Well Wishes - Japanese Style!

For Nicole and Brian Akizuki's wedding on January 8, 2012, the couple wanted to infuse a bit of Japanese influence into their wedding.  I loved this creative and original way of incorporating well wishes for the couple, with a Japanese twist.  Guests were asked to write their messages for the bride and groom, and tie the messages onto the lines of string, as is done at temples in Japan, where individuals tie their wishes to lines or branches at temples in hopes that their wishes come true.  The result was a colorful and unique display with many loving messages for Nicole and Brian to cherish even after their wedding day.

Mahalo to Nicasello Photography for sharing the great images from Nicole and Brian's wedding!

Got any unique and cultural elements from your wedding you'd like to share?  E-mail me at mona@mgweddingshawaii.com.

Kimono for Weddings in Hawaii

I recently learned of a new service now being offered by Zest Hawaii for couples wanting to add a unique, Japanese element to their wedding in Hawaii. Zest's "Kimono Reception Package" for brides and grooms includes a choice of kimono, assistance with getting dressed, hair and make-up styling for the kimono outfit, and a second hair and make-up styling for the wedding gown, and even someone on-site to assist!


Having donned a kimono before, I can definitely appreciate the fine skill involved in dressing someone in this beautiful garment. In fact, kimono-kitsuke, or dressing someone in kimono, is considered an art form in Japan, requiring years of study and training. What makes Zest's offering so much more impressive, is that the professional responsible for dressing brides and grooms in kimono took first place in a kimono dressing contest in Japan, a noteworthy distinction indeed!


Zest also offers a photo package for couples who would prefer to dress in kimono for photos, but just not on the wedding day. This "Modern Kimono Photo Plan" includes kimono and props for the bride and groom, dressing assistance, hair (Japanese kimono-style wig or "regular" styling) and make-up for the bride, along with a photo shoot at Aloha Tower, including 70 shots and a CD of images. Imagine what fun and unexpected engagement portraits these would make!


To learn more about the kimono options available through Zest Hawaii, call 808-591-0123, or e-mail info@zesthawaii.com.

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