The Truth About Plumeria

For those desiring an island-inspired wedding, the beautiful and fragrant plumeria blossoms often come to mind as a natural addition to the floral decor. The simple, clean lines of this five-petaled bloom conjure images of sandy beaches and tropical weather, perfect for a wedding in Hawaii, right?

Photos by Eugene Kam Photography

The truth about plumeria (introduced to Hawaii in 1860 and also referred to as "frangipani") is that it is an extremely delicate flower, is seasonal, and its sap is poisonous if consumed. The fact that it wilts, bruises, and browns quickly once picked from the tree makes it less desirable as a wedding flower, particularly for bouquets if the wedding is an all-day affair. As for its seasonality, some varieties of plumeria only bloom during the summer in Hawaii, while evergreen varieties bloom less in the winter, making it more difficult to source in the non-summer months. Due to its toxic sap, floral designers advise against using fresh plumeria on cakes and cupcakes, and it would probably be wise to avoid using them on napkins as accent flowers.

So does this mean that you should not have plumeria present at your wedding at all? No, if your heart is set on incorporating this flower into your wedding, consult your floral designer and wedding planner for creative ways to "have your plumeria, and (not) eat it, too!" Some suggestions would be to use the plumeria as one of the flowers in arrangements, not making it the primary flower; to have your pastry chef create hand-crafted, edible plumeria for cakes or cupcakes; or to use it ways where less of it is needed, particularly since obtaining large quantities, especially in off-months, may be tricky.

Happy Planning!

Wedding Planning Withdrawals?

Many brides and even grooms after their wedding have told me about "wedding withdrawals," that feeling of not knowing what to do with the sudden increase of free time; of missing their wedding planning; of not having their wedding to look forward to anymore...but wait! Just because your wedding may have come and gone, there remain a few tasks to keep track of after the wedding has taken place. Be sure to keep these items on your radar:

• head to the bank - immediately after your wedding, deposit any monetary gifts

Photo by Kai Photo

• gown preservation - if keeping your gown, have your gown cleaned and preserved, and particularly if your gown is soiled or stained, do this as soon as possible

Photo by Kai Photo

• thank yous - remember to send out thank you notes to all those who contributed to your wedding with a gift or by lending their help and support
• name change - if taking on a different name in marriage, have all official records, accounts, licenses, etc. updated with your new name
• select photos for album - if ordering an album, choose photos and get the album design process underway quickly, as this may easily be one of those items that get placed on the back burner and forgotten
• relive the memories - enjoy reminiscing about your wedding by viewing your wedding photos and video

Photo by Kris Labang Photography

Happy post-planning!

Mona

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.

Flower Showers, Bubble Showers, and Feather Showers...oh my!

Photo by Amodo Photo

It appears the tradition of throwing rice, symbolizing the bestowing of prosperity on the bride and groom, has become "untraditionalized," evidenced by the fact that in 12 years of planning weddings, we have not once witnessed a wedding where rice was thrown. It is said that the uncooked grains of rice pose health risks to the birds who might eat them. However, several pretty alternatives exist, and make for great photos, too.

Photo by Kai Photo

One of the most popular in Hawaii, would be the tossing of rose petals. They seem to drift upon the couple, truly highlighting them as the stars of the day.

For guests' ease, petals may be inserted into petal cones like these, designed by Emi Ink, to match with the rest of the couple's wedding stationery.

Photo by Kai Photo

These petals cones, sweetly affixed to the backs of the chairs, and feature petals in the form of the original rose blooms.

Bubbles make for beautiful photos as well...

Photo by Kai Photo

As do a mixture of petals, bubbles, and feathers...

Photo by Eclat Photography

Consider the look you would prefer your wedding and choose accordingly. Happy Planning!

Tips and Advice: selecting the right people to be on your bridal party

Photo by Eugene Kam Photography

I cannot underscore enough the importance of picking the right people to serve as your bridesmaids and groomsmen. On several occasions in my wedding planning career, brides and grooms have confided in me, sharing their frustration with the bridesmaid who seldom calls back... or the groomsman whose arm has to be twisted to go in for a tuxedo fitting... or the opinionated bridal party member who shoots down all of the bride's ideas for her wedding... or even the groomsmen who never plan a bachelor "outing" for the groom... It breaks my heart when couples do not receive the support they should when preparing for such a significant occasion in their lives.

Part of the problem lies in the choice of bridal party members. Often times, couples select bridesmaids and groomsmen out of obligation. They feel they ought to ask certain people to be on their bridal party because this is their oldest friend, or their future sister/brother-in-law, or because the other person asked him/her to be on that person's bridal party previously... There are countless reasons why couples have chosen someone to be on their bridal party just because they felt they should.

However, I would urge couples to instead consider those individuals who will truly take their role as bridesmaid or groomsman to heart. These people should be ones who sincerely care for the bride and groom, and who will take an active part in helping the bride or groom ensure the success of their wedding. Such bridesmaids and groomsmen, maids of honor and best men, make all the difference in seeing to it that the bride and groom enjoy not just their wedding day, but the process of planning it leading up to that special occasion.

Photo by Kris Labang Photography

I have witnessed a number of instances where members of the bridal party have gone above and beyond the call of duty to make the bride's or groom's experience extra special. Some will go shopping with the bride for her gown, or they will even plan unique and creative bonding events such as a bridal party scavenger hunt before the wedding. Another memorable example was the planning and preparation of skits for the couple, performed at their wedding receptions. Even just basic and kind-hearted gestures like helping to assemble favors or helping the couple by running errands for them can make all the difference in a couple feeling supported and extra excited about tying the knot. When it comes to selecting your bridal party members, choose wisely; you'll thank me for it.Photo by Kai Photo

Happy planning!