Carissa + Mike: Sneak Peak

What's an island inspired wedding without some COLOR! After all, Hawaii IS officially known as the rainbow state, and for this San Diego couple, color = happiness.

Stay tuned for more photos from Carissa & Mike's October wedding at Lanikuhonua!

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!