“He did not know anything about my dress and when he first saw me walk down the aisle, he smiled,” Ayaka said. “We both agreed that this was the most special moment for the both of us.” Their love story started in Japan. Ayaka and Reid met in Tokyo while going to college. “I went to Bunkyo Gakuin University and Reid went to Sophia University. We met when we used to work part-time together when we were students,” Ayaka said. “We started hanging out a lot after work. He was shy and I did not get the hint at first, so this went on for a few months. Finally, I realized he liked me and it kind of naturally progressed from there.” Prior to their destination wedding, Ayaka and Reid were legally married in Japan. The proposal was simple and romantic. “Reid was on his knee with a ring and flower when we went to submit the marriage form to the city office in Japan,” Ayaka said. “We did not have a ceremony in Japan. We had our wedding and reception in Hawaii with close friends and family.” Having a destination wedding in Hawaii, was an easy decision for the couple. Hawaii is one of the most special places to Ayaka. “We always planned to have our wedding in Hawaii. I have visited every year since I was a little kid and it is a hometown to my loved one,” Ayaka said. “Reid is from Hilo, Hawaii.” The newlyweds decided to have their wedding on Oahu because it was easier for family and friends to travel from Japan. The next step was choosing their venue. As they were looking through venues on Oahu online, Ayaka said they immediately fell in love with Queen Emma’s Summer Palace. – continued on page 124
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