We're On The Bride's Cafe!

Forget about me today, seriously. Because... you should check out our feature on The Bride's Cafe! Woohoo! I'm in love with photographer James Rubio and when I saw this photo of Anuhea and Kanoa's wedding I just about died and went to wedding heaven. I actually went to high school with these two lovebirds (tear, right?). Check out the post over there and then come back here!

pacific wedding guide
The guide to planning your off-the-beeaten-path wedding in the Pacific

Pacific Wedding Style on the Newsstands

I, as well as many gals in the Isles, consider Pacific Weddings Magazine to be the bible of all things wedding. I've been an avid reader of the mag for over a handful of years and have always admired their chic and sophisticated approach to weddings in the Pacific. It was while flipping through many a copy of Pacific Weddings that I came to know the amazing work of Pacific Aisles, Chrissy Lambert, Christiaan Phleger, Jules Bly- and the list goes on an on...


Their latest issue has hit the stands (picked up my copy last week) and I think it's their best yet. The gals always get the recipe right: Island style with a pinch of Modern, fold in color and innovation and the result is a mag chock full of ideas that are beautiful and truly a reflection of Hawaii wedding style. It took me a while to figure out that those are cupcakes up there and not typewriter buttons- too cute! You've got to check out the typewriter inspired stationery by Pacific Wedding Guide vendors Bradley and Lily all photographed by Dave Miyamoto (cupcakes by Carmen Emerson-Bass), click here for the slideshow...


And here's a sneak peak of their high fashion shoot on Maui. Love, love, love the whole magazine from cover to cover. Kudos to the gals at Pacific Weddings for another amazing issue! Tons of Pacific Wedding Guide vendors are featured- check it out!

pacific wedding guide
The guide to planning your off-the-beaten-path wedding in the Pacific

Dear Lovely Readers,

Dear Lovely Readers,

I received an email from an avid reader last week that I, to the surprise of some, I actually welcomed. The email said:

"...I feel like the blog has gone a bit commerical. Which I understand, it's your sustenance, it's how you pay your bills and I appreicate all the vendor info as well since I am planning my wedding. But just thought I'd say that I miss hearing the "real tara"."

And you know, I agree. Since the official Launch of the website in April, this blog has become a lot more about Pacific Wedding Guide and a lot less about me. Trust me, I think I'm a pretty funny gal but (and I'm a little sad to say this too) I'm now riding the line between personal and professional, a daily tightrope walk between blogging about weddings in Hawaii and a nagging desire to dish about the latest in my life. Though I can promise you I would never walk a tightrope in this getup:


Some days I dream about starting yet another blog (as if the architect side of me over at Eye Spy Design wasn't enough) but alas, there's no time for that. Then I think about writing a book- a good summer read, chick-lit, but I guess if I can't keep up with another blog maybe I don't have time to write a book either. (sigh) This image has nothing to do with writing a book but it has everything to do with writing a great sign. Damn, that's a great sign:


So I'm going to try to say this in the most un-narcissistic way possible (yeah, right), I'm going to let loose today and let this post be all about me... because, gosh darn it, people like me! (remember that one from SNL?)... no, I'm going to write about me today simply because I can. It's time for me to get back to being me. At least for today. And I like making lists, so here's a list about... well... me:


I'm a creature of habit, fo sho: I start off (almost) every day with a mocha ice blended with tons of whipped cream from Coffee Bean. I've had friends nag me in the past about my daily $4 coffee, but you know what? It makes me happy. I like waking up to sunny skies, a little Corinne Bailey Rae in my truck, white shorts in July, sipping on a tall cup of Mocha goodness that should give me a couple of extra pounds but seems to have no effect on me- so shoot me. At least I'm honest.


I like keeping my life in order: Just ask architect friends I've worked with or my 'Study Hall' group I sit with on weekdays at Town and they'll tell you about my infamous To Do Lists- impeccable handwriting in all caps unleashed daily from an Ultra-Fine Sharpie pen. But wait, Friends, it gets better- I draw boxes next to each item then 'x' them off when I'm done with a task. Thought I was joking? Yes, this is my actual list. Oh yeah, I don't take list making lightly.


I'm not the most sentimental Gal: Eek, OMG, now you know the truth. Whenever people ask me what my job is and I tell them about the website, they usually immediately think I'm infatuated with weddings. Ugh, so not what you think. The best reaction comes from guys on a first date- it starts with the head cocking to the right, a slight pursing of the lips, a narrowing of the brows- and that's when I stop them right there. I know exactly what they're thinking. So I'll cut to the chase with you the same way I do with them: I didn't get into this business because I was infatuated with weddings or infatuated with planning my own wedding or infatuated with planning my future-unborn-daughter's wedding, I got into this because I love design, I like giving people advice and a like a deadline. Weddings? Built in deadlines. Design? Check. And giving people advice on the best of Hawaii and New Zealand? Usually the highlight of my day.


I have no idea what's coming next: While I may sound like I've figured it all out, I'm far from it. While I've made 85% peace with moving back to Hawaii and settling into life here, I could also pack up and move tomorrow without batting an eyelash. I'd love to jet off to Sydney for three months and just chill, blog from a quaint cafe on Oxford street and lay out on Bondi Beach in the afternoon... and it will happen, all in a matter of time. For now, I love sending out a symphony of emails over morning coffee at Town, afternoon hikes around lovely Oahu and evenings cooking and gabbing with friends. I'm having a fun summer and I'll leave it at that.


I don't take myself very seriously, promise: Though the blog has come to have a more professional than personal tone, it takes almost everything out of me to not write a post wrought with satire or reeking of sarcasm. This guy, though, this guy takes himself seriously... I don't know what scares me more- the rosary and CD adorned helmet or the wild look in his eye. I don't take myself nearly as seriously as this guy. So there you have it, the truth.

Well, My Lovelies, I hope you're still with me. And I hope you'll be with me til the bitter end... Er, let's hope there isn't a bitter end anytime soon... Nah, there won't be, no way. I'm still around under an albeit thin veil of professionalism. I'd rather not have to be profesh but I'm still finding that balance between work and life... heck, I'm still trying to find that balance between a lot of things.

But the journey's what it's all about, right? I'll try to make more of an appearance from now on :)


xo, T.

pacific wedding guide
The guide to planning your off-the-beaten-path wedding in the Pacific

images from Flickr peeps benwmbc, SeenyaRita, Mike.Hanlon, John Baird, Greta ~adores~ Pink~, ILIGHT, rgdaniel.

The Pacific Wedding Guide Collection: New Additions

A couple of months ago I came across the blog of Oahu photographer Christen Vidanovic, head Owl over at Nineteen Owls Photography. I instantly fell in love with her style, noting that Christen and I are practically the same age, just another gal having fun carving out her niche in the middle of the Pacific. Christen shoots fashion, weddings, family photos, you name it. After getting in touch with her and Christen happily jumping on board with Pacific Wedding Guide (wee!), this is the blurb she sent me for her listing:

Wedding, fashion and editorial photographer Christen Vidanovic combines her fashion-inspired, creative eye and background in journalism with an intrinsic understanding of light to create fine art wedding images that are both stunning and timeless. She's also really really really FUN.

I died on the spot. After a giggle fit on my sofa I emailed Christen back and said, 'I love your blurb, you're my kind of gal!' Christen's shots are not only entirely gorgeous, she seems like one of those photogs you become friends with long after the wedding- the gal you call to shoot photos of your pregnant belly, your three year old, your 10 year vow renewal. I already love this chick and I can't wait to meet her at our Launch Party!

For more of Hawaii's best wedding vendors, click over to Pacific Wedding Guide, the guide to planning your off-the-beaten-path wedding in the Pacific.

pacific wedding guide
The guide to planning your off-the-beaten-path wedding in the Pacific

Beat the Heat Island-Style

Like I said last Friday, it's hot here in Hawaii. HOT. With the summer wedding season upon us and tons of friends and family sweltering under tents at outdoor weddings, I thought it'd be nice to pass along a couple of Island-inspired ways to beat the heat. Last week I was loving this Starfruit topped Jasmine Iced Tea by Pacific Wedding Guide caterer Ginniberries and decided to take today to dig up a few more yummy ideas perfect for a Hawaii wedding.



Here in Hawaii, if you've got a Lychee tree in your backyard, you're everyone's BFF. We can't get enough of a bag of cold lychee on a hot summer day whether they're bought off the back of a pickup or plucked off a friend of a friend of a friend's tree. If you don't want to hassle with a bartender mixing each and every drink at your reception, just fill an italian beveragejar with vodka, whole lychee and lychee juice and lots of ice and let guests pour their own.



Here in Hawaii, we locals love our Plantation Iced Tea. Just add pineapple juice to iced tea and top with a sprig of mint. A nice post-ceremony cooler that's non-alcoholic, leaving lots of room for more drinks later on in the evening!


Guava juice is the drink of choice for most locals and is easy to find in every grocery store. I spied this yummy recipe for a Vodka, Guava and Ginger Cocktail via Taste.com.au:

Ingredients (serves 6)
250ml vodka
1L guava juice
1L dry ginger ale
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/4 cup whole mint leaves
ice cubes to serve

Mix
Place vodka in a large jug. Add guava juice and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate until needed. Just before serving, add dry ginger ale, lime juice, mint leaves and plenty of ice cubes. Serve with appetizers, such as sushi.

Did that say perfect with sushi? This one I gotta try. I'm also a huge fan of Pineapple Juice and Malibu Rum (I know, so girly) and need to try this recipe too:


Ingredients (makes 2 cups)
Desiccated coconut, to decorate (Love that the Australians say 'desiccate')
1 lime wedge
125ml (1/2 cup) Malibu coconut liqueur
250ml (1 cup) chilled pineapple juice
2 tbs fresh lime juice
Crushed ice, to serve
80ml (1/3 cup) passionfruit pulp

Mix
Place the coconut on a plate. Rub the rim of each serving glass with the lime wedge. Dip the rim of each prepared glass in the coconut. Place the Malibu, pineapple juice and lime juice in a cocktail shaker. Add the crushed ice and shake to combine.
Strain the Malibu mixture into the prepared glasses. Spoon the passionfruit pulp evenly among the glasses.

Just a few ideas to get you going! I'm sure you'll come up with some creative ideas for your Hawaii wedding!

pacific wedding guide
The guide to planning your off-the-beaten-path wedding in the Pacific

starfruit tea photo by Christie Pham, Lychee Martini photo by Girly-Drinks, pineapple photo by Ma'ona

Images of Love

A couple of weeks ago while perusing new blog fave Green Wedding Shoes, I came across some amazing images by photographer Chris Craymer. His new book Romance is filled with beautiful imagery that I just get totally lost in. I'd love to post more pics, but some are a little risque and I'd rather keep it PC on our blog :) But if you're down for more, head over to his website...

Just a quick post today, I'm off to hike Lanikai Pillboxes!

pacific wedding guide
The guide to planning your off-the-beaten-path wedding in the Pacific

We're Inspired by: Honolulu's Chinatown

Last Friday was 'First Friday' in downtown Honolulu, a night where galleries stay open late, musicians take over street corners and Honolulu's twenty-thirty something crowd crowds the area's bars and clubs. I spent a really fun girls night out with Danielle and Charli of Town, jewelry designer Sierra Dew, pilates guru Wainani and a couple of Danielle's friends. The bar was packed, the votives were lit, the wine was flowing and I was reminded once again how much I love a night at Du Vin.


If you're been looking for a venue for your bachelorette party or rehearsal dinner or a place to bring your friends and folks for a fun night out during your Hawaii destination wedding, Du Vin's a great spot with a really cool vibe. Modeled after a French Cafe, the space progress from the pub-like 'Salon' at the entrance through the quaint Courtyard and into the Cask Room at the back of the restaurant. The decor is definitely French (Oui!) and you feel like you just ducked into any old French Cafe off the streets of Paris.


While the decor totally makes the place, the food is equally as French... and good! I die for the baked Brie with cranberry and walnuts and the flat-iron steak with pomme frites. Also on the menu are salads, seafood (like these yummy mussels) and tons of wine to wash it all down.


Du Vin is great for a ladies lunch or an evening fete after a stroll through the galleries and streets of Chinatown. It's even made our list of Top 5 Itineraries for the Girls under Pacific Wedding Guide's Resources- that's how much we love it!

Just as I was preparing this post about Du Vin, I came across these amazing wedding shots by local wedding photographer Christie Pham. I became an instant fan of her work and there's more fun shots around Honolulu's Downtown area to come...


More and more Hawaii's jumping on board with high-fashion, avant garde style wedding photography which makes me oh so happy! As a modern girl on a very far-flug Island oasis, I know it takes a while for trends to make their way across the Pacific. Well, the trend is here!


Where to? The couple hops aboard The Bus. I love the juxtaposition of all the characters in this shot. This is the Hawaii version of a chic NYC subway shot and I think it's too cute.



Wait, Honey, I need to pick up some papayas... Chinatown's fruit stands are normally bustling with 90 year old women. Today, it's bustling with the sights and sounds of love.


Let's play hooky! Crossing Bishop Street, downtown Honolulu's main thoroughfare through the business district. You can see Aloha Tower and the waterfront in the distance.


Strike a Pose Downtown's Alexander and Baldwin building, arguably one of the most beautiful historic buildings on the island, plays backdrop to this off-the-cuff shot.


Time to call it a day... What a fun shoot! Love this style of photography- kudos to Christie Pham!


For more information on places to go, things to see and restaurants to nibble your way through, click over to Pacific Wedding Guide- we've got tons of Island-by-Island information in our Destination Guides and links to our favorite hangouts in our Resources section plus all the fabulous Vendors to make your Big Day possible!

pacific wedding guide
The guide to planning your off-the-beaten-path wedding in the Pacific

wedding images by Christie Pham, food image by the Honolulu Advertiser

You're Invited!

If you're going to be on Oahu July 22nd, come on down to Pacific Wedding Guide's Launch Party! We'll eat, drink and be merry with Troy Michael djing the night away (thank you, Troy!). RSVP to me at tara@pacificweddingguide.com! A big thank you to Kaypee, Ed and Isla for generously offering So'mace for the event!


Head over to Finishing Touch's blog today for a great post about dressing up your outdoor destination wedding in Hawaii. Sandra's put together a great guide of Island-style ideas. I was totally going to blog today, but her post was so awesome I thought I was definitely more worth sharing than my Monday rambles!

pacific wedding guide
The guide to planning your off-the-beaten-path wedding in the Pacific

Destination I Do Magazine Features Hawaii Vendors!

I wanted to send a big ALOHA and a huge CONGRATULATIONS out to Christiaan Phleger (and Lexi Mackenzie!), Jules Bly and Anny Heid for their feature in the Summer 2009 edition of Destination I Do Magazine! Christiaan's image of this Jules Bly dress and Anny Heid bouquet is on the cover! I couldn't be more excited for them, what a great opportunity! Check out the mag on newsstands now packed with tons of gorgeous shots captured on the Island of Lanai. If you didn't know by now (where have you been?), Pacific Wedding Guide is quickly growing a collection of Hawaii's best wedding vendors including Christiaan, Jules and Anny!


If you're looking to plan your Hawaii destination wedding, head over to Pacific Wedding Guide for the best of Hawaii's wedding vendors and Island-by-Island travel information you won't find anywhere else- yeah, it's that good!

pacific wedding guide
The guide to planning your off-the-beaten-path wedding in the Pacific

The Pacific Wedding Guide Collection: New Additions

Whew, Friday! It's been a long but fun week here and so so hot! But I have to say, I am having a really awesome summer here in Hawaii Nei- afternoons at the beach, sunset hikes- could I ask for more? And on top of that, I've been getting in touch with so many amazing vendors. I also met up with Tanna Dang at The Wedding Cafe this week- so good chatting with ladies in the biz!


This week I got back in touch with the hugely talented Daeja Fallas, a local gal from Maui and an amazing photographer. This is how we met: Christina Farrow of Pacific Aisles' sister Tamar, amazing fashion designer at Tori Richard, is a friend of Daeja's and invited us for lunch about a year and a half ago. I met Daeja and instantly adored her! She spent several years studying photography at the Sorbonne and has traveled the globe shooting for fashion houses and mags. Daeja's latest venture into wedding photography is aptly named Smitten Photography. That's her work up there and a recent engagement shoot below...


Daeja's teamed up with maui native Dallas Nagata and fashion and beauty expert Jessica Hoffman to provide brides and couples with amazing photography and an onsite beauty expert- I die! So happy to see local girls working it!

Remember this Vintage VW bus?


I spied this purty puppy a couple of week's back via Visionari's blog. Well, thanks to Visionari for adding the owner's email to their post about this surfer chic wedding because I was able to hunt him down! The name is his email seemed strangely familiar but I thought, 'nah, couldn't be...'. Well, it turns out the owner is the husband of one of out Pacific Wedding Guide photographers! Once again, I'm reminded just how small Hawaii is!

So glad to have Smitten Photography and Vintage VW aboard with Pacific Wedding Guide. Our collection of vendors gets more and more amazing every week!

Well, we're wiped out and ready for the weekend. If you're on Oahu, head over to Kailua for the annual fireworks show. The show was NOT going to go on this year but a bunch of amazing community members and businesses rallied around the annual event and it's back! Take care and have a fun holiday!


pacific wedding guide
The guide to planning your off-the-beaten-path wedding in the Pacific

photo via Flickr peep SARAH LEE