Dedication: to Chaka and Kahlil

Photo by Perfekt Photo

One of the things I love most about my job is being able to play a small part in helping a couple celebrate their commitment to one another. Tonight, I enjoyed a wonderful dinner with Chaka and Kahlil, former clients of ours who became husband and wife at Kualoa Ranch's Moli'i Garden three and a half years ago. It was such a treat to see them again, and to meet Miss McKenzie Monet, their beautiful daughter who will be a full year old on Wednesday. Were it not for my role as their wedding planner, our paths would likely have never crossed, and for this very reason, I consider myself blessed to be able to meet couples like Chaka and Kahlil, and so many others, who only enrich my life. I dedicate today's post to Chaka and Kahlil, who are living the dream of a strong marriage, loving family life, and successful careers, and I wish them all the best. Cheers!

Wedding Planning Tip: Selecting the Right Vendors for Your Wedding

Photo by Kris Labang

With so many qualified, talented, and reputable vendors available, many brides and grooms find themselves overwhelmed, not knowing which hair and make-up artist, photographer, cake maker, floral designer, etc. best suits them. As seasoned wedding planners, we tailor our vendor recommendations to each of our clients' unique set of needs, thereby streamlining the process for them. Here are some tips regarding vendor selection that I shared with brides and grooms who attended this last Wednesday's workshop held by The Wedding Cafe, to help them better understand vendor selection:

Things to consider:

• Budget - calculate how much you would ideally like to spend on each vendor type.
• Style - learn about the different vendors' styles, and assess whether their style matches your own for your wedding.
• Priorities - determine as a couple what your priorities are, as these are the areas where you may want to splurge, and cut back on those areas that fall lower on the priority list.

Suggested Process:

• Narrow down list of possible vendors.
• Schedule appointments to meet or speak with vendors under consideration.
• Meet with your prospective vendors and ask lots of questions to gain a clear understanding of what they provide. (Remember, vendors and venues may or may not be holding your date while you weigh your choices, so make decisions in a timely manner to ensure the greatest likelihood of booking your first choice in vendor.)
• Book the vendors that make the most sense for your wedding.
  

Wedding Planning Certification Course

guest speaker, Dave Miyamoto of Dave Miyamoto and Co.,

then president of the O'ahu Wedding Association,
speaks in class in course taught last year

Do you love weddings and have thought about making a career out of wedding planning? Are you already planning weddings, but just have not yet become a certified wedding planner? Consider enrolling in the Wedding Planning Certification Course, now being offered at Kapi'olani Community College on O'ahu.

The classes, taught by Jen Ramsey and Mona L. Hirata of Weddings by Grace and Mona, run from February 8 - April 19, 2010 on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 5:30pm - 7:30pm. While the course has already begun, interested students may still enroll at any time. The course covers everything from the "ins and outs" of event planning and design to starting and running your own business. It also features numerous guest speakers, in-class activities, hands-on workshops, and field trips. Contact Keri Watanabe at (808) 734-9286 or at zittnan@hawaii.edu for details or to register for the class.

Wedding Style Tip #3: Consider a colored runner to match your wedding

photo by Dylan Dawson

While nothing quite connotes "wedding" like a traditional, white aisle runner, modern day couples may opt for color on their aisle, to go along with their theme. This vibrant runner at the Moana Surfrider, supplied by Yvonne Design for Kindy and Will's wedding makes a stunning statement, great for adding a stylish flair to any wedding.