We are always so honored to be a part of each wedding and when we are trusted to pull of a SURPRISE to make a Bride’s dream come true, we will always JUMP at the chance! THANKS to all of the AMAZING vendors, we pulled off this surprise carriage with only 3 days to plan and execute! A BIG Thank you to Honolulu Horse & Carriage, IMF Visions, Bianca Photography, Florist Grand, Elegance with Grace, Bliss DJs, & Nolan Hong!
Meet Kelly, the Planner of your Dreams
Meet the « woman behind the planning », the one that helps couples make their dreams come true, Kelly Sugano!
Kelly is the founder and CEO of A Perfect Day Hawaii and here, she answers some questions about her career and gives useful wedding planning tips.
Hi Kelly. Can you tell us why did you want to become a wedding planner ?
I wanted to help people. I didn’t know how and didn’t think I was going to become a wedding planner, but it just happened. Family and friends used to ask me for help for their weddings because they knew I was super organized and it just happened like that.
For how long have you been a wedding planner now?
PC: Kai Photo
18 years now.
What do you like the most in weddings?
I really love being able to help people.
What do you like the most in planning?
Timelines, that’s my thing!
What’s a big challenge you have to face with your activity?
Balancing work with personal life. I love both so much I’m always trying to squeeze every second out of each day.
What is, according to you, the most important moment in weddings?
The few seconds before I send the bride down the aisle.
I always try to keep the brides as calm & relaxed as possible so they experience and absorb that.
What is an « ideal wedding » for you?
Vendor: Hawaii Fine Linen | PC: Kai Photo
Any wedding we can feel like we made a difference through the smile on each of their faces.
What is a good advice you always give to the couples before the wedding?
Always communicate (with each other and your vendors), that’s the most important thing!
Do you have some recommendations on how the bride can find the perfect fit for her dress?
Don’t worry about losing weight, just make sure you feel comfortable. You will look stunning no matter what!
What’s your recommendation to find the perfect vendor(s)?
Know your budget
Ask questions
PC: Eclat Photography
As planners, we help the couples find the right vendors for them. Unlike most other companies, we don’t have a “list” of recommended vendors.
I always ask the couple questions and based on what they tell me, I tell them who I feel is the best match for them. I then introduce them to the best vendor according to their budget, needs and wants.
This is less work for them and it saves them a lot of time.
How long does it take, on average, to plan a wedding?
For us, the sooner the better! With technology only getting better, we’ve seen the lead time shorten from an average of 1 year to an average of 6 months. We have planned extravagant weddings in just 1 month but it isn’t recommended ;-).
We offer a lot of « free help » by text, email or phone calls.
We give the couples a lot of ideas, suggestions, recommendations and feedback for free starting from whenever they hire us (not just 1-3 months prior).
The sooner they come to us, the more help they will get!
What would be your advice to couples from abroad that want to get married in Hawaii?
Take your time
Find someone you trust
Don’t be scared
A lot of couples get scared because they feel disconnected, but there is nothing to be scared of.
Today, with technology, we can do everything online and so we can work remotely. Everything is so much easier.
What are the different options you offer in terms of planning?
We do different packages but we always customize our services - as much or as little as everybody requires.
One last word for the future newlyweds?
Surround yourself with people you trust, that’s the best way to enjoy the actual wedding day and the planning too.
This is your day, make the most out of it!!!
PC: Kai Photo | Chargers, linen, and flatware by Hawaii Fine Linen
CONGRATULATIONS ELISE & JOHNNY CHOI - Koolau Ballrooms, Kaneohe, Hawaii
Such a beautiful day for a couple who really knew what was important! CONGRATULATIONS Elise & Johnny!!! THANK YOU to our amazingly talented friend Mike Pham for sharing these images!!! Keep scrolling to watch the creative video by Orig Media!
VENUE: Koolau Ballrooms
PHOTOGRAPHER: Mike Pham Photography
VIDEOGRAPHER: Orig Media
FLORIST: Spinning Web
HAIR & MAKEUP: Naturally You
DJ/MC: Spectrum Entertainment
DECOR: It’s So Pretty Linen
FAVORS: Menehune Mac
Each time we watch this video, we are instantly brought back to this wonderful day! We hope you enjoy the talents from our friends at Orig Media!
WEDDING WORKSHOPS by A Perfect Day: How to Create your Wedding Day Timeline with VENDOR HIGHLIGHTS: Wedding Planners, Officiants, Decor, and Beauty professionals at The Willows #WorkshopsByAPD
It was a pleasure to work with Vivid Fotos (pictures), Supreme Wedding Films (video: Same day edit), Visionize Media (video: Destination wedding tips), Flower Girls (florist), Orig Media (video: full workshop), Spectrum Entertainment (sound & uplighting), Elegance with Grace (linen, draping, chair covers), Picturesque (lazer cut decor), Miemiko (business card display), Hawaii Calligraphy (aloha sign), and my staff at A Perfect Day!
WORKSHOP SAME DAY EDIT VIDEO BY SUPREME WEDDING FILMS
***INTRODUCING…DESTINATION TIPS BY A PERFECT DAY*** As a new component this workshop series, we will be sharing tips for couples planning a destination wedding and how our topics relate specifically to them as they will be flying here for their big day!
DESTINATION WEDDING PLANNING TIPS VIDEO #1 (OFFICIANTS, PLANNERS, AND BEAUTY)
BY VISIONIZE MEDIA
Are you curious to know what our workshops are like? Here is a highlight video by our friends at Orig Media to show you a glimpse of what we discuss. We hope you enjoy!
There are SO many reasons why we’ve created this workshop series and 1 of the biggest reasons is to show couples how hard vendors work and what it really takes to make their dream day happen. Working with true professionals will make ALL the difference. We hope you enjoy the images taken by our friends at VIVID FOTOS to show what our workshops are like and what it takes to make them happen.
ITEMS FOR PURCHASE
By attending the workshop, you will receive all related Fact Sheets.
Saving you priceless time, we've created a "fact sheet" on vendors to share facts & information quickly, and from the perspective of the vendor to help you make sound decisions.
Wedding Planner Fact Sheets $10
Decor Fact Sheets $5
Beauty Fact Sheets $5
Officiant Fact Sheets $2
Happy Planning!
CONGRATULATIONS AMY & DANIEL HONBO - The Kahala Hotel, Honolulu, Hawaii
Just SO much that we LOVED about this wedding. From having done the Groom's Sister's wedding, to seeing their First Dance just brought tiers to our eyes! CONGRATULATIONS Amy & Daniel and THANK YOU to Mayberry Multimedia for such a beautiful video!!!
CONGRATULATIONS KRISTA & DAVID SCHOPPY - HALEKULANI HOTEL
Such an amazing couple with equally amazing families!!! It was a joy to work with Krista's Mom in the planning of such a beautiful wedding for her daughter and new son!
3.31.18
- COORDINATOR: A Perfect Day
- PHOTOGRAPHER: Mike Pham Photography
- FLORIST: Spinning Web Florist
- VENUE: Halekulani Hotel - Joel Nishimoto
- VIDEOGRAPHER: Aria Studios
- HAIR & MAKEUP: Face Art Beauty
- DECOR: The Wedding Linen Company
- DJ/MC: Dynamic Sounds Productions
- OFFICIANT: Reverend Michael Nelson
CONGRATULATIONS SHU & KHIN CHEN - THE KAHALA HOTEL & RESORT (Honolulu, Hawaii)
A wonderful couple who overcame obstacles together to fully understand what it means to support and encourage each other. It was such a joy to be a part of such an important day!
5.19.18
- COORDINATOR: A Perfect Day
- PHOTOGRAPHER: Absolutely Loved Photography
- FLORIST: Florist Grand Inc
- VENUE: The Kahala Hotel
- VIDEOGRAPHER: Knot & Gown Films
- HAIR & MAKEUP: Face Art Beauty
- DJ/MC: Bliss DJs
- OFFICIANT: Reverend Mak
CONGRATULATIONS KELLIE & BRANDON TAGAWA - FOUR SEASONS KO'OLINA
Such a beautiful wedding for a sweet couple!
2.20.18
- COORDINATOR: A Perfect Day
- PHOTOGRAPHER: Bianca Photography
- FLORIST: Creative Concepts by Jeff
- VENUE: Four Seasons Ko'Olina - Ashley Ong
- VIDEOGRAPHER: Isle Media
- HAIR & MAKEUP: Whik'd
- DECOR: The Wedding Linen Comapny
- DJ/MC: Spectrum Entertainment
- MUSICIAN: Tahiti Rey
- OFFICIANT: Brutus LaBenz
SITE HIGHLIGHT: Makaha Valley Farm
In June, we visited a new venue opening for weddings and receptions. Here are the pictures and highlights from our visit!
WEDDING WORKSHOPS by A Perfect Day: Wedding Lingo & Understanding your options with VENDOR HIGHLIGHTS: DJs, MCs, Entertainers, and Beauty professionals at the Pomaika'i Ballrooms
It was a pleasure to work with Kai Photo, Supreme Wedding Films, Watanabe Floral, Bliss DJs, Event Accents, Miemiko, Hawaii Calligraphy, Engaging Moments, and my staff at A Perfect Day!
Workshop highlight video by Supreme Wedding Films
Images by our friends at KAI PHOTO
WEDDING WORKSHOPS by A Perfect Day: Wedding Etiquette, Roles of your Wedding Party & Family with VENDOR HIGHLIGHTS: Videographers & Wedding Cakes at the Four Seasons at Ko'Olina
It was a pleasure to work with Joseph Esser Photography, Supreme Wedding Films, Spinning Web Florist, Mystical Sounds Productions, Miemiko, Hawaii Calligraphy, Perfection, an International Event Company, and my staff at A Perfect Day!
Workshop highlight video by Supreme Wedding Films
Workshop images by Joseph Esser Photography
KOOLAU BALLROOMS - Bridal Open House
It's always nice to see what the industry is doing and be able to meet couples! THANK YOU to The Wedding Linen Company for all of our pretty linen and chair weaving and Spinning Web for all of our florals!
WEDDING WEEK - International Marketplace
Such a wonderful experience with fun people and amazing food!
Marry You in Hawaii - Launch at the Tchin-Tchin Bar
Have you heard? There's a company that books out Officiants! They make it SO easy!!!
HALEKULANI - Wedding Showcase
Just in case you missed it....here are some highlights!
WEDDING WORKSHOPS by A Perfect Day: Planning for an Outdoor venue and Caterers & Rental companies at Loulu Palm Farm Estate
We are grateful to the following sponsors who made this event possible:
Loulu Palm (Venue) | A Perfect Day (Planner & Presenter) | Perfection International (On-Site Planner) | Watanabe Floral (Florist) | Chelsea Stratso (Photographer) | Supreme Weddings (Videographer & Visual Equipment) | The Loving Eyes (Same Day Edit) | Bliss DJs (Audio) | Hawaii Calligraphy (Calligrapher) | Tanioka's Seafoods & Catering (Garlic Chicken) | Chef Elmer's Island Cuisine (Island Style Pork Hash Corn Dog w/Spicy Aioli & Honey Mustard dipping sauces) | Cake Works (Trio of mini desserts) | We Heart Cake Company (desserts) | Ke Nui Nitchen (Menu TBD)
WEDDING WORKSHOPS by A Perfect Day: Photographers and Turning your Plan into a Timeline at the Hilton Waikiki Beach Hotel
Video by Propeller USA
We are grateful to the following sponsors who made this event possible:
Hilton Waikiki Beach Hotel (Venue & Food) | A Perfect Day (Planner & Presenter) | It's So Pretty Linen (Decor) | Jadore Floral (Florist) | Kai Photo (Photographer) | Propeller USA (Videographer & Visual) | Bliss DJs (Audio) | Hawaii Calligraphy (Calligrapher) | A Faires Event Planning (Day-of Planner)
WEDDING WEEK 2018!!! SO MUCH to see, do, eat, and learn! Friday, 2.16.18 at The Willows!
2.16.18 6pm-9pm be at The Willows for their Wedding Experience! Did you know the first 200 to RSVP get to attend for FREE! RSVP now by clicking here!
Ceremony Chapel
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~Happy Planning!
HYATT REGENCY WAIKIKI - WEDDING SHOWCASE - 2.10.2018
Just in case you haven't heard....If you are on the hunt for the perfect wedding ceremony & reception location, MAKE SURE to RSVP! CONTACT 923-1234 and ask for Michele!
Saturday, February10th 11:30am-1:30pm
Mauka Ballroom
Na Lea Terrace
Regency Ballroom
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You will receive HELPFUL TIPS, SPECIALS/DISCOUNTS FROM VENDORS, and ANNOUNCEMENTS OF INDUSTRY EVENTS COMING UP!
~Happy Planning!
Budget, Decor, and Venues Wedding Workshop at The Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa
THANK YOU to EVERYONE who attended our first workshop and to those that made it happen!
PC: KAI PHOTO | A Perfect Day, Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa, The Wedding Linen Company, Always Flowers, Kai Photo, Supreme Wedding Films, Bliss DJs, Neu Events, Miemiko, Anna Claire Calligraphy, Mystical Sounds
PC: KAI PHOTO | Hyatt Regency Mauka Ballroom
PC: KAI PHOTO | Hyatt Regency Waikiki's Makai & Maloko Ballrooms
PC: KAI PHOTO | Hyatt Regency Waikiki's Makai Ballroom | Workshop setup
PC: KAI PHOTO | Workshop Handouts
PC: KAI PHOTO | Workshop business card display
PC: KAI PHOTO | Braised Short Ribs with Ginger, Mirin, and Shiitake Mushrooms
PC: KAI PHOTO | Portobello & Porcini Mushroom Ravioli, Balsamic Butter
PC: KAI PHOTO | Cripy Chili Garlic Chicken
PC: KAI PHOTO | THANK YOU to The Wedding Linen Company for all of their linen to make our workshop pretty!
PC KAI PHOTO | THANK YOU to Always Flowers for all of their pretty flowers!
PC: KAI PHOTO | THANK YOU to Cari of Miemiko for our Business cards display!
PC: KAI PHOTO | THANK YOU Anna Claire of Anna Claire Calligraphy for your talents personalizing the Planning Binders!
PC: KAI PHOTO | THANK YOU Bliss DJs for providing all sound for the workshop!
PC: KAI PHOTO | THANK YOU to our A Perfect Day staff (Tupu & Julia) for your help for your help and attention to detail checking in and processing everyone!
PC: KAI PHOTO | THANK YOU to our A Perfect Day staff (Traci) for you help distributing venue information!
PC: KAI PHOTO | THANK YOU Mona of Neu Events for your Day of Coordination services!!!
PC: KAI PHOTO | THANK YOU to Mystical Sounds for all of the A/V equipment and operation!
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER BELOW
You will receive HELPFUL TIPS, SPECIALS/DISCOUNTS FROM VENDORS, and ANNOUNCEMENTS OF INDUSTRY EVENTS COMING UP!
~Happy Planning!