Real Gastropub, Honolulu

Love that Beer, Love that Vibe - the Real Gastropub
As an after beach hang-out, a post-wedding rehearsal watering hole, Boy's Night Out (or GNO), Jack/Jill  -  it is just that right and relaxed.  Flights of beer really help me learn about what I like.

Here are the beers that I tasted: All were good but okay - anything salted caramel these days is bonus right!  And the Ahi Sliders - get several orders!   http://www.realgastropub.com

Hawaiian Inspired Slow Dance Song

Driving on the H1 headed towards Kokohead and really listened to this song by The Green. The Green, our local boys, have a fantastic sound and a successful band (+ they tour a lot!). 
Chocolates & Roses is that romantic slow dance song. Heyyyyy to all those lovers. Have a listen…,
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1duShdWy4Y4

Unfrosted Wedding Cakes

The unfrosted (aka naked or nude) cake is on my radar as a natural complement to the rustic wedding theme. My favorite all time cake is German chocolate and I realized that this trend may have originated with it.
Being such a foodie, the main appeal is taste. I love cake and an appropriate amount of frosting is literally the "icing on the cake" But far too often, I find the frosting overwhelming. The overall flavor profile is butter and sugar. With an unfrosted cake the ratio of cake:frosting would naturally be better balanced.
Be aware - with a less then professional approach, for instance, uneven cake layers or sloppy icing will  result is an unfinished or homemade (and not in a good way) look.
A picture worthy cake will be executed with very symmetrical flat cake layers and an evenly frosted icing layer.
In my opinion, this style is especially flattering with chocolate cakes. And of course if an ombre style interests you then consider this trend - each layer will be visible.

Chocolate cakes really work well!

Gorgeous Ombre

Posted this cause it is my all time favorite cake since small kid time:) 

So many pretty cakes on this website -http://stardustcelebrations.blogspot.com/2014/04/trend-alert-naked-cakes.html 

Secretly Blue

“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue…”.  We’ve all heard the old saying, but what do you do when this symbol of purity and fidelity clashes with your wedding ensemble like smurf décor at a bachelorette party?  Thanks to our fav site Etsy.com, we’ve hunted down three of the most discrete (not to mention budget friendly) ways to adhereto the old adage without leaving you blue.

Something Blue Tattoo:  This foolproof option can be placed anywhere making it great even for shorter gown options. Just like any temporary tattoo, its easily applied with water and just as easily removed.  A set of 3 will set you back less than $5 with shipping included making this one of our more attractive options.  Pick up a set today at:  http://www.etsy.com/listing/95216255/something-blue-bridal-tattoos.  

Gold TurquoiseAnklet:  This adorable anklet will be discretely hidden under your gown and the tropical gemstone will double as a sweet reminder of your big day in Paradise. And at less than $10 including shipping, it won’t break the bank!  Also available in silver upon request, visit:http://www.etsy.com/shop/GR168/about/for the full variety of styles and options.

 

Custom Bridal Thong:  Nothing is more discrete than hidingyour “something blue” on your unmentionables! These adorable pair can be customized with your new last name and wedding date in any font and ink color of your choice.  Available in woman’s sizes small, medium or large and only $12 plus shipping.  Get yours at:  http://www.etsy.com/listing/107164891/mrs-bridal-thong-date-new.  This keepsake is a must have even if you already have “something blue”.   

iLuv: Custom iphone cases to show off your big day!

Okay, carrying a bulging wallet with those little plastic sleeves are no longer acceptable.  Your “brag book” has now gone to our cell phones.  And, there’s no cuter way to show off your favorite engagement pic or favorite wedding memory than with a customized photo iphone case from Shutterfly.com.  There’s a variety of different styles and customization options allowing you to add up to 3 photos, your wedding date or your new moniker.  Available for the iphone 3G to 4S starting at $34.95.  Get yours at:  http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-gifts/custom-iphone-cases.

“Sphere”iously Chic

Looking for high impact décor without the lace and bling?  Kathleen Golik of TheFindSac.com creates eco-friendly handcrafted spheres ranging from 4 inches to 10 inches in diameter.  The possibilities are endless as the spheres can be custom designed in a variety of sizes to incorporate your wedding colors.  Hang them as featured or place them in vases as unique centerpieces for a clean and simplistic style that’s perfect for an outdoor Hawaiian wedding.  Rather than competing against the natural beauty of the islands, the perfectly round spheres enhance the tropical background.

As a former student of sustainable architecture and interior design, Kathleen puts each sphere through strict quality control to ensure that they are perfectly round and photo-shoot ready.  Her passion for sustainability, creativity and design are evident in each of her pieces and flow hand in hand with the spirit of Aloha. 

You can purchase a set of 5 hanging spheres $55.00 here:   http://www.etsy.com/listing/103027522/wedding-decoration-hanging-spheres  or email her at Kathleen@thefindsac.com for a custom order.

Get Your Fold On...

Want an easy budget friendly way to wow your guests and add to your décor, without breaking the bank? Enlist your bridal party and have a napkin folding party!  Whether you choose an elegant or a unique fold, it's one detail that all your guests definitely won’t miss! 

We love the Bijou fold featured above from Delish.com that mimics a tropical leaf and makes the perfect addition to an island wedding.  The orchid placed on top is an added bonus, making for a clean and stylish place setting.  The step-by-step directions are really easy to follow (http://www.delish.com/recipes/napkin-folding/bijoux-napkin-folding) but you’ll need plenty of starch and an iron to keep the folds nice and crisp.  So, grab your wedding party (or your groom) and get your fold on!