Engagement Photos: Lindsey and Ryan

Photos by David Murphey of Perfekt Photo

Lindsey, a native of Nebraska, and Ryan, a "local boy" from Mililani, wanted to be outdoors for their wedding, where they and their guests could enjoy a relaxed atmosphere without a lot of the over-the-top frills and common wedding traditions. They chose the tranquil and beautiful Loulu Palm Estate on the North Shore, and the North Shore so befitted their laid back and down to earth personalities, that it only made sense for them to also take their engagement photos on the North Shore, too.

Their photographer, David Murphey of Perfekt Photo, captured some amazing shots of them amidst fields and in the shell of a dilapidated building. I have included a few of my favorite photos taken on that sunny December day in Kahuku with their beloved family member, Harry.

Congratulations, Lindsey and Ryan (and Harry)!

Origami Cranes for Weddings

Photos by Dave Miyamoto & Company

The tradition of folding 1,000 paper (origami) cranes commenced in Japan, and originally, the intent of folding these cranes was for healing in time of sickness, particularly when one is hospitalized. The crane, in Japan, is considered an auspicious bird, symbolizing longevity, and thus, the connection to well wishes for someone ailing from an illness.

Others in Japan say that if you fold 1,000 of these cranes, your wish will come true. It therefore stands to reason that thousands of paper cranes can be found at peace parks and memorials in Japan, and as gifts for dear friends and family.

This tradition has since transformed in Hawaii, and many today, particularly those of Japanese descent, choose to fold 1,000 origami cranes for their wedding. According to Hawai'i's local Japanese tradition, the bride folds 1,000 cranes, requiring dedication and perseverance, found to be desirable traits in a marriage. These cranes can then be mounted and framed, thus serving as a beautiful art piece to be enjoyed for years to come.

In the photos above, Dayna and Billy chose local crane artist, It's About Time, to mount their cranes. Note the individual cranes, carefully and strategically placed behind the plexiglass, with the negative space in the design revealing the cranes. For this particular piece, modern day couple, Dayna and Billy both had a hand in the creation of their cranes, with Dayna meticulously folding the paper, and Billy painstakingly gluing each one, in order to be flat enough for Christine and Brian of It's About Time to mount.

If planning to fold cranes for your wedding, start early! The folding itself can be a daunting task. Allow your crane mounter ample time for the mounting process, and give yourself a week at the minimum to get the mounted cranes framed. Happy folding!

Say 'Yes' to the Dress - in Hawaii

Photo by Chrissy Lambert

This morning's episode of Say 'Yes' to the Dress inspired me to pen a few words about the wedding gown market in Hawaii versus in major metropolitan areas on the "mainland" (continental U.S.). Many brides on the show set their budgets around $3,000 - $4,500 and donned gowns in the $3,500 - $6,800 range. These gowns, styled in luxurious fabrics and studded with stunning embellishments dropped jaws, moved brides to tears, and at times, caused sticker shock, but saying "yes" to almost double the original budget on the gown? Say what???

In many ways, the pretty penny charged for sumptuous gowns created by top designers is justifiable, considering the talent, workmanship, and materials that go into such a gown, and especially for such a momentous occasion. Fortunately or unfortunately, the higher end designer gowns barely exist here in Hawaii. This is in part attributed to the fact that many brides locally continue to include the cost of the bridesmaids' dresses in their attire budget, footing the bill not only for the bridesmaids' dresses, but also for their own gown. Many brides here set a ballpark figure of $1,500 for their gown, and local salons offer a wide selection of beautiful gowns at the lower price range of several hundred to under three thousand dollars.

For those desiring gowns from top designers, local gown salons can order some of them, or brides can purchase their gown on the mainland. Contrarily, for destination brides getting married in Hawaii, they can either bring their designer gown with them on the plane, or they can shop for very reasonably priced gowns while on a planning trip here (ideally half a year prior to the wedding date or a little more). The good thing is, pretty gowns can be found at every price point so brides can say "yes" to a gown at a price they prefer.

Featured Wedding #14: Marebel and Chris

Photos by Eugene Kam Photography

Marebel and Chris tied the knot on March 12, 2011 at Lanikuhonua, formally uniting what previously existed not as two separate lives, but also, two separate families. Formerly married and both with children of their own, the happy couple created their modern day "Brady Bunch," which started back when Marebel and Chris would literally go the extra mile to spend time together, with Marebel living here in Hawai'i, and Chris over in Seattle.

To symbolize the blending of families and their union, Marebel and Chris chose to incorporate the sand ceremony into their wedding ceremony, with the different colored vessels of sand each representing the bride, groom, and their children. Marebel and Chris poured their vessels of sand simultaneously, forming an inextricable blend of the two as well as the foundation on which the children's sand was then layered. The meaningful gesture created a beautiful memento from their wedding for them to cherish for years to come.

One of the elements I loved about Marebel and Chris' wedding was the beautiful stationery suite designed and created by Marebel's friends/graphic designers, Darling Dumlao and Robert Mangaoang of Paperland Studio. They created all things paper and more for the wedding, from the invitation to coordinating ceremony program fans, guest book sign in sheets, gift card box, labels for the candy buffet, table numbers, reception programs, and even favor boxes.

During our initial meetings, I would be curious about this "Chris," who had captured Marebel's heart, but on one of his visits in Hawai'i, Chris attended a planning meeting, and I could see from his genuine and gentle disposition, how he made the perfect match for Marebel, an equally kind-hearted and caring person. Since the early stages of wedding planning, Chris has moved permanently to Hawaii and the best news yet...the two will soon be proud parents again are expecting a little one!

Congratulations, Marebel and Chris!!!