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Hawaii Destination Wedding: Custom Style 2382 Karlee + Sparkling Beading
When your very own Casablanca Bridal employees get married in a Casablanca custom creation, you know you’re doing something right! Nina chose to customize beautiful blush-toned Style 2382 Karlee by adding sparkling beading from Style 2334 Blakely & pearls from Style 2352 Lisette all over the swirling lace, lowering the back neckline, and accessorizing with a unique customization of our veil style 2320V, exchanging the lace to match her gown and adding even more beading!
Ready to get started customizing your very own dream Casablanca Bridal wedding dress? Input your ZIP code into the store finder and make an appointment with a retailer near you. Our retailers are certified experts in helping you make YOUR custom wedding dress vision come to life!
Photography: Sarah Zimmerman Photo | Store: Casablanca Bridal Flagship Store | Wedding Planner: Lissa Crighton with Eventures Hawaii & Weddings By Courtney Helaine | Catering Manager: Henry Fang with Four Seasons Oahu Weddings | Florist: Yvonne Design | Videographer: Jay and Mack Films | Rentals: Accel Event Rentals & Signature Maui | Makeup: Jolee Artistry | Hair: Reveal Hair and Makeup | Venue: Four Seasons Oahu | DJ: DJ Troy Michael
Describe your experience of saying “yes” to the dress!
I have been dreaming of this moment since I was a little girl and it was definitely a dream come true! I invited my Mother, Sister, Sister in Law, and two nieces to join me at the Casablanca Flagship Store. I had the pleasure of having the most wonderful Stylist Linda help me when trying on dresses. I had a few dresses already picked out and they also pulled a few for me.
Linda and the Casablanca Stylists were such a delight to work with! They definitely made my day extra special for me and were beyond attentive. After I said Yes to the Dress, I had special gifts made to ask my favorite ladies in attendance to be my Matron of Honor, Bridesmaid and Flower girls. It was truly a special day for me! We then ended the day with a toast of champagne!
Tell us your love story!
When it comes to talking about these moments… two things pop into my head: 1) Timing is everything and 2) When you know, you know.
We met over 10 years ago at a basketball game while I was cheering for a Pro Basketball Team. We were introduced by a mutual friend and from there our own friendship flourished. Throughout the years, we had always kept in touch. I had always heard he had a crush on me but he had never pursued anything over the last 10 years.
It wasn’t until almost 2 years ago when he had asked me out on a date. From there was the moment of what I never felt before… which was… wow, this is what true love feels like. I am the type of gal that loves that prince and princess fairytale dream love and he definitely fulfills that for me.
Fast forward to January 26, 2019, where I thought I was attending a dinner for my father’s company. My husband had planned every little detail to the max to keep me thrown off. He had everyone in my family in on it too – except for my mom! He had told me that he would not be able to make the dinner because he had to help his sister out (he even had his sister text him to throw me off!). I arrived to the dinner with my family and my sister asked me to take my 3-year-old niece to the restroom to distract me.
When I came out, my family was already “seated” and the front desk had told me they would take me to the table. They walked me outside and I thought maybe we were seated in a private outdoor area. However, I walked out and there was an entire pathway lit up with candles that led to my husband standing underneath a gazebo. He had candles, roses everywhere, Speechless by Dan and Shay playing in the background and a light up sign that said “Marry Me.” It was a fairy tale dream come true! He had my entire family and his hiding out to watch the entire thing. He even had a professional photographer there too! After, he had us all for dinner, custom cupcakes made and much more!
The highlight of this proposal was that my mom had no clue! He had her walk down the same path I did and he asked her for my hand in marriage moments before I came outside. To have him make it so special for me and also my mom – I couldn’t have said yes to a more perfect man!
What is your favorite thing about your husband?
His heart. I have never met man who has such a selfless, pure, and loving heart. He encourages me to be the best person I can be in this world.
What is your favorite moment from your wedding?
Everything! Each moment throughout the day had its reason of why it would be my favorite. Hearing my husband’s vows that he wrote before I became his wife was priceless. Another big moment, one that I have also dreamed of was my first look with my father and our first dance (I had our father/daughter song chosen ever since I was a young girl).
Do you have any advice to other brides?
Easier said than done, but breathe.. relax.. and soak up every moment because it truly does fly by! Take your time that you need and have a moment to yourself before you walk down the aisle because your life is about to change for the better. There is no right or wrong way when it comes to your wedding. Do what you and your husband love and enjoy your big day!
