KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | 2016
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KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | 2016
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Reserve your space in the 2017 Hawai‘i Island Weddings magazine by October 20, 2016. See advertising contact information above. Ke Ola Magazine’s regular bi-monthly issues which celebrate the arts, culture, and sustainability of Hawai‘i Island are available for reading on our website, in addition to ordering back issues and subscriptions. Ke Ola Publishing, Inc. utilizes recycled paper with soy-based inks. © 2016, Ke Ola Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved
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Table of Contents 6 Tropical Flowers Make Weddings More Meaningful By Barbara Fahs
11 Unusual Wedding Locations—Ranches By Denise Laitinen
18 Ho‘omana‘o Mau A lasting remembrance etched in gold By Leilehua Yuen
16 Resource Directory 18 Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed Hawai‘i’s wedding customs come from around the globe By Catherine Tarleton
25 White Lace and Promises A history of the classic American wedding gown By Leilehua Yuen
30 Tea Parties in Hawai‘i By Sonia R. Martinez
Mahalo nui to this talented group of people who came together to provide the beautiful cover for our 2016 Hawai‘i Island Weddings, Honeymoons, and Special Occasions magazine.
Photographer/Coordinator: Demian Barrios, dbPhoto Bride model: L. Ku‘uleialohanaukana Groom model: M. Barrios Gown and Tuxedo: Tressie Richardson, Haku Formals Boutique Flowers: Vicki Nelson, Puna Kamali‘i Flowers Makeup: Sarah Costello, Flawless Finish Airbrush Makeup Hair: Colin and Maren Edsman, Fix Hair Lounge (Find their contact info in the Resource Directory on p. 16–17)
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | 2016
Japanese Gardens at Queen Lili‘uokalani Park, Hilo ©Demian Barrios
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Tropical Flowers
Make Weddings More Meaningful
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | 2016
| By Barbara Fahs
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ach wedding has special meanings for the bride, groom, and their loved ones. It’s simple to enhance the heartfelt emotions shared by everyone who is involved by incorporating flowers with special meanings into the ceremony. Hawaiian weddings open up a panorama of beautiful tropical flowers from which to choose. Other common flowers, herbs, and wildflowers can enhance the beauty of the tropical flowers you pick for your special day. As with any design, keep in mind color compatibility and tread lightly, by limiting the number of different species you choose to combine.
Anthurium
This iconic heart-shaped flower in its brilliant hues that range from white to pink to fire engine red signifies hospitality, happiness, and abundance. Anthuriums in shades of pink and peach are popular in
wedding bouquets, because they are sensational to look at and they are among the most long-lasting cut flowers. Anthuriums also dry nicely, so for the bride who wants to keep a physical reminder of her wedding day, the anthurium flower is the perfect choice.
Bird of Paradise
The exotic purple and orange bird of paradise is related to the banana and the heliconia. Flowers from this plant are associated with joyfulness and magnificence. Anticipation is another emotion that the bird of paradise imparts, and few other
Gardenias of all types also express joy, purity, and sweetness. For a special treat for your guests, include one gardenia blossom in a small bowl of water at each place setting in the reception hall. When combined with other fragrant flowers, such as roses, the church or reception hall will simply explode with sweet scents.
Hibiscus
The state flower of Hawai‘i is a native yellow hibiscus called the ma‘o hau hele, or Hibiscus brackenridgei. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to include a bouquet of this endangered flower in a wedding bouquet? Just be certain that they have not been collected in the wild, so as to limit their disappearance from their native home. Wikipedia.com/A. Gray Although the flowers of this hibiscus and the many cultivated species are short-lived as cut flowers, all hibiscus flowers connote “delicate beauty.” Here’s a suggestion: because the hibiscus is traditionally worn behind the right ear to indicate that a woman is single and behind the left ear to illustrate that she is in a relationship and is not interested in a new one, the bride could walk down the aisle with a hibiscus bloom behind her right ear and switch it to her left ear as soon as she says, “I do.”
Hydrangea
Gardenia
To make your wedding venue smell heavenly, include gardenias in bouquets, centerpieces, boutonnières, or flower arrangements. If you can find it, the native Tahitian tiaré (Gardenia taitensis) is especially fragrant. Their meaning of “secret love” will cease to apply on your wedding day when you publicly declare your love for each other!
‘Ilima
‘Ilima (Sida fallax) is a small yellow or orange flower in the hibiscus plant family and serves as the flower of O‘ahu. Ancient Hawaiians cultivated ‘ilima for its flowers because an ‘ilima lei requires at least 700 blossoms. NativePlants.Hawaii.edu reports, “Though lei ‘ilima was associated with royalty at one time, today anyone can wear this very special and beautiful lei.” Because you are Queen for the Day, the ‘ilima might be the perfect lei for your wedding.
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | 2016
feelings are more prevalent at a wedding than this one. A table centerpiece that includes birds of paradise will cause your guests to exclaim over their beauty. When birds of paradise are combined with other color-compatible tropical flowers such as orchids, their stunning effect is accentuated.
The large “puffball” flower clusters of hydrangeas come in a rainbow of colors and add a soft beauty to any floral arrangement. Symbolizing heartfelt emotions and perseverance, hydrangeas are entirely appropriate for any wedding ceremony or floral arrangement at the reception that follows. The shrub on which these flowers grow prefers a cooler climate and thrives at the higher elevations; most florists will be able to provide lovely fresh hydrangeas. Like anthuriums, hydrangeas dry nicely and will keep for several years.
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Iris
The many species and cultivars of iris offer a complete palette of colors and a variety of flower types. Overall, the iris represents eloquence, which makes it especially appropriate for brides and grooms who have a gift of gab or are literary types. Purple iris flowers symbolize wisdom; blue signifies faith and hope; yellow means passion; and white indicates purity. For a spectacular bouquet that will also smell divine, combine purple iris blossoms with hyacinths, lilacs, and white or silverhued roses.
‘Ōhi‘a Lehua
This familiar native tree, which produces puffy flowers in red, yellow, orange, or white, represents both male and female elements—the wood signifies male and the flower female. ‘Ōhi‘a lehua blossoms are sacred to the goddess Hi‘iaka, who was the guardian of this tree. Hawai‘i state law prohibits picking the flowers in state parks without special permission. NOTE: Ceratocystis fimbriata, a fungus known now as ‘ōhi‘a wilt, has been killing ‘ōhi‘a trees on the Hawai‘i Island for the past five years. Mahalo for using other flowers for your special day.
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | 2016
Orchids
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Here on the Orchid Isle, it would seem a shame to overlook some of the beautiful members of the largest family of flowering plants. All of the many varieties of orchids express exotic beauty, refinement, thoughtfulness, and mature charm. If those terms resonate with you and your partner, orchids will be a superb addition to your wedding. From the “moth orchid” (Phalaenopsis) to the splashy “corsage orchid” (Cattleya), members of this family blend nicely with many other flowers and will add tropical beauty to any lei, bouquet, or arrangement.
Passion flower
As you might expect, the passion flower exemplifies passion. It also evokes the Passion of Christ from the time of the Last Supper until His death, so this religious symbolism is appropriate for church weddings of the faithful. In Japan, the passionflower has special meaning as the “clock plant,” due to its round shape.
Plumeria
For many people, the scent of plumeria blossoms triggers memories and fantasies of the Hawaiian Islands. Few flowers signify the Hawaiian Islands like plumeria. The different species and cultivars of plumeria sport highly fragrant flowers that are up to two inches in diameter and are frequently used in lei. Colors range from white to pink to orange and bi-colored to vibrant crimson. These flowers symbolize perfection, springtime, and new beginnings, making them appropriate for a wedding in April or May.
Protea
Growing at higher elevations on the leeward side of Hawai‘i Island, the stunning, prehistoric-looking proteas might be mistaken for artificial flowers. In fact, proteas are thought to possibly be one of the oldest flowers on Earth. Named after the Greek god Proteus, their meanings of change, transformation, and courage certainly apply to taking the leap to a new life with your partner. Many protea blooms are quite large, so combine one or two that you especially like as a feature flower with smaller flowers such as roses and baby’s breath in your bouquet to make an interesting statement. Depending on your color theme, consider some of the smaller proteas for centerpieces and flower arrangements. In addition to their beauty and symbolism, proteas can be dried for a long-term remembrance of that special day.
Roses
The flashy red torch ginger is frequently included in tropical floral arrangements. Because they are large, they are most appropriate for such displays rather than bouquets. Torch ginger represents diversity and limitless wealth, two attributes all marriages can appreciate.
Herbs
Herb flowers are sometimes smaller and less conspicuous than the flashy tropical flowers you might choose to include in the décor, corsages, bouquets, and boutonnières that make a wedding special and gorgeous. Herb flowers smell heavenly and share a long history and folklore of many meanings.
Here Are a Few Beauties:
✿ The tiny, highly fragrant lavender colored flowers of rosemary signify remembrance. Rosemary can be used to honor a departed grandparent or another loved one who is unable to attend the nuptials. ✿ Lavender spikes combined into a bouquet are beautiful as well as fragrant. All of the 28 species of lavender connote purity, silence, devotion, and virtue. ✿ Angelica plants sport clusters of small, greenish-white lacy flowers, similar to baby’s breath. This herb symbolizes inspiration. ✿ The flower spikes of some basil species, such as Thai basil and Tulsi, occur in lovely shades of lavender to purple and have strong yet pleasing scents. In addition to the healing properties of some varieties, the basils represent good wishes. ✿ Heliotrope is another herb whose flowers have a heavenly fragrance. It represents eternal love. ✿ Sage is for far more than turkey stuffing. This pleasantsmelling herb signifies wisdom and immortality, while the red-flowered varieties say “forever mine.” In addition to the common culinary sage (Salvia officinalis), up to 1000 species exist in the Salvia genus, such as Clary sage, blue sage, tri-color sage, “Red Hot Sally” scarlet sage, Victoria blue salvia, and others in the largest genus of the Lamiaceae family. ✿ Violets are tiny blue to purple flowers that have medicinal qualities in addition to imparting a meaning of delicate love, loyalty, devotion, and faithfulness. Violets are the flower of the month for February, so are especially nice for late winter weddings. They can also be used to make attractive boutonnières for the groom and groomsmen. ✿ Yarrow is a pretty medicinal wildflower with heads of tiny flowers that together form a “shield.” It symbolizes everlasting love.
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | 2016
Common nursery flowers in all climate zones; fragrant roses grow beautifully in our tropical climate zone and symbolize love. Different colors and quantities of roses have varying meanings: for example, pink roses indicate admiration and appreciation; red roses signify passionate love; red and white roses signal unity; white roses mean purity; and yellow roses are used to express friendship. When 50 roses are combined, they express unconditional love. By evaluating your emotions, you can easily choose just the right rose for your wedding and reception.
Torch Ginger
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Other Common Flowers
For a homespun touch, some of the following wildflowers and common garden plants can add simple beauty and additional meaning to a wedding: ✿ Honeysuckle flowers smell wonderful and taste even better. Their flowers represent the bonds of love. ✿ Hyacinth is a bulb that develops tall flower spikes in shades of purple, pink, white, and blue. Their scent is almost narcotic and they signal the constancy of love and fertility. ✿ White jasmine imparts the feeling of sweet love. Our Hawaiian pīkake, or Jasminum sambac, has tiny white flowers with a pleasant jasmine scent. These flowers are often included in lei to celebrate Lei Day on May 1. ✿ Young brides and grooms might enjoy using purple lilacs in their wedding décor because these fragrant flowers indicate the joy of youth. ✿ Sweet peas are a common garden flower that blooms in spring. Their name describes their scent: sweet. They connote pleasure. ✿ Although zinnias are a common plant, they survive well as cut flowers and sport flashy-colored blooms. They represent thoughts of absent friends, whom some brides and grooms might want to acknowledge. ❖
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | 2016
Capture Life
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ASTON KONA BY THE SEA Enjoy on-site catering options, customized function space and wedding coordination services. Special group rates available. 866 ·774·2924 www.astonkonabythesea.com
Photos courtesy Forest and Kim Starr Contact writer Barbara Fahs: bfahs68@gmail.com Sources Almanac.com/content/meaning-flowers DavesGarden.com/guides/pf/go/170 FlyAwayBride.com/proteas-in-wedding GardenGuides.com/82340-meaning-violet-flowers.html LiveStrong.com/article/129125-meaning-lavender-flowers NativePlants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Sida_fallax PassionFlowerBasket.com/passion-flower-name.html TheFlowerExpert.com/content/aboutflowers/flower-meanings Wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Salvia_species
PUB: Ke Ola Magazine Issue: Jan 2016 Client: Aston Property: KBS Size: 1/4 page vertical (3.5 x 4.75) Colors: Full DUE: 12/28
Unusual Wedding Locations.. Ranches | By Denise Laitinen
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awai‘i Island is unique in its rich paniolo (cowboy) history and nowhere is that more evident than in North Kohala. The first paniolos on island date back to 1833, when three vaqueros—Spanish/Mexican cowboys—arrived at Kawaihae Harbor to teach Hawaiians how to rope and herd cattle and ride mounted horses. Today, many of the ranches that dot the lush beautiful hillsides from Kohala to Ka‘ū do more than raise cattle. They offer unique—and gorgeous—sites to hold a wedding. Whether small or large, these venues aren’t just for cowboys, they’re picture-perfect sites for rustic and relaxed weddings. In each issue of Ke Ola’s Hawai’i Island Weddings magazine, we take a look at different unusual locations to hold your wedding. In this issue, we explore the various ranch locations across the island, from the breathtaking panoramic views of Kahua Ranch high atop Kohala Mountain Road, to Puakea Ranch along the North Kohala coast, to Kahuku Ranch, standing atop the 1,400-foot pali (cliffs) overlooking South Point. Hawai‘i Island is home to 472 ranches—more than 66 percent of all ranches in the state—and produces more than 70 percent of all cattle in the state. Now, we don’t have space to cover every single ranch (and not every ranch is a wedding venue), so here is a sampling of beautiful ranch locations on island. If you know of other ranches that offer weddings—let us know! We love to hear about the many varied and wondrous unusual wedding locations found on our island home.
North Kohala: Kahua Ranch
Kahua Ranch is an 8,500-acre property nestled among the
Dawn and Matt chose Kahua Ranch as their wedding venue because they loved the gorgeous Kohala views. photo courtesy James Rubio Photography
expansive rolling hills of North Kohala at an elevation of 3,200 feet on Kohala Mountain Road. The scenic countryside views here are simply breathtaking. While ranching activities date back nearly a century, modern day Kahua Ranch Ltd. was formed in the 1980s when Kahua Ranch Ltd. and neighboring Ponoholo Ranch Ltd. each became separate ranches, although they still work together on operations. In addition, Kahua Ranch Ltd. owns Kahuku Ranch in Ka‘ū, which also offers weddings. With Mother Nature providing a stunning backdrop of rolling hills and sunset views, Kahua Ranch has extensive, yet rustic, facilities to handle both large and small weddings. For years the ranch has regularly offered a cowboy BBQ during which people can play games on the green lawns, such as badminton, try their hand at using a lasso, toast marshmallows, or brand a wooden board, so there’s plenty to keep your guests occupied during cocktail hour or in between the ceremony and the reception. They also have an indoor bar area within one of the barns and a covered dining area where you can enjoy a gorgeous sunset and dancing after a delicious meal. When Dawn Kanealii Kleinfelder and her husband Matt decided to get married, the Kurtistown couple chose Kahua Ranch. “Matt and I were looking for a venue that was outdoors,” says Dawn. “Our vision for the wedding was rustic, romantic, whimsical
and country.” She says after the couple arrived, “we saw the beautiful rolling hills of green grass and a view of the ocean from all angles,” and decided then to have our wedding there. Dawn, who owns Liko Lehua Café, and her husband, a solar installation supervisor, did all the catering, plus made all their own floral arrangements and table decorations for the wedding and reception that included 250 guests. They also catered their rehearsal dinner, which was held at Kahua, too. “We planned much of the event ourselves, so the need for a hotel-type venue was simply not necessary.” “The venue offers country-style receptions with outdoor fireplaces, large lānai, BBQ, and cottages to get ready in with a gorgeous view. Don’t expect the Hilton—I am not using rustic loosely.” “Kahua Ranch offers rustic charm and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean with rolling hills of Kohala. Any time of day is perfect for a ceremony. Mornings are misty with dewy grass. Afternoons are sunny with beautiful breezes sweeping down the mountain cooling off your guests. Afternoons have the perfect sunsets and we were lucky enough to be greeted with a full moon. To be able to marry your love surrounded by family and friends nestled in the “egg” of Kohala is quite enticing.”
North Kohala: Puakea Ranch
Located along the North Kohala coastline, just off Akoni Pule Highway, Puakea Ranch encompasses 40 acres of lush green hills and rugged sea cliffs. Steeped in history dating back hundreds of years, owner Christie Cash and her husband have
painstakingly restored the ranch during the past decade (see Ke Ola March–April 2015 issue for a feature on the restoration of Puakea Ranch). What makes Puakea Ranch unique is that it offers four different restored two- and three-bedroom cottages set amidst the grounds. Each cottage pays homage to the ranch’s rich paniolo (cowboy) history, yet has modern kitchen conveniences and other amenities. For instance, the “James Cottage” features a large lānai, plunge pool, and waterfall, while the “Miles Away Cottage” features a custom-made two-person Japanese soaking tub. The cottages enable wedding couples to have friends and family all gathered in one place, for a memorable weekend or destination wedding in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. One of only three locations on Hawai‘i Island to receive the
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | 2016
Your Wedding & Event Experts
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bigislandtents.com • (808) 885-3534
2015 Wedding Spot Award for Best Wedding Venue in Hawai‘i, Puakea Ranch can hold weddings and receptions for up to 400 people. Here the services are outdoors, including the ceremony and reception. Dining under the canopy of an old tree twinkling with lights is truly magical.
Waimea: Anna Ranch Heritage Center
photo courtesy Chelsea Abril
Waimea: Pukalani Stables
It doesn’t get more cowboy than the Paniolo Heritage Center located in the heart of Waimea at Pukalani Stables. Home to the
Paniolo Heritage Museum and a weekly farmers market, Pukalani Stables is managed by the Paniolo Preservation Society. The facility provides a western-themed locale, with a large courtyard and an enclosed event hall that holds up to 200 people. Like other wedding venues the island over, Saturdays are the most popular day for weddings at the stables, says booking agent Marci Yardley. “Most people get married on the weekend,” adds Marci, who says local couples comprise the majority of weddings at the venue. Because the facilities are used for a variety of community events, Marci encourages prospective wedding couples to check Pukalani Stables’ calendar on their website to see if a particular date is available. “For weddings, people are calling at least four to six months in advance.” Depending on the size of the wedding party, the facility can accommodate both ceremony and reception, (there’s even a wooden stage that can be used during the wedding). However, Marci says couples tend to get married in a nearby church and hold their reception at the stables. “A lot of time, they’ll do a BBQ style reception, since folks can bring in BBQ grills. Or if they want Hawaiian food they bring in a caterer. They can even bring in a tent if they want.”
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | 2016
Located in Waimea on Kawaihae Road, Anna Ranch Heritage Center is named after Anna Lindsey Perry-Fiske, a remarkable and accomplished pā‘ū rider, cowgirl, humanitarian, and community leader. Anna’s ranch house, built more than 100 years ago, is nestled next to Wai‘auia River at the base of Hoku‘ula—a landmark hill in Waimea. After Anna passed away in 1995, the property was turned into a Heritage Center showcasing the paniolo heritage of the region and Anna’s family. It’s listed on both the Hawai‘i State and National Registers of Historic Places. The property features the main 14-room historic ranch house; Anna Hall, which can seat 70 people and has a full kitchen complete with wireless internet; as well as several outbuildings, including a barn featuring an array of western antiques. What makes Anna Ranch unique from Childhood sweethearts Porsha and Justin Santana got married at Anna Ranch in 2014. other ranch wedding photo courtesy Chelsea Abril locations is that it is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The Center is open year round for tours and educational activities, where people can learn about blacksmithing and saddle making. It also offers flexibility in indoor or outdoor settings with lawn seating for up to 300 people. The spacious and meticulously maintained grounds feature a variety of flowers and trees. There’s plenty of space for an outdoor ceremony along the river or in the orange tree grove, with the reception on another lawn. Or a wedding couple can have an outdoor ceremony and indoor reception in Anna Hall, which offers stunning views of Kohala’s rolling hills. That’s what Waimea residents Porsha and Justin Santana decided to do when they held their wedding Porsha and Justin Santana had an outdoor ceremony at Anna Ranch. at Anna Ranch in
October 2014. The couple, who have been sweethearts since junior high school, selected Anna Ranch because of its location. “We both grew up in Waimea and met here,” says Porsha, and “it made sense to be in Waimea. [Anna Ranch] was the perfect backdrop for our wedding. It’s the perfect little spot and tied it all together.” The couple worked with their wedding coordinator at Vintage and Lace, as well as Maka Wiggins, programs manager at Anna Ranch, to plan their big day. “We got married on the back lawn overlooking the stream and used Anna Hall for the reception and used the paniolo barn for the bar. We also used the hall to get ready. It was really convenient.” Anna Ranch was one of only three Hawai‘i Island venues to receive the 2015 Wedding Spot Award for Best Wedding Venue in Hawai‘i and also won the 2015 Wedding Wire Award for People’s Choice, which is based solely on customers’ testimonies.
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Ka‘u: Kahuku Ranch
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | 2016
Situated in Ka‘ū, overlooking the majestic cliffs of Pali O Mamalu and Pali O Kulani along the coastline, Kahuku Ranch offers absolutely spectacular views. In addition to being a wedding venue, this 646-acre working ranch is also a successful vacation rental business. Because of its rural location in the southernmost part of the island, a wedding at Kahuku Ranch feels as if you are truly secluded amidst the wide-open ranchlands. Like Puakea Ranch, Kahuku Ranch offers four cottages to accommodate overnight wedding guests, although these “cottages” are quite large and can sleep 7 to 14 people each. The cottages come complete with kitchens and the Koa House, so named because it is built out of solid koa, has a fireplace. Because the cottages require a minimum three-night stay, this location is ideal for a weekend destination wedding. The views
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are absolutely incredible. The main ranch house overlooks the 1,400-foot pali (cliffs) with the ocean in the distance. There’s plenty of pasture space for an outdoor ceremony as well as reception. ❖
Contact Anna Ranch Heritage Center: AnnaRanch.org Contact Kahua Ranch Ltd: KahuaRanch.com/activities Contact Kahuku Ranch: KahukuRanch.com Contact Paniolo Heritage Center at Pukalani Stables: PanioloPreservation.org/event-rentals Contact Puakea Ranch: PuakeaRanch.com/weddings.html Contact writer Denise Laitinen: Denise@DeniseLaitinen.com
Ho‘omana‘o Mau
A Lasting Remembrance Etched inGold | By Leilehua Yuen
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personal and political friendships developed between them. The new Hawaiian monarchy quickly developed a taste for English and European fashion, especially deriving inspiration from the British Isles. Hawai‘i’s King Alexander Liholiho, Kamehameha IV, and Queen Emma were friends of Britain’s Queen Victoria and her husband, the Prince Consort, Albert. Queen Victoria stood godmother to the Hawaiian royals’ son, Prince Albert Edward Kamehameha, born in May of 1858. Sadly, the Hawaiian prince died in 1862, at only four years of age, a year after the death of his royal namesake, Albert, Prince Consort of England. The following year, the Hawaiian king died. The two queens who had been joined through politics supported each other in their grief, and remained fast friends for life. Both of the royal women took to mourning dress. Jewelry worn during mourning was quite simple compared to the elaborate jewel-encrusted confections of happier times. The widowed Queen Victoria favored engraved gold bands with black enamel mottos of remembrance. The little prince had been beloved by all Hawai‘i, and the entire kingdom mourned. Lydia Lili‘u Kamaka‘eha Pākī, a high ranking chiefess related to the king and frequently at court, had lost several family members, including her hānai parents, in the
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | 2016
he Hawaiian Islands have neither native metals nor enameling technology. So how did enameled gold bangles become traditional ornamentation for Hawaiians? Ornaments of shell, bone, teeth, wood, feathers, and fiber have been found, which indicate that Hawaiian people have enjoyed jewelry since our ancestors first began to populate these islands. As different groups migrated to the islands, tastes expanded and new styles were added to the cultural jewelry box. One of the many changes brought to Hawai‘i after the fateful arrival of Captain Cook in 1778, was the introduction of new materials and motifs in fashion and art. As the political and cultural landscape changed, so did the artistic and sartorial. In 1792, Britain’s Captain George Vancouver made friendly overtures to Pai‘ea Kamehameha, who by then was ruling much of the island chain. Vancouver set the foundation for a deep and lasting friendship with Great Britain. Pai‘ea Kamehameha ruled as a war chief consecrated under the old gods, and the political structure of the islands remained similar to the preceding eras. After his death in 1819, a tsunami of change swept the islands. Among those changes was the development of a modern monarchy, modeled similarly to the English crown. Both Hawai‘i and England were island nations as well as monarchies, and
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previous years. A young woman of British leanings and taste, she followed Queen Victoria’s fashion, and had bracelets like the British monarch’s commissioned for herself. A slender bracelet with the motto, Hoomanao Mau, “Lasting Remembrance” (modern writing Ho‘omana‘o Mau) appears in many photos of her from 1862 on, including one taken in her early twenties, and some taken shortly before her death. Another bracelet was engraved R. Naiu (modern writing R. Nā‘iu), possibly in remembrance of the King and his heir, “R.” being a standard abbreviation for the Latin “Rex,” and “Regina,” respectively, “King,” and “Queen,” or their plurals. As “Naiu” is a plural meaning “the royal ones,” or “the sacred ones,” it seems likely that the bracelet commemorated Hawai‘i’s late royals. However, without documentation from Lydia herself, this is speculation. In any case, other ranking and upperclass women of Hawai‘i soon followed suit. Lydia’s brother was to become King David Kalākaua in 1874. When he proclaimed her his heir, he changed her name to Lili‘uokalani. The Victorian bangles again became prominent fashion statements when Kalākaua’s Queen, Kapi‘olani traveled to England for Queen Victoria’s 1887 Golden Jubilee. Crown Princess Lili‘uokalani traveled with her Queen to act as interpreter. Although Kapi‘olani could understand English, she preferred to speak in Hawaiian. The Hawaiian Royals were
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Attire
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | 2016
Attractions Bridal and Formalwear 808.326.1113 AttractionsHawaii.com Serving Kona for 25 years, your one stop shop for everything formal!
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Cheneviere Couture 808.987.4657 FaceBook.com/Cheneviere-Couture Dressmaking and Alterations for Bridal, Formal, Pageant, and Special Occasion Aloha wear. Haku Formals Boutique 808.934.9599 HakuFormalsBoutique.com Bringing you a full spectrum of special occasion formal wear by well-known designers.
Beauty and Health Bridal Beauty Hawaii 808.264.9484 BridalBeautyHawaii.com On-site Hairstyling and Makeup for Special Occasions and Photoshoots.
Fix Hair Salon 808.315.5319 Vagaro.com/FixHairLounge Custom designed styles for any event from weddings to special nights out. Flawless Finish Airbrush Makeup 541.580.7948 FlawlessFinishBeauty.com Airbrush makeup and esthetician, offering a lavish VIP Experience for Brides!
Catering Heart Beet Catering & Sweet Cane Cafe 808.443.1863 HeartBeetFoods.com Organic, locally farmed gourmet cuisine and cakes with gluten-free and vegan options.
Ceremony and Reception Anna Ranch Heritage Center 808.885.4426 AnnaRanch.org Nestled amongst the hills of Waimea sits a very special place. Aston Kona by the Sea 866.774.2924 AstonKonaByTheSeaResort.com Enjoy on-site catering, customized function space and wedding coordination services.
Botanical World Adventures Wedding Venues 808.963.5427 BotanicalWorld.com Couples choose from a variety of on-site venues filled with love and Hawaiian beauty.
Event Insurance Pacific Island Insurance 808.933.3000 PacificIslandInsurance.com Offering insurance for weddings, receptions, and other special occasions—call for a quote!
Florists Ainahua Florals 808.885.4045 AinahuaFlorals.com Farm fresh flowers and lei for every occasion. Puna Kamali‘i Flowers 808.329.7593 SunriseNurseryKona.com We grow our own flowers and offer creative solutions for any budget
Honeymoon Adventures Botanical World Adventures 808-963-5427 BotanicalWorld.com Experience our gardens, waterfalls, zipline, maze, and Segway on the beautiful Hāmākua Coast.
Dolphin Journeys 808.329.3030 DolphinJourneys.com Honeymooners welcome! Dolphin excursions, gift registry, private charters. Kona Boys 808.328.1234 KonaBoys.com Kealakekua Bay kayak tours, historic Hawaiian canoe charters, paddleboard lessons and tours. Paradise Helicopters 888.835.4088 paradisecopters.com Complete island tours, unique landing adventures, departing from Kona and Hilo.
Jewelry Lehua Jewelers 808.885.6448 LehuaJewelers.com Heirloom quality jewelry for the bride and groom. Mountain Gold Jewelers 808.882.4653 MtGold.com Custom-made for weddings, engagements, anniversaries, and all special occasions.
seated with Queen Victoria and shown all due respect. Among the gifts Victoria presented them were the classic bangles, carved and enameled with their names. On returning home, the women ordered bracelets made for several close friends and family members. Soon, all Hawai‘i’s ladies of fashion were wearing their own. The bangles remain popular today. They are given to commemorate special occasions such as birthdays, baptisms, graduations, weddings, anniversaries, and to remember a loved one. Often, a mother or grandmother will have a bracelet made to celebrate the birth of each child. The bracelet is engraved with the child’s name. When the girl grows up and marries, the bracelet is given to her. If the child is a boy, it is given to his bride. Beloved heirlooms, each bracelet holds precious memories that may date back generations. Some, even to those original remembrances of royalty. ❖
Hawai‘i Digital Newspapers Project: Sites.Google.com/a/hawaii.edu/ndnp-hawaii/Home/ historical-feature-articles/queen-kapiolani-and-princessliliuokalani-s-trip-to-the-united-states Lili‘uokalani; Hawai‘i’s Story by Hawai‘i’s Queen; Boston; Lee and Shephard Shimabukuro, Betty; Honolulu Star-Bulletin; Archives.StarBulletin.com/98/05/12/features/story1.html Young, Peter; Ho‘okuleana; ToTakeResponsibility.blogspot.com/2012/08/hawaiianheirloom-jewelry.html
Jewelery photos courtesy Lehua Jewelers: LehuaJewelers.com Contact writer LeiLehua Yuen: kumuleimanu@gmail.com Bibliography De La Cruz, Linda; Midweek; Archives.Midweek.com/content/columns/entrepreneurs_ article/historic_hawaiian_heirloom_ jewelry Foro Dinastias; Dinastias.Forogratis.es/los-monarcas-noeuropeos-t2428-180.html
Resource Directory Live Entertainment
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Mobile DJ and Lighting
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Big Island Tents 808.885.3534 BigIslandTents.com Equipment and rental supplies to make your party or wedding truly exquisite.
To be listed in the 2017 issue, contact Sharon by 10/31/16, 808.329.1711 x4 Sharon@KeOlaMagazine.com
Demian Barrios Photography 808.756.3863 DbPhotograph.com Professional photography, videography and graphic design for weddings, portraits, and families.
Photography and Videography
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Techy3 Video and Photography 808.987.7304 Techy3.com We are storytellers, dedicated to telling YOUR story on your special day.
Short n Sweet Bakery Market Cafe 808.935.4446 ShortNSweet.biz Creating delicious edible cake art made from scratch from the freshest ingredients.
Transportation and Travel Jet Vacation 808.329.5452 JetVacationDestinations.com Making travel plans anywhere, world-wide? Call us. We can save you money!
Unique Services (Other) Aloha Kona Kids 808.329.3621 AlohaKonaKids.com/rentals Baby equipment rental for all the comforts of home. Island Home Realty, Inc 808.729.0223 MyIslandHomeRealty.com Pursue Your Dream! We offer Real Estate with Aloha.
Wedding Planning Feel The Touch of Aloha LLC 808.443.9790 Facebook.com/Feel-The-Touch-of-Aloha-LLC A planning and entertainment company specializing in weddings, lū‘au, and birthday parties. Mahinui Hawaii Island Weddings 808.238.0633 MyHawaiiIslandWedding.com Inclusive weddings and treehouse honeymoon packages, specializing in elopements.
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | 2016
Kona’s Traveling Jewish Wedding Band 808.326.4192 ShalohaWeddings.com/wedding-music Playing Klezmer, Yiddish, Israeli, Russian, freilach and other music, from horas to waltzes.
Wedding Cake
Kauakea Winston Photography 808.235.1400 WeddingResourceHawaii.com Aloha! Photographer Kauakea and Kahu Geno offer a unique Hawaiian wedding experience.
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Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed | By Catherine Tarleton
Hawai‘i Wedding Customs Come from Around the Globe
photo courtesy Sarah Anderson Photography
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Familiar traditions include the chuppah, or wedding canopy, representing the home that the bride and groom will create. Brides and grooms may hold hands and circle each other seven times, symbolic of the seven days of Creation. At the end of the ceremony, the groom will break a glass with his foot—to signify that even in the midst of great happiness, there are still broken things in the world that need to be mended.
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very day, wedding couples flock to Hawai‘i to exchange vows and wow their guests—or escape the pressure with a private elopement. Our beautiful romantic settings, near-perfect weather, and atmosphere that breathes aloha make these islands a destination of choice for wedding couples of all ages, backgrounds and cultures—each with their own expectations, customs, and traditions. The rich Hawaiian culture, filled with metaphor and imagery for the many expressions of love, wraps itself around weddings from Eastern, Western, and “fusion” cultures like a warm embrace. Here Jewish and Indian weddings are performed under canopies with ocean views; Hawaiian and Indian flower garlands adorn brides and grooms; Japanese and English words are interchanged in ceremonies; and brides from around the world experience their dream of the Western-style “white wedding.” What’s different about wedding customs in Hawai‘i seems much less important than what’s shared. One remarkable example comes from Dr. Barry Blum of Shaloha Weddings in Kona. “When we arrived in Kona, Seymour Lewis, the leader of the Jewish Congregation at the time, told us he had heard that 1,000 words were the same in Hawaiian and Hebrew,” says Barry. “Hawai‘i, when
photo courtesy Sarah Anderson Photography
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | 2016
pronounced in Hebrew, means, ‘Let us have an island.’ The name of the volcano goddess, Pele, means ‘naturally occurring miracle.’ ‘Strength’ in Hawaiian is koa, and in Hebrew, strength is koach (ko-ach). And, of course, both shalom and aloha mean hello, goodbye, and peace.” Barry and his wife Gloria Blum responded to a need for Jewish wedding ceremonies in 2000, when there was no rabbi in Kailua-Kona. As president of Congregation Kona Beth Shalom, Barry began to study wedding practices and traditions. “For Hawaiian tradition, I called on Leon Sterling, my friend and kahu (pastor), who probably married everybody in Hawai‘i in the past 100 years,” quipped Barry. “He was so gifted. I also asked friends who were rabbis and wedding officiants, to get ideas. The result is a wedding that is authentically Jewish and also Barry, an orthopedic surgeon, and Gloria, who teaches people with developmental disabilities, are also includes Hawaiian poetry, prayer, and customs.” musicians, and members of “Kona’s Traveling Jewish Wedding Band,” which plays traditional klezmer and “Many of the couples that choose us are more modern music from Europe, Israel and Broadway. interfaith.” says Gloria. “Rabbis are often reluctant to perform these ceremonies but devotion, sacrifice, and family,’” says Barry. “In forming a marital we want to build bridges and share the universality of the union, two people become something greater than what they Jewish wedding ceremony. “We’ve performed Jewish-Indian once were. It is not only a joy, it is an honor for us to perform a ceremonies, Jewish-Thai, Jewish-Japanese, Jewish-Filipino, wedding.” Jewish-Hawaiian, Jewish-Christian, as well as other interfaith “By the time the wedding happens, they want you to be and of course, traditional Jewish ceremonies.” part of it,” says Jeannette Rhodes of Beach Weddings Hawai‘i, “The world’s largest mikvah is the Pacific Ocean,” says Barry, a boutique company, specializing in intimate weddings and referring to a ceremonial bath. “I suggest that the morning of, elopements. “They’ll say, ‘come sit with us, have cake!’ It’s not or the day before the wedding, they take themselves to the just business; we really like making people happy,” she says. ocean, and while holding hands, ask each other for forgiveness Jeannette says elopements are growing in popularity, as more for any way they may have offended each other, and immerse couples opt to save money for travel or home purchase, and themselves in water together. Afterward, they immerse to focus on their relationship. Their company commonly helps themselves individually, and ask to forgive themselves for any wedding parties of two to six people, who may choose a quietly way they may have not lived up to their own expectations.” elegant picnic on the beach instead of a fancy reception. Barry and Gloria’s shared love of their culture and music also A professional hair and makeup artist, Jeannette is the inspired them to create “Kona’s Traveling Jewish Wedding Band” creative director; husband Eric focuses on photography. which continues to entertain wedding guests. “We will conduct Together, they offer with their “Muse Bride” service, a postthe wedding, then run down the aisle and join the band and wedding, full-blown fashion shoot in the studio or on location at play for them,” says Gloria. “That good feeling of enjoying the the beach, volcano, waterfalls, and elsewhere. spirit of weddings motivated us. Music was always and always Their business partner, Reverend Dard Aller (a 28-year will be a central, an integral part of the process.” resident and six-time Ironman® finisher) handles the ceremony. “Justice Anthony Kennedy says, ‘No union is more profound “His ceremony is so beautiful, so heartfelt,” says Jeannette. than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, “He was a Christian minister for a long time, so he can do religious ceremonies or just those on the spiritual side. He does Elements of nature are often present in incorporate Hawaiian elements. He is really respectful of the Hawai‘i weddings, such as this sea turtle who culture and spiritual practices.” decided to visit a Japanese couple’s beach wedding. photo courtesy Skip Hickey For Japanese couples (a large part of their business), Dard may offer pule (blessings) in Hawaiian, and speak English for part of the proceedings, and when it is time to exchange vows, in a powerful shift, he switches to Japanese so the couple may fully participate in their own language. Interestingly, for all its complex protocols in many other aspects of life, the early Hawaiian culture did not include a formal marriage ceremony, for most people. According to Mary Kawena Pukui in “Nānā I Ke Kumu,” the expression “noho pū ‘ana” (dwelling together without ceremony) or “no pū” (no ceremony) were used to describe a bonded couple. After a
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Groom’s grand entrance by boat. photo courtesy Jeanne Marie Photography
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | 2016
courtship period where the young man would prove himself a good provider, the families would get together to witness an exchange of promises, from the couple to each other, and to their parents. Lei maile, knotted and entwined to symbolize the union, would be present. Polygamy was common, and it was expected that wives of one husband or husbands of one wife would be punalua, close friends and companions, in order to nurture a harmonious marriage all around. Following the elimination of the kapu system and arrival of Christian missionaries, polygamy was proclaimed illegal by Queen Ka‘ahumanu in 1835.
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Unions of ali‘i (chiefs) required more elaborate preparations and protocols, as well as a generous dowry and discussions of land administration, a chiefly responsibility for two allying families. Kāhuna (priests) would consult the omens, and work to ensure that the bloodlines stayed pure and the couple’s mana (spiritual power) was untainted and properly aligned. Kahu Wendell Silva, of Hawaii Cultural and Spiritual Services Center, uses the word “ho‘āo” for weddings. Ho‘āo literally translates “to stay or remain until daylight.” It also refers to the night of the day called Huna, eleventh night of the month, when the ho‘āo nuptials took place. “What people most want today are authenticity and integrity,” Kahu says. He strives to incorporate Hawaiian language and ceremonial aspects into weddings, while allowing for Western nuptial traditions to also be represented. “For a couple who is religious (Christian), I can read from First Corinthians,” says Kahu. “For us, aloha and the qualities it has for us are similar to what is written in the scripture. Love is universal. Aloha is universal, essential, it is the core of our belief system. And it was mandated by our ali‘i to share aloha with each other, and with all who come to our shores.” For “Lei Aloha,” one of his most eloquent ceremonies, Kahu traditionally begins by chanting “Oli Ho‘okuakahi” to summon benevolent deities to bless the occasion and clear the path for the couple. This is followed by “Oli Aloha” to welcome everyone to the celebration and embrace them with aloha. Then, “Oli Lei,” dating back to the marriage preparations of Pele, is performed as the two adorn each other with lei—usually brought forth by their parents—to remind them of their love, the way that
photo courtesy Hawaii Beach Weddings
Hawaiian elements photo courtesy Eric Rhodes Photography
photo courtesy Sarah Anderson Photography
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | 2016
wedding rings are symbolic of love and commitment. “We use flower garlands too,” says Mira Savara of Mira Savara Events, who performs Hindu, Vedic, and Sikh weddings on all the Islands. “We call them ‘Phulon ki mala,’ and we offer these to our gods during prayer. For weddings, the bride and groom exchange lei, and they have a special name, ‘jaimala.’” Mira started doing Indian weddings when she and her family came to Hawai‘i in 1988. “I love my culture, the festivals, dancing, singing, and we didn’t have that in Hawai‘i,” says Mira. “I started incorporating all those things that I wanted the younger generation to learn.” Beginning with Indian dancing and Bollywood dance parties for friends, Mira was somewhat prepared when an Indian groom called from New York, Bride portrait with henna hands. whose Korean bride wanted a photo courtesy Danny K Photography Western-style “white wedding,” in Hawai‘i, with some Indian cultural elements. Mira is well-educated in Indian culture and customs, having gone through what she calls “cultural boot camp” at the home of her grandmother. Often elaborate, multi-day events, Mira’s weddings require a small army of vendors, entertainers and associates; and at present she will only book one wedding Bridal henna hands, per month. photo courtesy “We are so Graham Chappell Photography blessed we have the A-team of wedding professionals, who all learned the culture, and wanted to understand. I use an art school graduate as a henna artist, collaborated with a belly dancer
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to be a Bollywood dancer, worked with a design company on wedding canopies... We believe a lot in tradition and have to do it right.” “Normally, the Indian wedding will start with a prayer,” says Mira. “On the second day, you might have henna art, cultural tradition, folk dancing. It is also a meet and greet, a welcome day for the families. And, third is the wedding ceremony, which is followed by the reception and dinner.” The celebration will generally include a “Baraat,” the groom’s entourage. “This is like a ‘moment of glory’ for the groom,” says Mira. “He might ride a horse, or some kind of special wedding vehicle—helicopter, double-hulled canoe, surfboard, or even a Segway one time,” says Mira. Obviously in love with her work and her culture, and like the Blum’s, Rhodes’, Silva’s and many others, Mira also has a strong sense of responsibility. “Part of my mission is to mentor the younger generation to not forget their cultural tradition,” she says. “I encourage them to use their wedding as an opportunity to enjoy, share and teach our culture.” To all brides and grooms, Ho‘omaika‘i, Congratulations, Go kekkon omedetou gozaimasu, Mazel Tov! ❖
photo courtesy Eric Rhodes Photography
Contact Mira Savara: mirasavaraevents@gmail.com Contact Jeannette Rhodes: jeannette@beachweddingshawaii.com Contact Barry and Gloria Blum: shalomkona@gmail.com Contact writer Catherine Tarleton: catherinetarleton@gmail.com
photo courtesy Graham Chappell Photography
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | 2016
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White Lace and Promises
A history of the classic American wedding gown | By Leilehua Yuen
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KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | 2016
Queen Emma and Kamehameha IV, public domain
good Regency novel is historically accurate down to the smallest detail. One of the details I look at is the wedding. If the bride wears white, I question all of the other details. What many think of as the immutable traditional wedding of the English-speaking world, did not actually happen until the mid-1800s. Until February 10, 1840, when England’s Queen Victoria wore white for her wedding, among the upper classes, relatively bright celebratory colors, excepting black, green, purple, and pink, were the choice for the blushing bride of the British Isles. White had occasionally been worn. Black was worn for funerals and deep mourning, and so not suitable for weddings. Darker shades of green and purple were worn for “half mourning,” therefore still not appropriate. Pink was a color favored by cortesans, so that was not acceptable for a presumably chaste and innocent bride. Unless a bride’s family was very wealthy, there really was no wedding gown, she simply wore her best dress in a suitable shade. A widow who was remarrying would wear a shade of lavender or purple. To have one gown which was used for only one event was quite an extravagance. Those who could afford a gown made specifically for her wedding, would continue to wear it for various occasions, changing out the trims and altering it as necessary to keep up with fashion and hide aging and wear. A pale gown might be dyed darker colors as time went on and stains accumulated.
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Bride in a black or dark colored wedding dress. photo by Keys Studio: Princeton, WI, late 1800s, public domain
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A bride from the late 19th century wearing a black or dark coloured wedding dress. photo by Lindner: Chicago, IL, public domain
gown and all of its accompanying—and expensive—accessories, and a whole industry based on wedding attire was created. In England, tastes remained somewhat more restrained, but in America, the wedding became every girl’s one chance to be a princess for the day, and wedding gowns grew into white satin and lace confections
rivaling the fluffiest of bonbons. Godey’s Lady’s Book, edited by Sarah J. Hale, was THE fashion go-to guide, rather the Vogue of its day, and when Sarah J. Hale made a fashion declaration, all others followed suit. Mrs. Hale was a great admirer of Queen Victoria as an example of ideal femininity, decorum, intelligence, style, and strength of purpose. Basing her advice regarding nuptial attire on the monarch’s gown, in 1850 Godey’s
Marriage of Kamehameha IV at Kawaiahao Church. Sketch by Jessie Shaw Fisher, a missionaryʻs great-granddaughter, from descriptions by Sanford B. Dole, who, as a boy, had witnessed the event. public domain
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | 2016
Despite the statements of later writers, Queen Victoria’s choice of fabric and trim were calculated to support Britian’s economy and encourage thrift, not to play up her virginity. For her time and status, her white satin silk gown was a modest affair. Undyed, the fabric Honiton bobbin lace edging was not nearly as expensive wikimedia.org/Joedkins as, say, a brilliant red which would have represented the lives of millions of female cochineal bugs dried, crushed, and imported from Peru. The gown was trimmed out in Honiton lace, handmade in Honiton, Devon. The industrial revolution was Queen Victoria, 1847 painting by Franz Xaver Wint undermining the economy erhalter, public domain of small communities which had made their living from the manufacture of quality handcrafted goods. Poor quality imitation Honiton lace was being spewed out by the new machinery. Victoria determined that she would take the lead in supporting British handcrafting. It worked so well that soon the lace makers on Honiton could not keep up with demand, and so simplified designs were crafted for the mass market. Victoria was a beloved ruler, and though at the time society thought her choice of gown quite outré, very quickly anyone who was anyone, followed her lead. Victoria showed economy when she repurposed the lace from her dress again and again, even resurrecting it for her Diamond Jubilee 56 years later. The Hawaiian royals were close friends of the monarchs of the British royal family, and among the upper classes, fashion tended to follow British and Parisian tastes. When Emma Na‘ea Rooke married Alexander Liholiho (King Kamehameha IV) on June 19, 1856, her elegant choice was of lustrous heavy white silk, trimmed with three richly embroidered flounces. Her veil of Brussel’s point lace was affixed to her hair by a garland of roses and orange blossoms, and her jewelry was a set of diamonds. Of course, once popularized, the intent was quickly lost. Possibly enticed by advertising income, lady’s publications of the day quickly touted the fashion necessity of a white bridal
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printed, “Custom has decided, from the earliest ages, that white is the most fitting hue, whatever may be the material. It is an emblem of the purity and innocence of girlhood, and the unsullied heart she now yields to the chosen one.” When Sar Thus was a new ah J. Hale all others made a fa shion decl followed “ancient tradition” painte suit. aration, d by James Re id Lambdin, 18 born. 31, public domain Other publications reinforced the idea. In 1865, The Etiquette of Courtship and Matrimony claimed, “A Bride’s costume should be white, or some hue as close as possible to it. Fawn color, gray and lavender are entirely out of fashion.” John Cordy Jeaffreson’s, Brides and Bridals, published in 1872, stated, “the girl who arranges to be married in any color but white takes a sure means of making her bridal doings talked about as savouring of eccentricity.” Quite a change from an 1850 rebuttal to Godey’s, “Of what use is the costly white silk bridal dress, which in all human probability will never in its original state be worn again? It will,
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Queen Victoria and Prince Albert on their return from the marriage service February 10, 1840 at St. James’s Palace, London. Original Artwork: Engraved by S Reynolds after F Lock. public domain
The Marriage of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, February 10, 1840 by British painter Sir George Hayter (1792-1871), public domain
one that will help to provide a beautiful memory for the bride and groom on the first day of the rest of their lives. ❖ Contact writer Leilehua Yuen: kumuleimanu@gmail.com Bibliography Griffin, Susan; The Book of the Courtesans–A Catalogue of their Virtues; Broadway Books Phegley, Jennifer; Courtship and Marriage in Victorian England; ABC-CLIO Accessible Archives; Godey’s Ladies Book; Accessible-Archives. com/collections/godeysladys-book England: The Other Within; England.prm.ox.ac. uk/englishness-funeralclothing.html Royal Wedding Headquarters; OrderOfSplendor. blogspot.com/p/royalwedding-headquarters. html
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of course, be laid up carefully, and looked at occasionally with tender sentimental interest; but by-and-by, in a year or two, it will seem old-fashioned, and most probably be picked to pieces and dyed some serviceable color.” Shades of white, cut in the fashion of the moment, have been the standard for wedding gowns for more than 100 years. From corseted Victorian women to unstructured flappers to cowgirls to daisy-bedecked hippie brides, for more than a century white was the only color for first time nuptials. For those who felt “love is lovlier the second time around,” pale lavender, representing leaving mourning behind, has been the color for a remarrying widow, and the divorcée was relegated to staid suits in somber colors. The last decades of the 20th Century saw a number of brides making the wedding a personal statement through the use of color and design. “Inter-racial” marriages, finally legal in all states in 1967, saw publicly acknowledged weddings of people with different cultural traditions. Brides and grooms began to incorporate themes important to their own lives into their weddings. Changing attitudes toward premarital sex changed attitudes toward proclaiming the virginity of the bride with pure white garments. Today, in the 21st Century, weddings and the associated garments are as unique as the couple being married. There are no restrictions on color, cut, or theme. Some brides even dress in black. Sometimes the gown is selected with an eye toward wearing it later, at other times arrangements are made to have it professionally preserved. Whatever the choice, it should be
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H
Tea Parties in
Hawai‘i | By Sonia R. Martinez
awai‘i Island is known for great coffees. Did you know that it also has a small thriving industry in growing and producing tea? Tea was grown commercially in Hawai‘i from the time it was introduced in 1887 until 1892. The farms dwindled and eventually died out, until a local grower revived the interest in growing tea on our island about 20 years ago. In Hawai‘i, we don’t have “tea plantations,” instead, we have small “boutique” type farms producing outstanding teas. Camellia sinensis, the plant from which tea is derived, grows well in all elevations of our island. From Āhualoa to Volcano there are several tea growers who are passionate and enthusiastic about their Hawai‘i grown tea. “Processing is the art,” explains one tea grower. “Each farm will have its own unique tea.” Comparing tea with wine, he comments, “Like wine, though made with basically some of the same grapes, each vintner’s product has its own identity. Tea grown in the different farms will each have their own personality. The essence of tea is in the processing.” In the early days after the missionaries arrived in the Hawaiian Islands, afternoon tea was one of the social events in which the ladies all participated and the custom was also adopted by female members of the Hawaiian Ali‘i (Royalty), eventually becoming popular as a form of afternoon entertainment. As the islands became more and more assimilated into the daily grind of making a living, the custom fell from favor except in some rare instances. What we call High Tea in Hawai‘i is known as Afternoon Tea in the United Kingdom; a treat of tea, small sandwiches, scones, and cake to fill the gap between the mid-day meal and a fashionably late dinner. High Tea or supper was the evening meal for the working classes, instead of the stop gap between
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KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | 2016
the mid-day and evening meals. Today the edges between the two have blurred and many consider a tea with a large variety of food as High Tea. Afternoon tea is still being served in some of the resort hotels in Waikīkī. On Hawai‘i Island there are several Bed and Breakfasts, a local vanilla grower, and even some of the tea growers who offer delightful afternoon teas. Some of the growers also offer tea tours and tastings. Tea parties are gaining favor again, and considering that we can serve tea grown and processed right here on this island, should be a wonderful reason to host one! I hosted two tea parties in the recent past—one was a bridal shower and the other was a “girls only just because” tea party. I have attended a tea party for an
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elderly friend’s birthday and have my own small “tea for one” parties on my back lānai. Any theme or occasion can be a cause to host a tea party. A little girl’s birthday tea party could use an Alice in Wonderland setting. A baby shower theme would be a lot fun. A formal bridal shower would call for silver and beautiful china (even if the cups don’t match) and linens could be either white or in the bride’s chosen theme colors. Although tea parties are usually afternoon affairs, some could run into the early evening. In that case, make sure to place a few candles in glass bowls around the area. Another idea for table centerpieces can be to place a small mirror in the center and a few glasses or pretty glass bowls filled with flowers and candles. Reflected candlelight and flowers make everything beautiful. To host a tea party, plan on serving at least two or three different teas and an array of tempting sweet and savory dishes such as open face or beautifully cut sandwiches; finger food, a trifle, a cake, scones, petit fours, or mini cream puffs;
two to four people, an ètagère, or three tier stand, can hold all the food at a small table and the tea service can be also placed on the same table. For a larger party, place the tea pots, cream, sugar, lemon slices, your cups and small plates on a separate table, sideboard, or counter. Set the main table as a buffet; arranging the food attractively. If you have, or can borrow, a couple of small ètagère to serve pastries, remember to use them for height and visual appeal. Cover the tables with tablecloths or even an assortment of colorful pareos. Place a small centerpiece or lay a few hibiscus, orchids, or plumeria blossoms in the center and you’ve already added a festive touch. If using individual tables, place the forks, spoons, and napkins there; otherwise, place them on the table, sideboard, or counter where the tea is served along with the plates and cups. When making sandwiches for tea, be sure to cut the bread
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all beautifully presented. The food served can be elaborate or simple. The main idea is to make it fun—for your guests, and also for you! The setting doesn’t have to be formal as long as it is attractive. Depending on your style of entertaining, you can use pottery, china, or glass tea pots and serving pieces, as well as silver and porcelain. One rule I do follow is to always use cloth napkins. I do not use paper napkins, no matter how informal the party. I have a collection of tea pots, which I enjoy using as table centerpieces when not pressed in use to serve the tea. However, any pretty collections you might own will be appropriate to use as centerpieces or decorations when following a theme. A lānai would serve as a lovely “tea room” if you have space to set a few card tables and chairs. A garden setting would be even lovelier. For a simple tea for
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in small triangles or thin slices and trim off the crusts. Assorted shaped cookie cutters can be used for dainty sandwiches.
Tea Sandwich Fillings Ideas:
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | 2016
. Egg salad with chopped pimento on white bread. . Chicken salad with grape halves or cranraisins in mini croissant sandwiches. . Cream cheese, crushed pineapple and chopped nuts spread on banana bread. . Cucumbers sliced in thin ribbons on bread spread with ranch dressing. . Chopped nasturtium blooms and leaves mixed in with sweet butter; seasoned with salt and white pepper. . Thin slices of ham on pumpernickel bread lightly spread with coarse country mustard. . Smoked salmon with cream cheese and capers, topped with lemon zest strip. . Thin turkey slices with cream cheese and strawberry jam in Hawaiian Sweet Bread mini buns or small rolls. . Cucumber or watercress with butter: Mix 4 T softened butter, 1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest, and 1 T chopped fresh herbs. Spread on white bread and add thin cucumber slices or sprigs of watercress.
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Sandwiches can be decorated with edible flowers, such as nasturtiums, violas, pansies, geraniums and others. Check online for edible flowers.
Bridal Shower Tea
The food served was open faced cucumber sandwiches, cream cheese and pineapple banana bread sandwiches and chicken salad in mini croissant sandwiches; white asparagus wrapped in smoked salmon served with sour cream and capers; julienned carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, sprouts and basil greens wrapped in small rice wrapper cornucopias; liliko‘i cream filled mini puff pastries, Mexican wedding cookies, and a strawberry custard trifle. ❖
For more information on who is growing tea on Hawai‘i Island, please contact the Hawai‘i Tea Society: HawaiiTeaSociety.org For Tea Tours and Tastings: Onomea Tea Company: OnoTea.com Mauna Kea Tea in Honoka‘a: MaunaKeaTea.com Tea Hawai‘i in Volcano: TeaHawaii.com To learn more about tea: Contact JoAnn K. Aguirre: TeachingTea.com Contact writer Sonia R. Martinez: Sonia@SoniaTastesHawaii.com
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