Letter From Lisa

Dear Reader,

Welcome! This is our new newsletter at DestinationBride.com...devoted to fabulous destinations around the globe. We'll be publishing our "Top Wedding Destinations Newsletter" twice monthly, with one domestic destination, and one international destination, profiled each month. We would love to share with you some practical information (currency, weather, etc.), as well as some venue suggestions and the occasional tip or sidebar about culture, music, food or design.

We are starting with the beautiful islands of Hawaii. Hawaii has long been one of America's top wedding destinations, and Lisa Light is coordinating a wedding there this month (our contest winners Jackie Losik and Jesse Kovariks; see below). Later this month we will profile the Czech Republic.

We hope you're having a wonderful summer. Grab a lemonade, sit back, and enjoy the fantasy of a Hawaiian destination wedding!

With best wishes,

Lisa Light and everyone at DestinationBride.com

Destination: Hawaii

"E Hookumu Maua ka Hale Puni Maua Ohana me ka Pumehana a me ka Oiloli Kealoha" This is a phrase worth learning if you are planning a destination wedding in Hawaii...it means: "May we create a home that surrounds our family and friends with warmth, laughter and love."

Weather: There is no "bad time" weatherwise, for a Hawaiian wedding. We recommend that you consider the low season...the Spring or Fall...no matter which island you are choosing, as crowds and prices will lower, but the weather will remain gorgeous. Get more information about current weather conditionsin Hawaii.

For information on parks and public beach use, contact the Department of Parks and Recreation for the specific island.

Marriage Licenses: Licenses are available from the Hawaii State Department of Health, and are valid for 30 days. They must be paid for in cash, and you must show two forms of identification.

The island of Moloka'i, the "Friendly Isle" is a natural wonder, boasting sand dunes, coral reefs, the longest white sand beach in all of the islands, rain forests, waterfalls, and more. The Moloka'i Ranch is a large working ranch on the island, with a 22-room luxury lodge (which can be rented in its entirety for their $18,000 "Bliss Package") as well as 40 2-room simple yet stylish "tentalows" on the beach.

Lanai is the most secluded of the islands, though it has drawn a good deal of attention since Bill and Melinda Gates were married there. The Four Seasons Resort Lana'i at Manele Bay can be reached by a 45 minute ferry ride from Maui. The island is home to a rich assortment of wildlife, and its natural beauty is the draw for those who are not interested in the flash and glitz of places like Waikiki.

Waikiki is exactly where Lisa Light will be coordinating a wedding this month for Jackie Losik and Jesse Kovariks, the lucky winners of weddingcontest.com's "21st Century Couple" sweepstakes. Check out Jackie and Jesse's story. Their wedding will be at Starwood Resort's The Royal Hawaiian, the luxurious and fabulous coral pink stucco landmark on Waikiki Beach. From royalty and presidents to Hollywood stars, travellers have graced the "Pink Palace of the Pacific" for generations. Jesse and Jackie will be celebrating with a luau, (for which the Royal Hawaiian is famous).

Speaking of luaus, in 1819, King Kamehameha II abolished traditional religious laws which prevented men and women from feasting together and thus the luau was born. It used to be that no utensils were used, and that poi and other dishes were described by how many fingers it took to scoop them into the mouth. You will still find a wide variety of flavorful and aromatic dishes and meats to sample at luaus, including pig wrapped in ti leaves, then baked in an imu (underground oven) until succulent. For authentic entertainment, consider a ukulele player to serenade your guests, or fire or hula dancers. Luaus traditionally start at sundown, but can extend well into the starlit night.

With or without a luau, a Hawaiian destination wedding will definitely include some of the islands' rich bounty of exquisite flowers. The lei custom was introduced to the Hawaiian Islands by early Polynesian voyagers, who made leis from flowers, leaves, shells, seeds, nuts, feathers, and even the bone and teeth of various animals.Remember this unspoken rule of etiquette: leis are expressions of affection, and it is considered rude to refuse one that is offered. Leis are meant to celebrate most any festive occasion, and it is common for locals to have a "special lei" of nuts, seeds or shells to wear on special or formal occasions. A Pikake Lei, made from white jasmine flowers that resemble pearls, are traditionally worn by brides or the mother of the bride. Their scent is heavenly!

Go to our Hawaii resources for more information on venues and service providers for destination weddings in Hawaii.