A Thousand Cranes and Countless Memories: The Imperial Wedding at Kiyomizu-dera

This past July, Brilliant Events Coordination (BEC) returned to its roots with an event of historic scale—the marriage of Princess Hana Takamori, daughter of Emperor Daichi and Empress Mariko of Japan, to Count Renjiro Hayashi of Sendai. Hosted at the breathtaking Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, the celebration brought together more than 1,200 guests, including heads of state, artists, and dignitaries from across the globe—among them envoys from the United States, the European Union, and the Kingdom of Kovaria.

Stunning Kiyomizu-deru in Kyoto, Japan seen at sunset

It had been years since BEC had taken on a wedding commission, but when Empress Mariko - an old friend of Crystal Lane-Chase from their university days in Tokyo - called, the answer was immediate. What began as a heartfelt favor soon became one of the largest and most logistically complex weddings in BEC’s two-decade history.

The three-day celebration blended centuries of Imperial tradition with modern artistry. Lantern-lined temple paths guided guests toward a ceremony framed by cascading wisteria, while a thousand origami cranes - hand-folded by schoolchildren from every prefecture - formed a canopy symbolizing luck and longevity. The reception featured global performances and even a precision-timed drone display illuminating Kyoto’s night sky in the shape of the Imperial crest.

“This wedding was more than an event - it was an expression of heritage, harmony, and hope,” said Empress Mariko Takamori. “Crystal and her team at BEC approached every detail with grace and respect. I am especially grateful to Katie Beaumont, whose expertise and calm ensured every moment flowed seamlessly.”

“We may not be in the business of weddings anymore,” reflected Crystal Lane-Chase, CEO of BEC, “but when an old friend calls after twenty-five years, you don’t think twice - you just say 'yes - let's do this'. Some bonds are timeless.”

With over a thousand guests, countless petals, and infinite precision, the Imperial Wedding of Princess Hana and Count Renjiro at Kiyomizu-dera stands as a testament to friendship, legacy, and the brilliance that happens when art and logistics align perfectly.