Maui Bride, Dances

Jun 15
2011

 

 

 

Nothing Like a happy bride dancing on the beach after her wedding……

Wedding Traditions Of The Oceana’s

Oct 27
2010
Wedding Traditions Of The Oceana’s
Wedding traditions in the area of the world known as the Oceana region, which includes
Australia and New Zealand, are no different than any other country when it comes to their
wedding traditions. For many outsiders to this region, Australia and New Zealand are known for
their differences, such as the kangaroo, koala bear and the platypus. However, as you can see,
other than the Maori influence, this Oceana region of the world falls right in line with the rest of
the world and the bottom line for marriage, love.
Australia
Australia’ s many wedding traditions have been formed and followed from generation to
generation. In Australia, weddings have a proper way of being done and is expected to be
followed. In fact, much of life is also ‘ codified’ to a way of living down under.
- As part of a long standing tradition in Australia is the handing down of a family bible. Often
these bibles have been through many generations and are considered to be a family heirloom.
- Much of Australia’ s traditions come from England, as Australia was once ruled by England.
However, it is also not uncommon to have ceremonies to be that of Irish or Scottish decent.
- Although most Australian weddings are entrenched in church weddings, statistics are now
showing more and more ceremonies are now taking place outside the church.
- Tradition shows that weddings will include all of the bride and groom’ s family members.
Despite a wedding having its normal stresses, having the entire family can cause undue stress as
well. However, a wedding usually will trump family problems and those issues are set aside to
make this day a special one for the new couple.
- Australian weddings may include various traditions of other cultures, such as: the Greek’ s
linking ribbon coronets, which the bride will wear; India’ s horseback arrival carrying the groom
to the church; the Jewish drinking glass being stomped on; as well as sugared almonds that are
handed out to all the guests, which can be seen in many ceremonies throughout the world. In
addition to the almonds, raw nuts may also be given to wedding guests.
- Almonds and nuts generally symbolize fertility, but in some countries, such as Italy, it
represents good luck.
- A wedding reception in Australia is filled with a variety of music. It can range from the
Scottish bagpipes to traditional England to the United States brands of reception music. It may
also include the Aboriginal didgeridoo melodies.
- During the toasting at the reception, the best man has the duty of reading out to the audience
any letters, cards or other forms of written well-wishes on behalf of those who could not attend.
Often these messages are done playfully.
- At the reception, often ‘ I still call Australia Home’ and ‘ Waltzing Matilda’ will be played and
accompanied by singing and dancing.
- A good cake at your reception is the Lamington, which includes coconut on the outside, while
remaining light and tasty.
- Much like other countries, the new couple’ s car is often decorated. However in Australia it is
common to include a Barbie Doll dangling from the car and often adorned in the clothing in the
same manner as the bridesmaids.
New Zealand
- Old tradition has much of New Zealand’ s weddings taking place in a lavish church setting.
- A New Zealand wedding may take on many traditional aspects of the Maori customs; Maorians
are New Zealand’ s native people.
- Ceremonies that have the Maori influence often include the ‘ infinity loops’ . These loops are
placed over the necks of the couple, representing a never ending love; much like the wedding
ring.
- Another Maorian tradition is the warrior challenge and may also include the welcoming of the
new couple in a ceremony known as ‘ Powhiri’ .
- Despite the traditional church setting that New Zealand has been known for, New Zealand has
taken to more modern methods to marriage locations much like Australia. They may still decide
to go with the traditional church wedding, or now they also have the option of a civil wedding or
a registry office wedding.
- A civil wedding is often a private ceremony. It may take place in many other locations outside
the church setting. Perhaps the ceremony can take place at a park, or beach, or even at a home. In
any event, the setting may be different but the results are still the same.
- A registry office wedding is simply done at a government office, usually where the public
records are held at. It is short and to the point without the pomp and circumstance.

Thing to do on Maui

Jul 21
2010

Maui is a dream for the active traveler. It’s been consistently chosen as the best island in the world. There are so many things to do that you’ll never be able to do them all in just one visit. Here, however, are some starters with some inspiration from the Maui Visitors Bureau. 1. Attend a Luau Several hotels stage beachside luaus featuring Hawaiian foods such as kalua pig, cooked in an earthen oven, poi and haupia (coconut pudding), along with a buffet of more familiar foods. There is lots of Hawaiian music, hula, and even fire dancing. In Lahaina, on a specially built, open-air luau grounds next to the ocean, the Old Lahaina Luau is one of the finest luaus in the world, offering excellent Hawaiian food and entertainment in an unparalleled setting.

2. Bike

Few places are more friendly to bikers than Maui. It is possible to bicycle from the East End of the island at the Wailea Resort to Kapalua on the West End. Much of the ride is along a spectacular shoreline road. There are guided downhill bicycle tours down part of Haleakala, through the flower farms and small towns of Upcountry to the beach at Paia. In 38 miles, the elevation drops 10,000 feet. Bicycle rentals are available all over the island.

3. Dine

Maui is Hawaiʻi’s dining epicenter, with a restaurant for every taste. Maui has attracted enthusiastic chefs who make national headlines using fresh local produce from Upcountry farmers. From lavish hotel dining rooms to lunch counters serving plate lunches, Maui’s eateries are pleasing and diverse. Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Italian and Mexican are among the specialty restaurants. The pride of the island, Hawaii Regional Cuisine, is served at many award-winning restaurants.

4. Dive

Maui has some of the finest dive spots in Hawaii, with dozens of reputable operators. There are two marine conservation areas, one at Honolua Bay on West Maui and the other at Molokini, a partially submerged volcanic crater offshore at Wailea. Boats at Lahaina and Maʻalaea offer a number of dive and snorkel excursions. Glass bottom boats and a pleasure submarine open up the wonders to non-swimmers.

5. Drive

One of the world’s most scenic drives is located on Maui – the Hana Highway – with 54 bridges in 56 miles along a winding lava shore, through old plantation towns, past miles of beaches and through towering forests. A drive to the summit of Haleakala is also a must. Haleakala crater appears like the surface of an alien planet and the views of Maui from the summit are amazing. Car rentals are often included in hotel or airline packages

6. Hike

Walk into a rainforest echoing with the songs of birds found nowhere else on the planet. There are trails to waterfalls with plunge pools for swimming, and walks into valleys so deep they never see a sunrise or a sunset. There are trails into the dramatic lunar landscape of Haleakala crater. There are trails and nature walks for every level of skill. A free Maui Recreational Map is available from Maui’s Department of Land and Natural Resources.

8. Shop

The island abounds in galleries, international shops, designer boutiques and shopping malls. Many carry Maui specialty items and products unique to Hawaiʻi. These include hand-turned bowls and objects of beautiful native woods; hats woven of lau hala; hand painted resort fashions; and one-of-a-kind jewelry, glass work, and art. Lahaina is a shopper’s paradise. There is also a weekly swap meet in Kahului and numerous other craft fairs and farmer’s markets across the island.

9. Family Photos-

While your on Maui visiting, why not have your families portrait taken by Behind The Lens Maui. Nicole has a keen eye to capture you ans your family as you are naturally. Behind The Lens Maui has numerous and affordable packages to meet your needs.  There are also vacation documentary packages available as well. If you tired of having to drag you camera around to all the activities, Nicole can tag along and be your personal photographer during your visit on Maui.

A Maui Wedding

Jan 13
2010

Thinking of getting married this year in Maui?  How about a beach wedding or perhaps a secluded estate upcountry? If you need a good photographer who also have connections with meeting planners, florists, minister please give us a call. We can help you customize your wedding and photography needs. Check out our website:www.behindthelensmaui.com

Behind The Lens Maui

808. 205-2366

Ask for Nicole