Betty + Kent: Puakea Ranch, Big Island

What more can we say about Betty Lee and Kent Kurihara's Big Island Wedding, except that it was an AMAZING day. It was such a joy working with Betty and exciting to see the creative genius of her design background approach every detail, and we mean EVERY DETAIL, that she worked so hard on in the months before the wedding.

It was even more fun to open and discover the contents of all 23 (and counting) boxes that were shipped from Oahu to the Big Island, filled with details and surprises that we had the pleasure of decorating with for the Big Day.While we have yet to see all the wedding photos from Betty and Kent's day, we're excited to share a fun preview and a little about what fun Betty and Kent had planned for 60 or so of their closest family and friends and the beautiful and very remote Puakea Ranch!

**ENJOY**

The shoes... ah yes, the shoes. Betty's love for beautiful shoes made me realize it's time i update my shoe wardrobe. Seriously! And i love that Betty's shoes (ALL of them - or at least all of them that could fit in her suitcase) garnered their own mini photo shoot (check it out here!) with New York photographer Punam Bean in the cottage as Betty and the girls got ready for the ceremony at hand.

The ladies relaxed as they got their hair and makeup done at the ranch's adorable Miles Away Cottage...

...meanwhile, up at Yoshi's House, the wheels were set in motion and last minute touches were placed as guests arrived and a smiling groom (in cowboy boots!) awaited patiently near the KISSING TREE for 4pm (and his bride!) to arrive.

While it was important to Betty & Kent that their guests feel comfy and "at home" at the Ranch, it was also important that a bit of their own style and personalities infused into their wedding equaled fun and unexpected touches at every turn. Guests helped themselves to Betty & Kent's favorite ice cold IZZE sparkling juices and limited edition designer bottled water by Christian Lacroix for Evian. Batten Lace Parasols kept guests cool in the warm Hawaiian sun, and pashminas offered cozy warmth for later in the night, when upcountry Big Island's temperatures tend to dip towards chilly.

Flowergirls dressed in adorable white cotton eyelet dresses walked ringbearer, Kea (Betty & Kent's beloved pooch), down the aisle and to their awaited seat on the tree swing as they turned their attention to the bride, dressed in Monique Lhuillier couture, and her father as they made their way to the 1001 strung crane adorned monkeypod tree.

With the ceremony short and sweet, guests tossed dried lavender, a symbol of devotion and longevity, in celebration as the bride and groom kissed and were announced as the new, Mr. and Mrs. Kent & Betty Kurihara!

While the newlyweds were whisked away for photos, guests were invited to take their own self portraits at the informal photo booth that was set under the KISSING TREE, complete with props that ranged from masks to funky sunglasses to mustaches and fun hats.

And... as the sun began to set, Betty ducked into the cottage for a dress change into a stunning Pronovias Gown, and festivities continued in the reception tent to the bride and groom's favorite jazz playlist as guests dined and toasted well wishes for the newlyweds, amidst tables draped in specialty lavender, ivory and chocolate linens and set with manzanita style candelabras that held tea light candles and mini birds nests. Each place setting was set with home made fabric flower pins (for the men) and fabric wristlets (for the ladies) that held each guest's name printed on fabric scraps, and a menu that Betty had printed on paper lunch sacks.

Lacey details, strings of pearls and vintage style ribbons held table cards to chairs, and home made garlands made from cupcake liners in whimsical colors and patterns to compliment Betty's vintage modern theme adorned chair backs and tent poles to add touches of whimsy to the celebration. A large vintage bird cage chandelier created by the groom, hung over the bar.

After dinner and cake, Betty and Kent topped the night off with a game of pinata (an adorable creation by the Bride herself) filled with surprises for the guests (to scoop up and fill their paper sack menus with) and a warm bonfire to gather around and enjoy home made s'mores.

Congratulations, Betty & Kent Kurihara!