Life

You'll Never Want To Get Married Anywhere Else

When people ask (and god knows, they do) why I'm single, my standard line has been that I'm too busy with all the other aspects of my life to go hunting for a human being to spend it with. This is only half true. The other half of the truth is that I've been waiting to get into a serious relationship because I can't stand the idea of getting married in a venue that wasn't befitting of my awesome. OK, I made that up; I would never base my relationship choices on something like that. But when you see this amazing ribbon chapel designed by Hiroshi Nakamura, my tall tale will become a lot more believable. Forget putting off relationships—I'd put off breathing for a few years if it meant getting access to this building.

It isn't just the soaring architecture and its placement right next to an inland sea in Japan that makes this chapel so romantic: Every facet of it is designed with a unique wedding experience in mind. Originally constructed to afford ocean views over the large trees in the region, the ribbon chapel has two ascending sets of staircases, so each partner can ascend separately and then meet in the middle while their families look on from the chapel garden. Basically, what I'm saying is that I need this to be the setting for a Nicholas Sparks novel, so that it can then become a movie, because who wouldn't want to watch their favorite hot people pretend to be in love with each other on this beautiful creation?

It's no surprise that this comes out of Japan, home to one of the most forward-thinking and futuristic cities in the world. And boy, do I hope that this building is indicative of the future. Architect Nakamura has been leaving his distinctive design touch on buildings all over Japan, including a recent glass jewelry box-themed boutique and a dome-shaped community hall centered around a tree. All of his designs are sweeping, imaginative, and include elements of nature, all of which you will see in this chapel's stunning architecture:

Image: Mocoloco/Twitter