11/03/10, 21:42:15 EST

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Affordable Hawaii Weddings ALOHA Style

www.hawaiiculturalconnection.com

Sometimes the best things come in small packages…or are unknown to the masses. Both are true when it comes to having a truly unique and authentic cultural Hawaiian wedding. For several years, the cultural team of Kahu Kauila Clark and cultural specialist Ho’o Imi O Oia Io have joined forces offering brides and grooms an alternative to the traditional wedding ceremony.

“Our Hawaiian wedding ceremony is based on the tenets and lifestyle of ALOHA,” said Kahu Clark...the state licensed officiate, cultural teacher, and Hawaiian wellness practitioner. “When you break down the word ALOHA into its many parts – the A-L-O-H-A – they represent a particular lifestyle that one chooses to live. These underlying meanings offer an incredibly potent and unique approach to the vows a couple makes to one another as they approach the path of becoming husband and wife.”
While the ALOHA wedding ceremony is steeped in cultural tradition – including the wrapping of the maile lei around the intended’s wrists as a symbol of their commitment – the couple may choose to also include more of the western traditional ceremonial aspects into their wedding, such as exchanging wedding rings, having biblical readings, and vow exchange. Cultural additions may include local musicians and mele (song), hula, and the wearing of Hawaiian flowers as an adornment.
Cultural practitioner, Ho`o Imi, adds: “The beauty in the ALOHA wedding ceremony is that it’s based on cultural understandings and is not religious. However, it also lends itself to embracing other religious traditions that the couple may wish to integrate into their special day. Last year, we had the honor of creating an ALOHA ceremony that also honored both the Catholic and Jewish faiths. Somehow, the essence of this beautiful ceremony seems to be a fit for all wanting to experience the essence of the Hawaiian culture while honoring their respective beliefs.”
For more information on how YOU, or someone you know, can experience this unique ceremony keep watch for the launch of the new company that Kahu Clark and Ho`o Imi are launching: www.Hawaiisculturalconnection.com . In the interim, if you wish more information, contact Dmoreland@hawaii.rr.com.

 Printable Version  | published May 23, 2009