TokyoBride

Hey guys I just tied the knot at Ocean Crystal 3 months ago and wanted to share my experience. I remember when I was searching for venues, I couldn't find much on this place but it looked gorgeous from the few pix I did see, but seemed a bit pricey. Well, it did NOT disappoint. It was absolutely FABULOUS!!! I can't recommend it highly enough, except that the staff was a bit flaky but I guess it's to be expected when they deal with 3+ weddings a day. You have to make sure you are on top of things and don't let them forget any special requests or needs you may have. Other than that, the place is awesome! We didn't notice big crowds gathering when we were taking photos, so I wouldn't worry about that. We had the ceremony at 4 PM and had the ceremony onsite at the Hilton's Rainbow Tower Suites and Patio from 6 PM. Let me know if you have any questions! Here are some pix and a video so you can see how great the location and venue is! heather + ryoji // the search for prince charming on Vimeo (our highlights video from Fisheye) Heather Wilson Tomoyasu's Photos - Our Big Fat Hawaiian Wedding 3-21-2010 | Facebook (photos from the ceremony) Here are the vendors we used in case you are looking for yours. We were on a tight budget but we ended up with some great deals from these guys: Flowers - Watanabe DJ - Music Express Video/Photo - Fisheye Studio Ceremony Photo - Best Bridal free package with La Vie Food/Cake/Reception Hall - Hilton Hawaiian Village Interpreter (Japanese/English) - Sharen Nakashima, Mic On

I saw this list on some photographer's website, maybe you could google for photos and see which place is good for you? Lanikai Beach Kailua Boat Ramp Makapu'u Beach Cromwell's Beach Nu'uanu Valley Park Downtown Honolulu Moanalua Gardens Downtown Post Office Coronation Stand and Pavilion Ali'iolani Hale

I'm looking into the following videographers and have seen little information about them. Has anyone used or planning to use any of these videographers? Fisheye Studio (their style is so unique, I love it!!) First Class Media (the cheapest I could find) Image Creations LLC Also, what do you all think in regards to 1 or 2 cameras at the ceremony or reception? Of course all the companies push for 2 saying it's soooooo necessary to have full coverage, but is it really necessary? 2 cents please!

I've been booking my own travel via Orbitz and the like since as far back as I can remember, I guess most of us are in the techy generation But Orbitz deals seem the best when you can book flight/hotel together (i.e. flying in and out of one city and staying at only 1 hotel during that time). We'll be flying from Tokyo to Honolulu to Big Island and back to Tokyo, possibly with a rental car in there at some point, and I was wondering if a good travel agent may be able to get us a great deal along with better perks such as room upgrade, champagne on the wedding night, etc. I'd like to put the question out there as to whether anyone has booked or is booking their (or their guests') Hawaiian wedding/honeymoon through a travel agent that they would or wouldn't recommend. If you decided to not use a travel agent, that explanation would be equally appreciated! In regards to this topic, I've been listening to the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which is through a travel agency but has really great general Hawaiian travel tips, if anyone is looking for some good listening while commuting, it's my recommendation :-)

We have been corresponding completely through e-mail with Joann (except I had to mail in the signed contract and a check for security deposit) because we have a 15 hour time difference! haha! I have to say, sometimes she replies within minutes, and other times it's days. I'd say just be patient, but I guess it depends on how much planning time you have!

I've been looking into the: Cupola Theater at Honolulu Design Center - Cupola Theatre Hawaii and Waterfront at Aloha Tower - The Waterfront: weddings Anyone have any experience with these? If not, maybe they should be added to the venues to consider! They seem well equipped to accommodate just about any request!

We were offered 90 minutes and an album free with the discount package (must book by end of May). We might buy an additional package to cover cocktail hour and reception. They use La Vie Photography, Œ‹¥ŽÊ^@La-vie Factory - you can see samples from their different photographers, some look better than others, but generally nice and prices seem to be on par with other companies. We went to the Best Bridal Tokyo branch and looked through their sample albums, which were great. We hated the video dvd though, it was so cheesy, haha!!, so I don't think we'll use their videographer - but you can judge for yourself online - IMF Visions - Hawaii Wedding Videography

I would try contacting them directly via e-mail or phone. I think it took me a couple of tries before I got a response. And if you book by the end of this month, they're having nearly 1/2 price special, so hurry up!!

We're having our ceremony at the Hilton Hawaiian Village's Ocean Crystal Chapel at 4pm, and most of our 30 or so guests will be staying there as well. I'm looking for a reception venue nearby, or within an hour or so (I guess we could rent a big trolley or something for transportation, but ideally the location would be as close to the Hawaiian Village as possible). I never felt I wanted one of those big ballroom receptions, but rather see myself in a really funky bar or lounge, cafe, restaurant, etc that's been set up with tables and dance floor and everything. I'm really open for any ideas, though not willing to spend an arm and a leg. Outside could work, but I'm worried it's rather chilly at night in March? If anyone has seen or heard of something unique, or has or is planning to do so, please advise!!!

Congratulations!!! I'd love to see photos and hear about what add-ons you liked and didn't like. Have a wonderful wedding!!!

I absolutely LOVE this venue (from what I've seen online anyway), but am having the hardest time finding anyone who has actually used it. When I google, all I find are advertisements from the management company, Best Bridal! Also, the Chapel is having a discount from $4500 to $2000 if booked by the end of May... is this type of promotion typical or some sort of warning that they are not popular or that I should push for better pricing? As for the Hawaiian Village itself, I've heard the good and the bad (too big and Also, the Chapel is having a discount from $4500 to $2000 if booked by the end of May... is this type of promotion typical or some sort of warning that they are not popular or that I should push for better pricing? Does anyone have experience to share about the chapel, gazebo, grounds, or Village? It would be much appreciated!! Ocean Crystal Chapel .:. Best Bridal Hawaii .:.

Hi all, I'm Heather and I'm new here, trying to educate myself about any and everything related to Hawaiian Destination Weddings!! I'm American and my fiance is Japanese, so we've got the added worries of needing bilingual vendors to support us and our guests. The first month of planning seemed overwhelming - just researching endlessly and not really making headway, but I think we've finally decided on Oahu for sake convenience. Recently I discovered and was really taken with the Ocean Crystal Chapel and Hilton Hawaiian Village, so that's the March 21, 2010 ceremony location (and accomodations) we're leaning to at this point. Accepting any advice and tips