Imagine life without a computer

Sometimes I try to imagine life without a computer......

For those that don't already know, my first job was actually a clerk typist/stenographer in Civil Service at Edwards AFB, California. I hardly remember any stenography strokes but taking the time to learn the skill in high school is what gave me the advantage over 100 other applicants.

Typing was a tedious and boring class in school, but to this day, it was the best class that I could have ever taken and I use the skill daily. Back then, typing class was basically just for women interested in being a secretary, but look at the world now, even CEOs of major companies are pecking away on their computer keyboard or Blackberry.

When I think of how fast technology has advanced, I remember learning on a manual typewriter, the incredible memory typewriter, the first DOS computer which was a bit intimidating and then just when you got it figured out, frantically paging the IT manager when my documents Icon disappeared from my Windows screen.

Now I am so grateful for technology for it allows me the opportunity to have my own home based business via a laptop computer, a wireless card and a cell phone. It's hard to imagine how destination weddings were planned prior to computers (e-mail, Google and Facebook), but I love being able to keep in contact with my past brides as well as future with ease.

Just in case you're wondering, I purposely haven't invested in a Blackberry as the vast majority of the e-mails that I receive as an event planner contain alot of important information that I need to extract for timelines, vendor follow-ups and set-up details. I also had a very dear friend of mine break her ankle because she was answering her Blackberry while walking down stairs.

My only wish is that everyone remembers to take a break away from technology to enjoy simple things in life such as watching a sunset.

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!

Hawaii Weddings and Events Frequently Asked Questions

Trusting your "special day" to someone else is not always easy, so I always welcome questions from clients to make them feel at ease and comfortable with their decision.

Throughout my consultations, I have found some "common" questions, so I thought I would create a quick FAQ sheet:

What is your background? Prior to starting my own event planning business, I was the Director of Catering and Conference Services at the five diamond Kahala Mandarin Oriental, Hawaii resort (since changing ownership it is now called the The Kahala Resort). I have been in hotel industry since moving to Hawaii in 1984 working in a variety of positions at a vareity of hotels (front desk, assistant hotel manager, sales and marketing, food and beverage, controllers office and catering). Once I got into catering then I knew that was my true passion and pursued it.

What does CPCE and CMP stand for? CPCE is Certified Professional Catering Executive which is comprehensive exam covering all aspects of catering, food sanitation, laws, etc. (both hotel and off-premise) that the National Association of Catering Executives created to promote professionalism and excellence in our industry. CMP is Certified Meeting Planner which is another exam that Meeting Planners International has that covers the "convention" side of business (housing, shipping, meeting specifications, etc.) as I also handled groups when I worked at the resort. Currently I'm still the only person in the State of Hawaii that has both designations.

How many weddings have you done? When I worked at the resort I did over 800 weddings since I started in catering in September of 2007. That number does not include include the galas, fundraisers, Christmas parties, meetings, President George W. Bush layover visit, Michelle Wie's press conference or off-premise events including dinners on the stage at The Hawaii Theatre (which was very cool!). Since starting my company March 23, 2006, I just finished my 103rd event this past weekend and through referrals from my clients, my business has been growing rapidly as I approach my third year (........wow, time flies when you're having fun!)

How many events do you do in a month? It really depends on the scope and type of the event. In some cases I may be a "day-of coordinator" and in other cases I'm their full service planner, or most often somewhere in between as I really enjoy the "partnership" packages and working alongside the client. Other factors depend on location, number of guests, amount of time for set-up, number of hours the event is, etc. From my years of experience I know what I am capable of and I will not take more events than I can handle as giving my clients the service they deserve is very important to long term success. Money isn't everything.

We're not sure what package is best for us, do you provide a consultation? Yes, of course! I purposely don't post my rates on my website for the sole reason that it is better for me to learn more about your event, budget, etc. to determine what package may be best suited for you. I am also happy to customize a package for you.

We're from the mainland, do you do destination weddings? Actually, destination weddings represent 70% of my business! With today's technology, it makes it very easy to plan from afar (except that you physically can't see things which I know can be a little unnverving at times) but e-mail works out great due to the time difference. Even with my local clients, alot of the planning is done via e-mail because of convenience, so don't worry, it CAN be done!

Do you have an assistant? Generally I work alone as I am very methodical in my approach to planning and by the time the day comes I have literally done a "virtual tour" of the event through my head and know exactly what needs to be done, when and how long it will take me. If there is a "crunch period" due to short windows of time for set-up or perhaps alot of decor, etc. then I will bring in additional staff which is at my own expense. By working from a home-based business and not having to pay a regular full time staff I am able to keep prices down which in turn benefits you.

We're ready, how do we reserve the date!? A contract will be prepared and sent to you via e-mail to your attention requesting a 50% non-refundable retainer. Upon receipt of the contract and retainer the date is confirmed and a receipt will be sent via e-mail. I will also send a bridal questionnaire form that assists in the planning process.

My wedding couple is a finalist in Pacific Weddings Photo Contest

Dear family and friends,

I'm so excited to let you know that one of my destination wedding couples (Jeff and Ericka) wedding picture has been chosen as one of the 10 finalists (out of hundreds of entries!) in the Pacific Weddings photo contest.

The picture with the most votes will win the contest and the winning photo will be featured in the winter/spring issue of the Pacific Weddings magazine.

Go to the link below. Our pic is #10 Swept Away by Frank Amodo. You can vote by indicating the photo # and leaving a comment on the Pacific Weddings blog.
http://pacificweddings.typepad.com/love_notes/2008/10/cast-your-vote.html

It truly is a wonderful picture!