Wedding of a Lifetime Airs on OC-16 - Monday, January 26, 2009

On Monday, January 26, 2009 at 7:30pm, OC-16 will feature a one-hour "Wedding of a Lifetime" special.

Couples had to write stories to Hawaii Bride and Groom to describe why they were deserving for the free wedding which was valued at over $81,000. On September 8, 2008, the three finalists were featured on TV and the winners, Jayne and Kahele were announced.

With less than two months to plan everything, it was a whirlwind of fun and excitement for everyone involved, and I'm very happy that I had the privilege and honor of being their wedding coordinator helping them make their dreams come true.

NEW Waikiki Sunset Ceremony Package

As we're always looking for new venue options for my clients, Hawaii Weddings and Events is pleased to launch the following new ceremony package.

Waikiki Sunset Ceremony Package - $2500 inclusive of tax

Say "I DO" on the oceanfront lawn as you exchange your vows and start your life together
The Waikiki Sunset Wedding Package is available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays (excluding holidays) and will be held on the lawn of Waikiki Aquarium, located next to a living reef on the Waikiki shoreline which is conveniently located for your family and friends

Waikiki Sunset Package includes
Site rental fee for one hour with seating up to 50 guests
Non-denominational minister to perform your ceremony
Acoustic Hawaiian Guitarist to sing Hawaiian Wedding Song as you walk down the aisle
Leis draped on chairs to create your aisle
Two seasonal floral leis for bride and groom for your lei exchange
Commemorative wedding certificate
On-site coordinator for ceremony

Reception Opportunities
The Waikiki Aquarium is also available for welcome receptions, Rehearsal dinners and wedding receptions (additional fees including tent rental applies)

Van Gogh.......

Each day I always take time to be grateful and to look for motivational or inspiration quotes, as it helps to keep life in proper perspective. This picture was taken at the Philadelphia Museum of Art where I had the privilege of seeing Vincent Van Gogh's work this past August in person. Just as having gratitude can change your mood, Van Gogh's paintings of sunflowers have altered mankind's perspective of art and life. These paintings captivate the mind and leave you astounded in their simplistic beauty. The flowing wilted steams and the burst of lovely yellow draws ones attention around the painting, without disrupting the balance of the piece.

Be Thankful.......

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something. For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes, they will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary, because it means you’ve made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings.

~ Author Unknown ~

Certificate of Insurance

Professional vendors have their certificate of insurance in place, but up until now, we didn't have to show proof to the various venues until about the last six months.

Turtle Bay Resort requires a certificate of insurance on file with the Catering Office and also has a vendor form to be submitted by the client.

The State of Hawaii requires a certificate of insurance in order to issue beach permits through the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Starwood properties (Sheraton Waikiki and Moana Surfrider) is also now requiring a certificate of insurance on file, so I'm sure Royal Hawaiian Hotel and others will start requesting the same.

Although its a little more paperwork, at the end of the day, I think it is good because then they know they are dealing with professional vendors on a client's most important day.

Sweet 16 Party - Candyland Theme

On January 3rd I had the privilege of coordinating a sweet 16 birthday party which was themed around the game Candyland. One of the best things about event planning is that you always have the opportunity to meet new vendors and also reconnect with past ones while working together to make the client's dream come true.

In addition to this amazing cake (purposely made to look like it is falling as requested by the birthday girl) made by Vickie at Sunshine Cake Creations (her picture), there was a tootsie roll jumper (yes, 16-year old kids still go inside and jump!) from Bounce Hawaii. Videogame mobile (which caught the attention of all the men as well) by Mobile Gamer Guys. A candy buffet that recreated the candyland board game by Aubrey from nā mea maika`i . Catering by Vanessa from Beaches and Backyards Catering who created special menu tags and a candyland path for the buffet line. Vibrant linens from Naomi Lee, Les Saisons which was complimented by pipe and drape and LED lights from REA Events, Photobooth by Bambooth and Photography by Aaron from Liquid Light Images.

Start with Trust.......Better Business Bureau Accredited

As a small business owner, I sometimes have clients question the credentials of my company and experience level.

As I just received my Better Business Bureau certificate I thought it would make sense to post it so that you may easily see that Hawaii Weddings and Events is an accredited business.

As for my experience, you may see see my press release on http://www.hawaiiweddingsandevents.com/about_us.htm

Wedding Day Highlights from Studio Red

This is the second time I had the privilege of working with Studio Red who are very easy going and very talented!

Joel gave me a "heads up" on how he wanted to surprise the couple with their first dance on the ceremony highlights video so we were able to get the spotlight on the dance floor set-up to capture the special moment and then it was set back to their monogram gobo.

I absolutely love the music in this video and how Studio Red captured the essence of this wonderful celebration of family, love and life!

Check out Gracie and Kyle's wedding day highlights at http://www.vimeo.com/2683661