A local girl picks Kaua‘i for her wedding
The Bride: Jennifer Marie Aelia Tavares, Doctor of Physical Therapy
The Groom: Jesse Roger Pasag, Doctor of Physical Therapy
The Date: Aug. 30, 2008
• How did you two meet? We met at a National PT conference in New Orleans.
• What made you choose Kaua‘i as your wedding location?
We chose Kauai because it is home for me. My fiance is from LA so we thought it would be a great destination/vacation for his family.
• Where specifically on Kaua‘i are you looking to get married at?
We were looking for beach front property that could accomodate a guest list of about 300 people. We ended up at the Princeville hotel. Since it will be a vacation for my fiance’s family, I wanted a different venue for my family as well. Most of them will be traveling from the Westside and I wanted it to be a mini vacation for them as well. In this case it will be neutral ground for both sides of the family.
• What about that location made you want to be married there?
The view. We want to end our day with sunset pictures.
• Where specifically on Kaua‘i are you having the reception?
We are having the reception also at the Princeville Resort in the Grand Ballroom. I don’t like the idea of having to drive to another location for the reception. I want our guests to enjoy themselves once they arrive and take their time.
• What about that location made you want to celebrate there?
The Princeville hotel is very accommodating and has several locations reserved for us for our special day.
• About how many people will be attending?
300
• How far in advance before the wedding will you travel to Kaua‘i?
At least one week prior to take care of any last minute details and to spend time with my family.
• Who will be helping you plan your wedding?
Each hotel provides you a coordinator. I heard excellent comments about Jennifer Vanderlann who is the Princeville wedding coordinator. In addition to her help, my fiance is a great help and we are both actively involved in our wedding planning.
• Are you doing it all on your own?
The hotel provides a list of preferred vendors which make the selection process easier. Financially, we are paying most of the budget. The price of the food will be split three ways between our families for those guests that our parents want to invite.
• Are you hiring a wedding coordinator?
Yes.
About the wedding:
• Is there a theme for the wedding?
We are trying to go for simple Hawaiian elegance.
• What are your colors?
Our color theme goes with the multi colored plumerias and using very soft and warm pastels. Each girl will wear a different colored dress to go with their skin tone.
• What type of flowers are you going to select?
Flowers include: orchids, roses, tuberoses and gardenias.
• Will you use leis? If so, how will you incorporate them into the ceremony or reception?
We plan to use leis for our groomsmen, parents, and those truly dear to us.
• Will you be following any family traditions? If so, what are they?
We are doing a Filipino tradition and possible lei exchange for our parents. We are trying to make our ceremony traditional yet unique to us, by having our friends and family participate.
• Do you think you will write your own wedding vows?
We are also doing traditional vows but will end them by saying a few special words for each other.
• What’s left on your to-do list?
We have a lot still to do and too much to describe. We have a checklist that we try to review monthly provided by the knot.com.
• What about the wedding are you most looking forward to?
The best part that I am looking foward to is the entire day especially saying those sacred vows in front our families and be in a great location. I can’t wait to marry my fiance but have both of our families together in one place.
• What piece of advice would you give a bride who is looking to get married on Kaua‘i?
The best advice that I can give another bride would be to keep God in the center of your relationship regardless of your religious preferences, family backgrounds, and opinions.