camarillo or Oxnard?
If you love candid, true-to-you images and fast delivery (100+ sneak peeks within 24 hours), I’d love to help you plan photography that fits your day.
Get in touch • See packages
Emi & Antonio’s Santa Barbara County Courthouse Elopement
A 10 AM Sunken Gardens ceremony with editorial portraits under the archway, on the spiral staircase, and in the main hall.
Sunken Gardens morning ceremony at an iconic Santa Barbara landmark.
Date: September 24, 2025
Location: Santa Barbara County Courthouse, Santa Barbara, CA
Ceremony Time: 10:00 AM
Guest Count: ~10 loved ones
Their Story & How We Met
Emi and Antonio live in the San Bernardino/Riverside area and found me on Instagram while searching for a Santa Barbara elopement photographer. Because I’m based just up the coast (about 30 minutes away), I don’t charge travel or lodging fees for Santa Barbara events—and after they connected with my style and fair pricing, we locked in their date.
A Calm Morning in the Sunken Gardens
The courthouse was glowing in the late‑morning light. Emi and Antonio chose to exchange vows with the Sunken Gardens and the courthouse’s white Spanish‑Colonial façade as their backdrop. With about ten family members gathered close, their ceremony felt intimate and unrushed—just the way elopements should be.
Portraits Around the Courthouse Grounds
After the “I do’s,” we explored a few favorite portrait spots:
The Covered Green Walkway: Lush, shaded greenery created a soft, romantic setting—perfect for editorial‑style portraits and close moments.
Under the Towering Archway: The grand entrance arch (by the staircase) framed the couple beautifully and added that iconic Santa Barbara courthouse look to their gallery.
The Spiral Staircase: Inside, Antonio gave Emi a playful spin at the base of the staircase. Then we moved up the steps for a creative series—using the arched cutouts to layer foreground and background, and shooting through the opposite arches for striking lines and depth.
The Main Hall: With white walls, classic lanterns, and rich red drapes, we leaned into an editorial vibe—clean compositions, elegant posture, and soft, flattering light.
The Courthouse Entrance: Before we wrapped, we stepped outside the main doors for a few timeless portraits with the building’s architectural textures.
We finished with a big group photo—everyone cheering and celebrating Emi and Antonio as newlyweds.
Favorite Moments
That joyful spin at the bottom of the spiral staircase (a perfect blend of candid and cinematic).
The layered, architectural portraits shot through the arches—bold shapes, soft expressions.
Family cheering in the Sunken Gardens after the ceremony—pure, genuine happiness.
Tips for a Santa Barbara Courthouse Elopement
Morning ceremonies (like 10 AM) offer softer light in the gardens and fewer crowds around the arches and stairway.
Plan 15–20 minutes to explore the staircase, archways, and hall—these spots elevate your gallery with variety and architectural drama.
Keep your guest list intimate for easy movement between locations and a relaxing experience.
About the Photographer
I’m Andrew of Amori Weddings—a Santa Barbara & Ventura County wedding photographer. I deliver refined, editorial‑meets‑timeless imagery, with no travel fees for Santa Barbara. If you’re planning a Santa Barbara courthouse wedding or elopement, I’d love to help you craft a relaxed timeline and stunning gallery.
Ready to plan your Santa Barbara courthouse elopement?
Inquire for Availability →
Serra Cross Park Wedding in Ventura, CA — Cloudy Skies, Soft Light, and So Much Love
Bride and groom portraits at Serra Cross Park in Ventura, CA on a cloudy September wedding day.
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Locations: Serra Cross Park (ceremony & portraits), Orozco’s in Ventura (reception)
Photographed by: Melissa of Amori Weddings
Some love stories start with a swipe; this one began with a tweet. These two met in an EDM chat on Twitter, and even though they now live in Las Vegas, their families are spread across Northern California and Bishop, CA—so Ventura became the perfect “meet-in-the-middle” place to say “I do.”
A Perfectly-Timed Cloudy Day at Serra Cross Park
Two days before the wedding, Ventura got rare late-summer rain. For the three weeks prior? Bluebird skies. But at 3:00 p.m. on their wedding day, the clouds rolled in and gifted Melissa the dream setup: soft, even light. The famous ocean view at Serra Cross Park hid behind the marine layer, but that moody backdrop made skin tones creamy, colors rich, and the whole ceremony feel intimate and cinematic.
Ceremony length: ~30 minutes
Afterward: 45–60 minutes of family groups, friends, and bride & groom portraits
Fast, Joyful Family Photos (Without the Squinting)
Post-ceremony, we organized family and group photos efficiently—no harsh sun, no squinting, and plenty of natural softness. Cloud cover meant we could position everyone almost anywhere around the cross without battling shadows, so the pacing stayed relaxed and the smiles stayed real.
Portraits That Feel Like Them
With the light doing its thing, Melissa moved through a mix of movement-based prompts and quiet, close moments—walking hand-in-hand, tiny spins, forehead-to-forehead whispers—so their portraits feel like the two of them: playful, romantic, and a little bit EDM-kid at heart.
Reception at Orozco’s, Ventura
From there, everyone headed to Orozco’s—a charming, greenery-filled outdoor space that felt like a secret garden. Think: antique wardrobes and doors, a sweet little waterfall fountain with parakeets, and layered tropical plants that make every corner photogenic. The pretty details the couple chose looked right at home among the vintage pieces and lush textures.
Why Ventura Was the Right Choice
Central for families: With loved ones coming from Northern California and Bishop, Ventura kept travel fair for everyone.
All-in-one scenery: Serra Cross Park gives you coastal ambiance without the sand logistics.
Clouds = magic: Don’t fear marine layers—clouds create flattering, glowy light, especially for afternoon ceremonies.
Timeline at a Glance
3:00 p.m. Ceremony at Serra Cross Park (≈30 min)
3:30–4:30 p.m. Family, friends, and couple portraits (≈45–60 min)
4:30–6:00 p.m. Reception at Orozco’s, Ventura
Fillmore on Central Wedding — Hindu & Christian Ceremony for Apul & Mariandrea
A Hindu & Christian wedding at The Fillmore on Central by Wedgewood Weddings, with classic portraits, blue-hour tower photos, and 100 next-day sneak peeks.
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Venue: The Fillmore on Central by Wedgewood Weddings (Fillmore, Ventura County, CA)
Photographer: Andrew of Amori Weddings (Preferred Wedgewood Vendor since 2019)
Gallery Size: 228 photos (100 delivered next day + 128 just added)
Some wedding days feel like two beautiful chapters in one book. Apul & Maria Andrea brought together a Hindu ceremony and a Christian Methodist ceremony at the brand-new Fillmore on Central—and it was nothing short of incredible. It was my first Hindu ceremony, which made documenting their traditions, colors, and moments extra meaningful.
A Multicultural Ceremony at The Fillmore on Central
The day opened with sacred Hindu rituals—florals, blessings, and joyful color—flowing seamlessly into a Christian Methodist service that centered their vows and families. The Fillmore’s iconic white tower (the historic church building now reimagined as a wedding venue) gave us timeless architecture as a backdrop all day and into the evening.
Clean, Timeless Portraits (with a Blue Hour Finale)
For portraits, we kept things simple, relaxed, and classic—clean light, flattering angles, and easy movement prompts so the photos feel natural and true to them. One favorite series: a joyful spin where Maria Andrea’s dress floats mid-twirl—pure magic.
After sunset, we returned to the tower for blue-hour and nighttime portraits. I backlit the couple for a cinematic glow and created a few black-and-white editorial frames for drama, while keeping the overall gallery classic and timeless—a look that will age beautifully.
Speedy Delivery: 100 Next-Day Sneak Peeks
Part of the Amori Weddings experience is fast delivery. I shared 100 edited sneak peeks the next day, and this blog now features all 228 images so friends and family can relive the day.
Why We Love The Fillmore on Central
New Wedgewood venue with history: A stunning white-tower landmark, now a modern wedding space.
Effortless photo variety: Clean architecture, open courtyards, and beautiful nooks for portraits.
Great for multicultural events: Flexible flow for multiple ceremonies and traditions.
Night-photo friendly: The tower photographs beautifully at blue hour and after dark.
The Photos You’ll See Below (Highlights)
Hindu ceremony details (florals, blessings, joyful color)
Christian Methodist vows & ring exchange
Family and wedding party portraits in soft, flattering light
Bride & groom movement prompts (including the dress-twirl!)
Blue-hour and backlit night portraits at the tower
A small set of editorial B&W images for contrast and drama
Vendor Team
Send us your vendor list and IG handles—happy to update!
Venue: The Fillmore on Central by Wedgewood Weddings
Photography: Amori Weddings (Preferred Wedgewood Vendor since 2019)
Ready to Plan Your Fillmore on Central Wedding Photos?
If you’re planning a multicultural or interfaith celebration—and you love a classic, timeless photo style with quick sneak peeks—you’re in the right place.
Inquire with Amori Weddings to check availability and build a stress-free photo timeline.