Remembering the past and looking forward to their future, Michelle + Taka came together as husband and wife in an intimate courtyard ceremony surrounded by family and friends. It was a warm and magical atmosphere, which incorporated traditions from their Japanese, Irish and Italian backgrounds. Giant paper cranes surrounded the dance floor and small silver cranes hung from the ceiling over floral-filled tables, while small handmade silk bags containing five sugared almonds - for good luck - were given to each guest.
As a beautiful tribute, the couple also honoured Michelle’s Dad who passed away suddenly eight months before the wedding. “We had a beautiful ceremony backdrop hand painted with an Irish blessing in honour of my Dad. It made it feel like we had a little bit of him with us during the ceremony.”
HOW DID YOU KNOW THAT YOUR PARTNER WAS THE ONE?
Taka: As I got to know Michelle, I realised how unique and special she was. She really cares about things and people that matter to her and always puts her friends in front of her. It is so easy to become jaded and not care in today’s world, but Michelle is the opposite. And I really admire that quality in her. As we spent more and more time together, I couldn’t imagine being with anyone else anymore.
Michelle: Seeing how Taka was with my family, who mean the world to me, was when I knew he was the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. We’re a team.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR PARTNER?
Taka: The way she shows her love. She is a very honest person that doesn’t hide her feelings. She leaves no room for doubt. I feel lucky to have someone so genuine to love me back.
Michelle: I fell in love with him for his honest heart. I’ve never met anyone like Taka before. He is probably the most hilarious person I have ever met, but at the same time he is serious and humble.
WHAT IS MARRIAGE TO YOU?
“Marriage is two people saying, “Let’s do this. Whatever happens from this day forward, good and bad, I am going to be right here trying my best for us.”
Scroll down to see more of Michelle + Taka’s day, beautifully captured by Jonathan Ong!
