Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugenie Smirnova — wedding, corporate and lifestyle photographer in Toulouse and Southwest France

April 4, 2025

There’s something magical about cherry blossom season — a fleeting, tender beauty that reminds us how precious the moment is. Last weekend, I had the joy of photographing a beautiful couple in the Japanese Garden of Toulouse, a place that seemed to echo their own love story.

They first met in Japan, exactly four years ago, during sakura season — a time when cherry trees explode into delicate pink clouds. That spring marked the beginning of their journey together, though their very first photos as a couple were taken in masks, during the pandemic.

This year, they returned to the blossoms — this time, in France, and this time, unmasked, free, and full of love. It was my absolute honor to capture that journey. Their laughter, the way they held each other, and the joy in their eyes were a reminder that some love stories really do come full circle.

Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugenie Smirnova — wedding, corporate and lifestyle photographer in Toulouse and Southwest France

A Garden Just for Them — Rain and All

It rained that day, and yet, it couldn’t have been more perfect. The gentle drizzle kept other visitors away, which meant we had the entire Japanese Garden to ourselves. No crowds, no distractions — just the couple, the blossoms, and the soft sound of rain on petals.

Rain can be a blessing in disguise. It brought out deeper colours in the garden, added romance to every frame, and wrapped the entire shoot in a quiet, intimate atmosphere.

Book Ahead — The Blossoms Won’t Wait

Cherry blossom season is incredibly short — only a few days of blooming perfection before the petals fall. It’s a brief window to capture something unforgettable. If you’ve been dreaming of a photoshoot among the blossoms, don’t wait. Advance booking is essential.

Whether it’s a couple’s shoot, solo portraits, or something uniquely yours — your moment under the blossoms is waiting. Rain or shine.