Planning from a Distance
David’s journey to this moment began while he was on a business trip in Singapore. We connected via a video call to discuss his vision for the big day. Originally, we planned to shoot at Sumiyoshi Taisha, but just a week before the session, nature gave us a better idea. The early Kawazu Sakura in Kyoto had already reached full bloom, and I knew we had to change the location to capture that rare pink magic.
The Perfect Spot: The Hidden Castle Ruins
We moved the session to a unique spot in Kyoto—the old castle ruins. While there is no actual castle left, the "ruins" provide a beautiful elevation that is perfectly lined with Sakura trees. This spot offered the perfect mix of a "crowded" public energy with the elevated privacy needed for a life-changing question.
A Serenade in the Park
To make the moment even more unforgettable, we invited our friend Raffy, one of the top musicians in the Kansai area, to join us. As David prepared to propose, Raffy began to serenade them. The air was filled with a soulful, Richard Marx-style version of "Can’t Help Falling in Love," followed by the joyful vibes of Bob Marley’s "Is This Love (I Wanna Love You)." It was a sweet, musical surprise that Linda never saw coming.
The Best Kind of "Yes"
The combination of the music, the pink blossoms, and the surprise caught Linda completely off guard. She said yes! We spent the rest of the hour capturing their joy and that "just-engaged" glow against the stunning spring backdrop. It was an honor to help David coordinate such a detailed and heartfelt surprise all the way from Singapore.
