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Modern Elegance Meets Zen: A Romantic Wedding at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix
We’re always drawn to weddings that blend modern elegance with tranquil, natural beauty—so when Hailli and Travis’s breathtaking celebration at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix came across our desk, we knew it was something special. With its serene setting, thoughtful details, and undeniable romance, this wedding had all the makings of a feature. We caught up with the groom, Travis—who also happens to be the talented owner of Lovelee Photography and Elevation Event Photography—to hear the beautiful love story behind the lens.
Stick around until the end for our top tips on planning your own unforgettable Japanese Friendship Garden wedding.
Lovelee Photography
Lovelee Photography
Lovelee Photography
Lovelee Photography
Lovelee Photography
How a Skating Coach and a Photographer Found Lifelong Love at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix
Travis, the groom, is the talented owner of Lovelee Photography and Elevation Event Photography, while Hailli, the bride, is a dedicated professional figure skating coach based in Arizona. Both grew up in Scottsdale and built their unique careers in the area—rooted in passion, artistry, and hard work.
Lovelee Photography
Lovelee Photography
Lovelee Photography
Lovelee Photography
Lovelee Photography
For these two, love arrived like a breath of fresh air—unexpected, undeniable, and utterly transformative. It’s that rare kind of connection where life suddenly feels more vivid, more whole. As Travis puts it, “It always felt like something was missing. Life was good… but it wasn’t complete. Then came that feeling.”
Hailli almost cancelled their very first date—overwhelmed by the nerves of meeting someone she’d already grown so close to. “Thank God for life’s little wins,” Travis recalls. “Her decision to show up that day changed everything.”
Lovelee Photography
Lovelee Photography
Lovelee Photography
From that moment, time seemed to fast-forward. They met on September 9th, 2020, and less than a month later, they were soaring above the desert in a hot-air balloon—symbolic of the depth of their growing love and their shared sense of adventure. From Sedona to San Diego, Las Vegas to Mexico, their romance was stitched together by spontaneous getaways, long conversations, and a feeling that they had waited far too long to find each other.
Their journey didn’t stop there. A month-long whirlwind through Puerto Rico and Europe took them across London, Paris, Naples, Rome, Venice, Grindelwald, Bern, and Amsterdam. Back in the States, their travels continued to Boston and New York, where Travis proposed for a second time—this time in a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park, with an upgraded ring straight from the Tiffany & Co. flagship store.
Lovelee Photography
Lovelee Photography
Their love story came full circle on November 18th, 2023, when they said “I do” in a deeply personal and elegant ceremony at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix, Arizona (read more about it here!). It was the perfect backdrop for a love that feels eternal—a celebration of two hearts that had finally, and forever, found their way home.
Lovelee Photography
Lovelee Photography
Tips for Planning a Japanese Friendship Garden Wedding
My dearest engaged darlings, as your seasoned guide from Bespoke-Bride.com for the past decade, I’ve seen more wedding venues than I can count on my perfectly manicured fingers. From grand ballrooms to rustic barns, each space whispers a different story. But there’s a particular whisper, a gentle rustle of bamboo, that always catches my ear: the Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix. This isn’t just a venue; it’s a living, breathing poem, a serene escape that promises an utterly unique start to your forever.
Is the Japanese Friendship Garden the Perfect Phoenix Oasis for Your ‘I Do’?
Picture this: you, exchanging vows amidst tranquil koi ponds, under the graceful boughs of sculpted pines, with the gentle trickle of water as your soundtrack. The Japanese Friendship Garden, or RoHoEn, is a meticulously crafted haven of peace right in the heart of bustling Phoenix. It’s an 3.5-acre traditional Japanese stroll garden, a gift from our sister city Himeji, Japan. This place isn’t just pretty; it’s steeped in symbolism: the carefully placed stones, the flowing water, the perfectly manicured plants—all representing harmony, balance, and the journey of life. Choosing it for your wedding is like stepping into a living painting, a tranquil sanctuary for your declaration of love.
Now, let’s talk real talk. As magical as it is, this isn’t your typical ballroom setup. If your dream involves 300 guests doing the Macarena indoors, this might not be your perfect fit. But if you envision an intimate celebration, steeped in calm beauty, a place where every guest feels transported, then yes, this garden might just be your soulmate venue. I remember a couple, avid travelers, who found its peaceful embrace to be the exact antithesis of their busy lives. They wanted their Japanese Friendship Garden wedding to be a quiet, meaningful start, a true reflection of their quest for serenity. It truly moved me to see how the garden cradled their vows. For more on the garden’s beauty and purpose, check out its official site: https://www.japanesefriendshipgarden.org/
What to Know BEFORE Booking Your Serene Phoenix Wedding Spot?
So, you’re smitten? I get it! But before you dive headfirst into planning, let’s navigate a few practicalities. First up: guest count. The garden is undeniably intimate. This isn’t a sprawling estate designed for massive gatherings. It’s best suited for smaller, heartfelt ceremonies and possibly a modest reception. Trying to squeeze a stadium-sized party into this delicate space would be like attempting to herd cats through a tea ceremony – charming, but ultimately chaotic. Be honest about your guest list from the start.
Then there’s the Phoenix weather. My darlings, Phoenix summers are hotter than a dragon’s breath on a heat wave. Seriously. Unless you’re planning a winter wonderland wedding (which, ironically, might involve 70-degree sunshine here), you’ll want to schedule your event for the cooler months, roughly October through April. Even then, an evening ceremony is usually the wisest choice to avoid any guest-melting scenarios. I once saw a lovely outdoor ceremony in late May; the poor groom looked like he’d just run a marathon by the time he said “I do.” Lesson learned! For specific climate data to help with timing, visit the National Weather Service.
How Can You Master the Magic (and Logistics!) of a Garden Wedding?
Okay, you’ve decided this tranquil oasis is the one. Now, how do you make the magic happen without logistical headaches? Here’s where a seasoned wedding planner becomes your Gandalf – guiding you through the enchanted forest. The garden has specific rules about decor, sound, and what can (and cannot) be brought in to preserve its delicate ecosystem. You can’t just string fairy lights wherever you fancy, and forget about blasting dubstep. Respecting these boundaries means your Japanese Friendship Garden wedding stays cohesive with the garden’s essence.
Consider your vendor choices. Often, unique venues like this garden have a curated list of preferred vendors who already understand the nuances of working within its tranquil boundaries. This is not a bad thing! These vendors are like secret agents, already fluent in the garden’s language. Trust them; they know how to make your vision bloom within the existing beauty. For instance, a fantastic floral designer who truly understands the subtle art of Ikebana or a photographer who knows how to capture the fleeting light through the bamboo grove will be invaluable. Working with a planner experienced with the garden is key; they can make sure your vision aligns with the venue’s requirements. Learn more about choosing wedding vendors from a trusted source like The Knot: https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-vendors-guide
People Also Ask About Japanese Friendship Garden Weddings
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Can you have a reception there, or just the ceremony? The garden is primarily a ceremony location, offering an incredibly serene backdrop for your vows. While some smaller, intimate receptions can be accommodated, particularly in the Tea House area, larger celebrations often need a separate venue. It’s best to confirm specifics directly with the garden’s event coordinator.
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What are the best times of day for a wedding ceremony at the Garden? Late afternoon or early evening is generally the most popular and picturesque. This allows for softer, golden hour light for photos and avoids the harsh mid-day sun, especially outside of Phoenix’s cooler months (October-April).
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Is there parking available for guests? Yes, the garden has its own parking lot, but it’s wise to clarify the exact capacity and any potential parking fees with the venue coordinator, especially for larger guest counts or peak event times. Ride-sharing services are always a good alternative too!
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Can we bring our own decorations? The garden has strict rules regarding decorations to preserve its authenticity and natural beauty. Permanent fixtures are a no-go, and even temporary items might be restricted. It’s always best to consult with the garden staff before making any decor plans. Often, the garden’s inherent beauty is all the decoration you need!
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Do they have an indoor backup option for bad weather? Being primarily an outdoor venue, the garden’s indoor options for unexpected weather (like rare rain or extreme heat) are typically limited. It’s crucial to discuss their contingency plans with the venue coordinator and your wedding planner. Sometimes, an external tent might be an option, or a nearby indoor venue can be secured as a last resort.
