Hawaii Wedding Vendor Spotlight • Pt. 1

A few years from now, I’ll look back at these blog entries and be surprised at how everyone (including myself) in 2020 was writing about depressing topics and “social distancing.” By then we’ll have (hopefully) moved on from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and onto bigger, better things.

But for now, I’m stuck at home, not working.

And so are many, many other people in this world, trying their best to flatten the curve so that the rate of infections does not overwhelm us more than it already has.

Staying at home is not as easy as most people make it seem. Domestic abuse rates go up, mental health can be severely affected, and people get isolated. I just read an article about a woman who got dumped on Zoom, and the weird way we have to deal with emotions now that we can’t deal with each other in person.

It can feel kind of hopeless.

Some of you may know, I also work part-time as a nurse. My clinic isn’t taking many patients at the moment, so my boss is not able to pay for me to work. I totally understand the rationale, but it has become a huge financial burden. And don’t get me started on the unemployment process…

I try my best not to dwell on all of the negative things that I can’t control, yet sometimes it gets to be so stranglingly suffocating that I just have to slouch and say, “Okay. Okay, this sucks.” Then I pause, pray, drink more coffee, text my bf, and get back to whatever I was doing. Rinse, repeat.

[ALSO totally off topic, but has anyone been able to find yeast at the grocery store?????]

What I’ve wanted to do for ages is to do a Wedding Vendor Spotlight.

“When the the going gets tough, the tough get going” – This phrase reminds me of all the amazing vendors in Hawaii who have been struggling since COVID has put a pause on our industry. Those tough, hardworking people who make weddings come true. The true components that make the end result seriously stunning.

Let’s be good neighbors. Bring some hope into the picture again.

This is just a small list of real people in the industry whom I have actually worked with. I admire them not only for their skill and talents, but also just for being stinkin’ great people. I’d recommend them to anyone, any day.

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FLORALS
Jessie @ Puaka’ie Floristry

A mastermind at combining boho and tropical, Jessie creates stunning, unforgettable floral creations that look like a Pinterest dream came true, but with a true Hawaii touch. She always has fresh ideas and works with you to make sure that your flowers are not simply pretty, but they tell a story that reflects you.

FLORALS
Cheka @ Kahihae Floral

Of the island, for the island – Cheka brings a fresh breath of air to tropical and couture floral design. She also grows and forages for much of her florals and combines wild + cultivated blooms. She is known for her “Kahi Crown,” a super extravagant haku lei (flower crown) that will definitely stand out in photos.

VIDEOGRAPHY
Red Ring Studio

These guys are honestly THE. BEST. VIDEO. TEAM. EVER. And I’m not just being biased because I’ve photographed for them, but their quality and professionalism is unparalleled. They offer a “Same Day Edit” which documents your wedding from start to finish while it’s happening, to watch at the end of your reception. Trust, a good SDE is worth investing in. Glenn and his team are so easy to work with, and they’ll guide you through the whole process.

PLANNING + COORDINATION
Danie @ Wild Luxe Weddings

An editorial eye is hard to come by in a world where style can messily be summarized with a moodboard. For truly elevated + luxe styling, Danie is your go-to boss babe for all things wedding planning + styling + coordinating. I mean, just look at this photo! Who even attempts to build an arch design like this?? Danie, that’s who. Her inspiration comes in part from her roots as an Aussie, where the wedding industry style is leagues ahead of the game. She does it ALL.

COUTURE GOWNS
Miyuki Liem Bridal

Miyuki is the only couture, custom hand-made wedding gown designer on Oahu, Hawaii. Her years of seamstress and fashion design experience are seriously impressive and top-notch. Treat yourself to an experience of a lifetime throughout Miyuki’s special designing and fitting process that results in a gown that showcases your beauty + soul.

AFFORDABLE GOWNS
Erin @ Beatrice Bridal

Erin understands that planning weddings comes with a price. Her boutique focuses on gowns that are affordable and also come with stunning customization options. Quality, custom bridal gowns at a reasonable price, made just for you. After all, your Big Day shouldn’t look like someone else’s!

LIMITED OFFER: Mention me when you inquire and get 10% off a custom wedding gown + a FREE veil. Offer valid until April 30, 2020.

LINENS
Hawaii Fine Linens

Frank + Christine have been in the wedding industry for many years. But starting up their own fine linens company was a dream that came true in 2019. They specialize in providing quality as well as unique handpicked linens specifically for your event. And you’ll always get amazing customer service with these two down-to-earth creatives.

FINE JEWELRY
Royal Hawaiian Heritage Jewelry

Inspired by traditional Hawaiian design, elevated with a modern touch. Recently, my close friend bought her wedding + engagement band set from Jackie + Pat at Royal Hawaiian Heritage Jewelry and we all ooh’d and ahh’d over the delicate rose gold design. So stunning!

CAKES + DESSERTS
Bear & Bee Bakehouse

Beth is the owner of Bear & Bee, whose company name comes from the nicknames of her and her husband! (She’s the bee, he’s the bear. Seriously guys, I literally “awwww’d” out loud typing that.) She is constantly trying to innovate and bring creative twists to her decadent creations. I’ve eaten almost half a cake in one sitting due to how delicious her flavors are. Just…do yourself a favor, don’t think about the calories, and check her out.

RENTALS + PICNICS
Aloha Picnics

If anyone could embody a superwoman, it would be Mai. She owns + operates Aloha Picnics, bringing many years of chef + design + wedding industry experience all into her work process. During this COVID pandemic, she even made me a homemade batch of pho and a bunch of spices. What the heck? Who even makes pho at home anymore? That’s just the kind of person Mai is!! Hop over to her Instagram to check out her beautiful picnic creations.