Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The Final Post (for now anyway)
We intended to send this out earlier, but it took us a bit longer to organize than we thought (plus Marlene got carried away with the videos as you can clearly see). We want to take this time to thank everyone who helped make our day a truly spectacular one, please join us in showing appreciation for these individuals who really helped us out!
Fay & Ivan Toyama: Thank you for all of your support (financially and emotionally) to create our dream wedding. We definitely could not have done this without your help, and for that, we are truly grateful. Oh and dad - thanks for putting up with mom :)
Sylvia Fullerton: Thank you for your extremely generous monetary support. Hurricane and all, you helped us stay sane and created the beautiful table runners!
Daryl Sequeria (our wedding planner): You are simply amazing and handled all of the curve balls like a true professional. Thank you for being my "best man." We hope someday you can enjoy Hawaii without us!
Uncle Gary & Aunty BB: You are an obi-display-making talent and we think you should go into business! Thank you for also going last minute bamboo hunting and assembling the tiki torches. Both our ceremony and reception were absolutely gorgeous thanks to you. And finally, thanks Uncle Gary for a great toast!
Rachel Robertson & Greg Edwards: We LOVE your pictures!!! We are blown away by your talent and are so very grateful it was the two of you who were able to capture our wedding in the most magnificent way. Thank you for sharing your time and passion with us.
Ron & Mary Calderon: Thank you for a wonderful rehearsal dinner, the restaurant was stunning, the speech was heartfelt and the company was perfect.
Miwa Kozuki: Thank you for being a wonderful friend, for being there throughout it all. And let's not forget the late night glue gun-crane-pumpkin madness.
Julie & Jonathan Neri: Right when you thought you were done with wedding plans, we stepped in and asked if you could be our emcees. We are so glad we chose the two of you - you guys are awesome!
Keith Mackert: Thank you for shooting our rehearsal dinner, as always, your pictures capture moments perfectly. And thank you for your support the night before the wedding. Monte is lucky to call you a friend.
Uncle Sho: Thank you for an uplifting and heartfelt toast!
Spencer & Bryce: Thanks for booking Paula and Lindy, helping Mom stay sane and for your help the day of the wedding.
John Pagano: We missed you in Hawaii, but thanks for making beautiful music for our "first dance."
For all of you who have traveled to join us, it would not have been the same without you there. We hope you all enjoyed yourselves as much as we did. There are a few moments in life when you feel so surrounded and supported by friends and family, this was definitely one of those moments and we are so blessed. It has been an amazing adventure!
Love,
Monte and Marlene
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Things To Do (on Oahu)
KAYAKING
130 Kailua Road Kailua, Hawaii 96734
808.262.2555
Kayaking in Kailua is one of my favorite things to do. You can rent a double kayak (half day = $49, full day = $59), get some sun and exercise while you paddle out toward the Mokulua Islands. If you get lucky you may see some sea turtles along the way but remember not to touch them, it's illegal!
SNORKELING
Yes, it's a tourist attraction and you'll need to pay to get in but if you've made it to Hawaii you should definitely check it out. The fish are beautiful and don't worry they don't bite. The closest place I've found that's similar to Hanauma Bay is in Australia so I'd take advantage of this opportunity. You can always go on your own but they also arrange hotel pick-ups from Waikiki and for a reasonable price ($17/person).
SHOPPING
Ala Moana1450 Ala Moana Boulevard Honolulu, HI 96814
Mon – Sat 9:30 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
This is the biggest shopping center in Hawaii, you’ll probably want to spend a few hours here (or at least the ladies will but not to worry, there’s a couple bars on the 3rd floor and a beach across the street for the men). Visit Shirokiya (Japanese Department Store) just for the experience...make sure to explore the Saint Germain bakery downstairs and their “deli” upstairs for tasty unique treats. A few other shops only in Hawaii are Cinnamon Girl (women’s apparel), HIC Surf, T&C Surf and Martin & MacArthur (great gift shop!)
Ward Center and Ward Warehouse
Just down the street from Ala Moana on Ala Moana Boulevard that has a lot of great local botiques.
Mon – Sat 10am – 9 pm
Sun 10am – 6pm
Waikele Premium Outlet (about 15 miles west of Honolulu)
94.790 Lumiaina St, Waipahu HI 96797
Mon – Sat 9am – 9pm
Sun 10am – 6pm
A bit out of the way, but definitely worth the trip if you’re a big outlet fan.
LUAU
Polynesian Cultural Center (North Shore):
The most expensive and farthest away but also offers the most to do; they have 7 Polynesian villages, a canoe pageant, IMAX show, luau and night show. $83/adult and $59/child.
Paradise Cove (West Shore)
This is right next door to our wedding location but also one of the most popular luaus. $75/adult, $55/child = includes transportation to and from Waikiki
Daily 5:00 – 9:00 pm
Germaine’s Luau (West Shore)
Probably the best deal if you’re just looking for a traditional Hawaiian Luau. $69/adult, $49/child = includes transportation to and from Waikiki
Daily 6:00 – 8:45 pm
The Wyland Waikiki
If you haven't found accommodations yet, we ended up getting a group rate at The Wyland Waikiki. Monte & I checked it out ourselves and it's nice for the price (the one down fall is that the rooms are a bit small - you either get two twins or one queen). The group rate is $129/night and if 10 rooms get booked you will automatically be upgraded to a room with a kitchenette. Just mention that you're with the Calderon/Toyama wedding.
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