Erica and Paul part 2

A few months ago I blogged about Erica and Paul's beautiful wedding on 8.8.08 at The Kahala Resort and Spa. I recently received the final CD filled with stunning images from their photographer Frank Amodo, so I decided to post a "part 2" about this wedding. Erica's wedding was full of rich texture, bold colors and intricate details. I especially love the use of Dahlias in her wedding. Dahlia is a very hearty flower that usually lasts all day, and they come in such fun shades of colors such as lipstick red, bumble bee yellow, super hot pink and rich plum purple. They always add that "dramatic flair" to any event. Kudos to Floral Inspirations who did an amazing job with the flowers and Frank for capturing these images.

Exquisite handmade invitation by Emi Ink

Bold and dramatic bouquet created by Fong

Just married!

Ballroom transformation - done in 1.5 hour!

8.8.08 was a really busy day at the hotel as we can all imagine, but all vendors worked as a team to create Erica's dream reception in lightening speed!

Romantic canopy creates a soft coverage for the sweetheart table

Stunning head table set up

Favors were artfully arranged under an arch made of Curly Willows and hanging Orchids

Congratulations to the Harpers!

Happy Anniversary!

March 20 - Celebrating 4 years of wedded bliss!

My Seven Buck Chuck

While I patiently wait for Trader Joes to arrive in Hawaii, I have found a great cheap bottle of wine to replace TJ's famous "Two Buck Chuck".

Sending your hubby to the store to get wine is usually not a good idea, because you just never know what you may end up getting. But since I was busy preparing dinner, I had to count on Marvin to pick up a "decent" bottle of wine. I gave him 2 very simple instructions: 1) Get a bottle of Shiraz or Cabernet, 2) Keep the price point to under $15 per bottle.

Marvin came back with the $6.99 Yellow Tail Shiraz-Cabernet blend. To my surprise, it was actually really good. I would say the bottle tasted like something you can get at Tamura's for $20 - $25 a bottle. A wine expert once told me that a bottle of wine is good wine as long as it tastes good to you personally. I couldn't have agreed more. Who would have thought my beer-drinking, poke-eating hubby would find my new "Seven Buck Chuck"?

For brides who are having an off-premise wedding (such as Lanikuhonua, Loulu Palm Estate, HSAM....etc.), consider serving the Yellow Tail Shiraz-Cabernet as your red wine option. Your guests will probably never know it costs only $6.99 a bottle!

Your Wedding Day Spring 2009 Editorial Feature

Yvonne Design, Cake Lava, Emi Ink, Les Saisons, BLU foto and myself were thrilled when Thea Lignos, editor in chief of Your Wedding Day magazine called and invited us to be a part of her magazine's Spring 2009 editorial feature. Your Wedding Day magazine is truly a leader in introducing new wedding designs and trends, so we are all so honored to be a part of their first Hawaii photo shoot. The overall design we tried to create for this shoot is definitely unusual. This table is inspired by the very talented Kelly Wearstler, an interior designer known for her eclectic style. Personally, I have yet to be asked by a bride to create a wedding that feels "eclectic"; but after seeing these beautiful images, I hope they will inspire brides-to-be to think outside of the box to go wild, go eclectic! To see more images and the full editorial article, pick up your copy at Barns and Nobles today. All images are taken by BLU foto.

Images of the table top design

Wedding cake by Cake Lava

Menu and escort card by Emi Ink

Want Pearly Whites?

I know I know, it's been too long since I've last blogged. I hope this won't become a habit :( This is usually not our peak season with alot of on going weddings, but we've been busy designing and planning upcoming weddings this summer, fall and early 2010. Can you believe it's already March? 2010 will come sooner before we all know it!

OK, I have to admit that I am a sucker for "products". I love experimenting with hair products, cosmetics and of course, teeth whitening products. I have heard from a few brides that some teeth whitening strips are just a waste of money. Not only do they not whiten your teeth, they are often overpriced and will cause extreme sensitivity on your teeth that it's almost unbearable. If you are a bride looking for a fast, effective and inexpensive way to whiten your teeth before the big day, I highly suggest trying Crest White Strips Premium. You apply the strips every night for about 15 minutes (yes, only 15 minutes!), and you still start noticing results in about a week. For better results, I suggest also brushing your teeth with Crest Vivid White toothpaste. I've personally tried it, and the combination of both products make your teeth look fantastic. Costco sells them in a combo pack for about $35. A bargain price for a beautiful bridal smile!

Strips + Toothpaste = Pearly Whites for the Big Day!