Photographer Highlight-Steven Ryne Photography

The moment you slip on your wedding dress and realize that the time has come, it's your wedding day and in a few short moments you will be a married woman....your groom and his buddies trying to figure out how to tie loops, twists and turns into a presentable knot...your adorable flower girl biting her bottom lip trying so hard to sprinkle each petal as she's been taught for weeks...all moments that make up the most important day of your life. We all know how these moments are gone in a blink of an eye but can be captured forever by your wedding photographer. Steven of Steven Ryne Photography captures these special moments of your wedding day providing you with lasting images. His lifestyle photography utilizes the latest camera lenses and techniques providing you with a visual reminder of the love and bliss of your special day. Steven offers three packages tailored to your specific needs and an engagement session is included in all his packages. Check out this in-love couple's engagement session.

Can't you just feel the love in these fantastic photos!

I'll take one yellow pair and one pink pair please.

Capturing your first moments as husband and wife.

A Chicago native, Steven infuses sophistication, a little bit of fashion editorial style and training in the latest photographic techniques to capture your wedding in photos that you will delight in....forever.

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Happy Monday!

There's nothing like smiling turnips to get your week started off right.

Found here.

Enjoy your veggies!

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DIY Wedding Templates

The latest Martha Stewart Wedding magazine has hit the newsstands. I know because I saw it at the bookstore but I resisted picking it up because I know one day soon it will appear in my mailbox. I can then find a comfortable place to sit and devour it page by page. So while I patiently wait, I decided to check out the website. Cheating? Nah...just peaking! For those of you who haven't visited the website, you must! It is full of great ideas. For the DIY diva, Martha has a load of great free templates for the choosing.

Doesn't it make you want to grab your paper cutter and glue dots and go for it? Speaking of glue dots...aren't they the greatest adhesive invention? I still delight in them. Sometimes it's the simple things in life...

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Bicycle Built For Two

I’ve always been intrigued by bicycles built for two riders. They are somewhat of an oddity. Whenever I see one, which quite frankly is not very often, the same questions always arise. Does the back peddler really contribute to the movement of the bicycle? Why is the rear handlebar the same as the front handlebar if it is simply a place to hold on to and not a functioning steering mechanism? Is it possible to pop a wheelie on a bicycle built for two?

Photo by Brooke Dombroski

Daisy, Daisy,Give me your answer do!

I'm half crazy,All for the love of you!

It won't be a stylish marriage,I can't afford a carriage

But you'll look sweet upon the seat

Of a bicycle made for two.
by Harry Dacre 1892

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Bridal Bootcamp-Get Fit...Get Healthy...Get Married!

One thing I hear quite often from brides is their desire to "loose a few pounds" before their wedding. While I don't advocate dieting to fit into your gown, eating well and getting proper exercise can help make anyone feel better. So don't know where to begin? Bridal Bootcamp to the rescue! Ashley Weismantel is a certified trainer that provides a 6 week workout routine for brides that will target those common areas women struggle with. Her bridal bootcamp meets at 9:15 on Thursday mornings at Ala Moana Beach Park. There's nothing like working out while looking out at the beautiful Pacific Ocean!

Her workout routine includes resistance training, core work, cardiovascular, pilates, endurance and all over body toning.

I know that I am more motivated to workout when I have a workout buddy. Are some of your friends also getting married? With a minimum group of 3 and at the most 8, Ashely will start a bridal bootcamp starting off brides at the same time so you can cheer-on and encourage each other on your goal to a healthier you.

The 6 week bootcamp is $90 per person for the 6 weeks or $17 per class.

Contact Ashley Weismantel for more information.808.457.0807. Check out her certifications.

Certified NASM Personal Trainer

Certified Pilates Instructor

Certified SilverSneakers Instructor Level 1 & 2

Certified Group Instructor

Certified in Weight management

Certified SliverandFit Instructor

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Hawaii Beach Wedding Venue-Loulu Palm Estate

On a recent trip over to the North Shore, I had the privilege of meeting up with Scott, the manager of Loulu Palm Estate. This oceanfront wedding venue is fairly new on the wedding scene but getting rave reviews and for good reason. The sprawling manicured lawn stretches on and on towards the beach. Fronting the property is a well-maintained 1941 plantation home. Couples have exclusive use of a two bedroom wing of the house complete with a full bathroom, kitchen, living room and dining room. I love the charm of the main dressing room for the bride. It looks over the lawn and while the bride is getting ready she can peek out at her wedding unfolding before her eyes. A view from the master bedroom with the curtains open.
Couples have the choice of getting married on the lawn or on the beach and both are equally spectacular.
A view from the edge of the property and the lush lawn.

Men's and women's guest bathrooms are complete with vessel sinks and the newly enlarged parking area is available for up to 100 cars. These pictures barely due it justice. You have to check out the Loulu Palm Estate website to really see all that this beautiful North Shore venue has to offer.

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Creative Cakes-DIY

This time of year I always think about creating my world famous bunny cake. Well maybe it's not world famous but it ranks right up there with my family. I'll have to dig out a picture one of these days or better yet, break out the mixer and bake one again. While I was perusing Hostess {with the mostess} I came across these adorable cakes that brought back fond memories of many years of trying to create my own imaginative cakes.

You have to love a smiling monkey face!

It's cake, no it's fries, not it's cake! Could have fooled me!

I think I like it but the meatballs just throw me off.
This one is in honor of my hubby. His birthday is next month so I'll let you know how my version turns out.

Scarry but yummy!

One particularly busy year, I ran home to create a one-of-a-kind cake for my daughter. I can't even recall what it was suppose to be but after many mishaps all I could turn it into was a giant face with huge ponytails sticking out of each side of the head. We all laughed. It was really bad but hey, I tried.

Have fun making creative cakes but know when to call in the experts!

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"To Do" List-To Go

I picked up the latest issue of Real Simple magazine today. The cover grabbed my attention, "Back-to-basics cleaning: 78 easy ideas to make every room shine-fast". Did you catch that last word? Fast! That's my kind of cleaning. But I digress because before I could get to the,"cleaning of it all" (I stole that line from Niecy Nash from the t.v. show "Clean House"-get the theme?), I was captivated by the most clever,"should have thought of it first" organization tool I have ever seen. The "Task Mug". Yep, that's right a task list right on your mug. Are you the type to scribble your "to do" list on bits of paper and then leave it, loose it or throw it away? If sticky notes are not your thing then you must get this. Fast!

No excuses if you're not a coffee or tea drinker with the glass tumbler option below.

You can't forget to pick-up dog food, go to the dentist at noon, and pay the bills when you have it all written down right in front of you all day long. How perfect is that and environmentally friendly as well! Think of the busy bride who has a million things to do. It would make a perfect bridal shower gift or just a gift for yourself. Now if you think I am obsessive about lists, you're right, so no comments are required. You can be next in line after me to order your own ,"Write on Mug". You can find it here.

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Beach Wedding-North Shore of Oahu

The North Shore of Oahu is an absolutely spectacular location for an intimate Hawaiian beach wedding. Although it's a bit of a distance from Waikiki, the laid back feeling, the stretches of beach accented by dramatic lava rock and the jaw-dropping sunsets, make the travel time worthwhile. The ocean and rock make a perfect romantic backdrop and there's nothing quite as delicious as sinking your toes in the sand.

Gorgeous Corinne and Aaron Gold. Photography by Brooke Dombroski.

A perfect Hawaiian sunset for a perfect Hawaiian wedding.

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Candy Buffet-DIY

Candy buffets are all the rage at parties and weddings as a fun favor alternative. There are several great companies in Hawaii that can provide a candy buffet for you, bringing jars, containers, candy and even providing a buffet attendant. For the DIY diva, a scaled down version of the candy buffet is quite doable and actually really fun to setup. I recently created this candy buffet.
Top 3 photos by Corinne Gold.

1. Start with a theme, in this case, lemons and limes. You can choose color combinations that match the decor of your celebration or go with a theme such as nostalgic candies.
2. Explore your cupboards, borrow vases and dishes or check out your local second hand store. I scored the great green pedestal glass bowl for only $4.00!
3. Find candy in your color scheme. Many people asked if it was hard to find green and yellow candies. Not at all! In fact I could have gone crazy choosing all kinds of candies.
4. I found acrylic scoopers in various sizes from Complete Kitchen and all under $2.00.
5. Provide small plastic bags with labels (optional), twist ties or ribbons and a small sign inviting your guest to select their favorite sweets to take home.

Beautiful linens by Les Saisons.

Can you guess which candy was the most popular? The sour green apples by far!
Be a sugary sweet DIY Diva!

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Portraits with a Purpose-David Murphey

Here's an opportunity to help children with cancer. Photographer, David Murphey, shared this information..."On April 25 & 26, you can have a professional portrait taken of you and your family. The portrait sitting fee is $30.00.100% of the fee goes directly to the HCCF and is a tax deductible donation.You'll get a professional portrait session and 1 - 5X7" print from the event.

"Who can participate in the project?
Anyone who would like a professional portrait is welcome.This time of year is perfect for school or senior portraits for your keiki.If your business headshot needs to be updated for your company brochure or website, it's a great chance to do it now.And, don't forget a portrait with your whole family! "

For more information and to sign-up visit here.

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Emi Ink- Divine Damask Print Invitations

You don't have to look too hard lately to see that Damask patterns are showing up everywhere. Somehow the various designs of flowers, fruit, animals, paisley and swirls evoke both an old world charm and a modern vibe. It's not surprising that design conscious couples are incorporating the luxurious print into the theme and decor of their wedding. Stacey of Emi Ink recently shared some of her lovely damask invitation designs with me. "As you begin your selection process, remember that your invitations are the first glimpse that your guests will have of your special day. The design you select will not only help to set the mood of this once-in-a-lifetime event, but reflect your personal style and individuality."

Most Emi Ink invitations are priced between $6.00-$9.00 each depending on the complexity of the design. Prices include full printing and assembly of the invitation, response card, response envelope and outer envelope (with printed return address). Additional insert cards (map/directions, reception, etc.) can be designed for an additional fee. Emi Ink can help you bring luxury and sophistication into your invitation suite design.

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