.ANNOUNCEMENT.

Effective December 31, 2008, La'akea Event Designs, will no longer book Wedding Coordination Packages. It has been a wonderful 4 years creating events that truly illuminated the love that our couples share - however, we will be focusing our energy toward our INVITATIONS, FAVORS and PHOTOGRAPHY. We look forward to helping your event "shine" through these options. Mahalo for your support! A Hui Hou - Tiara & Brian

Aileen+Damon

Introducing my last "La'akea Events" couple... Aileen + Damon. This couple is so much fun to be around - between jokes of "murdering" each other :) and other quirky comments - they can get you cracking up until your sides hurt!

The day we captured these images - the weather forecast was blue skies... until the later afternoon and this system swung on by the islands...

Not to fear - PRAYER always works toward the higher good!! :) These are the images we were able to capture on a "BEAUTIFUL" Friday evening.

Stay tuned for images from their upcoming nuptials in October '08.

Thank you Ai + Damon for trusting me and trusting the "process" - can't wait for your BIG day!!

Featured Wedding . Robyn & Barry

This past summer, I was asked by Brad Uyehara, from BluFoto to tag along for a wedding up at Lanikai. The couple's names are Robyn & Barry and they were a destination wedding from the mainland. So of course, I grabbed my equipment and jumped on it! It was an absolutely BEAUTIFUL day - up on the tippy top of Lanikai at a private estate.

Now to find out that the images we captured that day will be the next Featured Wedding on CakeLava.com! What a blessing!! Sasha & Rick from CakeLava did a wonderful write up on the couple - so please take time to check out our teaser shots on CakeLava blog.

Jenn+Levi

Jenn + Levi’s wedding took place along the beautiful Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawai`i. Being that this Shanghai | China, couple was officially united in a private ceremony - one year to date - they wanted to bring together all of their friends and family from literally, around the world, to celebrate their union with a vow renewal/reception in sunny Hawai`i - the island where the couple first met and fell in love.

Jenn + Levi’s event was filled with many different layers - Leading up to their big day, the couple charted a private ocean vessel where their guests enjoyed snorkeling and soaking in the Hawaiian sun. The party then hit the town of Kona where the couple went their separate ways enjoying their “last hoorah”. On their rehearsal day, the couple met up with their family and few close friends for a champagne brunch, followed by a Tea Ceremony. After their wedding rehearsal, family and friends headed to a BBQ which was hosted at a private estate with head chef, Brad and sous chef, Kypo at the grill.

On the BIG DAY - The couple’s guests arrived via chartered buses and were led straight to the vow renewal ceremony, which was conducted by the couple’s close friend. following the ceremony, everyone toasted with champagne & cocktails as they watched the sunset and whales breaching along the coastline. As the Hawaiian sun met with the ocean, the guests enjoyed a delicious pacific rim cuisine, as the warm rays tucked themselves behind the horizon. At the close of dinner, everyone was escorted to a near by ballroom - where they enjoyed dessert and danced the night away till the early morning.

Thank you Jenn + Levi for letting us be a part of your special day. It is something we will cherish forever. These Motown Monkeys know how to party!

Mahalo to: BLUfoto & Kypo, Rhythm & Groove Entertainment, Innovative Images by Warren, Fairmont Orchid Resort & Floral Events Hawaii.

Jane+Ale

These two love birds, knew each other for most of their lives - as their parents are actually neighbors! Throughout their time together, the couple finally decided it was time to TIE THE KNOT! Through Ale’s sister, Jean, La`akea Events joined in on the fun.

On a beautiful March afternoon in Waialua town, on the island of O`ahu, Ale + Jane became husband and wife. They were untied in front of their family, friends and sponsors in their home church of St. Michael’s. Following their ceremony, the couple and over 400 of their guests met up at the Pacific Beach Hotel at the edge of Waikiki, where they held their reception. With their two MC’s Jean and JR. the crowd was rolling with laughter and entertained throughout the evening.

These two Waialua love birds will forever hold a special place in our hearts! Thank you Jane + Ale and the Dicion & Munoz families for treating us as members of your `ohana!

Mahalo to: Hokuli`i Images, Menesis Sound, Art Kahili, Video 21, St. Michael’s Church & Pacific Beach Hotel.

Sigrid+Micah

This couple has spunk! They are so much fun to be around - you can feel the love that they share for one another just ooze out of their hearts. Just spending a few minutes with them, you just want to be a better person because of their love of God, love for people and genuine hearts.

Sigrid + Micah met at Pacific Rim Bible College and also through their work with the youth ministry at New Hope Christian Fellowship. As Pastor Fernando announced them as husband and wife, everyone witnessed not just a union through God, but also their first kiss ever! There was not one dry eye there.

Throughout the evening - Micah surprised Sigrid with a song and Sigrid surprised Micah with a symbolic washing of his feet. If there is a couple out there that will overcome all that comes their way - this is the one. May God continue to guide your feet, words and love as you grow together in the Lord.

Mahalo to: Mary & Richard Waialeale , Derek Miyahara, Pastor Fernando, ABBA Floral, New Hope sound /video staff & crew, Kamu, Tiffa & Imua Garza, Ben Lin, and all the hearts that were present to assist that special day.

Jeannette+Eric

What do you get when you miix two creative, passionate souls? A WHITE WEDDING of course!

Our good friend (more like brother), Eric asked us to assist with his special day - How could we resist!
With all guests dressed in white - the grounds at Lanikuhonua (where the heavens meet the earth) popped with color as the natural beauty of the grounds took center stage. That was next to the beautiful, open bamboo structure that was designed by Marcella McNaughton - world famous floral designer and architect. The structure was illuminated by twinkling lights that flickered throughout the night, like the stars that hovered above. The fabric that draped the bamboo - seemed to sway in perfect rhythm to the music being played throughout the evening. With the champagne & cocktails flowing - the party enveloped with laughter and love as two souls came together as one.

Thank you Brother E + Jeannette for letting us be a part of your special day. This will be an event hard to top.

Mahalo to: E & Kypo, Jon Basebase, Bo Evans, Kahu Bruce, AFP (Chan & Vince), Auntie Nettie, Lanikuhonua, Marcella Mcnaughton, Accel rentals, Kauai Cuisine, Clark `Ohana, the rest of the set-up & break down crew - you guys ROCK!

Liz+Kalalea

This whirlwind couple - knew from the moment they saw each other that they were going to marry one another. Within one week from their first meeting, they were engaged and the wedding planning began.

The couple’s wedding ceremony and reception, took place overlooking the gorgeous Ko`olau Mountain range on the windward side of O`ahu. Liz was beautiful in an ivory gown, as she entered the ceremony serenaded by a solo harpist and flutist. Following the ceremony - the couple and their guests moved upstairs to the glass ballroom of Luana Hills - where the mountains were their backdrop. the crystals sparkled and the drinks were passed. Everyone left knowing more about liz + Kalalea and the love affair that they share with one another.

It was an elegant wedding - for an elegant couple. Cheers Liz + Kalalea! Here’s to many happy years to come!

Mahalo to: Luana Hills Country Club, Uncle Eddie Kamae &Aunty Myrna, Sani Apuakehau & Christian Y., Flute ala Harpe, Flowers by Gina, stationary & coordination by La`akea Events.

Renee+Les

On a crisp February day in Las Vegas - Brian’s childhood friend Les, married the woman of his dreams - Renee. We felt so honored to have been a part of their special day. With over ninety close friends and family in tow from Hawai`i, this couple joined their lives on top of the Ponte Al Di Piazza bridge in the Venetian Hotel. With many onlookers and what seemed like a whole media production - they said “i do” and sailed away in a private gondola ride throughout “venice”.

The reception was mc’ed by none other than, Tiara - in the Grand Lux Cafe. The food was outstanding and the fellowship amongst everyone present, will always be cherished.

Mahalo to: Venetian Hotel. Grand Lux Cafe, Stationary - coordination & set up: La`akea Events

Helery+John

We call this couple - our blue light special!

This San Francisco couple, Helery + John, initially called to have La`akea design the lighting effects for their wedding. Being that Helery is an accomplished wedding coordinator in the Bay area, we were able to exchange information easily and flawlessly. We were happy to assist in the set up and day of services for them.

On a sunny September, John + Helery became husband and wife in a seaside ceremony. Following their nuptials, they and their guests, proceeded to the Hokule`a bar for cocktails and a near by ballroom for their “blue light” special reception at the beautiful Ihilani - everyone had a wonderful time and danced till the late evening.

Thank you Helery + John - for letting us be a part of your special day . We cherish our new friendship and look forward to seeing you by the bay!

Mahalo to: Brad Uyehara, Shawn Starr, Ihilani - Terri, Floral Inspirations, Hawaii Stage & Lighting

Veronica+Everette

High school sweethearts... this couple has been there for each other through thick and thin and their love for one another is so evident in everything they do.

This wedding was every reason why I started La`akea Events. You could literally feel the love that this couple shares - it brought me to tears and chicken skin when they said their vows... it was KISMET and definitely designed by God. As the rose petals showered the married couple - friends and family cheered and shared hugs.

Everyone met back at the Hale Koa Hotel - where the crowd was entertained with dinner music by Jon Basebase and dancing music by Rhythm & Groove. Auntie Gwen did a great job as well - MCing the evening with her mickey mouse gloves!

To our now close friends, Veronica + Everette - we love you guys and feel abundantly blessed for being a part of your special day! Mahalo for taking a leap of faith with us...

Mahalo to: William Renio, Su-V Floral, Pastor Wayne, Brie & Chris, Rhythm & Groove, Jon Basebase, Hale Koa & State of HI employees

Kim+Frank

A photographer and a model meet and fall in love - sounds like a story you were read about in a novel - but it’s real life for Frank + Kim. I met Frank when he first started working for REVE photography. It was at that time, that he had just proposed to Kim and they were planning their nuptials. Just starting out in the business - we eagerly jumped in to help.

As Kim + Frank’s wedding ceremony began, a beautiful rainbow arched over the mountain range and created an awe inspiring backdrop as they said their I-Do’s. The guests were then led upstairs to the ballroom where they were entertained with a lion dance, filipino dancers, singers, hula dancers and a beautiful video montage created by Frank and enhanced by Aloha Friday Productions.

It was a beautiful event - that ended some where in Waikiki!!

Mahalo to: REVE, Brad, Shawn, Frank, AFP (Chan & Vince), Floral Inspirations, Rhythm & Groove, Val & Dr., ALL the entertainment and OCC

"There are three things that will endure - faith, hope, and love - and the greatest of these is love" 1 Cor. 13:13