Christopher Kenji Butcher Reynolds, a doctoral candidate in collaborative piano at the prestigious Juilliard School, had an unexpected encounter with John Livingston Hewitt, an undergraduate student in dance, back in September 2019. Their paths crossed when Reynolds wore a T-shirt featuring Hewitt’s favorite drag queen, Trixie Mattel. Intrigued, Reynolds followed Hewitt on Instagram and the two began flirting through posts of Reynolds’ family cat, Tiger. Their connection grew stronger, leading to their first date at E’s Bar on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Unlike the typical fast-paced dating culture of their generation, Reynolds and Hewitt decided to take things slow. Reynolds, who had developed strong feelings for Hewitt, wanted to see if their connection went beyond physical attraction. After two months, it became clear that their bond was deepening. Hewitt practically moved into Reynolds’ home in Hell’s Kitchen, near Juilliard’s campus.
When the pandemic hit in March 2020, Reynolds suggested they escape the city and spend some time with his family in Ithaca, New York. What was meant to be a two-week visit turned into three months of quality time. Hewitt quickly embraced Reynolds’ parents and sister, bonding over games of Mario Kart and their shared love for the reality TV show “Drag Race.” Additionally, Hewitt, a K-pop enthusiast and contemporary dancer, taught Reynolds’ family K-pop choreography he learned from YouTube tutorials.
According to Hewitt, Reynolds’ family was incredibly welcoming, instantly making him feel like a member of their own. As he puts it, “When you marry someone, you marry their family too,” and he couldn’t have asked for a more kind, generous, and fun-loving family. Hewitt, originally from Silver Spring, Maryland, had moved to Hamburg, Germany, during high school to pursue dance training. His family later relocated to the Netherlands.
In the spring of 2021, Hewitt graduated virtually, and Reynolds landed a job as an ensemble pianist with the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The couple made their way to Chicago, and a few months later, they welcomed a tuxedo cat named Stevie into their family. Hewitt now works as an account manager at the Information Systems Audit and Control Association.
As their relationship continued to blossom, thoughts of marriage entered their minds. Reynolds decided to propose on December 29, 2021, with a personalized scavenger hunt. The couple often exchanged scavenger hunts as gifts, and this time, Reynolds wanted to test Hewitt’s knowledge of their beloved Ithaca home, which held many significant memories for them.
Their wedding took place on July 22 at Osmica at Spring Trail Farm, a charming events space and bed-and-breakfast situated in Finger Lakes, just outside Ithaca. The ceremony was officiated by Michael Maglaras, Reynolds’ uncle, who became ordained by the Universal Life Church for this special occasion. Given Reynolds’ Japanese heritage, the couple incorporated elements of his background into the ceremony. Reynolds wore a traditional kimono, and the farm was adorned with cherry blossoms and origami paper cranes.
Instead of generic vows, Reynolds and Hewitt opted for personal promises reflecting their day-to-day life. Reynolds pledged to let Hewitt be the funny one among them. From cheeky to sincere, their vows showcased their unique bond. Their first dance as a married couple was to “Happy Days Are Here Again” by Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand, transitioning into pop choreography set to “Talk That Talk” by TWICE, a popular K-pop girl group. They even rented a Steinway grand piano, previously used by Paul Anka, for a performance in Syracuse. As a special touch, Mikaela Bennett, a professional musical theater performer and a friend of Reynolds’, sang “People” from the musical Funny Girl, accompanied by Reynolds on the piano.
Their love story is proof that unlikely connections can flourish in unexpected places, bringing two people from different artistic divisions together in a beautiful union.
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