The Team - White Orchid Wedding

Inspired Events

A White Orchid Wedding is an award-winning event coordination firm based in the Hawaiian Islands servicing clients worldwide. We are recognized for our innovative designs, expertise and unparalleled attention to detail. Our brilliant team combines decades of experience and embraces the opportunity to take your vision and dazzle you with a celebration beyond your expectations. Every occasion designed and coordinated by our talented artists is unique and inspired by your personal taste and style. Your WOW event specialist, coupled with our outstanding in-house design team, will create a one-of-a-kind celebration for you and your guests. Leave the details to us; the White Orchid Wedding team partners with an amazing group of industry professionals to ensure that every event flows beautifully. Mahalo nui loa from the team at White Orchid Wedding! We look forward to working with you!

CAROLEE HIGASHINO | President & Founder

Owner and CEO of A White Orchid Wedding, Inc., Carolee had a vision coupled with a passion to be an inspiration in the industry. With her launch of WOW, Paradise Weddings Hawaii and Wailea Weddings, she is now known as the most recognized planner and owner of one of the very first wedding firms in the State of Hawaii. She has been awarded for initiating the "Destination Wedding Industry" in Hawaii, launching her business in 1990.

Carolee has earned various accolades including "Businesswoman of the Year” for the State of Hawaii coupled with annual awards for over two decades being a top 25 woman owned business representing Hawaii. Carolee believes in 'giving back' and served on several boards including; The Wedding International Professionals Association (WIPA), Board of Directors for the Wedding International Professionals Association (WIPA), The Maui Visitors Bureau, A Keiki's Dream Foundation and The Neighborhood Place of Wailuku. Her charitable contribution efforts include; The Maui Aid's Foundation, Raja's Light of Youth Foundation, Alzheimers Association of Hawaii, A Keiki's Dream Foundation, Maui Athletic Leagues, The American Cancer Institute, The Neighborhood Place Wailuku, The Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center, Na Keiki O Emalia and the West Hawaii Theatre and Dance Academy to name a few.

Over the years Carolee enhanced her career in the wedding workshop, film and television industry. As a producer she recently orchestrated the first ever International Wedding Conference.

JACQUELINE ISHIKAWA | Event Coordinator

Jackie is our office “ray of sunshine,” never without a smile and filled with the true essence of aloha. A native of the islands and inspired by a love for travel, Jackie graduated from the International Air Academy then happily returned to the Valley Isle to pursue a career in the travel industry.

With a desire to expand her own horizons she fell in love with love. Jacqueline saw a niche in the wedding industry and with her visitor background she opted to jump in! With her keen sense of business coupled with impeccable organizational skills, Jackie has since gone on to become one of the leading wedding planners in the state of Hawaii. Now celebrating more than fifteen years as a WOW premiere event planner she is also our WOW’s Sales Manager. You can count on Jackie to go the extra mile to ensure that each and every one of her events is flawless. A consummate professional, she makes planning a fun experience and strives to make her client’s feel ‘in the moment’ on this most remarkable day.

KENDALL ORETA | Event Coordinator

From a tropical island in the middle of the sea, to the sparkling city of lights, this island girl has experienced everything from tiki torches to sophisticated big city glitz and glamor. A native Hawaiian, Kendall blends her warm aloha spirit and infectious smile with a professional background in the hospitality industry. Her creativity, attention to detail, and stylish design work have helped Kendall blossom into one of WOW’s most sought after award winning event coordinators in the State of Hawaii. You will know when you are in her hands that you will be treated with golden glove service and a genuine touch.

Kendall’s work has been featured in many international and national publications and social media channels and she has appeared on many local television productions across the State of Hawaii.

She is passionate about her art and her clientele while also a momma of two adorable toddlers. It is with great pride that we have Kendall aboard the WOW team and we are excited for you to meet her.

TIERA JENSON | Event Coordinator

Allow us to introduce our WOW gal Tiera Jenson. Tiera is a native of Oahu and a graduate of the prestigious Punahou School and attended the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. From her early years she grew up dancing hula and Tahitian capturing the hearts of many! Now she is joining hearts with our ‘ohana as a premiere event specialist.

Tiera exhibits a passion for the arts which is reflected into her sense of design. Her ability to balance and manage strategically enable her to be effective when orchestrating even the most elaborate of affairs. As a self proclaimed ‘foodie’ she has an extensive catering background which is extremely beneficial to event planning. Tiera’s warm demeanor and infectious laugh coupled with her exquisite attention to detail will certainly make your wedding and event planning a fun and smashing success!

With a passion for adventure and knowledge she has traveled extensively in pursuit of cultural enlightenment, religion and spirituality and is especially fond of the Philippines and Indonesia. In her spare time you might find her on the basketball court or on her yoga mat. WOW is thrilled to offer you our lovely and talented event professional Tiera to create moments you will forever treasure.

LAURIE A’I I Event Coordinator

An Oahu native, Laurie shares her true essence of aloha from the minute you connect. Her warm demeanor coupled with her confidence and expertise in the industry are a welcoming experience to our WOW clientele.

In her younger years, Laurie's family chose to move to the ‘outer island’ of Maui where she has flourished in the travel, hospitality and tourism industry for the last decade. Her resume includes a remarkable career including employment at some of the finest resorts including The Four Seasons Maui and the Grand Wailea Resort and Spa. Laurie expanded her career to work with celebrity chef Bev Gannon learning the ‘ins and outs’ of catering with her Celebrations Catering Team. (A WOW favorite!) Furthering her career and her love for travel she also added Hawaiian Airlines to her list of accomplishments.

Known for her impeccable attention to detail and what she self proclaims her ‘insane organizational skills’ clients know they can sit back, relax and enjoy their planning process knowing they are in the best of hands. Her passion for the creative process is also quite evident and her artistic eye shines in every celebration created by her and our team. We are so honored to share her expertise and talent with you as our WOW premiere planner.

As a momma to two beautiful keiki Laurie opts for the surf and sand on her off days. The ocean is her natural home and if the surf is up, so is she!

NAOMI TAKAKURA | Assistant Event Coordinator & Social Marketing Manager

Born and raised on the island of Maui, Naomi discovered her passion for the wedding industry during her high school years as a member of our WOW Ohana. After graduating from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa, Naomi returned to Maui where she collaborates closely with our coordinators and design team to curate unique and detailed events for our guests! Her ability to handle multiple responsibilities shines through as she works hand in hand with the team on site at events, behind the scenes, and online within our social media platforms. Her focus, passion, and attention to detail make her an invaluable asset to our team while crafting unforgettable memories for our clients.

ETHEL LEVAL | Office Manager

Our “local girl” was born and raised on the island of Maui. You will often hear her voice during the course of your wedding planning as she is the White Orchid Office Manager and Accountant. With a degree in Hotel Operations and Accounting, she is the business side of White Orchid. Her extensive background in the food and beverage industry enable her to provide invaluable expertise in the area of event management, finance, and the orchestration of weddings. Ethel is literally the ‘backbone’ of WOW, efficiently managing our accounts for more than 25 years to keep business running smoothly and assure our clientele that every need has been handled. Not only that…she is a proud grandma of two gorgeous littles!