John Mills and Jessica Zoutendyk’s love story is a testament to how life’s unexpected paths can lead to something truly magical. John, a Memphis native working in supply chain operations, and Jess, a California-born educator who fell in love with the charm of Memphis during her Teach for America placement, found each other in the heart of the South. Their first date at a cozy Midtown Memphis restaurant sparked an instant connection, bonding over their shared love of music, movies, food, and travel. Little did they know, their journey would take them across the world to a moment they’d cherish forever.
Fast forward to a trip to Japan with friends—a destination that had long been on their travel bucket list. John knew this was the perfect opportunity to propose, surrounded by the serene beauty of cherry blossoms, ancient shrines, and breathtaking architecture. After a week exploring the vibrant streets of Tokyo, John and Jess took a train to Kyoto, where John’s plan began to unfold.
Early one morning, John suggested they visit the stunning Sanjūsangen-dō, a temple renowned for its 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. As they wandered through the tranquil halls and beautiful gardens, the atmosphere was nothing short of magical. After touring the temple, the couple stopped at a small market to pick up fresh strawberries and coffee—a simple yet sweet prelude to what was coming next.
They made their way to the picturesque Kamo River, where the tranquility of the moment felt almost otherworldly. As they strolled along the water’s edge, a crane—a symbol of luck and longevity in Japanese culture—flew overhead and gracefully landed directly in front of them. John took this as his sign. Turning to Jess, he casually said, “You know, I think we should get married…”
Jess, caught off guard, laughed and replied, “Oh, you think so?” But before she could process the moment, John was down on one knee, holding out a ring and saying, “Yes, I know so. Will you marry me?”
Tears of joy followed as Jess said yes, her first question being, “Do my parents know?” What she didn’t realize was that John had orchestrated a surprise of his own. Back in San Diego, Jess’s parents, brother, and grandparents were gathered together, eagerly awaiting a FaceTime call to celebrate the happy couple.
The rest of the day was a dream. John and Jess floated through Kyoto, meeting up with John’s sister, brother-in-law, and a close friend for a celebratory lunch. Later, as the day turned to evening, they toasted with champagne and sushi—a not quite traditional, but perfect pairing to celebrate their love.
From Memphis to Kyoto, John and Jess’s love story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary moments happen when you least expect them. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this adventurous and deeply connected couple as they begin their next chapter together.
