Features
Pacific Rim Weddings
Winter/Spring 2001
Some married couples have never had the wonderful experience of planning a dream wedding. Due to extenuating circumstances of one kind or another, an elaborate ceremony and reception were not part or God's plan at the time they chose to marry.
Four such couples were honored recently by the Hawaii State Millennium Commission and a group of island wedding companies who formed "1 Do Hawaii." The four CEOs of Hawaii's largest wedding companiesL Paradise Weddings Hawaii (Aloha Wedding Planners, A White Orchid Wedding, and Coconut Coast Weddings) combined their forty years of experience to promote a contest. Four lucky couples won a Hawaiian vow renewal and honeymoon including airfare sponsored by Hawaiian Airlines and hotel accommodations at luxurious Starwood Resorts.
Chosen on the merit of their wedding stories and history as a couple, the husbands and their beloved wives finally experienced the weddings of their dreams. Their stories are touching. I Do Hawaii representatives say, "We hope these couples will inspire you to surprise your parents with a dozen roses and a card that reads, "You are invited to renew your vows at sunset on the beach.' Their memories will be a precious gift neither of you will forget."
Kara Kelly met her future husband Rahsaan Thompson in London. It was their junior year abroad at the London School of Economics and they became fast friends. But it wasn't until years later that they began dating when they met again in New York. Rahsaan was studying law and Kara was working as a consultant. Six years later, they flew to Maui to meet with wedding coordinator Carolee Higashino of A White Orchid Wedding and preview locations for their big day.
The White Orchid Beach House was the obvious choice in the groom's eyes. According to Kara, Rahsaan's face lit up when they arrived, "He walked in, looked around, and knew it was the place we had to get married." The intimacy, privacy and glorious ocean view of the location made it their ideal venue. Once this important detail was in place, the couple was able to relax and begin planning the details of the event with Carolee and her staff.
Fifty close friends and family members (one flew all the way from London!) were welcomed with special gifts. Upon arrival each received pastel sand pails filled with bath salts, sunscreen, and lotions in a mixture of favorite scents, and personalized tatoos for fun. The week proved to be fun and exciting for everyone. In addition to enjoying the sun and surf, guests threw an island-style bridal shower for Kara at the Maui Prince Resort clubhouse, and the night before the wedding, the couple hosted a dinner at the Old Lahaina Luau. Authentic hula, music, and traditional island delicacies gave everyone a taste of Polynesian culture.
The day of the wedding came quickly. Carolee was amazed at the number of family members who were delighted to lend a hand in making the reception site picture perfect. The tented garden party was exquisite with white ball lanterns hanging from the coconut trees, twinkling white lights, and frosted glass centerpieces filled with flowers and tea light candles. In keeping with the elegant ocean theme, Kara chose soft colors for the tables in beach glass shades of green and blue. Scented candles tucked in organza served as guest favors and looked lovely scattered amidst the flowers.
Photographer Robie Price captured the essence of the celebration-the handsome couple and their guests spent most of the evening dancing under the stars. Luiz Diaz and Joe Miles played Brazilian music that brought everyone to their feet. "I have never seen so many good dancers at one wedding!" says Carolee, "The bride's parents were fantastic dancers, everyone was having such a good time." When the private shuttle service came to pick up the guests, no one was ready to call it an evening-a true sign of an unforgettable event.