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!

Tanisha + Jesse: Sneak Peak

While I have yet to receive the official photos from Tanisha and Jesse's destination Oahu wedding, I couldn't resist posting a fun snapshot we snapped with my lil ole camera, and a great highlight real below, courtesy of our friends at Aria Studios, of their ceremony at Immaculate Conception Church in Ewa Beach!

HIGHLIGHTS :: tanisha + jesus from ARIA Studios on Vimeo.

Stay tuned for more on Tanisha and Jesse's Ewa Beach Ceremony and North Shore Ceremony, and what I know will be amazing photos from photographer Shawn Starr!

Event Essentials Hawaii

Pacific Aisles is thrilled that sister company, Event Essentials Hawaii, has finally launched their much anticipated website showcasing the beautiful specialty decor rentals available for weddings and events. We are enamored with their outdoor lounges, and we can always find something for every event from their stylish and unique inventory!

Danielle + Arash: Lanikuhonua, Oahu

It's amazing sometimes, what brings couples together, especially when they reside in different cities, on opposite sides of the continent. That was the case for Danielle and Arash, both waiting for a delayed flight that would unexpectedly have them chatting to pass the time away. When their flight was finally ready to board, it was a sure sign when Danielle gave up her First Class seat to sit with Arash, who was traveling in Coach, to continue the conversation they had started hours before... and the rest is history!

So it would only seem fitting that these two would jump on a plane and fly to the Hawaiian Islands for an intimate celebration. Their request list was simple and read:

Gorgeous oceanfront venue

Heartfelt and meaningful ceremony

Authentic Hawaiian slack key entertainment

Amazing photography

Perfect sunset views

Private oceanside table, set for two

Island inspired gourmet dinner

In Arash's own words, they wanted a wedding that was perfectly simple and simply perfect.

It was truly an evening that was perfectly simple and simply perfect.

Congratulations, Danielle & Arash!

Images Courtesy Visionari

Mike + Jessica: Lanikuhonua, Oahu

As wedding plans started taking shape via hundreds of emails and phone calls, just hearing California couple, Mike and Jessica, interact with each other, even from a distance, were amazing lessons in love.

I think that's why i was extra excited to witness their wedding day unfold into an inspiring, intimate and heartwarming celebration that was truly focused on friendship, family and love. And what a beautiful thing that is to witness.

(witness it here)

Congratulations m*hearts*j! I can't wait to hear all about the honeymoon!

Betty + Kent: Save the Date!

I just adore the cover photo of this Save the Date postcard that Pacific Aisles couple, Betty and Kent, created for their upcoming Big Island wedding in September. I know this event (and working with Betty to plan it) will be a smashing good time!

Pacific Bride Guide

It's official! I promised I would spread the word as soon as one of our very own here at Pacific Aisles, Tara DePonte, officially launched the Pacific Bride Guide, a wedding planning resource guide for the Pacific islands of Hawaii AND New Zealand.

This has been a longtime dream for Tara, so i was excited when Tara finally made the official announcement today that her website is in living color! The site will continue to be supported by her daily blog posts which I love to read over a good cup of morning brew, and we can't wait for the official launch party!

You'll see many of our real wedding photos laced throughout this fun and informative website and I think you will enjoy every yummy bit of it!

Congrats Tara!

Hayley + Ben: The Menu

While typically a wine and beverage menu pairing would follow a well laid out menu, for this destination Lanai wedding couple, the wine and beverages that would be served as their guests dined alfresco were equally important. So... the menu, with each course's perfect pairings, had to be designed hand in hand.

To create the perfect 9-course tasting menu, reminiscent of Hayley and Ben's all time favorite Chicago Restaurant, Charlie Trotter's, we first teamed up with local wine expert, Alan Jahns, to create a wine and beverage profile for the couple to help create a menu that would well suit their tastes. Once the menu was established, we set to work pairing the perfect champagnes, sake and wine for guests to enjoy with each and every course served. And what resulted was an amazing epicurean experience for the newlyweds and their guests for this intimate wedding at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay.

Amuse Bouche

Chef's Whim

Paired with Louis Roederer Champagne, "Cristal" Brut 1999

Lemongrass and Ginger Seared Diver Scallops

with Lana'i mango vinaigrette, micro basil, and island sweet potato chips

Paired with Ginga Shizuku Sake, "Divine Droplets", Junmai Daiginjo

Butternut Squash Soup

with Tahitian vanilla foam

Paired with Monchhof Estate Riesling, "Mosel Slate" Spatlese 2005

Cheese

-Truffled Brie Canape Served in Tuile Cup with spiced apples, maple syrup and micro celery shoots

-Gruyere "fondue" with french bread and dried cranberries

-Herbed Big Island Goat Cheese stack with crispy parmesan, heirloom tomatoes and micro arugula, 100 year balsamico

Paired with Bonaccorsi Wine Compay Syrah, "Larner Vineyards" 2003

Thyme-Olive Oil Roasted Squash

with Edamame succotash, roasted shallot, pinot noir reduction, smoked paprika oil

Paired with Bergstrom Winery Point Noir, "Cumberland Reserve" 2005

Intermezzo

Lilikoi-lime Sorbet

Lobster Risotto "Il Carnaroli"

with Lobster Nage, mascarpone, green pea shoots

Paired with Dumol Chardonnay, "Russian River" 2004

Fire Roasted Filet Mignon

with Big Island "Ali'i" Oyster Mushrooms, Truffle-Whipped Yukon Potatoes and Cabernet Sauce

Paired with Veraison Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, "Stagecoach Vineyard" 2002

Trio of Creme Brulee

-Grand Marnier Creme Brulee

-Hawaiian Lavender Creme Brulee

-Lemon-grass Ginger Creme Brulee

Paired with Gunderloch Nackenheim Rothenberg Riesling Eiswein, "Beerenauslese" 2004

Images courtesy Beverly Hills Wedding Photographers Joe Buissink + Kevin Lubera

The Hawaii Statehood Stamp

We can hardly wait for the US Postal Service to release the much anticipated 2009 Hawaii Statehood Stamp, which is slated to be available for purchase SOMETIME this summer. In fact, it seems that ALL of our destination Hawaii brides tying the knot towards the tail end of 2009 are clamoring for this bit of history.

What a perfect way to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the 50th State, AND send off those fun Save The Dates or Wedding Invitations, SWAK!

Uncommon Envelope

Yes, blog posts these days for Pacific Aisles have been few and far between, but we are so excited to be soooo busy with all the wonderful couples we're blessed to be working with!

BUT we just had to find the time to share recent BIG news from our uncommon friends over at Uncommon Envelope. This Seattle based boutique stationery design firm recently relaunched their and improved website and blog, AND announced the opening of their etsy shop featuring uncommonly exhilarating everyday stationery.

We not only LOVE their newest retail designs, (their HELLO Collection is a fave!) we LOVE that they are eco-friendly, using 100% cotton tree-free paper, soy based inks, man-powered letterpress printing and biodegradable packaging.

Maggie has always served as an amazing source of design inspiration for our weddings, and is a dream to work with when it comes to designing details that will no doubt enhance any event. Her gorgeous custom wedding stationery designs can be seen threaded throughout the real weddings featured on our website!

Congratulations Maggie!

Celeste + Alfonso: Moana Mele, Kauai

I love that i'm finding myself on the gorgeous island of Kauai for more and more weddings these days, as it seems by the time i finally unpack all supplies i'm checking off my packing list to prep for yet another Kauai wedding!

We were honored to help Los Angeles couple Celeste and Alfonso plan their Kauai nuptials this past August, with a small ceremony at Saint Sylvestor's Catholic Church in Kilauea, and a simple and intimate reception nearby at yet another gorgeous North Shore private estate on a bluff overlooking the ocean.

A tent was set with glowing white paper lanterns and four simple but stunning candle lit tables, which wrapped the dance floor to create a cozy and intimate setting. Dynamic design duo Casey and Dode of Martin Roberts Design did a fabulous job tying in Celeste's love for modern/clean design, her passion for Cymbidium, Phalaenopsis and Mokara orchids, and our color palette of clean whites with splashes of amethyst and lilac. Celeste's bouquet was drop dead stunning!

Besides flawless execution for every moment of the day from behind the scenes, my biggest task for this mellow crowd was to make sure that everyone had a margarita in hand (or the groom's favorite POG garnished with pineapple AND can't forget the cocktail umbrella) and that everyone, and i mean EVERYONE, got on the dance floor. Thanks to the talented DJ Mike of Kustom Sounds Kauai, the mission was easily accomplished!

Congratulations Celeste and Alfonso!

Don't you just LOVE this shot of the groom having the time of his life on the dancefloor?

Mahalo to "the gang" at Kilohana Photo for these fun photos!