Congrats M&C!!

As some of you may know, besides my 1000 job duties working full time for a demolition company, being a mom, a wife, a homemaker, crafter, begining seamstress.... maid, chef, etc...

I also do weddings, I am a wedding officient.

This past weekend I got to perform a wedding for some friends of mine.

I was so happy to be a part of it!

They have been together for as long as I have been married, so it's about darn time they finally got hitched!

They wanted a really quick wedding and I have to say it was the fastest ceremony I have ever performed!

Everything was gorgeous!

The ceremony was held at Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens and if you ever have the chance to visit you MUST!

The bride and groom looked great and so happy!

Congrats to you both!

photo by Sheila Morales

Isn't that a great pix!

Done by my mother-in-law

FREE wedding printables

Are you planning a wedding on a budget?

Ok, lets be honest, who isnt?

We're not all that lucky to be living it up My Big Fat Fabulous Wedding style.

Post Cards and Pretties (love them) is sharing a FREE printable wedding set here.

Its a very cute black and white simple but elegant set which includes:

invitation, save the date, response card, wedding program, menu, place cards, table number, seating list and thank you cards.

How very generous! Go check it out!

Anniversary Dinner

So last week we celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary.

My hubs took me to Tidepools at the Grand Hyatt Resort in Poipu.

I worked there for several years when we first got married.

I wish we had gotten there before the sun went down, this is such a beautiful restaurant.

You can see more pix here.

BTW, the photo in the banner at the top of the page, yup, thats where we sat. I guess being a former employee has its perks. Its a semi private hut with two tables, you dont even notice the other table there.

You can also check out their menu and wine list and dessert menus as well.

We were seated, love their staff and I'm not just saying that because I know them.

We started out our dinner with some pupus, thats local for appetizers.

Their crab cakes are to die for!

I actually dove right in and ate one before I rememberd to take a pix.

We also had the Poke, Poke, Poke..... all I can say is delish, delish, delish!

Sorry again, didnt get a pix.

We did pause for our pix, thanks to our waitress Marta!

I sooo wish you guys could see the waterfall just behind us.

We enjoyed a leasure dinner and of course was so wrapped up in talking story and the good food I again forgot to take pix of our dinner. I had the sea bass which was excellent and my hubs... of course... had the prime rib.

When I worked as a concierge we would go out to dinner all the time. Of course this was before a kid and a mortgage. Well, every place we go to my husband orders the prime rib (BORING, but if you know him you're not surprized) but along the way he created his own list of top 5 places on Kauai to eat prime rib. Anyone coming to Kauai, hit me up and I'll give you the scoops!

Tidepools was always no. 2 on his list with the no. 1 only passing it because of the size.

As of this dinner, Tidepools prime rib has climbed to first. He said their new cabernet jus bumped the old competition no matter the size.

Ok, so on to dessert. We always favor the chocolate soufle at Roys..

YUM-O!

But tonight we had the chocolate molten cake... OH-EM-GEE

I barely had enough time to take this pix before this happened...

No it didnt collapse, my non-dessert eating husband dove right in.

It's better than Roy's

Promise

It was really nice to get out and enojy my husband's company. We always put my son first and sometimes forget to connect with each other as husband and wife. It reminded us not to forget.

These fish were actually swimming around our table just feet away from our... well feet!

And on a lighter note... how's this picture of us back before we were married, I think I was 20.

Here's to another 10 hunny! I love you!



Muse boards

wToday I logged on and thought I had hit the wedding jackpot!

(Wedding Cabaret)

Posted a PLETHORA of muse boards for the most darn right cutest ideas for weddings.

I couldnt pick just one to share with you

or two....

Ok, well you guys get the idea!

You have to go on over to (Wedding Cabaret)

and check them all out. So inspiring!

All photo credits go to Wedding Cabaret

Personally with Halloween around the corner I'd totally do a Halloween themed wedding.

Hawaiian Wedding Prayer

Photo courtesy of M&P Young

Hawaiian Wedding Prayer

E ka Haku, e kikua mai ia maua e ho'omana'o i ka manawa a maua i launa mua ai,

(Lord, help us to remember the time we first met)

a me ke aloha nui i ulu ai ma waena o maua.

(and the strong love that grew between us)

E kokua mai ia maua e ho'ohana i kela aloha i na mea ma'amau i 'ole e ka'awale.

(Help us to apply that love in practical things so nothing divides us)

Ke nonoi ha'aha'a nei maua i na hua'olelo 'olu'olu a piha me ke aloha,

(We humbly ask for kind words filled with love)

a no na pu'uwai makaukau mau e noi i ka huikala a e huikala aku.

(and for hearts always ready to ask forgiveness, as well as to forgive)

E ka Haku, ke waiho nei maua i ko maua male'ana i loko o koa lima. 'Amene

(Lord, we leave our marriage in your hands, Amen)

A Big Congrats and a **Sneek Peek**

All the wedding madness is over and now time for some catch up.

I have to send a congrats to Chad & Laree

Please forgive the completely raw and unedited photos.

My hubby and the groom. The groom was his best man when we got married.

I have to admit seeing my hubs get all dressed up made me all tingly, hehehe, we dont get dressed up often.

It was a very nice wedding, very crazy but TONS of fun.

Big Congrats and thank you for having us a part of your very speical day!

This pix says a hundred reasons why I just adore this couple...

We also got a really nice family pix, which doesnt happen very often. I'm never in the pix.

Well with that being said...

I havent been very productive around my house with everything else going on and this week I have been playing catch up. Lots of projects started and not finished, gosh Im so scatter brained or is it just ADD?

There has been a lot of talk in blogland about people re-doing or sprucing up their pantrys. It started with this post here from The House of Hepworths about her HD shelf find. She spend $40 and got a huge shelf for her pantry and I loved her idea, but I didnt need that much hanging space so I got something smaller. I also fell head over heals for this pantry over at the House of Smiths. I dont have the space, or time, or energy to put into  my pantry. But, let it be known I am in LUUUVVVEE with what she did.

So, heres my sneek peek for my pantry re-do, just a little one....

Stay tuned....More to come.....

One of the most important job you'll ever have....

Does that job description scare you? Didnt meant to, it's not that serious. Actually I think being a mom is the most important jobs you'll ever have and then a wife, but thats another story.

You've been best friends, you laughed together, you cried together and been there for eachother through the best and ugliest of times.... well the best is yet to come.
So your BFF has just asked you to be her maid of honor ***SQUEEL*** with delight, jump up and down, hug each other and plop down on her bed with a ton of bridal mags and wine. Sounds like so much fun doesnt it? It is, its a great time, its your best friends best time of her life.... and probably the ugliest also.
Your job as the Maid of Honor is VERY imporant. I think these days people dont understand what the duties of the Maid of Honor is.
Its an Honor to be asked to be the maid of honor, its also one of the most important next to the bride.
(yes admit it the grooms job is to shower, shave and show up)
You arent just there to hold the bride's dress as she pees you are there as her right hand, to communicate and coordinate all the little detials that the bride will be too busy to handle.
There is an entire list of duties for this very important role.
Sooo, after you and your BFF have squeeled and huged and cried check out this list that The Knot has provided. Its a very good source. (I wont bore you with the details)

and btw, congrats and enjoy the ride :-)

I thought this was cute heheheh

Another June Wedding

Congrats to B & K!!!

What a and fun couple, many blessings to you guys!

Thrifty Thursday.... TIP

I saw this pix over at The Wedding Chicks

I thought it was so sweet. Made me think of my own wedding day. Its going to be 10 years ago, wow, what a ride its been! At this point I wanted to go back and look at my wedding photos but alas! I dont have any!!! SOB SOB SOB, can I break for a tissue...

Its true. We have no photos of our special day except for our books of proofs which has a huge logo stamped over the center of each and every one of them. I'm sad, very sad.

So, my tip for today is your Photographer is NOT where you want to be thrifty!!! Im not saying that was the problem with my photographer, he was a great photographer. But learn from me, you dont want to look back 10, 15 or even 25 years from now and say I wish I had my wedding photos, like I am right now.

Look for a reputable photographer, someone who has your sense of style and an eye for photography that you can appreciate and work with. Trust me on this, no matter what the cost (within reason) they will be worth every penny! Ask around, get recomendations from your friends, meet with the photographer.

You'll look back one day and thank me.

Now, heres the thrifty part. How about buying the disposable cameras for your tables? Your guests can capture your wedding reception through their eyes. Be prepared for some of your cameras to walk off and to have numerous floor, ceiling or even under the table shots. This route is a shot in the dark but may pay off to get some great guest's point of view pictures. Check out efavormart for some under $3 disposable cameras.

Is there a happy ending to my photoless wedding?? Well this year for our 10 yr wedding anniversary we plan to have a small vow renewal and to make it up I've hired one of the best photographers I know,

Charity V Photography

(do you see the black and white photo of the lil boy in the right hand corner of her front page?

Yup thats my son!)

Check back for our wedding updates!

Having an outdoor wedding???

I just adore these looks for an outdoor wedding and wanted to share some inspiration.

I love use of the blue dresser for a dessert table. See more here.

And how about this adorable sign in table. You can see more of this french inspired wedding here. 

You have to look at their photos they are AMAZING!!!

And I LOVE this look! I want it in my backyard!

You can see more of this woodland themed wedding here.

All amazing wedding ideas! Inspired to do an outdoor wedding?

........congrats......

A big congrats to Tiff and Buda on their marriage yesterday!

I am so honored to have been a part of it. Everything was beautiful, more pix to be posted soon!

thinking outloud

just taking notes for a couple of weddings I'm working on...

The Hip Entrance...

The newest trend these days seems to be a hip, memorable and dance themed entrace to the wedding ceremony. You've all seen them on YouTube and yes, some are very memorable and fun. Doing something like this in your own ceremony is up to you, but remember one thing, who your audience is.

Yes, most will be friends but dont forget your family that will be there. How receptive is your 70 year old grandma gonna take the groomsmen pelvic thrusting and butt slapping the air infront of his crotch?

I saw this video on YouTube and although entertaining I couldnt help but notice the only thing keeping my attention was the guests reactions and the look on their faces.

Entertaining yes.... totally apropriate, maybe not for all.

FRIDAY FIND!

My very first Friday Find is our very own local florist

Pua Lei - A Flower Shop

located in Kapaa Town

822-1200

Visit them at http://www.pualeiaflowershop.com/

or on face book

Here they are featured in Hawaii Princess Brides

They did the bride's bouquet and the arch/flowers.

Also a congrats to Mel and Marissa Purcell!

Isn't the colors of the rainbow just beautiful!

Writting your own vows...

I always ask couples if they will be writing their own vows and I always seem to get the same reaction, do we have to? Of course you don't have to, but why not? Your vows to each other are your promises to eachother in your marriage. When you write you own vows, they become so much more personal and meaningful. Yes, its a scary thing, but here's a few tips to keep in mind.

• Your vows are to each other. Dont worry if no one else gets it. (Inside jokes are ok)
• Sit down and talk to eachother about it. You might want to make a plan to say similar things or the same quote or bible verse.
• Decide if you want it light and humorous or touching and bring a tear to your eye (this is where waterproof mascara might play a role!)
• Stick to the point and keep it short. Well it doesnt have to be short and sweet but do put a limit on it, if vows are too long your friends and family might drift off.
• Talk to your officiant about it, they might be able to offer advise.
• Go to the bookstore or library and search vow books or get on the tv and watch wedding shows for inspiration.

Dont be afraid when it comes to the V word. Remember to keep it from your heart. I cannot prepare you for the emotion that overcomes you when you are standing there getting married. It gets to me too and I'm not the one getting married. Most of all do what is right for you as a couple and what you feel comfortable doing.
Good Luck!
If you need more inspiration check out some of the following sites also
http://www.theknot.com/
http://www.brilliantweddingpages.com/
http://www.weddings.about.com/

Cartoon credit: http://www.maineiac.com/

1001 Cranes

This past Saturday night we went to our friend's house for dinner. They are two very dear friends who will be getting married in August of this year. She brought out her origami paper and we practiced making origami cranes. We needed serious help, and I couldnt remember for the life of me, its been almost 10 years since I had to make for my wedding! We got to talking and she didnt know the meaning and history of the 1001 cranes, so I thought this would be a great blog topic!

The tradition of the origami cranes is a combination of Japanese, Chinese and Korean traditions that stand for long life, happiness and peace, and has since evolved into what we know it today as the 1001 wedding cranes. Cranes are associated with fidelity because (like lobsters) they choose a mate for life and longevity because cranes are said to live a thousand years.

Originally in Japanese culture, the cranes were colorful and given to sick people to wish them well. The orignal tradtion started after WWII which is known as 1000 tsuru for peace. The story goes that a Japanese child was hospitalized and started making 1,000 origami tsuru and said a prayer after finishing each bird. For her patience she was told she would be rewarded with heath, happiness, longevity and good luck.

Beautiful arent they...
According to Japanese tales, folding 1,000 cranes is a 'labor of love' and a couple who achives this before their wedding will be rewarded with a long, happy marriage.

The tradtion has adapted and now you will most likely see gold cranes, which come from the Chinese tradition where gold symbolizes, weath and happiness. Occasionally you will see Red, which is a Chinese wedding color. Chinese belive red stands for happiness and it will chase the bad luck away from the couple.

This tradtion has become more of a local tradtion and has changed quite a bit but you can still see where the beliefs come from.

It is said to teach the bride patience, which comes from the old saying that it is a 'labor of love'

You will notice that it has become 1,001 cranes, as locally they have added one for good luck

You will also see the cranes being laid flat and framed as beautiful artwork to keep for many years to come

Arranging them in the design of the family mon (crest) is widely popular these days

Photo and story credits:
SuMoCaArts.com
origamidesigns.com

♥ love is in the air.... ♥

Booked 3 weddings this summer, Im so excited! May, June and Aug. Gotta get started, creating a ceremony from the heart takes time.

Happy Wedding Planning to all my couples! Thanks for making me a part of your special day!

The affordable wedding

I just love a wedding that doesnt require a huge loan that you'll be paying off for years to come. I belive that even though your memories last forever, a wedding is just one day, it's your marriage that's a lifetime. So why not spend your money on a future together instead of an event that lasts just one day. I belive in your wedding being the couples day, no one else's. Not their parents, friends, sisters, cousin, etc. I belive that there is no reason to follow the 'rules' that a wedding is special because you make it that way.

So thats why I just have to share this wonderful blog with all of you... I'm a huge fan of http://2000wedding.com/

Check them out and become a follower too!!!

Thanks to Pacific Weddings Magazine for sharing....

www.beau-coop.com/promo/

Beau Coup is having their 8th anniversary sale; 10% off orders of $99.00
Very stylish favors and great ideas!

I just started follwing this new wedding blog

http://www.weddingcabaret.blogspot.com/

super cute idea especially for those locals out there, check it out. Wedding of Tim & Camille, they had guests sign a surfboard!

How cool is that!