New trend - Sky Lanterns!

My bride, Kristen, brought Sky Lanterns to my attention and I am completely mesmerized by them. Her event is at an outdoor private estate and approval is pending. We have our fingers crossed that she will be able to use them.

We would incorporate the lanterns as part of her formal send -off. Sounds splendid right! They have the right drama, sense of celebration & joy for a wedding event finale.

Keep you posted.

Where to purchase wines in Hawaii

At Parasol Events, many of our local & destination brides choose venues at private estates locations. One of the advantages of a non hotel location is that the bar costs are considerably lower and the value significantly higher.

The reason is that the alcohol served at the event is purchased independently. While Costco is a reliable option (especially in light of their easy return policy). I am a real supporter of buying locally and supporting small businesses.

Tamura's fits that ticket and has prices that are either lower or on par with Costco.Tamura's has three locations on Oahu and I highly recommend that you consider shopping them. In addition to the diverse selection (way more variety then Costco), they provide professional service and are very knowledgeable about beers, wines & liquors. Give Benjamin, the manager at the Waialae location, a shout and see how he can assist you. Tell him that Parasol Events sent you his way:)

Frosted in Hawaii!

Frosted, a boutique cake company, has recently landed and opened in Honolulu.

It is unusual for me to recommend a brand new vendor so let me give you some history. I met Melissa Char, the owner of Frosted, for the first time last July. From her first communication with me she has been professional and interesting. Here is an excerpt from her first email to me.

"I possess a great range of experiences and skills that would make me an excellent addition to your team. I am currently in the process of planning a full service wedding and obtained certification as a wedding planner from U.S. Event Guide. I have played the violin and piano for a combined total of 23 years and have danced hula in a number of performances, therefore I understand what good entertainment entails. I am also a skilled baker and cake decorator (I enrolled in courses at Seattle Community College and through Wilton Industries). This knowledge is helpful when it comes to brainstorming wedding cake designs and evaluating the work of wedding cake vendors. In addition, I obtained my degree from the University of Puget Sound where I majored in Business and minored in English. I have held many positions in which I developed customer service, organization, and event planning skills. I am young, eager and enthusiastic about pursuing a career in wedding planning. I have attached my resume for further review.
I currently work in Seattle, Washington but will be moving home to Oahu on August 30th and would love to schedule an interview with you."

Tracking this young, talented and ambitious woman has been delightful. Her cupcakes taste fantastic, her business skills impeccable, and her passion contagious! I look forward to working with her and bringing her on board as a Parasol Events preferred vendor.

SEE*TASTE*LOVE www.frostedhawaii.com

May Weddings In Hawaii

Parasol Events is ramping up for a fantastic month of May weddings.

The last month of wedding planning is the second biggest burst of organization and flurry of activity ( next to the month you begin planning the event) and as critical to the success of the event.

With the RSVP's in, couples now have a firm grasp on their guest head count. With that we can now tie up loose ends, solidify timelines, commitments and designs.

30 DAY COUNTDOWN
*Apply for Marriage License
*Compile list of final balances due for vendors
*Confirm head count to venue or caterers
*Arrange Guest Seating
*Reconfirm Timeline with vendors
*Review timeline with wedding party and family
*Arrange rehearsal date and communicate to parties involved
*Finalize appointments for nails, hair, pressing,etc.
*Pack guest books,favors, passports, etc.
*Print any remaining stationary items such as menus, programs, escort cards
*Prepare an Emergency Kit for the wedding day
*Arrange for a final walk thru/site visit at venue
*Tighten up all rentals of linens, chairs, tents and be sure that they match guest count

We have had so many smooth events and just love the process and assisting our clients. The last 30 days are packed with details but with each item checked off the "to do" list brings a stress free wedding closer.

Hawaiian Dinner Rehearsal Idea!

When you bring your guests to Hawaii you want to be sure to avail yourself of as much natural beauty as possible. So instead of booking a dinner indoors - take your party to the water. There are many different charters available for rehearsal dinners from large to small groups.
My favorite is the Vida Mia. She is the only classic luxury motor cruiser of its kind in Hawaii. Vida Mia means "MY Life" in Spanish and was built in 1929. She is beautifully crafted in teak to the highest standars; this 65 foot luxury cruiser has been restored to her original elegance. Designed to provide exquisite comfort durung tropical outing, the Vida Mia features a sheltered deck with an open bar, a galley, three state rooms, saloon, and two heads.

Vida Mia is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week with customized catering and bar service. United States Coast Guard has certified her for 49 passenger.

Why not go for it....after all this is Your Life:)

Sparkling Wines for Hot Hawaiian Celebrations

Champagne is the classic example of sparkling wine however this fizzy drink has so many varieties that you may want to consider something more unique to give your wedding reception that festive feeling.

My favorite time to offer this drink to your guests is pre-ceremony. It sets the tone for fun, class and relaxation.

Here is a run down of some lesser known sparking wines
* Rose - pink champagne - often dry
*Sparkling reds - primarily made in Australia
*Cava- made in Northeastern Spain
*Asti - made in Italy it is sweet and fruity
*Spumante- also made in Italy but is dry
*Brut- primarily California made

We L -O -V-E Chrissy Lambert Photography

Honolulu-based photographer Chrissy Lambert is known for fresh modern wedding photography. Her fun and creative approach to candid imagery has made her one of our favorite choices for couples who are looking for artistic, contemporary wedding photojournalism in Hawaii.

What do we look for in a photographer...,

STYLE
PROFESSIONALISM
WARMTH
CONSISTENCY
&
SOLID REPUTATION

To see more of Chrissy's work go to www.chrissylambert.com