Eugene Kam Photography's SNAP SHOTS

Starting their own traditions

If you want to know how to plan an unforgettable wedding reception, ask Danielle Balangitao and Justin Gray for some advice.  Guests that attended their reception at the Kahala Hotel on June 28 can tell you everyone, especially the families of the bride and groom, had a great time. 

Before dinner, Danielle's father shared his thoughts about being father of the bride.  His advice was to stay out of the way of the planning committee because your opinion as FOB means zero.  But he was proud of the fact that he was responsible for the crab and avocado hors d'oeuvres.  Later Danielle and dad danced to The Temptations, "My Girl."  Justin and his mom shared the traditional mother-son dance next, but their dance was everything but traditional.  They danced to "I'll Always Love My Mama" by The Intruders, and it was evident they spent hours of practice to perfect all the moves.  Danielle and her mom started their own tradition with the mother-daughter dance and eventually invited all other mothers and daughters to join them on the dance floor.

Hold that pose!

Before the tears at the ceremony and the heartfelt toasts at the reception, there's time for some laughter among your friends in the bridal party.  Luckily for Jennifer Murata and Derek Ueki, their friends were willing to be a little silly and have some fun.  Jennifer and Derek were married at the Pool Terrace of the Hyatt Regency Waikiki on June 27.

Is that a fish?

Local girl, Kelly Hausler, came home for her wedding to Michael Van Vliet.  It was wonderful to see Kelly taking Michael from table to table at their reception and introducing him to all his new ohana.  As part of the groom's cake tradition, the Kahala Hotel pastry chef prepared a fish-shaped cake for Michael.  More than one guest had to question if it was a stuffed fish because the cake was so lifelike.  Once the evening's formalities were over, guests danced to the sounds of the band "Pacific."  At one point, Kelly's mom started a conga line and grabbed people to join them as they snaked around the ballroom.  Kelly and Michael were married on June 27 at the Koko Head gazebo of the Kahala Hotel and Resort.

Natural beauty

The tranquility of the Diamond Head gazebo was a perfect setting for the carefree and relaxed nature of Kim Mathieson and Simon March.  Kim's natural beauty and Simon's calm demeanor made for an enjoyable photo session, especially when Kim burst into spontaneous laughter.  The couple traveled with their parents and a few friends from the UK to the Kahala Hotel and Resort for their wedding on June 20.  After the ceremony, guests indulged in the appetizers and lunch at the oceanside Kahala o ke Kai.

Bridal cascade

A tiara, a veil, and especially a long flowing train help to make a bride feel like a princess.  Ayumi Nishioka's train was a cascade of chiffon with beautiful motion and texture.  It resembled the tail feathers of an exotic bird.  Ayumi and her groom, Akihiro Tanaka, were married at the Holy Nativity church on June 18 with her parents and sister in attendance.

Intimate wedding for 4

Four guests total including the bride and groom.  No problem.  That just means more time for photos.  Amber Goff and Jeremy Bridges chose June 16 to exchange their vows at the Pool Terrace of the Hyatt Regency Waikiki.  Amber made a grand entrance down the stairs like Cinderella to meet Jeremy who was waiting near the waterfall.  The floral pumps that Amber wore matched the fuchsia roses in the bouquet from Florist Grand.

Setting the tone for the evening

When a groomsman enters the reception with a bridesmaid over his shoulder caveman-style, you know it's going to be a fun evening.  Nicole Lowery and Kenneth Morimoto had a bridal party that was ready to start the celebration as they raised the energy of the ballroom and crowded around the bride and groom during their first dance.  Eventually Ken slowed things down and got romantic even surprising his new wife by getting down on one knee.  Nicole and Kenneth exchanged their vows at the Hau Terrace of the Halekulani Hotel on June 13.