New Venue on Oahu: the Mobius

Last month, Carly (also of Weddings by Grace and Mona) and I took a drive up to Pupukea on the North Shore to visit one of Hawaii's newest private estates for weddings: the Mobius, also known as "Utopium." We were particularly struck by the stunning architecture of the property, featuring new age sensibilities, artistic touches, and a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for hosting a breath-taking and intimate wedding.


The spacious "Great Lawn" makes for an ideal spot for ceremonies and outdoor receptions, while the common area inside the home seats up to 75 guests. From a wedding coordination perspective, I appreciate how the interior living space affords the luxury of a back-up ceremony location in the event of inclement weather, as well as an indoor or outdoor option for the reception, a feature seldom offered in most other private venues, where the use of the actual home may be forbidden.


Another great selling point of the property for weddings is the ability to stay overnight at the Mobius, which boasts five individual suites, appointed with its own bathroom and lanai/access directly to the manicured lawn. The couple and their bridal party members or their families can stay together before and after the wedding day, and can enjoy meals together since the full kitchen is also included for those renting the Mobius. When visiting or staying at the Mobius, guests may enjoy added peace of mind knowing their vehicles are safe, with ample private space for cars to park overnight (-no exhorbitant parking fees like that you would find at hotels and resorts!)


For local couples in particular, wanting a venue where their guests have not "been there, done that," the Mobius now represents a great hidden gem, tucked away in the forest of Pupukea, where it is quite unlikely that any of their guests would have ever visited the property before, given its recent introduction to the wedding market.


For more information or to book the Mobius, contact the owner, Nodie, at 1-808-638-0734, or e-mail her at TheMobius@utopium-estate.com. She is a warm and gracious host and can best describe all the wonderful and unique elements of the property that truly set it apart from the rest.

Happy Planning!

Tips and Advice: bringing your wedding gown to Hawaii

Photo by Eugene Kam Photography

For destination brides traveling to Hawai'i for their wedding, we suggest bringing "the one" (your very special wedding gown) with you as a carry on when flying here, rather than checking it in as luggage. Upon arrival in the islands, get it professionally pressed or steamed, by a reputable bridal salon to ensure that it looks its absolute best for your big day. Call the bridal salons in advance, as not all salons will treat gowns that were not purchased there. Some hotels will even provide steaming/pressing services, but check with bridal salons first, as they would be most accustomed to dealing with such specialty garments.

Upon receiving your gown in pristine condition after being pressed or steamed, minimize the likelihood of any wrinkles from setting in by immediately removing the gown from its garment bag, unhooking the train, and spreading out the train. Shoot for pick up or delivery of your gown for the day prior to your wedding. The idea is to have your gown in your possession for as little time as possible, thereby preventing your significant other from accidentally seeing your gown, and from you having to transport the gown during which time more creases could be created.

I hope you are looking forward to getting married here in our island state. Happy planning!

Obtaining a Marriage License in Hawaii

To "tie the knot" legally in Hawai'i, whether a local resident or traveling from elsewhere, the process is much simpler and speedier now than in years past. As of January 1, 2012, the State of Hawai'i's Department of Health took another step toward the digital age by facilitating the process of applying for a marriage license, filing it, and obtaining a legal marriage certificate online.

Couples may apply for their marriage license online and then the two must appear in person before a marriage agent or at the Department of Health to pick up the license worksheet. The application costs $60 and the application processing fee costs another $5, payable online or in person when submitting the application to the licensed marriage agent. Upon approval of the application, the license is issued immediately thereafter and is good for 30 days. The marriage license enables couples to legally get married anywhere in the State of Hawaii.

On the day of the wedding, the licensed officiant then goes on-line to confirm that s/he has legally married the couple. The Department of Health then reviews this registration, which requires a full business day. The next day, assuming everything passes review, the married couple may download an official marriage certificate, good for 90 days, until the permanent one is sent to them in the mail by the Department of Health.

Gone are the days of signing an official document at the ceremony.

Photo by Kai Photo

Gone, too, are the days of forgetting the marriage license at home on the day of the wedding! While the tradition of signing the license will be no more, the tradeoff of easier filing and quicker turnaround should make it all worthwhile.

For more information, visit http://hawaii.gov/health/vital-records/vital-records/marriage/index.html.