Wendy and I spend a lot of time hiding behind cameras at weddings. It sorta goes with the job. This last Oahu Wedding Association meeting we got a chance to walk a mile (or a few runway lengths… I tend to over exaggerate) in the shoes of our Brides & Grooms. We got to play bride and groom, again, and get all made up to model some of Masako Formal’s wedding attire.
Not only did we get to rock a wicked tux and wedding dress, we had a chance to work with some of our fellow OWA members in a much more up close and personal role than we normally get. Wendy and I were both sized and dressed by the lovely staff at Masako Formals. This turned out to be a repeat for Wendy, since she actually bought her wedding dress from them a couple months back.
I was fitted for a silver Italian tux. It turns out that it is a very popular look for many of the Japanese weddings here. It further turns out – I don’t fit the normal Japanese sizes. No snag there though – they brought the tux to the back and was quickly back out with the tux adjusted to my size. Go go gadget tuxedo!
Not only did Wendy get to wear another beautiful wedding dress, she was pampered with makeup by Wendy Robin of Studio W of Honolulu. Now this part gets confusing – I have to describe Wendy Robin’s (the make up artist) work on Wendy Leslie (the wife). Wendy R. is an INCREDIBLY talented makeup artist and a wonderful person. She was trained in Hollywood, worked in paris for print photographers, and then came back to LA to do makeup for the stars. The list of people that she has worked with reads like the who’s who list of Hollywood – Matt Damon, Carmen Electra, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, James Earl Jones, Bernie Mac, Jack Black, and Jaime Pressly the just name a few. She has skills. Numbchuck skills, bowstaff skills… She has plenty of skills. Wendy R. did an airbrushing job for Wendy’s makeup. I lucked out and only got a quick powder. Ahhh the joys of being a man.
After all the prep, we had a BLAST walking down the runway in front of all of our peers in the industry. It was so much fun and I felt like the luckiest guy in the world to get to escort the most beautiful woman in the world down the catwalk. We were both lucky to have some of our wonderful photographer friends there to capture the whole shabang.
All in all it was a GREAT evening. It is always such a treat to hang out with so many amazing people. We are really blessed to work in this industry with these people. Millions of thank yous go out to OWA for the opportunity to dress up and party like its 1999… I mean 2009.
-E
Check out Geralyn’s cutting (it slices, it dices) hair-do, and Mona’s convertible Kimono -
Special thanks to Grant Gomes for snapping the below collage pics for us!
And to Eugene Kam for the below (yes ladies and gentlemen – that is my wifey! I’m a lucky guy!) -
Popular:
April 14th, 2009 in
Daily Shot of Love,
Engagements,
Events,
Hot! Wedding Ideas,
Locations,
News,
Resources,
Uncategorized,
Vendors,
Venues by
emansperger | tags:
Eric,
Formal,
Masako,
Oahu,
wedding,
Wendy |
4 Comments
Tanja and Stephan were so much fun to work with on their big day. With roots in Germany, this couple gathered at Haiku Gardens with many family and friends who flew half way around the world for their special day. Both Eric and I have German heritage and got some coaching from our German relatives on how to pronounce the German word for “Congratulations.” They really make it sound effortless, but Eric and I just could not get it right. But, hey, we tried!
Congrats to this cute couple and thanks for the fun time!
Popular:
April 10th, 2009 in
Engagements,
Events,
Hot! Wedding Ideas,
Locations,
Resources,
Uncategorized,
Venues,
Weddings by
wleslie | tags:
Bouquet,
ceremony,
Chapel,
Destination,
Dress,
Gazebo,
Haiku Gardens,
Reception,
wedding |
No Comments
There is a Japanese tradition that a wedding gift of one thousand folded paper cranes will grant the bride and groom a lifetime of good luck and prosperity. Keiko and Clarence were fortunate enough to have a loving guest fold a thousand paper cranes for their big day.
Read the rest of this entry »
Popular:
March 28th, 2009 in
Engagements,
Events,
Hot! Wedding Ideas,
Locations,
Venues,
Weddings by
wleslie | tags:
ceremony,
Haiku Gardens,
hawaii,
Oahu,
paper cranes,
photography,
wedding |
No Comments
Celeste and Joseph were married at an intimate ceremony on the most appropriate day of the year, Valentine’s Day! We had a great time with this lovely couple who actually also met each other in our hometown of San Jose, California! As much as we love it here in Hawaii, it is always nice to reminisce about our favorite spots in the Bay Area.
Celeste and Joseph were joined by their two beautiful daughters as well as close family and friends for a beautiful reception at Haiku Gardens & Haleiwa Joe’s.
Our thanks to Celeste and Joseph for involving us in their Valentine’s Day wedding!
Popular:
March 17th, 2009 in
Engagements,
Events,
Hot! Wedding Ideas,
Locations,
Venues,
Weddings by
wleslie | tags:
cermony,
Haiku Gardens,
Haleiwa Joe's,
hawaii,
Kaneohe,
Oahu,
photography,
Reception,
Valentines Day,
wedding |
No Comments
If you live in Oahu and have not been by the Wedding Cafe yet, you absolutely must! This dual purpose cafe combines yummy drinks and treats with a plethora of wedding planning resources. You can browse through tons of Bridal Magazines, local wedding photographer’s albums, venue information and more. Let me tell you, if I had been able to come to the Wedding Cafe early on in our wedding planning, it would have saved me tons of hours of searching for good magazines, books, and contacts.
Not only do they offer all of these resources, but they also offer weekly workshops on every aspect of wedding planning: Budget and time lines, hair and makeup, florists, photographers, etc. Eric and I rushed over from shooting the Special Olympics Punt Pass and Kick with the NFL Pro Bowl Players (including Eli & Peyton Manning!) to attend the workshop on Tabletop and Decor. The room was absolutely packed with soon-to-be brides and some soon-to-be hubbys too!
The professional panel gave advice on what to consider when picking out floral arrangements and decor. One of my favorite tips was to ask for organically grown flowers to accent the cake to prevent any pesticides from making their way onto your wedding cake! Eric and I are always looking for “green wedding” tips and loved Debbie Hemingway’s suggestion to use live plants as centerpieces that can be planted after the wedding instead of just thrown out like other flowers.
So, in closing, as I pass out from a busy busy week…. Check out the Wedding Cafe at Ward Center and learn all about weddings and local resources. GI Joe put it best: “And knowing is half the battle!”
Here are some photographs of the lovely floral and decor displays by the following companies:
Designs by Hemingway (photo directly below)
Floral Inspirations
My Florist
Passion Roots
Spinning WEB
Su-V Expressions
(photo collage of these displays directly below)
Popular:
February 6th, 2009 in
Events,
News,
Resources by
wleslie | tags:
Bride,
Floral Decor,
Flowers,
Oahu,
Photographer,
Planning,
Tabletop,
wedding |
No Comments
We absolutely love doing engagement photo sessions and this couple are the perfect example why we do! We met up with Ann and Sam, who are both Army Emergency Room nurses, on the Northshore of Oahu at Sunset Beach to find the beach fairly empty and the waves with a high swell. This adventurous couple marched up and down the beach, braved the waves, and played on the reef. I got so wrapped up in taking pictures that I lost my sandals about half way through the shoot. We found one of them, but I think we sacrificed the other to the ocean. Ann and Sam were down to try anything for a great picture. We think their hard work paid off! Thank you Ann and Sam for a lovely day at sunset beach!
Contact us for help with your Oahu Engagement or if you are looking for a Wedding Photographer in Hawaii
Popular:
January 28th, 2009 in
Engagements,
Venues by
wleslie | tags:
Engagement portrait session,
hawaii,
Military,
Northshore,
Oahu,
Photographer,
sand,
Sunset Beach,
waves,
wedding |
1 Comment
Located on the North Shore of Oahu, Loulu Palm Estate offers what few other wedding venues in Oahu can: a spacious lawn, peaceful atmosphere, private beach, plantation style home, and beautiful landscaping with tropical plants and palm trees. Just a stones throw from world famous surf spot, Sunset Beach, Loulu Palm Estate has a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean from its mile long stretch of private beach. If you and your wedding planner can dream it up, it can be done at the expansive lawn and beach at Loulu Palm Estate.
Loulu Palm Estate is an escape from the high rise hotels, tourist traffic, and city lights of Honolulu. This wedding venue is perfect for brides seeking an intimate, beachfront, completely personalized wedding.
We were introduced to this private estate recently when we were asked to photograph Loulu Palm Estate. The wedding was gorgeous! The decor and floral arrangements were done by Yvonne Event Floral and Decor in coordination with wedding and event planner Sandra at Finishing Touch. Music was provided by the very entertaining DJ Troy Michael.
Please contact this Oahu Wedding Venue for more information:
Loulu Palm Estate
Location: Oahu (North shore)
Phone: 808-744-7211
Website: http://www.loulupalm.com
Please contact us at L’Amour Photography for availability to photograph your Oahu destination wedding.
Popular:
January 14th, 2009 in
Venues,
Weddings by
wleslie | tags:
Destination,
DJ,
Floral,
Lighting,
Loulu Palm Estate,
North Shore,
Oahu,
Photographer,
Private Beach,
Reception,
Tent,
wedding |
No Comments
We are excited to share some happy news with you all. Leslie Mansperger Photography has been awarded the title of “Best of 2008″ from OneWed.com. We are the only wedding photographer from the state of Hawaii to be given this rating which is a huge honor considering how many amazing photographers are on these islands! Thanks to our happy customers who submitted ratings and reviews of their experience with us on OneWed.com, we have receieved this ranking on the growing wedding resource website.
We are always happy to hear back from our clients, so keep those comments coming! We want to thank all of you that have written us or voted for us on OneWed.com. Mucho Mahalo and thank you very much!
Old world elegance and classic Hawaiian soul meet at Bayer Estate. Dating back to the 1930′s, this historical property offers a wedding atmosphere unparalleled by others in Oahu. This wedding venue would perfectly suit a bride who wants a private wedding with elegance and charm. For an Oahu Wedding Photographer, the Bayer Estate is paradise!
Just east of Diamond Head in the Aina Haina area, Bayer Estate is a retreat from the more metropolitan areas centered around Waikiki Beach. Rental of this property allows exclusive use of the entire property, including the 2 story Craftsman style home and the ocean front garden. Wedding receptions at Bayer Estate stand out amongst others with antique glassware, hand painted heirloom china, and fresh floral arrangements. If your dream wedding can be described in two words, “classic and sophisticated,” this may be the perfect wedding location for you!
Here are some images that Oahu Wedding Photographers, L’Amour Photography, shoot at some recent weddings held at the beautiful Bayer Estate in Honolulu
For more information on this destination wedding venue, please contact the Bayer Estate:
Bayer Estate
5329 Kalanianaole Hwy, Honolulu, Hawaii 96821
Phone: (808) 377-9359
Website: http://www.bayerestate.com/
Please contact us at L’Amour Photography for availability to be your Oahu wedding photographers.
Popular:
December 9th, 2008 in
Events,
News,
Slideshows,
Vendors,
Venues by
wleslie | tags:
Bayer Estate,
ceremony,
Classic,
Historical,
Oahu,
Photographer,
Reception,
Venue,
wedding |
5 Comments
Tiki Bar and Grill is located right in the middle of all of the action on Waikiki Beach in Oahu. This popular open-air bar and grill over looks the Waikiki Beach walk from the second floor of the ResortQuest Waikiki Beach Hotel. Whether you are planning a private reception, rehearsal dinner, or looking for a wedding venue with stunning highrise views of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach, Tiki Bar and Grill offers delicious food, amazing drinks, and a lively Hawaiian atmosphere.
Tiki’s Grill and Bar has four areas that can be reserved for private parties and serve as the perfect setting for a rehearsal dinner or wedding reception. The Lava Tube, Hina’s Lanai and Ocean Room are great areas for smaller parties featuring plenty of ocean breezes and true South Pacific decor. For larger parties, the Coconut Club sits atop the ResortQuest Waikiki Beach Hotel on the 21st floor with amazing views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. AND, if you have your wedding reception or private party on a Friday night, you can also catch the Hilton Hawaiian Village‘s weekly fireworks show from the Coconut Club’s expansive lanai.
Please contact this Waikiki Beach venue for private parites, rehearsal dinners or wedding receptions:
Tiki’s Bar and Grill
Location: 2570 Kalakaua Ave. Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
Phone: 808-923-8454
Website: http://www.tikisgrill.com
Please contact us at L’Amour Photography regarding availability for your Waikiki Beach Wedding
Popular:
December 9th, 2008 in
News,
Slideshows,
Vendors,
Venues by
wleslie | tags:
Diamond Head,
hawaii,
Honolulu,
Oahu,
Reception,
Tiki's Grill and Bar,
Venue,
Waikiki,
wedding |
No Comments
Located on the Winward side of Oahu, Luana Hills Country Club is nestled under the Ko’olau Mountains in Kailua. Perfectly manicured greens and a beautiful club house make this venue ideal for brides and grooms who want to be surrounded by lush green vegetation for their ceremony. Read the rest of this entry »
Popular:
December 9th, 2008 in
Events,
News,
Resources,
Vendors,
Venues by
wleslie | tags:
ceremony,
Golf,
Kailua,
Luana Hills Country Club,
Oahu,
Photographer,
Reception,
wedding |
No Comments
Paradise Cove is not only one of the most popular places for an authentic and entertaining Hawaiian Luau, it is also a great place to have your wedding! Situated on 12 acres on the West coast, or the Leeward side of Oahu, Paradise Cove is a getaway from the more metropolitan Honolulu and Waikiki area. This wedding venue features private beaches, delicious food, entertainment, and gorgeous landscaping and vegetation, not to mention one of the best sunsets on Oahu. Read the rest of this entry »
Popular:
December 9th, 2008 in
Events,
News,
Resources,
Vendors,
Venues by
emansperger | tags:
Beach,
ceremony,
Lawn,
Luau,
Oahu,
Paradise Cove,
Photographer,
Reception,
wedding,
West |
No Comments
The Diamond Head Anela Garden Chapel in Honolulu Oahu is a non-denominational chapel accommodating couples from around the world each year. Accommodating up to 100 guests, this quaint chapel is lined with beautiful English stained glass windows that light your way down the isle.
With three reception rooms in the Guest House and expert japanese chefs catering the meals, you can be sure that you will have a Hawaiian wedding you and your guests will never forget! AND, for you local Honolulu birdes and grooms-to-be, the Diamond Head Anela Garden offers special wedding packages just for Kamaiana! If a beautiful chapel, 30,000 square feet of gardens, and a guest house aren’t enough, the Diamond Head Anela Chapel can also help you find your dream wedding dress (or tuxedo) at their bridal salon, Naoco Wedding. That is what I call a complete package!
If you are interested in more information about the Diamond Head Anela Garde, please contact this wedding venue:
Diamond Head Anela Garden
Location: 3050 Monsarrat Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: 808-735-5500
Website: http://www.kuraudia.com/ag/chapel/index.html
Please contact us at L’Amour Photography for availability to photograph your Honolulu wedding.
Popular:
December 9th, 2008 in
Events,
News,
Resources,
Vendors,
Venues by
emansperger | tags:
Chapel,
Diamond Head Anela Garden,
Dress,
guest house,
Honolulu,
Oahu,
Photographer,
recemony,
Reception,
Venue,
wedding |
No Comments
Hale Koa Hotel is an exclusive first class resort in Honolulu Oahu catering to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. You either have to BE someone (presently in the military or be a veteran) or KNOW someone (in your immediate family who served). With Oahu hosting multiple military bases including Schofield Barracks, Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Base, Bellows Air Force Station, Fort Shafter, Hickam Air Force Base, and Pearl Harbor Naval Base, there is no question why this resort is so popular! A resort exclusively for you and your loved ones, that’s nothing to pass up! Read the rest of this entry »
Popular:
December 8th, 2008 in
Events,
News,
Resources,
Vendors,
Venues by
wleslie | tags:
Cake,
ceremony,
Hale Koa Hotel,
Honolulu,
Military,
Oahu,
Photographer,
Reception,
Waikiki,
wedding |
No Comments
The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel offers gorgeous views, a backdrop of Daimond Head, and a hint of Japanese stlye to any wedding ceremony or reception. Whether you are looking for a venue with some Japanese flare or simply a gorgeous setting with delicious food, the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel is worth checking out. Read the rest of this entry »
December 8th, 2008 in
Events,
News,
Resources,
Vendors,
Venues by
emansperger | tags:
ceremony,
Honolulu,
Japanese,
Kaimana Beach Hotel,
New Otani,
Oahu,
Photographer,
Reception,
Venue,
wedding |
No Comments
