Our Story
Jess and Billy’s story began the way many great ones do—unexpectedly, but with perfect timing.
It all started at a rush event for Alpha Phi Omega, where Jess was on the hunt for her perfect little bro. As fate (and the Big-Little draft) would have it, Jess and Billy were each other’s #1 pick in Fall 2015. A perfect match from the start—on paper at least.
Back then, they didn’t spend much time together (Billy was taken), but the universe had plans. After college, their paths crossed again—this time with a lot of volleyball, movie nights, and a spontaneous “Big-Little” trip to New York in 2017. From there, the adventures never stopped: Chicago, Europe, Hawaii, Philippines, Korea… the list (and the photo albums) kept growing.
Billy planned to ask Jess out in the romantic Venice Canals, but got too swept up in the scenery and forgot. Fortunately, Jess’ co-maid of honor Kim didn’t. With a gentle nudge and a Tuscan sunset, Billy asked Jess to be official at a winery in Italy. Jess thought about it, smiled—and decided to make it official the next day at the dreamy Saturnia hot springs. And just like that, April 7th, 2019 became a date to remember.
Then came COVID. Dreams to watch the Tokyo Olympic Games were paused—but one wish came true: Jess finally got her corgi, Rika (with Billy’s full approval, of course).
Once travel resumed, Billy was planning to propose during their Japan 2023 trip. But the ring didn’t arrive in time. Friends started wondering: cold feet? Too many arguments in the boat? (Looking at you, Chiyoda Park.) Determined, Billy convinced Jess to return to Japan in 2024 with a secret plan. To help set the stage, our friend Kathy pretended she was planning a month-long stay in Japan and “invited” us to visit her that weekend. Jess didn’t suspect a thing. And it was a gloomy March day at Shinjuku Gyoen Garden, with the cherry blossoms starting to bloom, Billy popped the question. Jess said yes, and Billy was (totally not) stressed.😅
On April 7th, 2025, they officially tied the knot at the San Diego Courthouse so their dog Rika could be part of the celebration. But the real party’s just beginning.
We’re so excited to celebrate (again!) with the people we love most—in Japan, no less. Thank you for being part of our story. We can’t wait to see you soon! <3
A Look into the Engagement
3.24.2024
Take a peek through some of our favorite moments from our engagement session, beautifully captured by Anil [85mmTokyo]. These photos hold so much of what we were feeling—joy, nerves, laughter, and love—as we got ready for the next chapter. We hope you enjoy looking through them as much as we loved taking them.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo, Japan
