Michael
Asmussen Photography

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MichAel Asmussen

p h o t o g r a p h  y

destination weddings &
editorial photographer
los angeles | san diego |
Orange County  | palm DESERT, CA

Michael Asmussen Photography

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Discover a captivating Destination gem That belongs on every couple’s dream itinerary. Okinawa, Japan

Editorial

May 6th, 2019

Okinawa. I special place that always felt so far away but yet I knew in my heart I had to experience. It wasn’t at the top of my list, nor the first place I imagined would alter the rhythm of my creative life. But somewhere between the sacred stone walls of Shuri Castle and the softness of the subtropical breeze, I realized Okinawa wasn’t just a destination—it was a dialogue. A place where heritage whispers through coral gates, where luxury isn’t loud, but intentional. Where color and texture aren’t curated—they just are.

This editorial project, captured on location in Okinawa, became more than a travel journal—it became a visual love letter to Japan’s southernmost archipelago. It’s where I found pockets of stillness, extraordinary flavor, and stories in every bend of stone and silk.

As a destination wedding and editorial photographer, I’ve spent years photographing celebrations across continents—but Okinawa offered something different: a place that invites you to slow down, breathe deeper, and notice the way light folds itself gently into the landscape.


Okinawa offers far more than postcard beauty—it offers a world of meaningful experiences designed to be savored. One of the loveliest ways to begin your stay is with a dinner at La Terrasse at The Busena Terrace or Cuisine Michel Nakagawa, where Michelin-starred chefs transform Okinawan-grown ingredients into seasonal poetry on the plate.

I recommend carving out time to unwind at Halekulani Okinawa, a serene retreat perched above the emerald coast, known for its exquisite wellness offerings, fine dining, and sunset-facing suites that bathe in golden light. For those craving a deeper cultural immersion, consider arranging a private Shojin Ryori dinner—a traditional vegetarian temple meal—served inside a restored Ryukyuan villa, complete with hand-paired sake and edible floral garnishes.


No visit would be complete without a custom kimono fitting in the historic Shuri district, followed by a personal photo session among ancient coral walls and UNESCO-designated castle gates. And if time allows, a luxury catamaran day trip to the Kerama Islands offers an unforgettable escape to crystalline waters, colorful coral reefs, and the simple pleasure of a picnic at sea—designed, of course, with impeccable taste and tranquility in mind.

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