Featured Wedding #8: Mari and Kevin

Our October 10, 2010 (10-10-10) was spent coordinating a wedding for one of the nicest couples, Mari and Kevin, who exchanged their vows at a private ceremony atop the exclusive, Hawai'i Loa Ridge, surrounded by their closest family and friends.

While intermittent showers and cloudy, gray skies seemed to loom in the final moments before the ceremony, the clouds seemed to magically clear just in time, returning the beautiful ocean view to the backdrop of Mari and Kevin's wedding.

Mari's mom, added a reassuring and loving presence, presiding over the ceremony as officiant.

Mari and Kevin made sure to incorporate other significant elements into their wedding. Kevin's sister, Kellie Ann, a professional photographer, not only served as bridesmaid, but also as their professional photographer, and her son/Kevin's nephew, took on the role of ring bearer. Mari and Kevin's dog, as well as Mari's parents' dog, wore a special collar as ring-dogs, making an appearance down the aisle at the ceremony.

The reception which included much more of their family and friends, took place at the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki, which overlooks the yacht harbor and Magic Island.

Inside, a Japanese-inspired table-scape of beautiful pink phalaenopsis orchids and paper lanterns adorned the head table, befitting of the lavish Japanese buffet created exclusively for Mari and Kevin, and for the first-time-ever, by Chef Shimokawa of the hotel's Hakone Japanese restaurant.

Although their wedding reception was void of many wedding traditions such as a garter toss, bouquet toss, or even formal cake-cutting, it was exactly as they wished, filled with meaningful moments, wonderful food, in the company of friends and family.

I leave you with a few more of my favorite photos from Mari and Kevin's 10-10-10 wedding...

Photography by Images by Kellie Ann

May Day in Hawai'i

Photo courtesy of Christie Pham.

Traditionally, May Day in Hawai'i is May 1. This day was meant to celebrate the Hawaiian customs of making and wearing leis. There is even a song many Hawaii locals know called, "May Day is Lei Day in Hawai'i." On this day, many festivities are held, including lei contests in schools, a Lei Day celebration at Queen Kapi'olani Park in Waikiki, and May Day celebrations at elementary schools.
Clearly, leis are an important part of this day, which also means that florists may be either busy due to a higher demand and/or prices for leis may increase due to the multiple events during this time. Often times, many weddings in Hawaii will have at least one lei involved, whether it is a maile lei for the groom or multiple leis for the VIPs of the wedding like the parents of the wedding couple. With a higher demand, lei prices could increase, which is something to consider when choosing a wedding date or what flowers to use at the wedding.

( Photo on left by Andrew Cha. Photo on right by Kris Labang Photography.)

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