At Hakone Estate & Gardens, Saratoga for a Totoro-inspired Wedding

The elegant and serene gardens at Hakone in Saratoga is an authentic replica of Japanese Samurai or Shogun's estate garden. Made up of strolling hills, water falls, koi ponds and many other elements of Japan's ancient civilization, this scenic place was the backdrop of Jason and Karen's wedding last weekend. 

A surprise visit from a resident!
Our photo video booth was set up in front of the Cultural Exchange Center, an authentic reproduction of a 19th century Kyoto tea-merchant's house and shop. As we were getting prepared, an unexpected resident approached us, or rather... slithered toward us- yes, a 2 1/2 ft. snake! Without hesitation, one of our team members, picked it up on its tail and carefully transferred it to the bushes a few feet away where it can continue on its way undisturbed. Too bad, I was unable to capture the moment in film. 

Preparing the equipment

In front of the Cultural Exchange Center, an authentic reproduction of a 19th century Kyoto tea-merchant's house and shop

Since Jason and Karen had a Totoro-inspired wedding theme (Totoro is a character in a Japanese animated fantasy film, "My Neighbor Totoro"), they asked to include the Totoro stuffed toy as one of the props for the photo booth. And the guests gladly obliged.

Find Totoro amidst our props

Below are other photos taken at the event. Click on the photos to enlarge.

Hakone Estate and Gardens begging for a relaxing stroll