Give a Little Aloha

When having a wedding in Hawaii, there’s no better way to show your thanks to your bridesmaids or other attendants than to give them something locally made to remember your beautiful occasion.  We’ve featured 3 local jewelry designers with distinctive styles to fit all the personalities on your list!

Noelani Designs:  Designer Noelani Love captures “Paradise” in her graceful pieces using hand-picked shells, feathers, wood, bone, pearls, semi-precious stones and gemstones.  Her collection reflects her youthful energy and timeless casual beauty.  Her pieces have been featured in numerous local magazines as wel as on the celebrity necks and ears of LOST star, Evangeline Lily; KOKUA creator, Kim Johnson; recording artist,  Anuhea; and surf champion and phenoms, Rochelle Ballard, Coco Ho and Kelia Moniz.

One of our favorites the “Lehua” earrings which feature a lightweight airy design that can complement everything from jeans and a t-shirt to a little black dress.  

To see the complete collection visit: www.noelanidesigns.com

Ginger13:  Cindy Yokoyama, features a handmade jewelry collection that is distinctively her own.  Her cheery, eclectic, colorful collection and signature “mis-matched” earrings effortlessly reflect aloha.  She incorporates the elements of the Hawaiian islands in every piece whether it’s the blue of the ocean, colors of the rainbow, greens of the tropical trees, or shells of the fruits.  Her pieces have been featured in many local publications and have been a favorite of local girls for years who are staples at her annual sales.

Our favorite piece in her current collection is the “Ivory Feather” necklace featuring Labradorite Spikes, Feather Amazonite and Swarovski crystal rondelle on a chuncky chain.  

To see the complete collection visit:  www.Ginger13.com

[ki•ele]:  Featuring handmade jewelry with a classic, dainty and detailed style that reflects the spirit of the islands.  Her collection is timeless and simple with pieces that can easily be layered for a more dramatic flair.  Designer and mother of two, Marylea Conrad’s designs have been featured in the Oakley’S summer ad campaign and the “Sports Illustrated 2012 Swimsuit Edition.” 

The Asoka beachy bangle is one of our favs with its pinky-peach fresh water pearl and 14K gold-filled hammered bangle, this bracelet shines on its own or can be stacked and layered with other pieces.

To see the complete collection visit:  : www.ki-ele.com  

Personalize Your Oshi Buri!

A unique touch to any outdoor or destination wedding is the Oshi Buri Service. Traditionally, Oshi Buris are moist hot towels given at Japanese restaurants. With its strong Japanese influences, the Hawaiian culture has adopted the oshi buri service and it can found at many events or occasions to provide guests with an opportunity to “freshen up” with a cold moistened towel. In our humid climate, it’s a much appreciated detail at weddings!



For a DIY Oshi Buri, moisten wash cloths or hand towels (use an aromatic scent like coconut or almond for an added bonus) roll them up and chill in the refrigerator. Present them on a platter or pass around to your guests. A special touch during cocktail hour or after a beach ceremony to wipe their feet clean as featured above from one of Colin Cowie’s weddings: http://www.colincowieweddings.com/inspire-me/the-galleries/wedding-style/destination-weddings/detail/16

For a more personalized oshi buri, we love the idea of using monogrammed or personalized disposable towels like these: http://myweddingreceptionideas.com/fine_linen_guest_towels.asp.

From MyWeddingReceptionIdeas.com ($51.52 for 50). They’re made of thick, absorbent and soft paper/fiber combination that has the look and feel of fine linen cloth giving your oshi buri an elegant yet economical touch.