The couple describes the ceremony as very intimate. Brandon’s father, actor Ferry Salim, served as officiant for the proceedings and “gave a little dad speech to us,” says the bride. The couple then recited their own vows before sealing their marriage with a kiss. The deck transformed for cocktail hour, where the newlyweds and their guests took in the last light of the day. “We enjoyed blue hour together on the deck, with cocktails, wine and delicious local snacks, while taking in sweeping views of Kyoto,” shares Dhika. “As the sun set, we watched the city slowly light up below us, which felt incredibly magical and peaceful – the perfect way to transition from the ceremony into the evening celebrations.”
Before entering the temple for the reception, the newlyweds took a moment to watch their guests mingle. “It was truly magical to see what we had planned for a year come to life,” describes Dhika. “Our closest family and friends came all the way to Japan for us! Some even flew 18 hours just to spend the weekend. That was the most important part.” Food was a highlight of the reception, with bento boxes, sashimi, Japanese beef and unagi chirashi bowls from The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto on the menu. “I thought I’d be too nervous or occupied to eat, but I ended up finishing all the courses,” shares the bride.
The party moved underground to the oldest club in Japan, Club Metro. The after-party had a rock ‘n’ roll theme, and all the guests swapped their attire to party into the night. “We also invited Brandon’s favourite Japanese indie rock band, Galileo Galilei, to perform! Brandon gave a surprise performance with them, too,” adds Dhika.
Reflecting on the Kyoto festivities, the couple notes that they are simply filled with gratitude: “When I see the photos, I could feel the warmth of that day all over again.”
AloJapan.com