Your Cart is Empty
My Wedding Part I of II : Rasm-E-Mehndi Celebration
In July of 2019, I married my best friend, life partner and love, JP during a week long celebration that mainly took place in
Waikīkī. We kicked off the week with a few intimate family celebrations, but really got the party started with our mehndi party which took place on the Hau Terrace of the Halekulani Hotel in
Waikīkī.
Mehndi is a very important custom of Pakistani culture during wedding celebrations. Traditionally,
Mehndi (or henna as most of you might know it as) is intricately applied to the hands and feet of the bride as a symbol of various blessings, luck, joy, and love. I even had JP's name hidden in my mehndi designs.. another fun bridal tradition :).
Planning our many days of celebration was NOT easy, and my mom & I couldn't have done it without the guidance, support and love of Hawai'i Wedding Planner Mira Savara; a dear family friend who specializes in Indian / Pakistani wedding events.
I'd like to give a huge mahalo to all who made this day special for JP & I:
- Wedding Planner: Mira Savara
- Photographer: Ashley Goodwin
- Videographer: Pono Grace
- Location: Halekulani Hotel
- Clothes: Elan Bridal Syled by: Kamal Beverly Hills
- Hair & Make Up: Reveal Hair & Make Up
- Hair Florals: The Happy Haku
- Henna: Hau'oli Henna
- Nails: Thuy B. Nguyen
- Event Decor: Aloha Artisans
- 'ALOHA' Sign by Palm Palm Parties
- Custom Mendhi Sign by Letters & Dust
Mendhi Video by Pono Grace
Mehndi Photos by Ashley Goodwin
The Decor
Our
Mehndi celebration kicked off at the beautiful Halekulani Hotelin
Waikīkī. With many locations on site to choose from, we decided to host our guests on the Hau Terrace located right above the hotel's beautiful restaurant, House Without A Key, with breathtaking views of Diamond Head. We could not have asked for more beautiful weather for the evening.
Guests were greeted with an array of vibrant, colorful displays. With the support of Aloha Artisans, Hau Terrance was transformed into a magical setting perfect for a mehndi evening of dancing and love.
The Ceremony
Before guests arrived, we held a short but sweet private ceremony for family only officiated by our longtime friend (4th Dar sister!) Farzana Nayani. Mahalo Farzana for such a beautiful program that our family was able to enjoy.
Let The Party Begin!
As guest arrived, they enjoyed an incredible spread of food... I cannot begin to tell you how BOMB the food at Halekulani is. To everyone involved in preparing and serving our event, thank you so much for such a memorable menu of flavors!
The program of the evening included a grand entrance from the bride and groom, traditional blessings from aunties, and multiple dance numbers performed by the brides family!
Intimate Moments
Taken around the beautiful Halekulani Hotel, below are some of our favorite captures from Ashley Goodwin. We could not have asked for a better photographer for our wedding week. Ashley's ability to balance sweet moments with artistic direction is just.. no words. I still have no words to describe lol! Ashely, thank you so much for these beautiful photos. All captured on Portra 800 film... making you THAT much more BAD ASS.An extra special shoutout to Sabaa, owner of Kamal Beverly Hills, for guiding my thru the entire process of selecting my bridal clothes. I ended up choosing all my outfits from Elan Bridal, a beautiful Pakistani designer brand founded and lead by female powerhouse Khadijah Shah.
MAHALO!
(Please note, all photos are property of Shaiyanne Dar & John Wakayama Carey.
Use of images requires approval.)
3 Responses
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Aunti FRances
November 14, 2019
It was magical. Don and I just did a walk through of Halekulani so I could show him how breathtaking it all was in person. We hit all the spots while walking the hood. The pictures are stunning , bravo Ashley.