Features

Maui Magazine: Summer 2010

Weddings – Your Guide to Getting Married on Maui

- Wedding Day Necessities

- What the savvy bride should keep on hand

- Tie the Knot, Hawaiian-style

- 6 Brilliant Bachelorette Bashes We bet you didn’t think of!

One of the loveliest ways to make your wedding unforgettable is to add a Hawaiian theme. It’s easy – with a little help from Maui’s expert wedding consultants.

At the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, on Ka’anapali Beach, sweethearts can prepare for the day when they’ll exchange vows by spending time together at The Spa at Black Rock. The shared experience includes a ti-leaf lei exchange, a hot-stone Hawaiian salt scrub followed by a rinse in the ocean, lomi lomi massage, and relaxation time with fresh fruit and hibiscus tea. The spa gets its name from the forty-foot promontory islanders today call “Black Rock”.

The Hawaiians knew it as Pu’u Keka’a; in ancient times, Hawaiian chiefs competed here in lele kawa, leaping feet first from its heights into the ocean. Many couples choose to be married at nearby Black Rock Lawn, so reception guests can enjoy the cliff-diving ceremony the Sheraton Maui has presented every evening for the past forty- seven years.

“The cliff diver lights torches on Black Rock, then dives into the sea as the sun sets – just like the ali’i [royalty] of long ago,” says Sheraton weddings manager Michelle Chang. “That adds a bit of old Hawai’i to a wedding that you can’t find anywhere else in the Islands.”

Marriage can also be a royal affair at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. The resort’s Ali’i Wedding Package includes transportation to and from the wedding venue via horse-drawn carriage, entertainment by a guitar duo and hula dancer, a chant by a conch-shell blower, and a service performed by a Hawaiian minister. Want to have the horse bedecked in lei, or the carriage festooned with fresh flowers in your wedding colors? The Ritz-Carlton’s wedding coordinators are happy to accommodate special requests.

Following the ceremony, newlyweds can welcome guests to a lu’au-themed dinner at the Beach House Lawn, which overlooks the ocean and the island of Moloka’i. “Our chefs incorporate fresh local products into a menu that reflects the bounty of Hawai’i,” says Maria Alvarez, senior sales manager of the hotel’s catering department. Think dishes such as Maui onion and Olowalu tomato salad which fresh pohole ferns; poi; lomilomi salmon; kalua pork; baked mahimahi in ti leaves; and haupia (coconut pudding) flavored with mango, pineapple or wild berries.

The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa offers many ways to say “I do” with aloha; keiki (children) presenting lei to guests as they arrive, a hula dancer leading the procession by torchlight, a conch-shell blower and a drummer conveying the bride to her betrothed, who awaits in a garland of greenery accented with orchids, red ginger, bird-of-paradise and other tropical flowers.

The minister offers a chant and oversees the exchange of lei, vows and rings. A guitarist then sings “The Hawaiian Wedding Song”as the dancer sways gracefully down the center aisle. One dramatic possibility is a Polynesian show at the reception, culminating in a performance by a fire/knife dancer. “That wows everyone,” says Laura Amerio. The Hyatt Regency’s wedding and sales catering manager, Amerio works with couples to find the Hawaiian touches that match their personalities.

“Sharing this memorable time with loved ones is a great way for sweethearts to begin their new life together.”

A White Orchid Wedding – Now available on all Hawaiian Islands!

Aloha from Hawai’i, the most dreamed-of spot on Earth! White Orchid specializes in planning and implementing distinctive island weddings and receptions, from simple to lavish, in the finest settings; exquisite resorts, pristine white-sand beaches, remote waterfalls, private estates, beach houses and charming chapels. Whether it’s a formal reception, rehearsal dinner, lu’au, beach party, or clambake, we will light the torches and help you celebrate in style.

Our award-winning weddings have been featured on national television (including a FOX wedding special and the Mark Burnett/Dreamworks Wedding Day on TNT), and in Pacific Rim Weddings, Maui No Ka ‘Oi, Marin Magazine, Islands Weddings and Honeymoons, Destinations Weddings and Honeymoons, and Hawaii Bride and Groom. We offer our services on Maui, O’ahu, Kaua’i, Lana’i, and Hawai’i. Our experienced coordinators, floral designers and culinary experts will guide you in creating a day to cherish. No wonder that, for over 20 years, our clients say “WOW!”

A White Orchid Wedding, Inc
1- 800-240-9336
Wedding Manager: Carolee Higashino,
Tele: 808.242.8697
Web: www.whiteorchidwedding.com
Email: mail@whiteorchidwedding.com

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Maui Magazine: May-June 2007

“From sequins to Sinatra…the five most fabulous wedding trends”

Crystal candlesticks and Frank Sinatra at a Maui Wedding?  Absolutely, says Maui wedding expert Carolee Higashino, owner of A White Orchid Wedding.  “Formality is back!”

Higashino would know. Recognized as one of the top wedding coordinators in the State of Hawai’i, she was a a founding member of the Maui Wedding Association. A White Orchid Wedding has been named among the top 25 women-owned businesses by Pacific Business News, winning a “Women Who mean Business” Award every year since 2002.

Watching the Maui wedding industry grow from a handful of planners to more than 200 over the last 20 years, Hagashino has seen a lot of wedding trends come and go. But the casual, beachy feel of Maui’s seaside weddings seemed to be an unshakable theme.

Until now.

“It’s exciting to feel the return of formality to weddings right here on Maui,” Higashino says.   “Our couples are requesting more information and making design selections that previously were not seen.   Coupled with our island backdrop, these selections are creating new and exciting formal events with a precise attention to custom detail.”

The return to formality is taking shape in five fabulous trends: extravagant d´cor, abundant florals, celebrity chefs, elegant attire, and those thoughtful little touches that make each wedding memorable.

Trend #1:

Extravagant D´cor

If there is a surface, embellish it!   No more bare tabletops or tent poles.

“Tabletops are really becoming extravagant,” Higashino says.   Rather than floating a few tea candles in a glass bowl, you might drape your tables in layers of custom-sewn linens.   Sparkling crystals and sequins create interest; an overlay of sheer organza adds romance.

And it doesn’t end with the tablecloths.   Brides are requesting fine china and stemware, ornate chargers, and specialty napkins with floral ties and fancy folds.

Chairbacks provide blank canvases that invite creative ideas on how to dress them.   “Chair d´cor is the rage,” Hagashino says.   Options include Chiviari bamboo chairs or folding chairs, chair sashes or floral tiebacks, chair caps, slipcovers, and colorful chair pads.   If you choose bamboo chairs, you might continue the theme with individual bamboo cabanas for each dining table, draped with billowy fabric.

The classic white reception tent to shield guests from tropical sun and rain provides another opportunity for extravagant d´cor.   “we are seeing tents draped with fabric to hide the tent poles, with long curtains draped along the sides,” Higashino says.

Enhance the exotic, luxurious feel with glowing silk lanterns, multitudes of candles, and of course, gorgeous floral arrangements.

Trend #2:

Abundant Florals

Maui brides have plenty of tropical blooms to choose from-everything from creamy white orchids to deep scarlet anthuriums.

In keeping with the return to formality, bridal bouquets are back to a “full” look, according to Hagashino.   No longer downplayed to a few stems of calla lilies, today’s bouquets feature lush combinations of exotic tropicals and orchids, sometimes spilling over in an elegant cascade.

Elements such as pearls, cameos and small framed photos can be tied to your bouquet as a meaningful symbols or mementos passed down through the generations.

Even the ribbon is carefully chosen.   “We’re seeing a lot more attention to detail in terns of ribbons and color options,” Higashino says.   Brides may opt for the classic wide satin wrapped around the stems, or tendrils of silk and satin mingled with the blossoms.

At the ceremony site itself, flowers spring out of chairbacks (tucked into white slipcovers), wind around the ceremonial arch, and carpet the grass with petals awaiting the bride’s footsteps.   At the reception, you may consider floral topiaries, canopies and vine-and flower-bedecked chandeliers.

Trend #3:

Celebrity Chefs

Far beyond the typical lu’au spread or buffet, brides are now requesting five-star Pacific Rim cuisine–prepared by celebrity chefs.

Higashino syas A White Orchid Wedding regularly sees demand for local celebrity chefs like Bev Gannon of Hali’imaile General Store, Carole Longhi of Longhi’s, and Dana Pastula of Café O’Lei.   “People are definitely into the culinary experience,” she says.

It’s level of fine dining that goes perfectly with plated courses, assigned seating, butler service, and a “dining-under-the-stars” experience, made all the more romantic by the accompaniment of classical guitar–a preferred choice for many brides.

Along with the stellar cuisine, Higashino recommends wine pairing with dinner, and a selection of martinis, tropicals and cordials for your guests.   (But after-dinner cigars are out–”Thank God!” she says.)

Other formal details that are hot right now:   refreshing martini-glass sorbets, elaborate ice sculptures, and butler-passed pupu.

Trend #4:

Elegant Apparel

Wedding attire has taken a step up not only for the bride and groom, but for the minister and crew as well.

“Yes, brides are asking!” Higashino says.   “Robes and collars are the first request for the officiate, and butler-style black-and-whites for the staff.”

Wedding guests are leaving behind the aloha shirts and sundresses, and arriving at the ceremony in linen suits and sleek ties for men (“Tuxes still haven’t been a big hit in the heat of Maui,” Higashino says), and the latest elegant fashions for women.

For the bride–although ornate may be the rage when it comes to d´cor–simple remains the stylish standby.   “Brides are opting for the sleek gown, but adding back the veil,” Higashino says.

“Updos are still going strong, but with a softer look and fresh florals.   Heels are popular…crystal rubbah slippahs are out!”   Also out–at least for the special day–are nose-ring holes and tattoos (artfully airbrushed away).

Polished elegance is the ideal look.   To achieve that bridal glow, you can take advantage of one of Maui’s many world-class spas.   “Top of the list for the gals is the pampering experience,” Higashino says.   “We’ve seen a return to the ‘girls’ day’ brunch and bridal shower, following by the spa.”

Trend #5:

Thoughtful Touches

From the first brunch to the final sunset sail, thoughtful details can enhance your wedding’s design.   Distinctive touches can include stationery items, welcome baskets and specially designed favors for the guests.   “Couples are following a formal path of invites, right down to the place cards,” Higashino says.   “We’re seeing requests for custom stationery designed by local artists, reflecting the island wedding.”

A local artist can design programs, menu cards, table signs and seating cards–even a printed itinerary to deliver to guests in a pretty welcome basket, packed with Maui goodies like locally grown coffee and fresh fruit.

Couples are giving their guests more elaborate wedding favors as well, moving beyond the typical matchbook or chocolates to custom-made items.   Represent your playful side with surfboard-shaped cookies, blown-glass fish ornaments or starfish paperweights.

Thoughtful formal touches are not just for the guests.   Surprise your groom with a groom’s cake (which is making a comeback, according to Higashino).   Toast your family with engraved crystal toasting flutes.   Reserve a classic white Rolls-Royce for your grand exit.

Bring on the china patterns and the silver cake cutters, and ask the DJ to play your mother’s favorite ballad by Frank Sinatra.   Old Blue Eyes finally has a place at a Maui wedding.

 

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Maui Magazine: Spring 2006

“Just dazzle me.” When Carolee Higashino, owner of A White Orchid Wedding, gets a carte blanche client request like this, she is immediately intrigued. This comes with the territory for a company that’s hung its hat on a reputation for gorgeously detailed, polished-to-perfection events and receptions. “Our specialty is our custom-created designs. We take a décor theme—colors and textures—and carry it through down to the little touches that really complete the look.” The result is breath-taking. And a look that is very “WOW.” (Get it? White Orchid Wedding.)

The largest full-service wedding coordination company on Maui, White Orchid has been adding its special touch weddings on Maui, Molokai and Lanai for 16 years. Many on Higashino’s staff of professionals are island-raised, and all are full of aloha.Every bride has her own coordinator by her side from first consultation until the last glass of champagne has been poured.

Their weddings have been featured in many recognizable national magazines, and Carolee makes sure they stay ahead of the trends. What’s happening now? “Lost of natural looks, dining canopies made with bamboo and scrim. Formal is coming back too: grand dining tables, more elaborate detail, and rich, gorgeous fabrics.” Casual or formal, at their private, beachfront estate house or at a resort property, White Orchid Weddings all come complete with their signature creative touch.

 

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Maui Magazine: Fall 2004

You have a great menu and fabulous friends to share it with. Now …how to guarantee an unforgettable evening? Atmosphere is a pivotal ingredient of any festive occasion, so we asked a trio of experts to show us how to set the stage. A florist, a chef, and an antique dealer divulge the secrets to great table design.

The Designer: Local boy Asa Ige transplanted his tropical roots to Manhattan. After graduating from the Parsons School of Design, he opened “Stamens and Pistils,” a flower shop in Greenwich Village. Donald Trump whisked him away to Atlantic City to design floral arrangements in house at Taj Mahal. Having conquered the Far East (Coast that is), Ige returned home. He now creates custom arrangements for select clientele from his Wailuku studio.

The Table: Ige’s design is a complete atmosphere. The bamboo hale draped with gauze creates immediate intimacy. Filmy curtains tied midway invite guest “inside” without restricting their view. Each setting has an air of simplicity, compactness and freedom. Ige emphasizes the table’s clean lines by using white china and replacing silverware with chopsticks. Layering the setting – placing the napkin on stacked salad and dinner plates – adds room to the table. Guests won’t be trapped in a maze of dishes and silver.

The atmosphere takes further shape with “living” centerpieces. Water lilies seem to sprout from the table. “Like taking a piece of a pond out of context,” says Ige. Lily pads float in a clear tray of water weighted with stones. Floating candles grouped at the center of the table radiate warmth. When the wind stirs, the gauze canopy moves and the candles shimmer. Suede napkins and raw silk tablecloths invoke richness. A tobacco brown underlay grounds the table, giving it weight. “It really hits your senses because the textures are so luxurious,” Ige says. Simple yet sumptuous.

Try This At Home: Building a simple, dynamic atmosphere isn’t as easy as it looks – Ige went to school for this, after all. “Simplicity is the hardest thing to do,” he says. “If you don’t do it properly, it looks like you’re coming up short.” One lesson we can take away: texture. Ige’s rich materials – imitation silk and suede, bamboo, and gauze – keep the setting from feeling spartan. The stunning centerpieces are basic constructions: 30″ x 8″ x 3″ plexiglass trays with flowers from a local farm and river stones from a craft store. Water lilies are light sensitive. To keep them open throughout dinner, dip stems in paraffin wax. Then secure them with kenzans (Japanese flower stands) buried beneath the stones.

The designer juxtaposes the antiques’ whispering history with modern flatware, fuchsia candles, and glasses with blue swirls. Surprising at first, the effect is both minimalist and romantic. The pieces speak to each other across the ages. The swirl on the wine glass mimics the ancient brushstrokes. Bright roses and candles enliven the antiques. A fruit plate complete the arrangement. Spilling with cherries, apples, and rosebuds, the cut melon resembles and opulent still-life.

Try This At Home: If you don’t own museum quality dishes, well just fake it. The Designer demonstrates his “design on a dime” by swapping his rare treasures for outlet store replicas: a set of beautiful plates sporting an 1850′s British hunting motif. As with his first design, the faux antiques are recharged with contemporary elements – a moderns silver vase and roses stripped of leaves. Silver flatware edged in gold looks fancy and ties the silver vase in with gold-rimmed glasses. “Never serve dainty glasses,” The designer commands, holding a thick-stemmed wineglass. Why? Substantial glasses lend weight to the faux old world setting. And don’t forget the fruit plate.

The Chef: Ralph Giles has been cooking professionally for 20 years. He’s seen numerous festive tables in his time – especially after launching his own catering company. Since relocating from Boston, Giles has dished up delicacies for the fashionable and famished across the island. He describes his latest venture as more of a party coaching experience, he helps couples create menus around their personal palettes and assists them with hosting unique events for their friends.

The Table: Giles’ table design works its magic even before guests take their seats – bouquets of fresh herbs and flowers deliver a titillating, aromatic invitation. True to his profession, Giles favors taste and scent – though by no means ignores the other senses. Giles sets his table outdoors, taking advantage of the unparalleled Upcountry Maui view. “When we put on a party,” Giles says of his catering company, “we try to include the environment. We gear towards the sunset, what’s in bloom, even high tide when the waves are crashing on the shore.” Spontaneity guides the arrangement. Wildflowers gathered from the garden compliment a mixed set of tropical plates and candle holders. Bright, passionate colors which might overpower an indoor setting are right at home in this atmosphere. Individual candles and bouquets of fresh herbs adorn each place setting. The petals and snail shells liberally scattered across the table suggest fertility and abundance. The setting grows as an extension of the landscape, rather than an exercise of will upon it. “I like things that naturally fall together,” Giles says. “Let Mother Nature do her work.”

Try This At Home: Giles recommends slow boiling sage, lavender or rosemary in a pot about an hour before guests arrive to “aromatically introduce the flavors.” Lemon, roses, or tropical fruit also work to stimulate guests’ appetites. The small bouquets placed at individual settings continue  the aromatic experience, and make guests feel special. Giles emphasizes mixing patterns and utilizing whatever is around. “So often people are caught up in the rigidness of everything matching,” he says. The tropical dishware and accoutrements Giles used can be found at Aloha Gifts and Gallery at Kihei Gateway Plaza.

Each of our designers drew upon his expertise or passion. The florist constructed a living atmosphere, the chef included edible elements, and the antique dealer let history speak for itself. Try borrowing their techniques, or simply following their example: Above all, tap into your passion and let inspiration unwind.

 

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