Wedding Blog
photography by Allebach Photography
Last week Miss Martini talked about tattoo cover ups. This is the opposite of a cover up. Mr. Sushi and I are actually fond of tattoos. He and I both had a couple tattoos… ’til this past October when I finally decided to take the plunge and get a massive piece of art done.
I’ve been pondering the idea of getting a back piece for about 5 years now. One day in October, while waiting for my dad to stop by, I was looking up tattoo artists on the internet, specifically ones who do Japanese art in my local area. I had gotten a free magazine rack off of Craigslist, and my dad had brought over his trusty truck to help me pick it up. We got to Carlisle, where the magazine rack was waiting for me… and what did we see? A tattoo shop with Japanese art all over the window. Coincidence? I think not. When I got home I emailed the guy who gave me the magazine rack and inquired about the tattoo shop. Apparently he lives above the shop and his landlord is the tattoo shop owner. AND there was an artist who works there that specializes in Japanese artwork. A week later I made an appointment and since then have had about 5 sessions.
Session 1: You can see my old tramp stamp here, soon it will be gone!
Session 2: added lots of flowers, started the cover up of my old tat
Session 3: added a cherry blossom tree behind the Geisha girl and a few waterfalls
Session 4 & 5, starting to get some color
Art work done by Cooper from Visual Addiction
I still have a long way to go. You see that area on my left shoulder that’s pretty un-inked right now? Well, eventually the temple that Mr. Sushi and I are getting married at will be placed there upon mountains. I thought it would be a nice way to commemorate our wedding without putting names and dates on me permanently.
The temple we’re getting married at will eventually make its way into my tattoo.
I should note that other than my brother, none of my family knows of my work in progress. A few family members will find out when they read this (love you, dad!) and the rest will probably find out when we’re all struttin’ around in our swimsuits in Hawaii. It should be interesting!
On a different, but related note, after months and months of healing, I found that Gold Bond Ultimate Healing lotion has worked best for me during that yucky, peeling, itchy stage.
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Share this post: Surprise! I’m a Tattooed Bride
That is beautiful! Promise me you’ll show us a picture when it is completed!
I have a tiny tiny ladybug tattoo on my right boobie… nothing big I’d just wanted a tattoo for a long time, but wanted something that was just for me. It kinda like my secret with myself 
K…mine is no where near as cool as yours. I love your back piece, I’ve really debated about having one done. But you shall have your wish Miss Sushi, I’m sure I’ll get around to blogging about it. Is your dress cut low in the back?
WOW!! What stunning work, I agree with AliCherri1 - must see pics when it’s complete
I am a tattoo bride as well. I have a winged fairy which takes up a large portion of my middle upper back, and a small gecko in a sun on my lower back. I’ve been contemplating adding to my fairy for a while now - would love to add lots of foliage and flowers around her - but I don’t think that will happen before the big day (not enough time or money - doh).
My fairy will be displayed proudly on my wedding day - but it’s not a surprise as all of my friends and most of my family know about it already!
wow, that is awesome. i don’t have any tatoos, but i want one really bad. i’ve always wanted one on my wrist, but as a teacher i can’t have one that is visible. it sucks! when do you think it’ll be completed? i’d love to see the finished product.
and by tatoos, i mean tattoos. what kind of english education major am i?
SEXY! I can understand wanting to cover up tats on occasion, but I’d much rather see them!
Your tattoo is really, really beautiful! I love how you’re not afraid to show it off on your wedding day. After all, it is art you commissioned to express yourself. 
Your wedding pictures will be so awesome. Show them off at Offbeat Bride!
The addition of the cherry blossoms is so pretty! What an elegant looking tattoo!
YEAH!!! I am so excited to see another inked bride! I am inked and I love it! I can’t wait to show it off! I want a dress that will show my tattoo and look amazing! Mr. FF and I have kind of matching tattoos he is more firefighter related! Here is mine!! I love yours! It is so pretty!
I hope this works I dont know how to do this
Or Maybe this one
Oh yeah, I also love how the example photo says “Don’t back down.” Right on!
I can’t say I’ll ever understand why anyone would want to do that to themselves, but I have to admit your tattoo artist is very talented.
I’ve got a couple tats, and I really want a back piece. No one in my family knows about them, except my fiance. He went with me to get both of them, and he has a huge one on his stomach. I found a bustier that covers my tats perfectly (they’re on my hip and my stomach).
I love tattooed brides that show them off I can’t wait to get my next tattoo- that’s our honeymoon!!
That is gorgeous!!!! I have flirted with getting a tat for a long time, but I always chicken out. Yes, you must take a pic with your gown with your tat peeking out!!
Your ink is really magnificent! Your artist is gooood! I myself am too chicken and conventional to get tats, but man, do I love them. Two of my girlfriends have their entire backs inked. I love that you’re going for it…no half arse! It’s really, really beautiful (and meaningful)!
That is a beautiful back piece, the artist is really talented. I love tattoos, have a couple and am planning in getting a third at some point. I like hiding mine, so they are in places people can only see when I’m wearing a bathing suit. I like keeping them to myself and I also kinda like seeing the reaction people have when they find out I have tattoos 
That kicks ass! The colour so far is gorgeous.
I’ve been thinking of ideas for a new one for the past year but nothing has stuck so far.
I’ve already got 3 thick outline stars as a ‘tramp stamp’ and another 3 stars (thin outline) curved around my ankle bone on the inside of my foot. The next one will not be more stars!
your back piece is turning out to be such a beautiful piece! i dont have any tattoos but do appreciate the art form. hope you post more photos of the progress.
I too have a big tattoo, though not nearly as big as yours. However, it is sitting on the part of my back that will completely be exposed by my gown. I have never thought to cover it up for my wedding day. With the exception of my nuclear family, my other family members have not seen it and well being a traditional family that we are, there certainly will be some talk about it.
It is what it is, and it is part of who I am. FI also has about 10 tattoos, and we are going to rock them.
Absolutely beautiful work of art on your back there.
I liked Aquafor and A&D ointment for mine. I just wish it was in a place that people could see it on wedding day… but swimming before and after will have to suffice.
So b-e-a-utiful. I just have a few shooting stars on my hip. I have the kind of job where I have to be able to dress up and still hide my tat… or at least I will one day.
wow, can’t wait to see the final pic. I don’t have any tattoos myself but think inked up brides look really cool.
What a beautiful tattoo. I have some ink on the back of my shoulders…and I’m getting more! We’re both getting tattoos to represent who we are, they will be linked together…but not names just symbols of our last names. A horse shoe and a feather…I cannot wait!! I have a butterfly on one side of my back and a pisces on the other side. I will be getting the new tattoo on the same side as the butterfly!!
That is an amazing piece of body art, and I love the temple idea. Will your dress show it off?
I have a huge phobia of needles, therefore tattoos have never done much for me (except give me shivers and goosebumps), but THAT is beautiful. I can’t stop staring at how incredible that tree looks!
I’m not really a tattoo person, but that is honestly stunning. It’s really starting to take shape with the color!! I can’t wait to see it completed.
I use Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Lotion in the winter when my legs get incredibly dry and itchy…. it’s seriously a miracle lotion!
I’m pretty conventional and I don’t have any tatts, but that is really a work of art!
I love it! Cannot wait to see the results and the coloring for the piece. The artist did a great job covering up your old tattoo. I don’t even notice it anymore in your last picture.
that’s so pretty! i’m too much of a wuss to get a tattoo! i wonder what your dad will do when he reads this?
i must admit that there is something about a tattooed bride that makes me happy. there is just something so charming about a bride that is inked. i have a tiny tattoo on my wrist and plan to get another soon! YOURS IS BEAUTIFUL!
It is SOOOO awesome.
I wanna get my tramp stamp covered up sometime myself (stupid 18 year old me, what was I thinking! :-|) … I just have to wait to get some inspiration of something to cover it with. I LOVE yours!
Oh gosh, that is BEAUTIFUL. I love well-colored tattoos I have a tiny one on my ankle (momma and sister have the same one) and I’ve been pondering another one for a while. I can’t wait to see yours finished!!
I have a huge piece!!!! Up until right now, I’ve been nervous about what others would think.. This just made me see he beauty in it again!!! I have to finish up.. Mine is a woman, half beautiful.. with water and flowers and the other side, a dragon, green with long nails and fire and scary.. It represents all that a woman is, well, myself atleast. Bridezilla for real. HA!
holy ish! that is gorgeous. husband is quite inked and i love it. i merely have tiny girly tattoos. great way to cover up that “hey i’m 18!” tramp stamp (or as husband calls it, asshat). you’ve got me thinking…
Miss Sushi I love your tat!! I’ve always wanted one but I want it mean something to me when I do finally decide to do it
Wow — that is going to be one fantastically gorgeous tattoo. I’ve got 3, one is partially removed, and Gold Bond lotion helps the healing process for THAT too!
I have one centered on my back. I’ve kicked around the idea of turning into a full-on backpiece, but I promised myself that this would be the only tattoo I’d get, so I’m definitely going to sit on that idea for a long time, presuming I do ever expand it. Generally speaking, I designed it myself, drew out the knot (exactly as it appears here), and chose the color, but the tattoo artist came in with the awesome metal effects that I’d been having trouble drawing myself. He brought my vision to life in a way that far exceeded my expectations. Yay!
My tattoo will also be showing veeery clearly at my wedding. My immediate family and my grandmother have seen it, and a cousin or 2 know about it, but the reactions of my conservative extended family ought to be fun.
Also, here’s my work, presuming the link works properly:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2246/2350645300_ca15e0813f_o.jpg
I LOVE it Mr. Spring Roll and I are tattooed as well!
I used A&D ointment on mine, but I wish I would only have used it for the first 24 hours. I think it took a lot of ink off for the second 24 hours. My tat covers my whole lower back. It’s a “Tear Phoenix” something I made up. It’s a phoenix that is reborn of it’s own tears, like a reminder that you must lift yourself up out of grief. It’s also Japanese inspired!! That tat is AWESOME! Love the cherry blossoms!! My MOH and I got our tats together. She got a Japanese design too, a koi and a swallow at odds with each other. It goes all down her left rib cage, it’s huge and very cool too!
MOH’s Tat:
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=353382518&albumID=1073480&imageID=7079074
My Tat:
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=353382518&albumID=1073480&imageID=7398763
My Tatto Artist’s Page:
http://www.myspace.com/tatsbyvin
(Highly recommended if you’re ever in Maine or thereabouts! My tat cost $850!!)
WOW. WOW. Your back was truly a blank canvas! I love seeing the progression of this piece. Beautiful!
Miss Sushi, your back ink is so beautiful! What a nice way to include the wedding!
Can i just say OMG! 1- I thought the weddingbees were a little too stuffy to get anything so fierce, 2- That is fierce! Beautiful work and 3- your venue is amazing!
Your piece is amazing!! Mr. G would be drooling over it. He has a few tattoos and is desperate to add to his collection. In fact, just last week we visited L.A. Ink to get prices. (Way, over priced, of course - but a fun tourist attraction!)
Wow! I can’t wait to see the final pictures…you must share as you complete the work of art. Do you have a low back dress that will show it off?
I am pretty heavily tattooed. I have a chest piece, a 3/4 sleeve, and then various other tattoos here and there. My fiance is covered. Everyone is our wedding party is heavily tattooed. We are going to have quite a colorful wedding! I don’t have up close pictures of my tattoos online, but you can see some of them in this picture of me:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/xmelissax/Melookingdown.jpg
Beautiful piece of work. I love how you’re going to incorporate the temple to symbolize your wedding to your husband. I’m not big on names either.
It’s beautiful!
I love it! And it’s so great that you’re proud of it and want to show it off.
I will be a tattooed bride as well. I have four so far, and the total may (hopefully) be up to six by the time we actually get married (2ish years away). All of mine are fairly small and simple so far; I can’t picture anything too big or colorful on my own body, it’s just not my style. But each of mine has a very personal story, and my FI loves them.
I have had to deal with my mother’s unfavorable reactions to all of them, especially when I got one on my forearm last year. (She still doesn’t know about my most recent one, mostly because I don’t want to listen to her whine about it). Two of mine will be visible in a wedding dress; two will not. But again, by the time we get married, I may be up to four visible ones.
that HAS to be one of the most gorgeous tattoo’s ive ever seen!!!
Yay!!! I’m not as gutsy as you, I’m waiting on my back piece until after the wedding, but I have several pieces of my own!! I use H2Ocean tattoo aftercare and it works great for me!! You can find it at steelnavel.com My artist is partial to aquaphor, but I’m not fond of it…too oily for me!!
You go, girl! That is going to be beautiful when it’s finished. I’ve just got the one little standard tattoo, and I think a full-backed one would be too much for me, but I love looking at them on other people. My best friend has a smallish one on her shoulder, and she was all worried about maybe covering it up because the BM dress I chose was strapless. I was like, “What FOR? It’s there, it’s you, it’s cool, who cares?” And that was nothing like yours! What does your dress look like again?
Miss Sushi!
What a great piece!!! I’m tattooed myself, nothing compared to what you have, and neither of my parentals have a clue. I know… terrible.
Thanks for sharing.
Wow, that’s a piece of artwork!! Will you have more done before your wedding? Can’t wait to see.
Wow!! your tattoo is really amazing! the detail is stunning and the colours are beautiful. It will be great too see it when it’s all coloured too! I’ve debated about getting a tattoo but i think i would ike to design my ownif i do, but i know it would take me such a looonggg time to decide what to have and how to design it!
Go big or go home, right? Wa, wa, wee, wa…Your tattoo is quite impressive. I have one just below the middle of my back of a snowflake. I got it when I was 25, after thinking about it for 5 years. I love it…But as soon as I got it, I wished I didn’t do it. I don’t know why…Luckily, for me, it’s high enough on my back that no one can see it when I reach up high, or bend down low, very nicely hidden.
@Miss D’orsay: It’s low cut enough to show a good portion of my tat. Photos soon! I promise.
@JanieLeigh: Guess it depends on how frequent I visit the tattoo shop, but I’m thinking it probably won’t be done till wintertime. Wish it would be done sooner!
@Brightasthesun: The coloring won’t be done before the wedding unfortunitly, but I’m okay with that. Kinda have to be.
@doctorgirl: @MightySapphire: I usually use A&D for the first couple days then switch to lotion afterwards. Never used Aquaphot…I’ll have to check that out.
@MightySapphire: @Firefighter_Prazs_Girl: I’ll have to check out your photos later; they block myspace at my work. hehe…shhhh…don’t tell I’m “bee-ing” at work. Can’t wait to see them!
@iviary: Ohhh…your something blue?
@marquisemiss: @chemchopity: hehe…seems like everyone got tramp stamps at 18. I’m glad that mine is gone!
@kayfi: Umm..yea…my dad. LoL. Usually when he finds out I got new ink he just shakes his head in disapproval, but I have a feeling he’ll be more vocal about this one. I did warn him, but I don’t think he took me seriously. My brother is 19 and I told him he needs to get some ink soon so dad can yell at him instead of me. LoL
@Melissa.H: Hot! The ink and you.
@WedHeadRed: Sounds beautiful. I’m glad I’ve inspired you to rock out the tat!
@Omy: 1. I’ll take that as a compliment 2. Thank you! 3. It is beautiful and the whole reason why we picked it.
I haven’t been compelled to post a comment on this site yet, mostly because, while I felt the pictures of brides and brides to be were beautiful, I didn’t think that they spoke to me. I’m not very traditional when it comes to wedding planning and, in fact, when I saw the post on covering up a tattoo, I almost gave up on this entire site thinking it was NOT for me.
Your backpiece is gorgeous. I can’t wait to see the finished product and see how it will be viewed with your dress on, as well. Thank you for posting this!
GORGEOUS! Seriously, you will adore that the rest of your life because it seems like you really put thought into it. I myself have 4 tattoos…all of which will be seen when I’m in a dress someday and I’m working on a half-sleeve on my left arm as well! Tattooed brides are hot! <3
love it! I have 4 right now, but would love to get a sleeve on one of my arms. Being in the business world, I don’t think it would fly, altho I think tats are slowly becoming more acceptable in some companies. My Fi doesn’t have any, but I’m working on him getting one. he’s got arms to die for (he’s a mechanic so his arms are massive) and I think it would be uber hot of him to get a sleeve! yay to the tatted brides!
Your art is GORGEOUS!!!! I LOVE Byodo-In Temple! So serene…. It’s going to make a perfect addition to your piece. Um, who’s jealous that you’re getting married there? This girl!!!! And yea, I’m a tatted bride-to-be, too! 
That back piece is AMAZING! I am so completely jealous, I love love love it. gorgeous!
I have three tattoos, one rather large one that takes up a quarter of my back. Its a phoenix on my right shoulder. I really really really want a lion that covers my left shoulder and makes the art on my back symmetrical. I want it so badly for the wedding, I don’t know if it will happen.
My fiance is almost completely covered in tattoos now! It strange to think he barely had any when we first met. He’s finishing up his backpiece now too. He’s also into Japanese Art and ound an awesome guy in NY. He has a samuari warrior fighiting a tiger on his back. We use Aquaphor on all of his tattoos twice a day when theyre in the healing process. THat stuff works miracles! He’s usually completely healed within a week. THe only thing about the Aquaphor is that its really thick and oily though. You shoul give it a try if you want quicker healing.
Miss Sushi, it’s gorgeous! This is minor in comparison, but I have a small palm tree on the back of my neck to symbolize my favorite place on earth, the place where I just so happened to get the tattoo AND eventually get married, Grand Cayman. I insisted on wearing my hair UP for the wedding so I could show it off! I’m proud to say that my tattoo now graces the front page of my amazingly talented photographer’s website, so you can see it here:
http://www.kieraphoto.com/
Hey fellow Hershey gal! If you need a future travel agent…get a hold of my mom! 30+ years Leisure Tours and Cruises. Dstefan427@aol.com
I wish I could be there to see everyone’s expressions when they see you in your bathing suit showing off your artwork! Priceless!
Is your Fiance getting any tattoos of the wedding?!
@Kara: where did you get your hair piece!? its exactly what Im looking for!!! stikki4312@aol.com Thanks!
How long ago did you start? I’m just curious about the timeline for such a large piece. But it’s so beautiful!!
@Nicole: I got it from Etsy seller BrassPaperClip. You can purchase it here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20661877
That is really amazing!!! I’m always so awe-struck by the talent of tattoo artists. I wish I was brave enough to get one. It’s not the pain that scares me…it’s the permanency!!! I’m such a wuss.
*sigh* I love the look of new tattoos. I’ve been toying with the idea of getting a small one for years now, but I just can’t think of a good place to put it.
@Amanda: Thank you for the compliment and for posting!
@alison: Tattooed brides are hot…although I might be a lil’ based.
@jenny.j: I had my first session the last week in October, had 1 session in November, 2 in december and 1 in January. I probably won’t get more done till after the wedding.
@Valerie B.: I’d be lying if I didn’t say that the permanency doesn’t intimidate me too.
Very nice! I can appreciate how much time and pain it takes to get a large piece done. Now that’s commitment!
My tattoo says “Don’t gamble with love” and I got it about 6 years before I met Mr. D. Turns out that he is a professional gambler. If that wasn’t meant to be, I don’t know what is!
I agree with miss snapdragon.. it’s stunning and I can’t wait to see fun wedding pictures in your dress! Such a neat idea to include your ceremony site in your tattoo. I LOVE IT!
Wow.. how do you do it.. I’ve wanted a tiny winy tattoo but don’t have the courage.. I’m such a baby
That seriously is the most beautiful body art I have ever seen. I am tickled to see your pro-pics!
wow so gorgeous! I esp love the flowers at the bottom! Chrysanthemum? It covers up the old tat so well! The only tat I have is a blue dot on my finger when I accidentally stabbed myself with a pen! 
p.s. i have no words for how beautiful your temple is! Is it buddhist?
Incredible, I love the artwork! I can’t wait to see the pro photos of it too, with you AND the dress…
You tattoo is AMAZING!! You are abrave girl, I almost passed out from having a single little butterfly on my back, lol. I had to have smelling salts twice. I’m a total sissy!
Do they administer a numbing creme or something before doing a massive piece like that? Can’t wait to see the finished product!
that’s an awesome tat! the artist is great. don’t forget to show us when it’s completed. will it be done before the wedding?
I luv luv luv your tattoo!!! It is sooo amazing. I really want one but I always chicken out the last min.
holy crap..amazing! I’ve totally stolen your photos to feeature on my blog, you defo fit in!
http://www.rocknrollbride.com/?p=3716
http://bp0.blogger.com/_6n7Kv-z0UKg/SGQIbtH4wtI/AAAAAAAACfg/2Y7_lGUra_g/s1600-h/myfoothawaii.jpeg
My tattooed tootsie!
@mdarrah: I have my foot tattooed too! A cute lil’ gecko sits upon my foot.
[...] Details First row, left to right: Tattoo bride portrait by Allebach Photography via Weddingbee; vintage plates and individual chocolate mousse cups by Jenifer [...]
[...] of you had asked before how much of my tattoo would show with my dress [...]
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Mrs. Sushi, Hershey/Hawaii
Age and Occupation: 27, Graphic Designer/Photographer
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Laborer/Aspiring Hip Hop Producer
Engagement Date: December 25, 2007
Wedding Date: March 2009
Blogging Since: October 9, 2006
Venue: Byodo-In Temple, Luau Reception
About Me: I’m a notorious people-watcher who loves all things paper, food, traveling, grubbin’ on food, gossip magazines, food, sock monkeys…did I mention food?! Mr. Sushi and I are both haolepinos (half Filipino, half Caucasian) and hope to be able to somehow incorporate our cultures at our destination wedding in Hawaii. All while planning from the sweetest place in earth, Hershey!
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