Koharu + Merlin | Japanese wedding reception at Pear Tree Estate
I described it this way on my Facebook sneak peek too, but Friday’s wedding of Koharu + Merlin truly was a dream! They (with the help of Merlin’s mom Denise) planned an intimate, faith-filled ceremony and reception at Pear Tree Estate with plenty of personal touches and nods to their Japanese heritage.
Can we take a minute to talk about Koharu’s amazing dress? It was gorgeous, and that back — so stunning with the buttons, lace, and the perfect bow at the top. And how snazzy was Merlin’s suit? So sharp, with a fun added touch of the bunny socks for the guys.
I adored all the origami paper cranes that Koharu made to decorate the tables. The colorful 4-tiered butterfly cake by the Cake Artist’s Studio was a show stopper and almost too pretty to eat!
The couple held a ceremony on the back patio at Pear Tree with the pond and fountain as a backdrop, and the giant gold ring as an altarpiece. The monogrammed aisle runner led the way for the couple to enter their new married life together.
Following the as always delicious dinner by LA Gourmet, I led the couple out for a few sunset pictures, and then we did a sparkler exit on the back patio as well.
It was so fun to see Koharu’s wedding vision come to life and for all the details to come together perfectly. I was honored to be a part of it and to be able to capture this special day for them. Congrats, Koharu + Merlin!!
Ceremony & Reception | Pear Tree Estate, Champaign, IL | Instagram
Catering | LA Gourmet, Champaign, IL | Instagram
Cake | Cake Artist Studio, Champaign, IL | Instagram
Florist | Blossom Basket, Champaign, IL | Instagram
Instrumentalists | Barbara Hedlund, 1st Choice Music Services, Urbana, IL | Facebook
Officiant | Pastor Herb Coates
Menu design & Handlettering | Apricity Ink
Bride’s Dress Retailer | Elite Bridal Shop, Champaign, IL | Instagram
Bridesmaid Dresses | Azazie | Instagram
Suits/Tuxes | Men’s Wearhouse, Champaign, IL | Instagram
Bride’s hair & makeup | Style & Grace Salon
Video: Tori Beach Videography | Instagram
Photographer: Holly Birch Photography, Illinois-based photographer available for destination weddings
