Mo + Ruth by Studio Opia

We both love the aesthetic of Japanese architecture and design.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

Mo and I have been living in Portland, Oregon, for four years, after moving here from Boston. I work as a digital marketer and part-time photographer, while Mo is a data scientist. We are living proof that opposites truly attract—we are very different in many ways, but that’s what makes our relationship special. Instead of clashing, we complement each other and constantly learn from one another. We share a deep love for travel and adventure. We’ve driven across the U.S. from the East Coast to the West Coast—twice! We also love celebrating all our relationship milestones, even the small ones, like our first date. For us, it’s all about appreciating the little moments that make up a beautiful life together.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

We first met during graduate school at Northeastern University in Boston. Our first encounter was at a Chinese fellowship event, shortly after I had moved to the city. Mo had already been living in Boston for about a year. My first impression of him was that he was very quiet and shy. Later on, he told me that he found my smile warm and comforting, and that I seemed easy to talk to, which made him feel relaxed around me.
That night, he seemed interested—he asked for my number and even where I lived. I remember thinking, “Maybe he’s going to offer me a ride home—that would be nice.” But instead, he just told me where he lived and said goodbye! I assumed he wasn’t into me after all. But shortly after I got home, I received a message from him: “I should’ve given you a ride.”

Years later, he explained that since I lived nearby, he thought it would be quicker for me to walk. That’s just who he is—practical, thoughtful in his own quiet way, never flashy or overly romantic. But he remembers every small thing I say—things even I’ve forgotten. That’s the kind of love he gives: steady, sincere, and deep. And honestly, while some people dream of a grand love story filled with dramatic gestures, for me, he is the love story. If I could choose again, I’d choose him a thousand times over, no hesitation.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.).

From the beginning, we both wanted a small, meaningful wedding that felt intimate rather than grand. It was important to us that only the people closest to us were present. That led us to choose Japan as our wedding location. We both love the aesthetic of Japanese architecture and design—clean lines, natural materials, and peaceful settings. It also made travel easier for our parents and friends, and the visa process was more convenient. As Christians, we always knew we wanted a church ceremony. Since we got married in the summer, the greenery around the venue was lush and vibrant. That inspired our colour palette—fresh greens, soft browns, and white florals. The overall vibe was calm, elegant, and deeply personal.

What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee, etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).

We chose a wooden chapel with a distinctive triangular roof, known as Karuizawa Kogen Church, which was built in 1921. From the moment we saw it, we knew it was the one. The architecture is simple yet striking—it has a strong, geometric silhouette that feels both sacred and grounded. What moved us most was the balance it held between solemnity and warmth. The natural wood textures, lofty ceilings, and large windows that welcomed in soft, filtered light created a calm and reverent atmosphere. It felt like a space meant for something sacred to unfold, without needing heavy decoration or grandeur. Nestled within a forest, the chapel felt quiet and intimate, like a hidden retreat. Its natural beauty allowed us to keep our styling minimal, with florals in soft greens and whites that echoed the surroundings. Every detail, from the wooden pews to the altar, felt timeless and intentional. It was exactly the kind of space we had hoped for—peaceful, spiritual, and deeply personal. It truly felt magical, and every guest told us how moved they were by the space and the feeling it created.

What did you enjoy most about the planning process, and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?

The most enjoyable part of the wedding planning process for me was trying on wedding dresses. Every fitting felt like a special moment, full of excitement and imagination. It’s one of those rare times in life when you truly feel like a princess. Each dress brought a new vision to life. As for advice to other couples: start early, especially with key decisions like outfits and venue. Time flies faster than you think. Be honest about your priorities and what matters most to you as a couple. Don’t stress about pleasing everyone—focus on creating a day that reflects your story and values. And most importantly, enjoy the process together.

Tell us about your vendors. Were there any standout suppliers you would like to make special mention of?

Japan is such an exciting and unique country, especially when it comes to hospitality. I honestly think their standard of customer service is among the highest in the world. Because they aim to maintain such a high level of quality, the wedding packages in Japan are incredibly thorough—they cover everything from makeup and florals to the venue and food. That meant I didn’t have to worry about sourcing vendors on my own, which made planning much easier. The trade-off, however, was that things were a bit less flexible. For example, the church had a strict policy regarding photography. No outside photographers or guests were allowed to take photos—whether with a professional camera or even a phone—inside the chapel. Only their in-house photographers were permitted to shoot the ceremony. Fortunately, two of my closest friends, who happen to be awesome photographers based in California, travelled all the way to Japan for our wedding. While they couldn’t photograph the ceremony itself, they were able to capture everything outside the church and during the reception. Because of them, we have the most beautiful, documentary-style photos that perfectly reflect the emotions and candid moments of the day.

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, and is there a story?

My wedding dress was the “Octavia” gown by Vera Wang. The first time I tried it on, I felt something click—I just knew it was my dress. We live in Portland, where there are no Vera Wang boutiques, and I actually started dress shopping a bit late. This was only my third time trying on dresses, and I was still hoping to explore more options. But with time running out and the order deadline approaching, I had to make a quick decision. I hesitated at first, but the moment I revisited the photos, I knew it was the one. The design was both structured and soft, modern yet timeless—just like the feeling I wanted for our wedding.

Tell us about your wedding and engagement rings.

My engagement ring is from Tiffany & Co., and it features one of their most iconic and classic settings—a design that has come to symbolise timeless love. For a while, I thought he would propose with a sapphire ring, since I had once mentioned in passing that I preferred sapphires to diamonds. It felt more unique and personal to me at the time. But when he went shopping, the salesperson recommended the Tiffany setting, and he ultimately decided to follow that advice. Looking back, I’m so glad he chose what felt right to him. The ring is stunning, but what matters most is that it came from him. It’s not just a piece of jewellery—it represents his love, the thought he put into the proposal, and the start of our life together. I would have loved whatever ring he gave me, simply because it was from him.

What were one or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).

Photography was at the top of our list. We both knew that once the day was over, the photos would be what helped us relive the memories for years to come. We wanted to find someone who could capture the little moments—the laughter, the nerves, the glances—not just the posed portraits. The second thing we were willing to spend more on was the venue. We believed that the atmosphere would shape everything else: the mood, the comfort of our guests, and the backdrop for our ceremony. A beautiful and peaceful venue aligned with our values and allowed us to focus on what really mattered.

Was there a favourite moment (or two) that you will treasure always?

One of my absolute favourite moments from the wedding was when we exchanged our vows. Interestingly, this wasn’t part of the official ceremony. In Japan, the church follows a traditional structure led by the pastor, and they don’t typically allow for personalised vows during the service. So instead, we decided to share our vows during the reception party. It turned out to be one of the most touching and memorable parts of the entire day. Mo, who’s usually not someone known for being especially expressive, completely surprised everyone. His speech was so heartfelt and beautifully worded—it left all of our guests amazed. Honestly, it was so good that he even joked about printing it out, framing it, and hanging it on our wall. It was a side of him I’ll never forget, and that moment will always hold a special place in my heart.