...On June 8, 2013, not at the Cal Parks Gala, but at the after party, where Phoebe and Akira were introduced by Georgia Smith, but didn't have a conversation.

The following year, Phoebe convinced her boss to join the Peace Corps. Akira's boss wanted to go to the going away party, as he was on the Board of Cal Parks and knew Phoebe's boss, and used driving his car as an incentive for Akira to join him. There Phoebe and Akira reconnected.

Phoebe and Akira's friendship blossomed over the next eight years, going to plays, to dinners, and an architectural walk through downtown.

Phoebe asked Akira to help her move into her new apartment, and then out of the same apartment a few years later (without ever inviting him over in between).

Phoebe moved to San Francisco and to Oregon, and was invited to move in with her best friends, Sarah Beth and Tennessee in Glendora.

During COVID, Phoebe and Akira went to see "In the Heights"... and then Phoebe sent an email... and Akira sent an email....

And for the rest of the story, please come to our wedding, now aboard The Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA!

We thank you all for nurturing our relationship.