Aloha Ladies,Can't believe the past 2 weeks flew by. The weather in HI was GORGEOUS - the trade winds returned just in time for our wedding day so that it was not too humid. Can't seem to figure out how to make a bio - despite instructions - post-wedding brain.I wanted to thank all the brides-to-be and former brides who gave TONS of advice, making the day beautiful. Special thanks to eacerna, malia, and mrs. winter - former knotties who gave so much advice in the early stages. Now for the reviews:Lani Phase 2 - BEAUTIFUL, gorgeous sunset.It might take a little work to deal with all their specific details, but worth it. All our guests raved about Lani and the gorgeous sunset.Officiant - Kahu Nettie Although there was no time for a rehearsal, the ceremony was heartfelt and beautiful. She is a real Kahu - with a rich history of Hawaiiana. We had a bird land on our dancefloor that she took in, and said it was a good sign.DOC - Hawaii Wedding and Events - Dianna ShitanishiEverything nice that everyone writes about is true. She is AWESOME and worth it. She helped keep things calm and dealt with soooo many little details that I didn't think about, that the day ran very smoothly - ALL due to her. If you need to splurge on only 1 thing - I think this is the most important decision. She is really detail oriented, organized, knows all the vendors, able to help keep things within budget, she has an assistant that I also hear great things about, etc. Can't go wrong...absolutely a pro and a go-to-gal for other vendors.SUV Expressions - The flowers were gorgeous and kept within budget. She is really busy and is one of the few WITHOUT a budget minimum. Due to this, one needs to understand that early on, she may take some time replying. But closer to the wedding date, we were in constant contact. She surprised me with Ranunculas on my wedding day! If you need constant communication with your florist, you may not like this type of communication style. But if you have a vision and she is available, she will get the job done beautifully!INDIGO's Catering - Great food and yummy cake! Our menus had minor tweaks to the end and they accomadated our ever changing number of guests. They did a wonderful job. Everyone raved about the pupus - especially their scallops and lumpia wrapped shrimp. People could not get enough! They dealt with their own dishware/silverware/barware, saved money by letting us provide our own alcohol, and in general - just absolutely professional.Dorys Foltin - Maleana CosmeticsWe did a trial, looked great but my cousins (fashionistas) thought it wouldn't look right in pictures - so on the wedding day, we changed the hair. Most people said this type of style - a loose, soft updo shouldn't be done for outdoors - but it was perfect and lasted forever! The makeup was great - lasting way past the afterparty. I know there were a few who were concerned in the past, but I had an awesome experience with her and Liz (her senior stylist - she is so funny and has great local grinds). Her airbrush makeup is also different (had a prior H&M airbrush trial with someone else and it didn't last as long and looked greasy over time)....and looked really fresh. My BMs and MIL also had airbrush makeup and awesome hair for the entire night. If you don't like something, just let her know and she will accommodate you (i.e. changed eyelash from individual to strip lashes and changed MIL's makeup). Well worth it.KeiKei Hula Dancers - thanks to ericka! Ka'ohu Cazinha and her keikei ladiesAwesome. We had a teenage group teach our guests hula. There are also younger children's hula - but they were on holiday.
This is NOT your commercial hotel style hula show. She and her ladies taught the guests the meaning of hula and helped them learn some hula moves. The littlest guests couldn't get enough. J.W. Marriott - Ihilani Hotel - blocked rooms- Not sure how most people blocked hotel rooms. We were required to pay for rooms if guests did not block a minimum number. Fortunately this was not a problem.- One issue - ALL the rooms were held on my fiance's credit card and we are responsible for the charges if the guest did not put a card down. This was the way the rooms were blocked. Don't remember other reviews mentioning this way of blocking rooms.- Would recommend to all couples, if there is an option where you get a block room rate code and have the guests make their own arrangements so you are not responsible for all the rooms, that would be the way to go. However, this option only gave out guests 1 week to make a reservation with the reduced cost code.- Hubby had to collect all the names, check-in and check-out dates, types of room (ocean vs mountain) and deal with all the changes. Then he had to send an excel file to the hotel and make corrections due to their error. This was really stressful. Would not recommend this way of blocking rooms for you.*** Also for Mountain views - it is actually a construction view. Was so embarrassed. They are building Disney Hawaii on the lot next to the Ihilani. Nowhere in our contract did it mention the mountain views would have construction views. Although they tried to accommodate by not giving out rooms with construction views, there was another event that weekend and some of our guests dealt with lovely views of the cranes in HI (and they came from mainland cities). When they tried to use their patio or keep their door open - they also heard construction. *** Ocean views - great views - but due to being oceanfront, some rooms smelled moldy and needed to be "aired" out. *** Had stayed at the Ihilani before with great service. Not sure where the hiccup was this time around - may be due to the economy. The bathroom amenities / bath salts, slippers, and robe were all gone. Shawn Starr - PhotographerWhat is there to say? Such a SWEET, nice guy. We loved him when we met him and made us so comfortable for the wedding day. He has gotten super busy so will need to wait a wee bit for pics. Can't wait. Scott Williams - The Big Picture VideographerReally nice guy. He is willing to make a video with pics from Shawn. So will need to see the final product before the final review. But is just really pleasant and works well with Shawn Starr. Really affordable and able to have a video of the wedding and not break the bank.Reimi - "1st Dance" instructor
http://manoadancestudio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=50&Itemid=59Contact info is above.Awesome. Great instructor. Everyone loved her choreography. She is not your grandma's dance instructor. She is also SUPER Affordable for private lessons (way below all other instructors) and better than some certified NYC dance instructors. Can't go wrong with her. If you live in Oahu - take lessons from her. If you are coming in early for the wedding, 6 hours (2 hrs / day) and you'll get a great 1st dance. Really - just super nice and a great teacher (especially if your fiance hates dancing)!Thank you ladies. I hope this review helps.Now need to find time to figure out the bio / posting picture thing.Mahalo!