James and Shirley met in Japantown working as cashiers at Ichiban Kan. What began as casual chats and inside jokes quickly turned into weekend adventures, long midnight talks, and discovering new restaurants together. As their relationship blossomed, so did their adventures—both big and small. They explored new corners of the city, tried (and failed) at cooking new recipes, and took road trips just for the fun of it. However, some of their most unforgettable memories were made across the globe during three incredible trips to Japan. From wandering through Kyoto’s quiet temples to tasting their way through Osaka’s street food stalls, those travels deepened their connection and gave them stories they’ll be telling for a lifetime. While traveling brought them joy, life at home brought growth. Both Shirley and James pursued graduate degrees during their relationship (James as a Physician Assistant and Shirley as a registered nurse)—balancing late-night study sessions, endless deadlines, and moments of self-doubt with unwavering support for one another. Through it all, they celebrated every milestone as a team and became each other’s greatest cheerleaders. Now, after 10 years of learning, growing, and building a life filled with love, respect, and a whole lot of laughter, they’re ready to take the next step. Surrounded by the people who’ve supported them every step of the way, James and Shirley are thrilled to say “I do”—and begin the next chapter of their story, together.