Wedding Blogs by Wedding Professionals
December 31, 2007
HAWAII WEDDINGS AND EVENTS LAUNCHES 2008 OAHU WEDDING PACKAGES
Congratulations on your engagement and Happy New Year Year!
Hawaii Weddings and Events is excited to launch its 2008 wedding consulting and coordination packages for your Oahu Wedding!
Virtual (e-mail only) Consulting Services - Minimum 2 hours
On Site Coordination/On-Site Consulting Meeting - Minimum 3 hours
Were Engaged Now What? - 2 Hour Budget Preparation and Consultation Meeting
Its My Wedding Day - Rehearsal and Day of Coordination
For My Peace of Mind - Your 90-Day Countdown to a Stress Free Wedding Day!
For Sanitys Sake - Consulting and 90-Day Countdown package
Were Tying the Knot
Please contact us direct at info@hawaiiweddingsandevents.com for a detailed listing of what each package offers and pricing. We are also pleased to offer custom quotes to suit your individual needs.
*Note: Blog does not take proper punctuation so it has purposely been omitted.
Posted by HAWAII WEDDINGS AND EVENTS on December 31, 2007 at 11:40 AM
December 28, 2007
Happy New Year
Goodbye 2007. Welcome 2008!
The New Year brings with it much excitement as it ushers in new beginnings and opportunities. Congratulations to all of you who got engaged over this Christmas holiday. Yeah! How absolutely fun!
Have a wonderful and safe start to your New Year!
Blessings,
Heidi
Champagne Toast
style code: A-850
Posted by MAGNETSTREETWEDDINGS.COM on December 28, 2007 at 03:58 PM
Crabcakes, crabcakes, and even more crabcakes
This is the time of year that I experiment with my recipes to see what new and interesting dishes I can offer, and lately we have been playing with new crabcakes the size of baseballs, flatten basballs. We've many coconut curry, Christmas colored, Italian versions, Thai versions, and our lucky taste testers have gone home with bundles of our new found creations. I wish I could try my own cooking, but as nature would have it, I am allergic to shellfish so I am dependant on my sense of smell, as well as my friends who call and ask what I've been making. They keep coming back so I can hope they are good! If you would like, we can make and deliver them to your tasting, anyway you like them.
Posted by A FREE BAR SERVICE AND CHOCOLATE SERENITEA CATERIN on December 28, 2007 at 02:08 PM
December 23, 2007
THE KAHALA HOTEL AND RESORT - HAWAII WEDDINGS AND EVENTS
The Kahala Hotel and Resort is a beautiful oceanfront property just outside of Waikiki on the other side of Diamond Head.
With two oceanfront gazebos, an intimate oceanfront reception room that can accommodate a maximum of 40 guests, its signature orchid wall staircase and a spectacular beach, it is a photographers dream location for it has a variety of backdrops.
My favorite room is the Waialae Ballroom as it offers you the comfort of being indoors, but has floor to ceiling glass windows that overlook the waterfall.
You may wonder why I know so much about the venue......well, prior to starting my own event planning firm, I worked there for 10 years and was the Director of Catering and Conferences Services. I still remember doing sales calls to agencies and having our own bridal showcases to promote the property.
Since leaving the resort in March 2006 to pursue my dream, I've had the privilege of servicing seven weddings at The Kahala Hotel and Resort which has been so much fun to work with my old banquet team again.
You can see some pictures of the resort at my other website
http://www.kahalaweddings.com.
Posted by HAWAII WEDDINGS AND EVENTS on December 23, 2007 at 11:57 PM
December 22, 2007
A Few Thoughts on Flowers
From the bouquet to the centerpieces, flowers add a wonderful touch to any wedding day. Your florist will have many ideas on how to use flowers to add to the ambience of your wedding. Looking online and through wedding magazines for flower ideas can also inspire you.
When you are ordering your wedding flowers, keep in mind that many brides choose to have a smaller bouquet to toss rather than the one they walked down the aisle with. If you decide to have a toss bouquet, ask a bridesmaid to be responsible for retrieving the extra bouquet when youﾒre ready for the toss.
Another flower tip:
Flowers that are in season and locally grown will be easier on your budget.
And, speaking of budgets. Let us know what you are planning for your wedding photography and we can custom-make a photo and print package that will best meet your budget. Call us today!
Hope to hear from you soon. We want to be your wedding photographers.
Dana Kehr
A Brides Club Preferred Photographer
Our website is at: www.northwest-wedding-photos.com You can call us directly at: (253)875-9949 or e-mail us at: dana@northwest-wedding-photos.com We would love to work with you.
Posted by NORTHWEST WEDDING PHOTOS on December 22, 2007 at 11:20 AM
December 19, 2007
HALE KOA HOTEL - HAWAII WEDDINGS AND EVENTS - LAS VEGAS THEME WEDDING
I just received pictures from a Las Vegas Theme wedding that was held at the Hale Koa Hotel's luau gardens in September 2007.
The photos were incredible and truly captured the essence of all the special touches the creative bride had prepared for her special day. Event design is one of my passions and I get equally excited when I have a client that has really put alot of time in effort to creating their theme wedding.
Garnet red and chocolate brown were the theme colors, which were carried out through the use of colored linens, chair covers, napkins, flowers, feathers, custom made frames that had the couples pictures, wrapped poker cards and printed programs.
My client works long hours and I found out that she was doing alot of her wedding planning late in the evening. Considering we only had two hours to set up for the 370 guest wedding which also included a photobooth, hanging lanterns, red uplights, chiavari chairs and special linens for the head table, cake table, reception area and candy buffet, my client selected the "For My Peace of Mind - 90 Day Countdown to a Stress-free wedding day" to help wrap up the details and work out all of the logistics.
The Peace of Mind package has become our most popular package for it allows the bride to still plan her event, but when it gets closer and everything starts getting into the "crunch period" the bride has a partner to help keep keep things on track and ensure nothing has been overlooked.
This is where an experienced planner really makes a difference. The ability to coordinate, manage and communicate with all of the vendors (referred to as teammates) is critical as timing is the most difficult aspect to learn.
Please visit our photo gallery to see pictures from the event courtesy of DAVID MURPHEY
Posted by HAWAII WEDDINGS AND EVENTS on December 19, 2007 at 08:02 PM
December 18, 2007
Twas the Night Before Your Wedding
Make sure not a creature is stirring the night before your wedding by following these easy tips to fall asleep:
Drink warm milk
Spray lavender scent on your pillow
Give yourself a temple rub
Read a calming book
Listen to soft rock or classical music
Reflect on the next day and the wonderful future that lies ahead of you
Try to sleep for eight hours the night before so you'll be well rested for the wedding day.
When you use Northwest Wedding Photos, you can rest assured your wedding photos will be high quality and affordable.
Check us out at www.northwest-wedding-photos.com Then call us at (253)875-9949 or email us at dana@northwest-wedding-photos.com for an appointment.
We'd love to be your wedding photographers!
Thanks!
Dana
A Brides Club Preferred Photographer
Posted by NORTHWEST WEDDING PHOTOS on December 18, 2007 at 02:28 PM
December 14, 2007
Brand New Stylart Album is Here!
The brand new Stylart album captures all that's hot in invitations right now - fresh color combinations, banded invitations, pocket invitations, more ink and foil imprinting options, plus all the most popular invitations from past Stylart collections.
Check out the new invitations through the Stylart link on our website, www.gettingpersonalimprinting.com, or visit us at the Tacoma Wedding Expo in January to see the album collection.
Posted by GETTING PERSONAL IMPRINTING on December 14, 2007 at 06:21 PM
December 13, 2007
Buffalo Bridal Expo 2008
January 27th, 2008 is the date set for Buffalo Bridal Expo 2008 to be held at the WNY Event Centre, 11163 Main Street in Clarence. Hundreds have pre-registered for this event designed to acquaint brides-to-be with members of the Buffalo Bridal Association.
There will be fashion shows on the hour from some of the areas leading bridal and tuxedo shops. "Ask the Expert" forums designed to provide tips, ideas and advice on how to plan your wedding will be lead by Chris Gengo one of WNY's leading authorities on relationship building.
Free tastings and interactive displays will be the highlight of the Expo along with tens of thousands of dollars in prizes that will be given away at the event.
Pre-register for this free event at www.BuffaloBridalExpo.com. You can also call us at 716.566.1116. Your tickets will be mailed to you 7-10 days before the Expo. Don't miss it!
Posted by BUFFALO BRIDAL EXPO on December 13, 2007 at 07:52 PM
Issues with ISP
I just wanted to let all prospective clients that there have been issues with sending emails to all of you. A lot of my emails are sent and you receive as "Spam" and someone gets blocked. I have advised Brides Club of the problem and all ISP servers - Comcast being the biggest issue. If you get an email of apology for any misunderstanding on your part or my part regarding reporting of server issues - I hope I have made myself clear as to what I am reporting. I am not reporting being blocked, I am reporting the server issues only.
I have had a couple of brides take offense and they state they will make sure no one uses my services due to their misunderstanding my email making them aware of the fact that we are legitimate businesses and we pay for the privilege of getting the emails of registered brides - that we are not "Spam".
I have also advised Brides Club of the issue as well.
If you want to block my emails or anyone else's, that is your right, but I would like you to let me know to not email you anymore - not just block me. You all registered for information on this website - we, as vendors are assuming you want information from us for your upcoming wedding.
Posted by WEDDINGS BY DESIGN on December 13, 2007 at 04:12 PM
"Times" Magazine features LiveInternetWeddings.com
It always a pleasure to see a business evolve! Live Internet Weddings was just featured in the latest edition of "Times Magazine" in an article about webcasting.
For those of you that have family or friends that aren't able to make it to your destination wedding, it is a perfect option to still let them share the experience.
Our most recent wedding was for a couple from Dallas, Texas, of which the groom was from Louisiana and the bride was from Poland. Setting a 10am wedding ceremony time, the couple included the website link in their invitations and invited their family and friends to "share" their special day LIVE as the wedding was broadcast from the Turtle Bay Resort.
Modern technology truly makes dreams come true!
Posted by HAWAII WEDDINGS AND EVENTS on December 13, 2007 at 02:25 AM
December 12, 2007
Tropical Wedding Tips
If you are planning to say "I do" in a tropical paradise, here are a few helpful hints:
In Hawaii, we experience trade winds too, so a sturdy 'do' will lessen your stress!
* Bring heels and sandals for different photo ops.
We've found that personal "props" like a football or parasol make for a fun album with lots of variety!
* With plenty of wedding day white, ensure vibrant photos by introducing color.
This is particularly important on Hawaii's pristine, white sand beaches; many of our brides opt to line their aisles with beautiful flower petals and adorn their guests' chairs with flowing organza sashes.
* Be sure to have water available for yourself and your guests.
Nothing gets the celebration under way like a beach bar for others while you say "cheese"!
* Consider shade options nearby for the less sun-tolerant.
Our favorite location provides sand and trees against a beautiful backdrop of surf and sky. For yourself, apply an SPF 15 (at least) bronzer for a sun-kissed glow that will keep you from enjoying your honeymoon as a lobster!
Submitted By:
Samantha Horton
Senior Wedding Coordinator
ADreamWeddingHawaii.com
Posted by ADREAMWEDDINGHAWAII.COM on December 12, 2007 at 04:14 PM
December 11, 2007
HAWAII WEDDINGS AND EVENTS - PEACE OF MIND AT LANIKUHONUA
Lanikuhonua - Where Heaven Meets the Earth is an amazing so I'm very happy to have the opportunity to do yet another destination wedding there!
The beautiful oceanfront location is like giving an artist a brand new canvas to create their masterpiece. As the bride is able to bring in all of her own vendors (catering, rentals, etc.) you are only limited by your imagination.
As there are many logistics involved in off-premise catering, our "For Your Peace of Mind - 90-Day Countdown to a Stress-Free" day is our most popular package for it ensures every intricate detail is taken care of and nothing is overlooked so you can enjoy a truly magical day.
Posted by HAWAII WEDDINGS AND EVENTS on December 11, 2007 at 02:55 AM
December 5, 2007
Weather Challenges
As a photographer it's easy to post beautiful sunny day (especially in Hawaii) but what happens when the weather doesn't cooperate? We have to think fast and use the available light or secondary light to our advantage. This is just the situation with a wedding I did a few weeks ago. Many weather changes as we went from Waikiki up the Pali Highway to the east side of Ohau. This shot was taken in Kualoa Park across from the famed China Man's Hat (Mokolii Island) on the north end of Kaneohe Bay.
Posted by JEANNE MAIRE PHOTO on December 5, 2007 at 12:49 AM
December 4, 2007
UH Warriors BCS Bowl Game!
You're probably wondering, what does this have to do with wedding planning? Well, absolutely nothing! I always encourage my clients to take a few days off from their wedding planning to enjoy other things in life, and this is a good time to celebrate!
Yes, it truly has been an early Christmas gift not only for UH fans, but for the entire state of Hawaii.
It's history in the making and you can't help but get caught up on all the excitement after seeing the final game against Washington and the good new about the Sugar Bowl!
Even my daughter who is currently in San Diego and transferring to UH in the Spring said she was yelling at the TV. Interestingly enough, I just found out she knows Colt Brennan, the QB, who she met at Sandy Beach, saying he is such a laid back chill guy and she even went to his birthday party this summer!
This week has been surreal, the UH Warriors believed and achieved, and Hawaii couldn't be more proud.
"Oh man, I love this team..i'm a fan number one," says Mac Telefoni, a UH Football Fan.
"We're ready," says Kalilimoku.
And a berth into a BCS Bowl Game means big bucks for the University.
Last year, boise state received $4.5 million for qualifying.
And all other WAC teams got $800,000.
So it's not only a great day for the state, but the entire conference.
Posted by HAWAII WEDDINGS AND EVENTS on December 4, 2007 at 03:18 PM
December 3, 2007
Dianna Shitanishi supports KHON2FOX Lokahi Giving Fund Project
Happy Holidays!
As the holiday season has arrived again, I am truly grateful for my treasures which is my family and friends. No, I don't drive a big fancy car, or have the latest in technology or even my own home for that matter, but at the end of the day, what really is most important to me is having a roof over my head, clothes on my back, being able to provide for my children and helping those that are less fortunate.
As Chapter President of the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) I got our association involved in adopting a family through the Lokahi Giving Fund Project. It is a very humbling experience as many of the items on their "wish list" are basic necessities such as a blanket, a pillow, clothes and shoes and our participating members really felt the "true spirit" of the holidays while shopping for our family.
Our chapter has participated the past two years and Dianna will be spearheading this year's participation as well. For more information on how you may participate in this program please see http://www.khon2.com/features/lokahigivingproject/10679251.html
Posted by HAWAII WEDDINGS AND EVENTS on December 3, 2007 at 05:00 PM
December 2, 2007
The Lion King - memories of Christine Yasunaga's wedding at The Kahala
This afternoon we had the opportunity to see "The Lion King" musical which has been performing in Honolulu since September. December 9th will be the last show, and for those of you that may not have seen it and have the opportunity, it is truly worth every penny and more!
Seeing the show brought back memories of when islander Christine Yasunaga, from the original cast of the Lion King, had her wedding at The Kahala Mandarin Oriental, Hawaii (now The Kahala Hotel and Resort) when I was still the Director of Catering and Conference Services before starting my own business http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/2001/Jan/05/showbiz.html
Christine was marrying the drummer, Darryl Pellegrina and three members of the cast also sang acapella for their wedding ceremony which was held at the Koko Head Gazebo. One of the singers was from Jamaica and I'll never forget how he said he needed to come back to Hawaii to "get the creative juices flowing" as he said while he was here he was able to relax and think as in New York the pace is 24/7.
Posted by HAWAII WEDDINGS AND EVENTS on December 2, 2007 at 11:37 PM
December 1, 2007
Christmas Special - save $500 - perfect for Lanikuhonua brides!
Happy Holidays!
Hawaii Weddings and Events is pleased to offer a Christmas special of $500 off their full service "We're Tying the Knot" package.
"I just love Christmas and the spirit of the holidays" said owner, Dianna Shitanishi. With that said, in addition to her usual donations to the Lokahi program she also wanted to offer a special discount to those brides that really could use the help of a full-service planner but just may not have the budget for it.
We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
Posted by HAWAII WEDDINGS AND EVENTS on December 1, 2007 at 05:23 PM
Halekulani wedding with Eugene Kam Photography
Yesterday I had the privilege of being the "day of" coordinator for a couple from Los Angeles, California and working with Eugene Kam Photography.
Their intimate ceremony was held on the Garden Lawn and the reception dinner would be at the adjacent Garden Terrace which was perfect for their needs.
Oddly enough, having done many outdoor weddings which have been threatened by inclement weather, my couples have been blessed with what I call "windows of opportunity."
Yesterday was no exception.....a rain call was made at 2:30pm and as the skies looked better, we chose to stay outside. Although cloudy, it was still looking good up until about 15 minutes prior to the ceremony, so I told my vendors we'll be fine until 4:30pm (ceremony was scheduled for 4pm)
We were still awaiting the arrival of some of their guests, but feeling the breeze and the moisture that you sense in the air, the photographer and I knew we would not be able to hold out much longer. With that said, all of the immediate family were now present and we immediately started the ceremony.
The ceremony was perfect and the couple was able to do their signing outside along with some family pictures until just about 4:34pm when the rains came. With experienced professionals, such as Eugene Kam and his assistant Joy, Kit Samoson as well as the Halekulani team, everyone started to make adjustments for picture taking, relocating the piano and adjusting the set-up on the terrace and so as not to let the rain put a damper on anything.
During the cocktail period a glimse of the sun could be seen and Dianna told the phtoographer that they'll be able to take pictures on the beach with the bride and groom. There was still a light shower, but Dianna said "five minutes" and you'll be fine.......and they were.
Experience and Faith do count!
Posted by HAWAII WEDDINGS AND EVENTS on December 1, 2007 at 05:03 PM
Brand New Carlson Craft Blue Album is Here!
The hallmark invitation album, Carlson Craft's "Blue" album has been updated and just released for 2008!
The album includes many of the most popular invitations from past collections but also features unique invitations designed by Jean M and Eduardo Xol. There are pocket invitations, layered invitations and more. Plus, when you order from the album, you can get 100 personalized napkins for free!
Looking for something specific for your wedding? Contact me and I'll see what "Blue" has for you!
Posted by GETTING PERSONAL IMPRINTING on December 1, 2007 at 10:33 AM
