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!

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 - 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!

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

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 - Sheraton Waikiki - January 19, 2010

Congratulations to Jinny + Dan!!

It was a beautiful day in Waikiki; sunny, clear sky and a cool breeze.The ceremony took place on the Ni'ihau Lanai at the Sheraton Waikiki, a private retreat among the hustle of Waikiki while providing a breathtaking panoramic view of Waikiki beach.

Later the Lanai served as dance floor where guests danced, danced, danced!

Thank you Jinny and Dan for letting us be apart of your special day!!
Mahalo to all the great vendors who made the day special, especially Wendy & Eric of L'amour Photography for providing these beautiful pictures.

Boutonnieres For Everyone...

Boutonnieres can be so under appreciated! But these creative designs will make you rethink traditional. Vintage, eco-friendly or classic - you got to love these and they make a great keepsake.

Creamsicle Boutonniere & Yellow Polka Dot by Peppermint Cloud

Peacock Boutonniere by Emily K Botanic Studio

Shell Boutonniere by Fritts Rosenow

Vintage Teal Zipper by Libyball

Recycled Paper Flower by Jujubug

Catamaran, Waikiki Wedding - Jessica & Dylan - August 19, 2009

Jessica and Dylan wanted a exciting yet private location for their wedding ceremony, chartering a catamaran was the perfect fit. After the couple said "I do" guests munched on yummy catered cuisine and took in the sights of Waikiki. More wonderful pictures taken by AinaKai can be found on our website gallery. Congratulations Jessica and Dylan!!

Sweet Scents

If your looking for a perfume that is fresh, clean and not overpowering on your wedding day you should visit Pacifica.com.
Fragrances like Hawaiian Ruby Guava, Tahitian Gardenia, & Waikiki Pikake smell like Hawaii.
Pacifica products are made with the finest sustainable raw materials, no animal ingredients & recycled packaging.
Our fav product is the solid perfumes, spill proof and the perfect size to to fit in a pocket or purse.

Real Wedding - Shriner's Beach Club, Waimanalo

Check out our website as we recently added pictures to our photo gallery from a wedding we coordinated at the Shriner's Beach Club, Waimanalo.

We were so lucky to assist Melissa and Justin with their special day.

Thanks to Dulce by Visionari who took these wonderful pictures.

Real Wedding - Catamaran, Waikiki Wedding - Aron & Julee - June 18, 2009

Congratulations to Julee & Aron!!
The sunset wedding started with guests boarding the Outrigger Catamaran on the sand of Waikiki Beach. For a truely intimate wedding the catamaran was privately chartered, with guests enjoying drinks, pupus & live music. Sea turtles & rainbows made the evening extra special. These wonderful pictures were taken by Terra Photography, thanks for sharing Barbara!!

Inspiration Board - Happy Earth Day!!

Planning a Eco-friendly wedding is fun and easy. It's also a great way to keep Hawaii beautiful!!

Wedding Photos by: Angela Smith Photography

Eco-Friendly Wedding Dress by: Deborah Lindquist

Eco-Friendly Wedding Invites: Pink Lily Press

Recycled Candle Holder: Are Natural

Single-use bamboo collection of plates, serveware and utensils, 100% bamboo and Certified Organic : Bambu Photo by: Wendell Weber

Pear Place Card by: Martha Stewart

Relaxing on the Big Island!!

Last weekend I took some time off and traveled to the Big Island for my birthday. I'm so glad I did, it was really relaxing.
Of course my mind is always on weddings!! I stayed at a fabulous bed & breakfast who also rents out the property for weddings & receptions.

Honu Kai Bed & Breakfast is only 10 minutes from Kailua-Kona, which makes it convenient for your wedding guests. Hosts Wendi & Dave wonderful, genuine, caring people. They go above and beyond!!
The beautifully manicured lawn is used for the ceremony while their large lanai can seat up to 100 guests. The front yard can be set up for music and dancing.

Thanks Wendi & Dave for a fantastic stay!

A Gift as Unique as You

Need a bridal party gift, but they seem to have it all?

This cute purse is hand made by fair trade workers in Mexico, using folded recycled candy wrappers. Designed by Ecoist, they create stylish items while remaining environmentally conscience.