Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

Love in Bloom: A Sakura Story in  Japanese Garden of Toulouse

By Eugénie Smirnova Photography

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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. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of 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.


Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France
Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

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.


Eugenie Smirnova — your lifestyle photographer in France

To book your session
Photoshoot in the blooming Japanese Garden of Toulouse. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and South of France

If you ar not ready to make reservation today, you can contact me for details or follow me on social media to learn more about me and my work

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Planning a Destination Wedding in France?

If you’re thinking of getting married in France, why not begin the story with an engagement session here? It’s a beautiful way to connect with the location, get comfortable in front of the camera, and create memories leading up to your special day.Many couples choose to use these photos for Save the Date cards, invitations, or as part of their wedding website. And of course, it’s a moment in time you’ll never want to forget.

 Ultimate Wedding Photography Planning Guide 

Planning your wedding photography can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re getting married in the picturesque landscapes of the South or South West of France my Ultimate Wedding Photography Planning Guide is here to help you every step of the way. It is designed to ensure that every precious moment of your big day is captured beautifully.

Get the guide

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