One-of-a-Kind Wedding Gown

Naturally, every bride wishes for her wedding to be unique, and what better way of doing so than by choosing a stunning gown? For Kimberly Lau, who grew up in Hawaii and now lives in Japan, our one visit to the salon of Hawaii's highly acclaimed couture designer, Anne Namba, was all it took to find an option that would make the perfect statement of individuality and elegance. The uchikake (Japanese silk wedding kimono) from which Kim's gown was fashioned, glimmered with gold embroidery and red accents, a nod to Kim's Chinese heritage. Congratulations, Kim and Chris, who celebrated their nuptials at the breathtaking Kahaluu Fish Pond!

Photo by Hokulii Images

Hawaii's Professional Wedding Associations

For those in search of reputable wedding vendors or general information about weddings, check out any of the island-specific wedding industry organizations, including the Kauai Wedding Professionals Association, Maui Wedding Association, and the Oahu Wedding Association. The websites to these associations not only provide access to established wedding professionals, but also offer useful info and answers to frequently asked questions about getting married in Hawaii.

Congratulations to the new leadership for 2010 of OWA, elected Tuesday night at the Mid-Pacific Country Club:
(L-R) Jeanne-Marie Viggiano of Jeanmarie photography-Web master, Emi Hanamizu of Emi’s Flowers and Gifts-Treasurer, Christine Gardner of Flaunt make up-Community Service, Cecilia Domingo of The Bridal Boutique-Secretary, Joshua Fair of Fisheye Studio-Vice President, Eugene Kam of Eugene Kam Photography-President, Michelle Garibay of Blue Sky Productions-Marketing, Jill Allen of Terrie Easley Design-Special Events

Mahalo and farewell to the outgoing officers of the OWA:

(L-R) Susan O'Donnell of Aloha Wedding Planners-Immediate Past President, Eugene Kam of Eugene Kam Photography-2010 President, Jen Ramsey of Weddings by Grace and Mona-Membership Director, Merri Ford of Kahala Caterers-Marketing Director, Michelle Garibay of Blue Sky Productions-2010 Marketing Director, Emi Hanamizu of Emi's Flowers and Gifts-Treasurer, Connie Omo of Hawaiian Pix Photography-Secretary, Dave Miyamoto of Dave Miyamoto and Co.-President, Marino Regalado of Ninja Entertainment-Vice President

Mini Foods; more than a mini meal

Janelle and Alex’s wishes for miniature foods at their June 13, 2009 wedding came true with the stellar culinary creations by Ginniberries. Imagine, satisfying the hearty lunchtime appetites of hungry guests with mini foods? Several morsels of these delectable, diminutive dishes made for an absolutely unforgettable (and satisfying!) meal.

Tuscan BLTs with tomato, pancetta, arugula and basil aioli, Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, and Mini Crab Salad Rolls

Sweet Potato and Regular French Fry Cones with Truffle Salt or Cajun Salt

Ume Noodle Spoons

Mini Quesadillas

papaya, Chinese black bean, cilantro & feta

roast duck, smoked gouda & raspberry chipotle sauce

chorizo, kabocha, and pepper jack

Launch of the Hawaii Blog for The Knot

Aloha! I am excited to be blogging for The Knot, and I look forward to sharing some insights into all the spectacular things we have to offer here in Hawaii for weddings. The amazing talent of our vendors; the temperate climate; the unique melding of so many cultures; and above all, the wonderful brides, grooms, and people in the wedding community continue to inspire me and remind me time and again of why I consider myself fortunate to be planning weddings.

Stay tuned for some updates on the latest and greatest with Hawaii weddings! In the meantime, here's a photo shot by Absolutely Loved of my dear friends, whose June 20, 2009 wedding we helped to plan. Congratulations Cindy and Duff!

~ Mona