So after extensive research and toying with the idea of having the wedding on Maui or Kauai? We decided to go with The Big Island! I am so glad we did, I would not change a thing.

The Big Island has such a old school feel. I feel like The Big Island is comprised of so many different elements. You can see so many different places and do so much and yet you feel like you have barely covered the Island.

I feel as if The Big Island is one of the least touristy Islands. I think the Locals have done a great job keeping this Island Natural.

We decided to have the wedding in Kona. The Kona area was affordable for our guest coming from NY and California. We all stayed at The Knoa Coast resort and it was PERFECT!

Our wedding was held at The Keauhou Beach Resort. The Ceremony was on The Kuakini Lawn and reception was held in The Kalanikai Bar and Grill.

I wanted to have tropical colors, bold and colors that pop and say HELLO! So Fuchsia and Orange were the winners.

I went to the fabric store and picked up fabric swatches gave them to my bridesmaids and said have fun! I knew that the restaurant (reception) had a rustic tiki hut feel so we designed the flower arrangements and decor around that vibe.

I purchased my daughter/ flower girls dress at ebay store Hawaiian Hula Couture
http://stores.shop.ebay.com/HAWAIIAN-HULA-COUTURE

Ring Bearer- Purchased @ shakatime.com Ivory Maui shirt pants @ oldnavy.com

I purchased the girls parasols at The San Jose Flea Market for $2.00 a piece.

The Groomsmen were easy!

Khaki Pants- Old Navy $20.00
Brown Slippers- Old navy $10.00
White Guayabera Shirts- San Jose Flea Market $20.00 each
Kukui Nut Leis- Wal Mart in Kona $6.00 each

Groom- White Linen Suit Clothing Broker in El Cerrito, CA $100.00
Shoes by Cole Hahn- Neiman Marcus Outlet $150.00

WEDDING DRESS, HAIR , MAKEUP , JEWELRY, NAILS,  UNDER WEAR, BRAS , SHOES AND FITTING IN THE DRESS! GEEZ MEN HAVE IT WAY EASIER!

I purchased my dress off the rack. It was a sample and a brand spanking new one. The dress is an Allure Exclusive and marked for about 1,800.00 I talked them down to $800.00. Whooo hoo!

http://www.bayareabridal.net/

sHOES BY NINA PURCHASED AT ZAPPOS.COM

I had my heart set on a1940's old Hollywood look. I found Shaloma through past knottie bios and sent her some pictures. Shaloma owner of Icicles Salon said she could pull this look off for me with no problem.

She booked me for hair and makeup. I was still nervous about my wedding day look. Icicles does not have a website and I was not able to clearly see past knottie's hair and makeup. I loved Shaloma's communication and I was super happy with her work on my hair!

I did not go through Icicles for my makeup, only because I wanted to do it myself. Shaloma did my hair and it lasted without a hair budging all night, she also did my Maid of Honor's hair and my bridesmaids all had there makeup done by Randee.

I absolutely HEART makeup! So I think I am going to end up doing my own. I don't see any MUA in Kona that I trust with my big day.
So I am going for slight smokey eyes. Highlighting my features w/bronzers and I will use pinks, peaches and golds. I think....we shall see?!?

I posted some trials below. I was toying with different colors and ideas.

I did my own makeup and these are the products I used. I wouldn't change a thing. This stuff lasted with all the sweat, humidity and tears.

I did have to touch up with powder in my t-zone area that is just gonna happen when you are in a huge dress in 86 degree weather.
FACE: Cetaphil lotion no SPF.  (Sorry but sunblock will tint your makeup a weird pasty color.)
Smashbox Photo primer
Makeup Forever HD liquid foundation
Makeup Forever micro finish powder
-Mac Bronzing powder in Matte ( used for contouring around the frame of the face)
Mac  creme color base in pearl (used this as a high lighter to add shimmer to apples of cheeks nose and lip crease)
Nars Blush in orgasm.
Concealer- Makeup Forever Lifting concealer.

EYES- Urban Decay Primer potion
Shadows-Milani (drugstore) Runway eyeshadow palette in 07 Ready to wear
Mac shadow in cork (eyebrows)
Mac Shadow texture ( in crease)
Duo lash glue
Mac lashes # 7 Lashes
Eyeliner- Power point by mac Waterproof
Eyeliner top lid- Smolder by Mac
Mascara- Waterproof Mac

Lips- Glitzy Glamour Gloss by Milani (drugstore)
Lipliner- Rose by Sephora
Lips- bottom center - Freeze by mac for highlight.