I’ve always had a soft spot for Asian-inspired themes, and this gorgeous, Japanese-inspired “Love in Blossom” theme from Jenni of A Well Crafted Party is another gorgeous reason to love this style!

While there are tons of beautiful elements in this shoot, the “cherry blossom branches” have got to be my favorite detail. Look closely and you’ll see they’re actually made from found branches and tissue paper – how CLEVER! And so budget-friendly too! You’ll also find mini versions of the branches accenting the bride’s white carnation bouquet… which is another wonderfully budget-friendly element to this shoot.

Read on for more gorgeous images + creative details… (and P.S. Stay tuned for some DIY tutorials from this shoot coming later today!)

PARTY DETAILS, as told by Jenni…

***

Inspiration:

“The inspiration for this shoot came from Tokyo in the Spring. Around late March and early April the city of Tokyo blossoms with pink, cloud-like flowers. Considered an omen of good fortune the Cherry Blossom, or Sakura, is an emblem of love and affection.

Weddings are a time of new beginnings, love and affection. This beautiful blossom is the perfect representation of the new life you’re beginning. This would also be a beautiful theme for a wedding shower as well.

Styling:

As Cherry Blossoms greet Spring in an array of pinks and whites I chose those colors throughout the styling of the event. The shades of pink give a soft pop of color against the crisp white of the table cloth.

I used traditional Japanese elements as much as I could throughout the tablescape and the dessert table. The tableware and tea set are all from Japan, but similar items can be found at many retailers around the world. The chopsticks rest on DIY chopstick holders that double as place cards for the guests.

Instead of using costly flower arrangements for the table’s centerpiece I created cherry blossom branches using found branches and tissue paper. The branches could be used for an elaborate centerpiece by being put in vases but, for a more intimate space I would opt for using the branches as a sort of runner down the table. Interspersed throughout the branches are small votives filled with either tea light candles or small arrangements of supermarket flowers.

For an eye-catching backdrop that will work for behind the alter or as a focal point for behind the head table or dessert table we made a ribbon wall with several yards of pink satin ribbon. To mimic falling cherry blossoms we glued cherry blossom confetti to ribbons at random.

Taller branches set in vases weighted with rice make a sweet arrangement to surround the bride and groom as they exchange vows. Our model stands in the middle of this arrangement while being showered in blossom confetti. The falling blossoms float down and then cover the floor in a beautiful array of flowers. The tissue paper confetti would be a great send off for the bride and groom.

The cake was also inspired by the cherry blossom and spring. Alicia, from The Sweet Smith, decided to make a white cake with lemon filling covered in a white buttercream. She then covered the cake in chocolate branches and lovely cherry blossoms. Topping the cake she added a cupcake tier that would make sharing the first bites of the cake a sweet opportunity for a photo. I could also see this cake being surrounded by many more cupcakes for a larger wedding.

The bride is wearing a simple JCrew dress with a pink ribbon around her waist. She is carrying a mini carnation bouquet that is adorned with small blossom branches and ribbons.”