Pauline and Michael

Pauline was born and raised on the island of O`ahu. Upon graduating from Punahou School, she left the islands briefly to attend the University of California, Irvine, where she majored in Economics. She currently works as an accountant in the real estate division of a local company. Pauline’s hobbies include hiking, traveling, hosting theme parties and eating. They say the key to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and while Pauline doesn’t often cook, she does know her way to a great restaurant. Since she and Michael share such similar tastes, the two are able to predict what the other will order, because it is usually the exact same dish.

Michael was born on O`ahu and raised throughout the islands of O`ahu, Maui and Kaua`i. He is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools and the University of Hawai`i, where he majored in Economics and Political Science. He is currently working for a local real estate development company, as well as pursuing his MBA at the University of Hawai`i. In his free time, Michael likes to travel, golf, run, and watch basketball. One of the early tricks Michael used to win Pauline over was the introduction of the “fun pack”. Upon hearing Pauline grumble after a bad day at work, Michael rushed to put together a “fun pack” of goodies, including a DVD of comedian Russell Peters, various snacks, toy figurines and his favorite pick-me-up, a cheesy romantic comedy.

While there may not be an obvious resemblance at first glance, as soon as you hear her voice or witness the similar style of flailing limbs, you will recognize Pauline’s (not so) little sister. Growing up, they had some of the best adventures together, from the good (pushing their beds together to have sleepovers even though they shared the same room), the bad (physical fistfights that would lead to throwing knives and kitchen barstools at each other) to the downright scary (pretending there were giant snowmen lumbering after the car and screaming at their parents to drive faster).

BFFs for over twenty years, Christiane and Pauline have been what really feels like friends forever. They grew up spending countless hours on the phone, at each other’s houses playing violent video games, or at the beach trying to get as tan as possible so they could pass off as locals. They once vowed to marry twin brothers so they could become real sisters, but have since settled with significant others of the same name (Michael).

Another bestie from the early years, Pauline and Sara became friends in the sixth grade, when they found themselves in the same homeroom. Luckily, they shared many classes throughout intermediate and high school, so they were able to see each other often both in and outside of class. Sara is a true partner in crime, from cajoling little old women into buying tickets to 'R' rated movies as teenagers, to braving altitude sickness and vicious insect bites on a 24 mile trek to the ruins of Machu Picchu.

As the only girl amongst three brothers, Chelsey confided in Michael that she wished she had a sister to trade clothes with, amongst other things. She would see Michael sharing clothes with Marc and Mathew and wanted to do the same. Michael now gives Chelsey first pick of his trades (mostly shirts she can use as sleep shirts). Soon, Chelsey will be gaining a sister and will be able to trade more than just sleep shirts.

Poha and Michael grew up together, having been close friends since their high school days. After college, the two backpacked through Europe during the summer of 2005. The tour included stops in France, Germany, Italy, Monaco, Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland, which led to numerous adventures and long-lasting memories.

Best friends since college, Michael met John through mutual friends during their freshman year. The two shared an off-campus apartment in college, during which they made many memories together, including shopping cart relays, morning surf sessions, and football tailgating. John has always been there for Michael and even hiked from the summit of Haleakala on Maui down to the bottom of the crater and back (about 12 miles) before admitting to him that he actually dislikes hiking.

For five years, Michael was the lone child and king of the castle until the day Marc arrived home. In addition to learning to share their parents, Michael also learned that having siblings were a lot of fun. They shared many great times together, including building forts in the family room, pool days at the Grand Hyatt Kauai, and stealing each other’s bikes.

The youngest of the Shibata siblings, Mathew is the baby of the bunch. The two share common interests in terms of background and experiences, including studying business, working part-time in the restaurant industry, and having similar tastes in clothes and shoes. Pictures of Michael in his younger days are often mistaken for the current Mathew.

WEDDING PARTY