Vendor Highlight: Eugene Kam Photography

I thought it might be helpful to start introducing Hawaii's vendors to readers, and giving them a bit of my "insider insight," as many of you may be in need of their services. For my first feature, I've selected one of the veterans in the wedding industry, Eugene Kam Photography.

Eugene is one of the photographers who have successfully transitioned from the film to digital age of photography, and because of this, he brings with him a solid foundation in technique. What I admire most about Eugene's work, is his ability to capture couples at their best, through direction and an understanding of how to minimize physical traits that couples may find less flattering (such as significant height differences, "fluffy" areas) while accentuating their best features.

He also offers couples a full range of products, including albums, thank you cards, and now, he even sends couples a mini, lightweight, paperback album with photos from their wedding. Special touches like this, and his calendar Valentine's card with the wedding date marked with a heart, make his truly a complete and comprehensive service.

Engagement photos: Dayna and Billy

Photos by Dave Miyamoto

While some couples question the need for an engagement photo session prior to their wedding, I always suggest it as a way for the bride and groom to become comfortable with their wedding photographer and also as an opportunity to experience a session with the hair and make-up artist hired for the wedding. It serves not only as a way to capture images of the couple during their period of being engaged, but also as a dry run with these two key vendors.

Dayna and Billy, who just tied the knot yesterday, opted for the engagement session with their photographer, Dave Miyamoto, of Dave Miyamoto and Company. To tie in with their Asian-inspired wedding theme, they chose the stunning backdrop of Byodo-In Temple for their photo shoot, and Alison Hayashi of kiss&makeup prepped Dayna by styling Dayna's hair and making her up for the pictures.

I love this photo of Dayna; Dave caught another of her unforgettable smiles perfectly!

Not only did Dayna and Billy celebrate their marriage yesterday, but they also celebrated 16 years to the day as a couple. When looking at the following photo, I can imagine these two as high school sweethearts, sweet and in love.

What impressed me most about the photos from Dayna and Billy's engagement shoot, is the diversity of scenery and backgrounds that Dave artfully captured in the photos. Of course, the temple and surrounding water photographs beautifully, but I also admire the way Dave shot the tropical foliage and "woodland" feel with the paperbark trees.

Before signing off, I must share with you one more photo. In addition to getting beautiful portraits, my favorite is when engagement photos portray the personality of a couple. Anyone who knows Billy can attest to his love for speed and his car. Here he is, down on one knee, praying for the answer to be "yes!"

Fortunately, Dayna gets the ring in the end, and they drive off happily into the future...Dayna, Billy, and his car. Congratulations, you two (er, you three)!

Featured Wedding #12: Lynn and Damien

Photos by Frank Amodo

Lynn and Damien's over-the-top, glamorous wedding struck a beautiful balance of elegance and style, which naturally blended with their own down-to-earth modesty, lovely to encounter at such a luxurious wedding. Guests were showered with lavish treats, starting with a fun-filled and relaxed rehearsal dinner at the Halekulani's Hau Terrace, and two days later at the wedding reception held in the Royal Hawaiian Hotel's Monarch Ballroom, they enjoyed a spectacular four-course dinner with a candy buffet that included delicate French macaroons in colors to match the wedding. Throughout dinner, wine flowed freely and dishes of delicacies kept appearing, leaving guests fully satiated and ready to enjoy the dance floor.

I especially loved Lynn and Damien's color palette, which included soft, muted tones of pale blush pink, champagne, and ivory: very understated, and oh-so-chic! The colors were reflected in everything from the stationery items, Lynn's pretty sandals, the bridesmaids' dresses, the linen, flowers, and even the lighting. (Decor, flowers, and lighting were designed by Yvonne of Yvonne Design and Mood Event.)

I have to admit that I am especially fond of choreographed first dances, and Lynn and Damien executed theirs with pizzazz! Photographer Frank Amodo, and the videography team of Kai Media, caught glimpses of the two of them spending a quiet moment before the reception to practice, and when it came time for the real thing, it couldn't have been any more beautiful!

Much of the planning took place against the backdrop of Damien's parents facing some health issues, and the celebration of Lynn and Damien's marriage was made complete by the presence of their families. Damien's parents who are both doing well, celebrated in style, as did Lynn's parents! Not only did I get to enjoy planning with Lynn and Damien, but over the course of preparing for their wedding, I had the pleasure of meeting their families. It is thanks to Damien's mother, who found us, that we were able to take part in such a memorable wedding. Here is to Damien's mom, Christy, without whom, none of us would have been there, and thanks to whom, the result was the marriage of a wonderful couple and the unfolding of a beautiful wedding.

Congratulations, Lynn and Damien! We're so thrilled to have seen you tie the knot!!!

Tips and Advice: reserving chairs at the ceremony

Photo by Russ Ramos Photography

Have you ever attended a wedding and noticed that everyone tends to sit in the back, or not sit at all? Perhaps it is because as guests, we feel "unworthy"of sitting up front; to be respectful, we place ourselves in the back, thinking that we should allow immediate family...or older guests...or closer friends... to sit up close. What happens, then, is that no one ends up sitting in the front, leaving the bride and groom feeling a bit isolated.

To prevent seats from being underutilized, we often suggest reserving seats with signs at a ceremony, particularly when the number of chairs are limited/less than the anticipated number of attendees. This sends a clear signal to guests that certain seats are designated for key guests, whereas all the rest of the chairs are free for anyone's use. If at a church or chapel, a "reserved" sign hung at the end of the pew serves the same function.

Photo by Visionari

Another advantage to utilizing reserved signs is that they can add a splash of color and enhance a color scheme on an otherwise neutral landscape of chairs. Incorporating ribbon, crystal, and multiple layers of cardstock make these simple signs beautiful accent pieces at the ceremony, rather than simply being functional pieces of paper. Suggestion: if reserving seats for special guests, advise these guests in advance that they have reserved seating, or designate an usher or two to help them find their seats. By filling seats and pews, we create a feeling of intimacy and support for the bride and groom, and that is the goal after all, isn't it?