The Mountain Winery Wedding | Kikei & Ben
From the first moment we hopped on a Google call with Kikei and Ben, we just knew they were our kind of people - fun, goofy, and totally in sync. There was an ease about them that made us instantly excited to be part of their story.
And what a story it is. Kikei and Ben met as dorm neighbors in college, bonding over a shared love of softball, the recovery from Kikei’s shoulder surgery, and, yes, a strategically spotted Xbox. That simple moment of connection turned into playing catch, late-night conversations, and eventually, something unshakable.
Their love is rooted in deep friendship and unconditional support. Through career changes snd life challenges they’ve stuck by each other’s side. Ben, who never really imagined himself the type to pull off a proposal, planned a beautiful moment in Catalina Island, a place already special to them from a past scuba diving trip for Kikei’s birthday. It was thoughtful, low-key, and absolutely perfect.
We got to hang out with them for their engagement shoot at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of their favorite spots. Honestly, shooting them surrounded by jellyfish and sea life felt like stepping into a dream. It was calm, intimate, and totally magical, kind of like their vibe as a couple.
Then came the wedding day. And let us tell you, it was wildly different, totally unique, and 100% them. From the start, they filled the day with nods to the things that make them who they are. Gaming played a huge part (because hello, Xbox is literally what started it all), and their theme reflected their shared love of play and imagination.
They didn’t just bring in the fun, they honored their roots, too. The traditional tea ceremony was a standout moment, made even cooler by the use of Hong Kong-style milk tea cups (how genius is that?!). And the dragon and lion dances? Pure energy. It was a beautiful way to celebrate their culture while keeping the whole vibe joyful and full of life. Don’t even get us started on the desserts, egg puffs straight out of a Hong Kong street market? Yes, please!!!
When they’re not planning epic wedding moments, you’ll find them gaming or laughing over cooking shows and their latest food experiments.
At FJM, we live for couples like Kikei and Ben—people who show up exactly as they are, who love each other with humor and heart, and who trust us to capture their story with all the messy, sweet, chaotic magic it brings. We’re so lucky to have been part of this chapter and we already miss the egg puffs.
Thank you for having us!
Victorio