Did you hear our 2nd video in our budget series which teaches couples how to create their wedding budget launched earlier this month? If you’d like to watch the video, feel free to click the image below.
XOXOXO
Happy Planning!
PC: Joseph Esser Photography
As many have heard, Oahu has finally been approved to have OUTDOOR weddings of up to 100 people (including vendors). Although this is definitely wonderful news, we feel it is crucial that everyone not only understand what the guidelines and requirements are to do these events but some best practices to help keep everyone safe.
Before we jump right in, I wanted to first explain the distinction between “requirements” and “best practices”. The requirements (as listed in the link above) are what is being required in order for any events to be permitted to happen. “Best practices” are recommendations that we encourage people to practice whenever possible to do our best to keep our clients, their guests, and our colleagues as safe as possible. This being said, it will be crucial that you speak to each of your vendors to determine what procedures and “best practices” they will be implementing during your wedding. Although this video includes both requirements and best practices, we wanted to share it with all of you so you can begin to get familiar some things that may help YOU!
Wedding Planners have literally made their business out of troubleshooting and pivoting so although it wasn’t a surprise that Kristen did just that, it was a pleasant surprise to learn what she pivoted to! Kristen’s new company (Modern Bouquet Preservation) is just like her…beautiful, creative, and timeless. She can use flowers directly out of your bouquet OR better yet, ask your florist for a few blooms that you can send fresh and directly to Kristen. These gorgeous options will be loved by anyone for years to come! As a Mother myself, I can speak first hand that this type of memento would always be appreciated and a beautiful reminder of such a special day!
Here are some options currently available!
Gabriel
“Gabriel”
$30
4” Round paperweight
For “flatter accent flowers”
Turnaround time: 2 Months
Henri
“Henri”
$40
2”X2”X2” box
Perfect for one slightly taller bloom
Turnaround time: 2 Months
Pierre
“Pierre”
$65
4” tall ring holder
Turnaround time: 2 Months
Raphael
“Raphael”
$85
Faceted Tea light Votive Holder
Turnaround time: 2 Months
Louis
“Louis”
$250
6”X6”X2” box
Filled with a small sampler of as many blooms as possible
Turnaround time: 2 Months
Alexandre
“Alexandre”
$400
10”X10”X3” box filled with at least 1 of each flower in your bouquet, included in some of the biggest blooms
Turnaround time: 2 Months
If you are interested in this beautiful option, contact Kristen now!
Chat: 389-7421
Happy Planning!
XOXO A Perfect Day
What do we love about working with Chef Elmer’s Island Cuisine? Working with Tristen is always such a joy because she truly understands what it takes to plan a wedding and how important details are when it comes to food and food service! They make it so easy when they give you their lists of what you will need to get for them to execute your food service smoothly! They also offer the ever important and exciting menu tasting/sampling to ensure you order what is best for you and your guests! We were lucky to sample such a wonderful menu created and prepared by Chef Elmer’s Island Cuisine so please enjoy the pictures of some of his options below!
Since travel is such a huge part of our world here on Oahu, we chatted with April to get her perspective on our current Covid 19 world and how it relates to her field of expertise!
Travel vendors/partners
A lot of vendors (airlines, tour companies, hotels, transfer companies) have to take this pandemic day by day, based on new rules and guidelines which can change in an instant. Travel is NOT currently restricted. Which means, you can still travel domestically and internationally, but there are quarantine rules in place, which is up to two weeks. So I have a lot of clients who are currently canceling their vacation reservations.
Travel Insurance
Unfortunately, travel insurance does not cover pandemics. For the reason of probably going out of business, because anything can be caused by a pandemic, fear especially. And reimbursing an entire travel trip based on “fear” is not in the best interest of a travel insurance company. Luckily, most of my clients have been reimbursed for the purchase of the travel insurance if they cancel their trip or travel insurance companies are allowing the clients to use the money towards a future trip.
I just want to explain what travel insurance is for. A lot of people thing travel insurance covers EVERYTHING and that’s not the case. You purchase travel insurance to protect yourself from anything unexpected. These are events like a death of an immediate family member, job loss, weather conditions (Act of God), etc. Reasons like, “I’m scared of getting coronavirus, so I’m not going to go” or “ I don’t feel like going on this trip anymore” are not covered.
Future of travel – you can still travel, but with precaution
Travel will never be the same. You will always have to exercise caution while traveling. That might mean, we always have to wear a face mask while traveling on planes, even when we land in our vacation destinations. Washing your hands much more frequently, having hand sanitizer with you at all times and being aware of who is around you.
PC: @xtinanina86
In April’s own words:
“We share the passion and love of travel with all our clientele. We understand how important personal engagement, is to our clients; which online booking engines lack. We take the legwork out of trip planning and add a personal styled touch to each TravelChic itinerary. When you TravelChic, you leave the details, logistics and planning to us. Then you just sit back and relax. Oh, and then pack your bags and go on trip of your dreams specifically styled for you.”
Our Services:
Easy Steps to your Dream Getaway!
1. Contact us via email and give us info about what you’re looking for.
2. We decide if we are a match.
3. We design the trip of your dreams.
4. When you are satisfied with your personalized, customized itinerary, relax and leave the rest to us.
5. You receive your TravelChic itinerary via mail or email.
6. We schedule a call to review your itinerary packet and go over any questions you have.
7. Bon Voyage and may you always TravelChic!
PS: Extra brownie points if you send us pictures during your travel so we can share to the world who are envying your vacation!
Don’t wait any longer and contact April today!
Scrumptious AND Beautiful is how I’d describe the tasting by Bamboo Catering! Contact Jason if you’re curious to see what he can do for YOU! TIP: During the pandemic, Bamboo Catering has been offering weekly menus for anyone to purchase and enjoy as a family meal! Click here to see an example and follow them to see their weekly menus!
Jason Takemura
(808)425-0307
jason@bamboocatering.net
www.bamboocatering.net
We have absolutely fallen in love with this concept which was a collaboration of 2 local small businesses! Kelsey of Hawaii Calligraphy and Lauren from L4Love got together to offer a service to press flowers from Bridal bouquets so that Brides would have a piece of their wedding day to enjoy for years to come! If you are sentimental like we are, you may want to even press some of your flowers as a gift to your Mom, new Mother-in-Law, and Grandmothers!
Here are some options currently available from this talented duo!
10”X10” Shadow Box
$250
1 Bouquet
Turnaround time: 3-4 weeks
$45
Up to 12 Flowers
Turnaround time: 3-4 weeks
Add a frame to your pressed flowers
Contact directly for pricing and other information
Make it extra special with some personalized calligraphy!
Contact directly for pricing and other information
Happy Planning!
XOXO A Perfect Day
Have you found some time on your hands and are you looking for something to add a touch of personality and class to your Bride’s party gifts or even your wedding day? We LOVE the idea of making wine glass charms because they can easily add your personality without a huge price tag! Here is what they can look like!
It’s very easy to find the wine glass rings but if you are willing to help us to #supportlocal, please consider purchasing your rings from Creations By You! The picture shows you what the charm rings look like.
Next, you can then find, purchase, and add any beads or charms as you desire to get the final product to match your theme and personality! Here are some ideas which would allow you to support our local small businesses here in Hawaii!
Happy Planning!
XOXO A Perfect Day
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 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
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!
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!
***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)
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.
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!
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!!!
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
Aria Studios (Halekulani) from Kelly Sugano on Vimeo.
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
Khin and Shu Film Revised 3 from Kelly Sugano on Vimeo.
Such a beautiful wedding for a sweet couple!
2.20.18
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!
Images by our friends at KAI PHOTO
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!
5_30 APD Highlight from Kelly Sugano on Vimeo.
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!
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