Hawaii Wedding - Kelly + Aaron - Turtle Bay Resort, Oahu Hawaii

We were SO lucky to be a part of Kelly and Aaron's Big Day! When this awesome couple described their wedding day we felt confident recommending breathtaking Turtle Bay Resort  was the perfect location. 

The ceremony took place on Turtle Bay's Stable Beach, followed by cocktails and appetizers.

Helping with Kelly's eco-chic vision we incorporated locally grown orchids, and coconut centerpiece containers.

During the planning we secretly helped Kelly plan a surprise for her Groom and guests, Fire knife and Hula dancers!!

Everyone was so surprised and really enjoyed the performance.

An inmate (Vegan) dinner was then enjoyed by all the guests at Ola located on the Turtle Bay Resort property.

Mahalo to AinaKai for the wonderful pictures and to all the talented Oahu wedding vendors that made this day so special!

Real Wedding - Halekulani - September 18, 2010

We were so lucky to be a part of Giovanna & Steve's big day. You could certainly feel the love as everyone traveled great distances to be a part of the celebration, the couple flew in from the mainland and their guests flew in from around the world!
They chose the Halekulani Hau Terrace and Lanai for both their ceremony and reception site. The couple picked a cheerful color palate which complimented the venue and Giovanna had one of the prettiest bouquets we had seen!  Congratulations to you both!
Mahalo Christie Pham Photography for these wonderful photos.

Real Wedding - Coconut Club & Haiku Gardens - August 27, 2010

When Rachel first told me about her dream Moroccan color infused wedding I was hooked!
It turned out after I got to know Rachel & Reggie the colors they chose really reflected their personalties...vibrant, fun and full of life!
They decided to tie the knot among the beautiful, lush surroundings of Haiku Gardens. Then celebrated the night away at the Coconut Club (with a few fireworks!!)
Mahalo to you both for letting us be a part of your wedding! Much Aloha!

Hawaii wedding planner

Real Wedding - Lanikuhonua - July 30, 2010

You may remember Thuy & Sen from an earlier post on our blog, their beautiful beach side wedding took place  at Lanikuhonua in July.  Fisheye Studio created this wonderful video, you can feel the love! 

Wedding planner Hawaii

Real Wedding - Hilton Hawaiian Village - August 14, 2010

It was a beautiful morning for Lori and Chrisitaan as the tied the knot on the Hilton Hawaiian Village Great Lawn.  Lori choose an overall color palette of royal blue with an accent of white & yellow. But she loved the vibrant tropical flowers of Hawaii, thus we incorporated those into the reception decorations which was held in the Hilton Hawaiian Coral Ballroom.
Take 1 awesome couple that fills their lives with fun + a caring family and friends = a wedding & reception that was a blast!!

Mahalo Lori & Christaan for allowing us to be a part of your wedding day!! Thanks to Ryan Best of Life Held Still for the photos!

 

Hawaii Wedding Planner,Hawaii Wedding Coordinator,Oahu Wedding Planner

Hold On! Escort card holders for everyone

Escort cards are a great way to tie in your wedding theme while greeting your guests and directing them to their assigned table. But if your sign-in table is located outdoors, a small breeze could blow your cute cards everywhere. Not to worry! Here are some creative ways to secure your escort cards....

SHOP @:

Escort Card Holder, Vintage wedding: Esty, Treehouse Designs http://www.etsy.com/shop/TreehouseWoodDesigns?ref=seller_info

Rustic Woodland Log Escort Card Holders: Esty, MonkeysOnTheRoof http://www.etsy.com/shop/MonkeysOnTheRoof?ref=seller_info

Eco-friendly seed pod place card/ name card/ flower bud holder: Esty, Thitaree http://www.etsy.com/shop/Thitaree?ref=seller_info

Knobby Starfish Place Card Holders: Esty, sweetingredients http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetingredients?ref=seller_info

Simple Urchin Place Card Holder: Esty, EcoLecticEvents http://www.etsy.com/shop/EcoLecticEvents?ref=seller_info

Vintage inspired radio wire place card holders: Esty, sugarpush http://www.etsy.com/shop/sugarpush?ref=seller_info

Vintage Silver Forks: Esty, BasilicusJones http://www.etsy.com/shop/BasilicusJones?ref=seller_info

Rustic Wood Bud Vase Place Card Holder: Esty, thefunkyshack http://www.etsy.com/shop/thefunkyshack?ref=seller_info

Pedestal Place Card Holders in Turqiouse Dupioni Silk: Esty, IDSMPrinting http://www.etsy.com/shop/IDSMPrinting?ref=seller_info

Vendor Feature - Peace Cafe

As some of you may know I love good food! So if you are looking for a healthy & yummy spot to take your bridal party check out Peace Cafe.
I recently visited this intimate eatery and instantly fell in love! Choosing from the menu was a challenge as there were so many tempting vegan options. I decided on the Cilantro Hummus sandwich and my hubby got the "Popeye" sandwich which had miso-tahini flavored spinach & tofu cubes. We shared a cup of their homemade Miso soup. The sandwiches were pilled with veggies, so fresh, and the ciabatta bread tasted like it was just baked. The soup was packed the flavor and crisp vegetables. So Yummy!!
They also do take out, so consider them for your pre-wedding lunch while you and the bridal party get ready for the big day.

Photos by: examiner.com & PeaceCafe.com. Collage by: Katy Castillo Weddings

Featured Venue - Sunset Ranch, North Shore Oahu

Recently I was invited to tour the wonderful Sunset Ranch, located on the North Shore of Oahu.

This property is a scenic hour drive from Waikiki, located overlooking Waimea Valley.

Sunset Ranch is a breathtaking 30 acres, making it a perfect location for anyone as it's a blank canvas that can easily be transformed into whatever you can imagine. Another reason to love this venue is their commitment to the environment as the property is protected as a private conservation easement. 

Rooms are available on site for the bridal party to get ready. Thank you Corinne for showing us around!

Planning a hawaii wedding

Real Wedding - Lanikuhonua - July 30, 2010

Congratulations Thuy & Sen!! Together they choose Lanikuhonua as the beautiful setting for their special day. The weather was perfect, for the ceremony guests enjoyed the ocean breeze as they sat under the shade of one of the properties large trees. Thuy's cheery personally shone through with a fun color palette of turquoise, yellow and white.

After the ceremony guests were treated to a luau at Paradise Cove. Special thanks to Fisheye Studio who was there providing video & photography services, with help from Corinne from  What a day! Photography.

Real Wedding - Bayer Estate - July 10, 2010

Congratulations Heidi & Joel! They chose the historic Bayer Estate as the location for their simple yet elegant wedding ceremony & reception. Choosing the front yard for their ceremony allowed for a unique backdrop, using the house to hang beautiful decorations created by Designs by Hemingway. The bride incorporated white phalaenopsis orchids throughout the wedding design, including her cake which was made by Sunshines Cake Creations. Mahalo to Christie Pham Photography who took these wonderful pictures below and all the other talented vendors who made Heidi & Joel's wedding day so special!

Real Wedding - Wedding Highlight Video - The Moana Surfrider

A few months ago I was honored to coordinate a beautiful wedding for Kathy + Jerome (I shared a few pictures in an earlier posting) who flew all the way from Chicago to have their wedding in Hawaii. Their beautiful ceremony took place at Our Lady of Peace Cathdreal, followed by a oceanfront reception at the Moana Surfrider.  I was able to relive all the great memories of their wedding day thanks to Joshua from Fisheye Studio who just released their wedding video. Enjoy!!

kat + jigs // today i embark on a journey with you from Fisheye Studio on Vimeo.

Dazzling Bouquets

Do you want a bouquet that not only lasts but is a work of art? Then consider a vintage brooch bouquet... These amazing, one of a kind, bouquets will have your guests doing a double take as you walk down the asile!!

Waterlily Seashells Bouquet, Black+White Bouquet, Peacock Bouquet  By: Hair Bows Wonderworld

Sassy Bride Bouquet, Art Bouquet, Vintage Bouquet  by: 1amanda

Real Wedding - Bayer Estate - May 28, 2010

Since I specialize in destination weddings most of the time I don't get to meet my couples in person until the week of their wedding. After over a year of planning I had the pleasure of finally meeting Zeineb & Jason! This wonderful couple from California, choose to incorporate their fun loving personalities and individual styles throughout their wedding. It made the day really special and reflected who they are as a couple. The ceremony & reception took place at the wonderful & intimate Bayer Estate.  Below are a few pictures of the day from the talented Christie Pham. Congratulations Zeineb and Jason!!

Vendor Feature - Turtle Love Co.

Turtle Love Co. is a wonderful company to find unique, eco-conscious jewelry. Their artisans designs are truly creative. You can find beautiful jewelry for your bridal party or even yourself! And the best part is the jewelry is good for the earth using recycled materials, organic pearls (100% sustainable and hormone free), and fair trade gemstones. Here are a few of my favorite pieces...

Real Wedding - Bayer Estate - May 8, 2010

I always get excited for my client's wedding day, Laura & Sean's special day was no exception! After choosing the intimate Bayer Estate as their ceremony & reception location, this down-to-earth couple wanted the focus to be on their family and friends celebrating their wedding day with them. Laura & Sean treated guests to yummy food and a private Sushi Chef (Thanks to Ramon & Arnold from Sushi on Wheels, your sushi was SO good!). Guests were entertained throughout the evening by the very talented Ben & Maila. And dessert from Satura Cakes was a sweet success! A big mahalo to Christie Pham Photography for taking these beautiful pictures of the event!

Hawaiian Style Welcome Bags

Welcome bags are a great way to show your guests some aloha and make them feel comfortable when they arrive to the islands.  

Don't forget to include locally made items, not only is it eco-friendly, your guests will find the items unique and memorable.

Here are my favorite items to include in a welcome bag:
-Sunscreen                                           -Flip Flops

-Map of the Island                                  -Hawaii Guide book 

-Wedding week itinerary                          -Locally made travel candle:Honolulu Soap

-Locally made soap:Hawaiian Bath and Body -1st Aid Kit

-Locally made soda:Waialua Soda Works       -Hawaiian Music CD

-Stamped Postcards:Island Art Cards          -Locally made snacks:Hawaiian Host

-Reusable Water Bottle: Ecousable            -Hawaiian Music CD

-Personalized Beach Towel                       -Important contact numbers

-Locally made lip balm:Hawaiian Body Products 

Real Wedding - Lanikai Beach - April 24, 2010

Jaime and Jay met and fell in love on Oahu, they moved to California and soon after got engaged. And of course they could only picture getting married back in Hawaii. Last Saturday I had the honor of assisting them with their special day, and what an honor it was!! They were so kind, caring & had tons of positive energy, I couldn't help but to smile when I was around them. The ceremony took place in a quiet alcove on Lanikai Beach with a dinner at Buzz's Lanikai.  Mahalo to the awesome vendors who made the day special and  L'amour Photography for capturing the day.

Real Wedding - Moana Surfrider - April 10, 2010

Kathy and Jerome are such a fun loving couple, it's hard to believe we spent a over a year planning their wedding day...time flies! Coming from one of my fave cities, Chicago, they felt the Diamond Lawn at the Moana Surfrider would be the perfect place for their guests to celebrate their wedding day.
Kathy choose a playful purple and fresh green as her colors, with tropical touches. Designs by Hemingway brought Kathy's vision to life with beautiful centerpieces, linens and a cozy lounge area for guests. During dinner hula & fire dancers preformed, dinner was followed with dancing.

Congratulations Kathy + Jerome! Thank you for allowing me to be part of your special day!