I had the pleasure of witnessing a shinto wedding photoshoot that generally takes place before the wedding ceremony.

I was so thrilled to capture these moments, that I almost missed my bus. But good things are given to those who take some risks 🙂

Shinto religion originated in Japan and believes in the worship of nature and ancestors. The Japanese believe that Kami spirits or Shinto gods exist in plants, rivers, stones, animals, and people.

Shinto weddings did not have any rituals before the 20^th century. Prince Yoshito introduced them when he married his princess in the 1900s.

A Shinto priest oversees the ceremony. An intention of the marriage is read by the priest before the kami gods. Miko-san or shrine maiden dance to please the gods accompanied by the shrine musicians.

After this the bride and groom perform the san-san-ku-do ceremony which is drinking sake three times from three cups.

Three sips of sake are taken from three cups, a total of nine sips taken between the bride and the groom. It signifies their commitment to stay together for better or worse, in sickness and health.

Vows are read in front of the family.

Fruits, sake, salt, water, rice, and vegetables are offered at the wedding altar followed by the exchange of rings.

The Japanese follow the system of arranged marriages and a nakodo (matchmaker) is thanked if he/she has made the match. There is also a best man and bridesmaid.

The ceremony ends with the family toasting the married couple by drinking sake and cheering kanpai.

The bride wears a colorful kimono uchikake or white kimono shiromuku. A headdress is worn like a veil.

The groom wears the traditional haori and hakama, jacket and pants or western clothes.

The last thing the mother does before the bride leaves for the groom’s house is to touch up the lipstick of the bride. It is a very emotional moment for the mother and daughter.