Wedding Day Gifts for Your Soon-to-Be-Spouse

I always find it so touching when couples choose to present their soon to be wife or husband with a thoughtful gift on the morning of their wedding.  Over the years, I've seen some truly heartfelt gifts, with gestures such as a sweet note written on a greeting card to truly say it all, to an arrangement of roses delivered to the bride's room, and of course, gifts such as jewelry or a purse or pair of shoes from the bride's favorite designer are always big hits.

For her gift to Paul on the day of their wedding, Julie selected a stunning timepiece, which was delivered to his room prior to them seeing each other that day.  Photo by Dylan Dawson Photography.

This year alone, I've seen some of the most creative and unique gifts from grooms to their brides.  Paul, pictured above, accompanied his gift with a sweet message which he took the time to record on video for his bride, Julie.  The message was "delivered" to her the morning of their wedding in her bridal suite, where she got to hear from his own lips, his words of devotion and sentiments for their future.

Julie's bridesmaids look on as she views the special message recorded for her by Paul.  Photo by Dylan Dawson Photography.

The video clip included some of their engagement photos and of course, very sweet words spoken by Paul for his bride.  Photo by Dylan Dawson Photography.

Then about two and a half months ago, Kyle surprised his bride, Sheryl, with what he knew she would truly appreciate as a wedding day gift.  Rather than sending a physical gift to her room that morning, he instead prepared in secret with us and their videographer, Kai Media, a same-day-edit of their ceremony shown at their wedding reception.  Knowing that she would love a lasting gift which she could appreciate on their wedding day, and in years to come by having this video clip, was according to her, she revealed to me after the wedding, the best gift he could have possibly gotten for her.

If in the process of planning your wedding, consider the possibility of preparing a gift for your bride or groom.  It is a wonderful way to surprise him or her on the day of your wedding, and to express the many emotions you wish to convey.  Remember that the value of the gift or message need not be measured in dollars and cents, as it is often times the thought and effort which are worth so much more.

Happy Planning!

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!!!