Featured Wedding #17: Rachel and Darren

Photos by Kris Labang Photography

Rachel and Darren have known each other since second grade and even shared the same circle of friends throughout high school. But it wasn’t until they put their hearts on the line and took a leap of faith that they became a couple. And on August 8, 2011, they pledged themselves to each other as husband and wife.

A Hawaii destination wedding, which would give many of their guests the chance to experience the beautiful islands for the first time, was an obvious pick. They chose Lanikuhonua, an intimate oceanfront estate that was a favorite of ancient Hawaiian royalty, as the setting for their day.

The ladies prepared in the luxurious Ihilani Resort, just a short walk from Lanikuhonua. The bridesmaids donned short satin dresses and wore their hair in stylish updos to show off the sophisticated criss-crossed straps of their dresses.

Rachel’s gown was the perfect fit for her wonderful personality. The sweetheart neckline was classic romance, while tiered ruffles added a free-spirited dose of whimsy. The white blooms in her dark hair provided exotic drama.

Not to be outdone, Darren and his groomsmen donned island-appropriate attire of khaki slacks and white linen shirts, accented by fresh maile and orchid leis.

When guests arrived at Lanikuhonua, they knew it was paradise. Tall palm trees stretched into the sky, while the turquoise Pacific gently scented the air. An understated bamboo archway, bedecked with a cascading arrangement of oriental lilies, hydrangeas, and classic roses, added to the appeal.

Despite the stunning scenery, all eyes were on Rachel as both her parents escorted her down the aisle.

After cocktails beneath the tropical sky, guests took their seats under the cozy and luxurious tent a few feet away. The centerpieces, which incorporated artful branches and pale lilac roses set in river rocks, had a feel that was both natural and sophisticated. The head table arrangement tied the look together.

Indigo Restaurant presented a dinner comprised of island favorites, including kalua pork steamed buns, and classic dishes, such as peppercorn crusted beef.

As the sun went down behind the ocean, the couple snuck away to steal some kisses during a romantic photo shoot.

In lieu of a cake cutting, the newlyweds laughingly fed each other bites of a beloved Hawaii treat - green tea mochi ice cream from Bubbies, a famous local shop.

The best man then presented his wedding gift to the couple: An elaborate video slideshow, complete with narration and music, that had all attendees in tears with laughter.

As the sky darkened, shoji lanterns illuminated the tent, giving the signal that it was time to boogie down on the dance floor.

The guests departed with treats from the Honolulu Cookie Company, which were presented in traditionally woven buri boxes and adorned with ribbon (hand tied by Rachel) and a festive bloom. Maybe it was these goodies that supplied the energy needed for the next day’s agenda – group surfing lessons at Waikiki beach!

Congratulations, Rachel and Darren!

For more of this spunky and loving couple, check out:

http://wgmfortheknot.blogspot.com/2011/08/vegetable-bouquet.html

and

http://wgmfortheknot.blogspot.com/2011/08/thumb-print-guest-book.html

Vegetable Bouquet

Photos by Kris Labang Photography

I had first heard of bouquets with vegetables in them, years ago, when I initially started planning weddings. Wendy Balidoy of Spinning WEB Florist, mentioned that she had previously made bouquets of vegetables or fruit for some of her prom clients. I knew that bouquets could be made of material other than flowers...I had just never seen one with my own eyes.

Then along come Rachel and Darren, the most fun-loving and self proclaimed "cheesey" couple around. Their wedding will always remain a fond one for me, with so many laugh-out-loud moments on their wedding day. Rachel and Darren put their florist, actually, My Florist (yes, that's their name, "My Florist") to the test by opting for a bouquet with vegetables.

The result was pure perfection - a combination of feminity, mixed with, well, cauliflower! As Rachel and Darren put it, all that was missing was the ranch dressing! And then of course, the good humoured, knee-slapping jokes ensued, "whoever said that brides don't get to eat on their wedding day?" or "it's a bouquet and a snack in one!" Perhaps this will inspire you, too, to consider a veggie bouquet for your special occasion. (Note, dressing not included.)

Featured Wedding #9: Nancy and Lance

Nancy and Lance tied the knot on August 7, 2010, in the Sanctuary of Central Union Church, followed by a stunning reception in two ballrooms of the Sheraton Waikiki. After months of planning, Nancy and Lance had every detail thought of, and their personal touches marked on just about everything possible, making it truly, their once-in-a-lifetime event to remember.

The adorable ring bearer pillow, featured a mocha sash and tie in the same, luxurious shade as the bridesmaids' dresses.

Nancy, Lance, and their bridal party traveled in style, with not one, but two limousines: a Hummer and a Lincoln Navigator.

For their wedding cake, Nancy and Lance chose six-tiers of culinary artistry by Cake Works, and for their cake topper, Nancy chose a crystal-encrusted, monogrammed "O" for their last name.

Silver charger plates and full bloomed roses adorned each place setting, and guests received a four-piece box of delightful Godiva chocolates.

A hedge of flowers lined the edge of the head table, while the rest of the tables were topped with alternating floral arrangements of tall and low designs.

Orange up-lighting strategically placed set the two ballrooms aglow in a pretty shade of tangerine orange, and chocolate brown chiavari chairs to match the autumn colors of the wedding were brought in, replacing the hotel's existing chairs.

One of the most unique elements of Nancy and Lance's wedding was their live entertainment: traditional Okinawan dance performances, a nod to their shared cultures. The dancers' beautiful kimono even matched the color palette of the wedding!

Glass cylinders filled with floating candles in varying heights lined the dance floor, and the flickering light during the dancing portion of the reception made for a romantic evening.

Instead of tossing her bouquet of delicate gardenia blossoms, Nancy had floral designer, My Florist, design a bouquet of money, sure to get any single lady interested in catching these flowers!

The Sheraton even went so far as to display Nancy and Lance's engagement photo on the multi-screen reader board, positioned prominently at the top of the escalators.

Nancy and Lance "had it all" when it came to their wedding, with no expense spared from making it the gala affair Nancy had dreamed of, but what made the wedding a show-stopper is Nancy herself.

The statuesque bride radiated beauty in her stunning dress, and while she would have loved to walk down the aisle with her beloved father, who had passed away, she chose to process in solo, holding her head high with each step she took down the aisle. The serenity and beauty of the moment was enough to take anyone's breath away.

Following the ceremony, Nancy posed with her mother and sister, who had flown in from Okinawa to celebrate the occasion with her.

Congratulations, Nancy and Lance! It was my honor to have had been a part of your wedding. Thank you so much for your kindness and friendship.

photos by Eclat Photo