Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of year, not just because I do enjoy turkey with cranberry sauce, but because it is one of the few times of year that most everyone will take a few days to spend with family and friends and also take the time to reflect on the positives in their life.
Last night we had our annual Oahu Wedding Association (OWA) holiday party and we collected canned food donations for Aloha Harvest who helps feed Hawaii's hungry. Another canned food drive is planned in the early part of December at our National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) holiday party as well as our fourth year in adopting a family for Christmas through the Lokahi Giving project.
This year as I reflect, I am truly thankful for......
Two healthy and beautiful children that are growing into fine young adults
My friends and family that always support me........even on those challenging days we all have
My clients who entrusted me with their most special celebration with many becoming friends and continued supporters
Kiya and Kona (our dogs) who make sure that I take a breaks from the computer by literally sitting on top of my arms to ensure I stop and play with them. They're so much fun to watch during their "mad dog" runs around the house too!
Having my own businesses and doing what I LOVE!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Jayne and Kahele's "Wedding of a Lifetime"
Since September 8th when they announced the winners, I had the privilege and honor of being of service to a very sweet and gracious couple from Waianae. After 15 years together they are finally Mr. and Mrs. William Kahele Anderson, Jr!
The festivities began on Wednesday, November 5th with their rehearsal at the Ocean Crystal Chapel followed by a "ono" rehearsal dinner at the Bayer Estate featuring Hawaiian food with their chef's culinary twist and incredible desserts from Sugar Rush.
As Jayne and Kahele both love the ocean, we made the theme of the rehearsal dinner casual with an ocean theme featuring turquoise irredescent linen graciously donated by A'a Party Supplies and beautiful centerpieces from Su-V Expressions with sand, shells and blue hydrangia which perfectly complimented the theme.
"The Big Day" was on Thursday, November 6th. When Kahele had his "first look" of Jayne in her Tamara Katz wedding gown it was just priceless. Those are the moments that just warm your heart and makes all of your hard work worth while.
The ceremony was officiated by their family pastor which made it even more meaningful. The Manueali'i outfits and florals was absolutely breathtaking as the sun shined through the glass window and created a glow over the couple as they said their vows.
My next favorite part of the day was to see Jayne and Kahele's expressions as they entered their reception room which featured a head table on the stage and three long rectangle tables with ivory satin linen, chocolate runners, gold chargers, personalized menus, mahogany chiavari chairs with cherry blossom pink and champagne sashes, cupcake favors from Hokulani, lots of candles and incredible florals from Spinning web which perfectly complimented both their wedding colors, but also tied in the "cherry blossoms" she wanted to use with manzanita branches with orchids to create a similar look.
After seeing the beautiful tables, Jayne said "what's that?" as she saw a candy buffet that also was in her wedding colors. The candy buffet was my surprise "wedding gift" to the bride and groom and was very popular with their guests.
The couple truly enjoyed their special evening and one of the most touching parts was when Kahele gave a blessing to all the vendors that helped to make it possible.
The festivities began on Wednesday, November 5th with their rehearsal at the Ocean Crystal Chapel followed by a "ono" rehearsal dinner at the Bayer Estate featuring Hawaiian food with their chef's culinary twist and incredible desserts from Sugar Rush.
As Jayne and Kahele both love the ocean, we made the theme of the rehearsal dinner casual with an ocean theme featuring turquoise irredescent linen graciously donated by A'a Party Supplies and beautiful centerpieces from Su-V Expressions with sand, shells and blue hydrangia which perfectly complimented the theme.
"The Big Day" was on Thursday, November 6th. When Kahele had his "first look" of Jayne in her Tamara Katz wedding gown it was just priceless. Those are the moments that just warm your heart and makes all of your hard work worth while.
The ceremony was officiated by their family pastor which made it even more meaningful. The Manueali'i outfits and florals was absolutely breathtaking as the sun shined through the glass window and created a glow over the couple as they said their vows.
My next favorite part of the day was to see Jayne and Kahele's expressions as they entered their reception room which featured a head table on the stage and three long rectangle tables with ivory satin linen, chocolate runners, gold chargers, personalized menus, mahogany chiavari chairs with cherry blossom pink and champagne sashes, cupcake favors from Hokulani, lots of candles and incredible florals from Spinning web which perfectly complimented both their wedding colors, but also tied in the "cherry blossoms" she wanted to use with manzanita branches with orchids to create a similar look.
After seeing the beautiful tables, Jayne said "what's that?" as she saw a candy buffet that also was in her wedding colors. The candy buffet was my surprise "wedding gift" to the bride and groom and was very popular with their guests.
The couple truly enjoyed their special evening and one of the most touching parts was when Kahele gave a blessing to all the vendors that helped to make it possible.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Putting together all the pieces in only 9 days!
The past week has been a a whirlwind as I was hired on Thursday, October 23rd as a "day of" coordinator for a wedding on Saturday, November 1st at the Outrigger Canoe Club.
The groom had contacted me a few months ago from Japan and inquired about services, but with family here in Honolulu he thought that they could handle everything for their destination wedding, but then realized they needed help so he contacted me again.
So how do you pull things together at a venue you've never worked at and also help the client secure a DJ and photographer? First I start to gather as much information from the couple using a questionnaire form that I have developed which is quite comprehensive. The answers allow me to cover about 90% of the event details and create a realistic timeline for the day.
As for the venue, that was not a concern for me. As a professional planner, I am able to work at any facility, all I need is one quick walk through to see the layout, access points and also know my on-site contact(s), time frames for set-up and the site rules. I originally planned to do a walk through on October 30th with the client, but as their catering manager would be away on vacation, I ended up meeting with her on October 27th which made my client feel even more at ease.
I gave recommendations on photographers as well as a DJ who also ended up providing the equpment for the slideshow and matched the price the club was offering. As much as possible, I try to combine some services, especially where AV is concerned. There are just too many opportunities for something to go wrong (missing cables, DVD not working, sound level not right, etc.) and I don't want to take any chances as the slide show is always one of the highlights for both the couple and their guests.
The Outrigger Canoe Club is an oceanfront venue with a fantastic view. In speaking with the manager, they haven't done alot of banquets there, but after working as a "team" with his crew he asked for my business card and said I really would like to do more!
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening, and one of my favorite parts of event planning is when the bride gives a hug, and is truly having fun on her wedding day!
The groom had contacted me a few months ago from Japan and inquired about services, but with family here in Honolulu he thought that they could handle everything for their destination wedding, but then realized they needed help so he contacted me again.
So how do you pull things together at a venue you've never worked at and also help the client secure a DJ and photographer? First I start to gather as much information from the couple using a questionnaire form that I have developed which is quite comprehensive. The answers allow me to cover about 90% of the event details and create a realistic timeline for the day.
As for the venue, that was not a concern for me. As a professional planner, I am able to work at any facility, all I need is one quick walk through to see the layout, access points and also know my on-site contact(s), time frames for set-up and the site rules. I originally planned to do a walk through on October 30th with the client, but as their catering manager would be away on vacation, I ended up meeting with her on October 27th which made my client feel even more at ease.
I gave recommendations on photographers as well as a DJ who also ended up providing the equpment for the slideshow and matched the price the club was offering. As much as possible, I try to combine some services, especially where AV is concerned. There are just too many opportunities for something to go wrong (missing cables, DVD not working, sound level not right, etc.) and I don't want to take any chances as the slide show is always one of the highlights for both the couple and their guests.
The Outrigger Canoe Club is an oceanfront venue with a fantastic view. In speaking with the manager, they haven't done alot of banquets there, but after working as a "team" with his crew he asked for my business card and said I really would like to do more!
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening, and one of my favorite parts of event planning is when the bride gives a hug, and is truly having fun on her wedding day!
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