One of the most unique projects that the couple embarked on for their wedding day was creating a signature perfume. Dhika, who owns a fragrance brand, collaborated with a Japanese perfumer and Brandon’s mother, who is also a perfumer, to create a unisex scent named Ceremony 29 in honor of their wedding date. The main note of the perfume was hinoki, a Japanese woody scent symbolizing Kyoto’s wooden homes or machiya. As a special touch, all guests received the fragrance as a favor, and Dhika later released it with her brand after the wedding.
When it came to choosing her wedding attire, the bride worked exclusively with designer Sebastian Gunawan. Gunawan, who has been dressing Dhika since she was eight years old, designed two looks for her wedding in Jakarta that represented her Indonesian and Chinese heritage. For the Kyoto wedding, he incorporated a Japanese obi-inspired back with floral details on a ceremonial two-piece bridal couture. Dhika accessorized with a Japanese hairpin and tennis bracelets gifted by Brandon’s mother, keeping her neckline free of any jewelry to highlight the gown’s shape. She also wore her mother’s vintage Sebastian Gunawan dress from 20 years ago during the welcome dinner. Brandon opted for a suit from Lim’s Tailor, a long-time family favorite.
The couple also outfitted their wedding party for the day. Dhika’s bridesmaids wore mismatched dresses in butter yellow and sage green hues, each showcasing their individual style. The groomsmen donned suits with matching loafers and ties, creating a cohesive look for the celebration.
The wedding festivities began with a welcome party at The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, where guests stayed for the weekend. The couple and their guests then explored Kyoto’s famous Pontocho Alley for a night of bar hopping. The following day, the ceremony took place on the deck of Shogunzuka Seiryuden Temple, with a 360-degree layout that surrounded the center platform. The space was adorned with florals in reflective water vessels crafted by This Humid House, while a musical ensemble played instrumentals by Joe Hisaishi. Dhika made her entrance to “First Love” by Utada Hikaru, with Brandon’s father, actor Ferry Salim, serving as officiant and delivering a heartfelt speech.
Following the ceremony, the deck transformed into a cocktail hour venue where guests enjoyed cocktails, wine, and local snacks while taking in the picturesque views of Kyoto as the sun set. The reception featured a menu of bento boxes, sashimi, Japanese beef, and unagi chirashi bowls from The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto. The party continued underground at Club Metro, the oldest club in Japan, with a rock ‘n’ roll themed after-party where guests danced into the night. Brandon’s favorite Japanese indie rock band, Galileo Galilei, even performed, with Brandon surprising everyone by joining them on stage.
Looking back on their Kyoto wedding, the couple is filled with gratitude for the love and support of their family and friends. The photos from the day capture the warmth and magic of the celebration, allowing them to relive the special moments again and again.
