Hallways can be dark, lonely and often uninspiring places, but for Ken Tashiro, an IT engineer and the grandson of a prominent Japanese businessman, the hallway at Marymount California University will always bring back memories of that day more than 10 years ago when he first saw Jessica Goutama and was instantly smitten.

After a long courtship that endured distance apart while he worked in Japan and she in Singapore, Ken planned a surprise trip to their alma mater during the Thanksgiving week of 2013. After a nostalgic stroll around the campus, he revealed that it was love at first sight that sparked their relationship. 

Jessica, the finance director of Orix Holdings who is also the daughter of its founder and chairman Linda Goutama, recalls, “At the rose court garden, which has a magnificent night view of the Los Angeles harbour, Ken went down on one knee and proposed.”

THEME & CONCEPT  
Which little girl has never wished to be a princess? For Jessica and Ken, who celebrated countless special occasions at various Disneyland theme parks, there was no better way to make this childhood fantasy a reality than with a fairytale union in Disneyland.

At their wedding solemnisation ceremony at the beautiful Rose Court Garden of the Disneyland Hotel in California, Jessica made her grand entrance Cinderella-style, inside a “crystal coach” complete with a horse and liveried footmen. She recalls: “I had always imagined myself in a wedding gown inside a horse-drawn Cinderella carriage but the experience was more surreal than I had ever imagined it would be. I stood still in disbelief at the magnificent sight until the planners hurried me on board. It was a magical feeling!”

During the lunch reception that followed at the hotel’s Sleeping Beauty Pavilion, Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse showed up, driving young and old into a photo-taking frenzy.

The enchantment continued at the wedding banquet in Singapore. To create a Winter Fantasy mood at the Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, winter trees were planted around the ballroom and entwined with fairy lights while snowflake images were projected onto the walls. Mirrors, candelabras, crystals and hanging glass balls were also incorporated into the decor for more glitter. Rose petals strewn along the aisle lent an air of romance.

After the couple’s first dance came the cake-cutting ceremony. A nine-tiered white fondant creation, the cake was adorned with crystals and LED lights that rendered a glowing effect. As it was cut, a pyrotechnics display went off on stage and heavy fog enveloped the dance floor in a dramatic start to the evening’s chill segment.

HIGHLIGHTS 
Jessica’s wedding gown, a pure white bespoke Monique Lhuillier creation, was every bit fit for a princess with long sleeves and lace appliqué bearing floral beadwork. To complement the classic look, her Prince Charming donned a black tuxedo.

Changing into a champagne coloured gown later, the bride was a picture of radiance, not just because she was overjoyed at being surrounded by her loved ones on her special day or because her make-up was impeccable, but also thanks to the pair of lighted fairy wings she wore. Ken, too, had a fun in the wardrobe department with outfits that ranged from a tuxedo with coattail at the banquet to a flaming red and gold changshan for the tea ceremony.

With a high-profile guest list that included company heads, politicians and the family of former Indonesian president Sukarno, both celebrations had top-notch entertainment. The line-up included an Indonesian traditional dance at the Singapore banquet and an upbeat hip-hop display at the US celebration specially choreographed by Ken’s former college mate.

Guests penned their well wishes on two guitars Jessica’s mother had custom-made as a gift for the music-loving groom. Tributes to the couple flowed during the speeches, too, which were witty with anecdotes inspired by Disney’s favourite movies. Jessica’s brother ended his speech with something borrowed from the Frozen character Olaf, “Some people are simply worth melting for”.

Jessica & Ken’s wedding events

Solemnisation Ceremony
When November 25, 2015
Where Disneyland Hotel California, Rose Court Garden

Dinner Reception
When December 30, 2015
Where The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore

The Vendors
Bride’s Outfits Anne Avantie; Monique Lhuillier
Groom’s Outfits Tommy Hilfiger
Photography Axioo; Lightedpixels Photography
Videographer Axioo; Moomedia
Make-up & Hair Joey Chan; Joyce Luck & team
Flowers Boenga; CC Lee Design; Disney Wedding
Planner Disney Wedding; Our Fairytale Wedding
Cake Disney Wedding; Susucre
Band Compass Entertainment