Pacific Aisle Style

Congratulations Celeste & Alfonso!

I love that i'm finding myself on the gorgeous island of Kauai for more and more weddings these days, as it seems by the time i finally unpack all supplies i'm checking off my packing list to prep for yet another Kauai wedding!

We were honored to help Los Angeles couple Celeste and Alfonso plan their Kauai nuptials this past August, with a small ceremony at Saint Sylvestor's Catholic Church in Kilauea, and a simple and intimate reception nearby at yet another gorgeous North Shore private estate on a bluff overlooking the ocean.

A tent was set with glowing white paper lanterns and four simple but stunning candle lit tables, which wrapped the dance floor to create a cozy and intimate setting.  Dynamic design duo Casey and Dode of Martin Roberts Design did a fabulous job tying in Celeste's love for modern/clean design, her passion for Cymbidium, Phalaenopsis and Mokara orchids, and our color palette of clean whites with splashes of amethyst and lilac. Celeste's bouquet was drop dead stunning!

Besides flawless execution for every moment of the day from behind the scenes, my biggest task for this mellow crowd was to make sure that everyone had a margarita in hand (or the groom's favorite POG garnished with pineapple  AND can't forget the cocktail umbrella) and that everyone, and i mean EVERYONE, got on the dance floor. Thanks to the wonderful DJ's at Kustom Sounds Kauai, the  mission was easily accomplished!

 

 

 

Congratulations Celeste & Alfonso!

Images Courtesy of Kilohana Photo.

Lost & Found

I made it through many a homesick night in college, listening to Hapa's self entitled, then newly released debut album, dreaming of one day returning to my home in the islands. So naturally, i was sad to hear that this dynamic duo of Barry Flanagan and Keli'i Kaneali'i had split up in 2001 to pursue their solo careers.

Fast forward, 7 years...  

While dining at our favorite Mediterranean Restaurant, Saffron, on Kauai, on a recent planning trip to Kauai for an upcoming north shore wedding, we were thrilled to discover that the restaurant had amazing live entertainment to serenade the night away.

Always on the hunt for amazing entertainers to share with clients for wedding entertainment, I elbowed one of my event managers and urged her to go get his name and number.  She came back with a cocktail napkin, name and number scribbled in black ink. It read: Keli'i Kaneali'i. i couldn't believe my eyes! 

It was quite serendipitous to find him there on Kauai, as one of our Kauai brides had just selected Hapa's Lei Pikake to accompany her down the aisle.  We were thrilled to convince Keli'i to come and sing it for this special couple.  What a perfect Hawaiian song that speaks of beauty, true love and romance for a ceremony processional.  The guests all agreed that hearing Keli'i's remarkable voice sing his own song acapella as the bride approached her soon to be husband gave everyone a delightful chill.

We are glad we found you, Keli'i! 

Congratulations Brandy & Ali!

We've planned enough weddings on Kauai's North Shore to know that a night like this is a true blessing. After two days of set up in the rain and cold, the skies cleared and the moon came out for quite a dramatic end to a lovely evening.

And after this past weekend's wet and rainy weather, it was one of those perfect nights as a coordinator you always dream of!

Congratulations are in order for newlyweds Brandy & Ali Davoudian, who will soon be heading off to an amazing honeymoon in the Maldives.  We can't wait to tell you more about their three-ceremony wedding that kicked off at Wai'oli Church in Hanalei and ended at a lavish private estate in Kilauea, and of course, we can't wait to share with you the moments of their day captured on film.

Image Courtesy of Kilohana Photo