Stephanie Wise

When working with couples and family through ceremony, the topic of lei naturally arises when speaking of Hawaiian traditions. In Hawaiʻi, a lei is not always just a decoration but a representation of intention made visible. They can serve as a gesture of welcome, celebration, sacrament, or recognition. Indeed, the Hawaiian proverb goes, "He lei poina ʻole ke keiki," translated to, "A beloved child is a lei never forgotten". While flowers are the most commercially known materials of lei, they...

If you're planning to tie the knot in Hawaiʻi, congratulations! Few places in the world offer such breathtaking beauty and deep cultural significance for your special day. The mana (spiritual energy) of these lands allows us to be hold space in intention and meaning during ceremony. Before you say “I do”, there are a few legal steps to complete. Thankfully, the process of obtaining a marriage license in Hawaiʻi is simple and stress-free. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you...

Agree on a general format with your fiancé. Do some research ahead of time. Google it. Understand the general idea of what you are each...