Erika and David Ellis • Dearborn Heights, Michigan • Hawaii Beach Wedding

November 19th, 2010

Hello Captain Howie and all the Gang!

We just wanted to say Hello and tell you how pleased we are with the pictures we received from our wedding on October 6. We were very impressed and can’t believe how beautiful it is there. The Hobbit House, Pukalani Falls Gardens, Angels Bay Beach… everything! We especially appreciate how helpful and friendly you all are. Thank you for the wonderful memories!  Below is a testimonial for us to share with others for your website. God Bless!
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On October 6, 2010, my husband and I were married at the beautiful Angels Bay and Pukalani Falls and everything was absolutely wonderful. It was a dream come true to get married on a pristine beach and experience Captain Howie’s beautiful Hobbit House and Pukalani Falls Garden. My daisy bouquet and my husband’s lei were gorgeous. Jodi, Chrissy and Captain Howie were all very helpful and patient while we were planning the wedding and making the final decisions. They made us feel at home from the moment we arrived. Also, the photographer was very personable which made us feel at ease while taking pictures.

Since this was our first time in Hawaii, everyone provided recommendations for restaurants and places to go that weren’t touristy or expensive. All the places they recommended turned out to be perfect. We were very impressed and moved by our ceremony. It was highly personalized and genuinely done. If you are looking for a nice quiet Hawaii beach wedding venue in paradise, without all the stress that typically comes with big weddings, this is the place for you!

Mahalo to all!

Erika & Dave Ellis
Married – October 6th 2010

Angela and Russell Pratt • Nashua, New Hampshire • Hawaii Destination Wedding Packages

November 8th, 2010

Aloha Captain Howie and the Gang,

It all started in July when we decided to do investigate Hawaii destination wedding packages. With the interest of combining our wedding, honeymoon and vacation, we did a lot of research on the internet to see what was available out there.  We looked at hundreds of sights and when we came upon yours “Above Heaven’s Gate” we got a tranquil feeling, and also fell in love with the photos. After a few days of deliberation, we finally decided to contact Captain Howie and ask questions regarding availability and the specific package we were interested in.  On the first contact, the ease of decision making was so simple, and the support we received was very calm and met all our expectations.  Within 25 minutes we had all the plans made and the stress relief of planning a huge wedding was lifted off our shoulders. We couldn’t have asked for better service, especially considering we are in New Hampshire with a 6-hour time difference.

On our wedding day, our experience started at 11:00 am and was absolutely amazing.  Everything was on time starting with the hair and makeup. Our makeup artist, Wade, was a true master. I was awestruck when I saw my wife for the first time. She was so beautiful, I fell in love with her all over again.

The limo service was also much greater than expected and the kids really loved the ride.  When we arrived for our Hawaii sunset wedding at Pirates Cove, we were greeted with smiles, introductions, and all the flowers that were part of the ceremony.  Again the expectations and experience was superb and we couldn’t have asked for anything more.  The photographer and videographer were wonderful.  They orchestrated everything so we would get the best possible photographs in accordance with the setting of the sun etc. Like everything else, it was absolutely hassle free.  I just have to say that the whole experience from start to finish was totally awesome.  When we received oor pictures and video back home, we were blown away. They allow us to relive the entire experience whenever we want.

In closing we would like to highly recommend to anyone considering Hawaii destination wedding packages to considered using the services of Captain Howie and his staff.  You will definitely be in good hands.

Mahalo

Russ and Angela Pratt

Cheryl & Jim Funk • Missouri Valley, Iowa • Waikiki Wedding Planner

October 22nd, 2010

Aloha Captain Howie, Jodi, & Chrissy,

We just wanted to send a note to express our thanks for the wonderful experience we had with our wedding at Above Heaven’s Gate. From the minute we began searching for the right Oahu or Waikiki wedding planner to get married in Hawaii and found your website, we were immediately excited. We continued to look a little more, not wanting to
settle until we had looked at all our options, but couldn’t find anything other than you folks that intrigued us. We made the call, spoke with Jodi, and again, immediately felt a connection. We set the date, and never worried about it again until it was time to select our flowers and our photo package.

We arrived in Hawaii the day before we got married. Chrissy called and verified I knew how to get our location at Pukalani Falls Gardens and provide directions. We arrived at
the Hobbit house in time to have Wade apply my makeup and style my hair. Captain Howie’s wife, Deva, checked in on us regularly. We met Jodie, Chrissy, & Captain Howie, & your beautiful parrot Rueben.

Then it was off with Fernando for pictures. I can’t tell you how much we enjoyed our day at your amazingly beautiful place. I smiled, laughed, and cried the whole day. From the minute we arrived we were comfortable and felt we were amongst family or long time friends. Everyone was wonderful. We want to thank each and every one of you. Jodie, I enjoyed talking with you about back home where you once lived and still have family. Chrissy, thank you for your restaurant suggestion at Haleiwa Joe’s. We enjoyed a breathtaking drive and an excellent meal. Fernando, the pictures are beautiful and you are a wealth of knowledge on all topics. Wade, thank you for making me look and feel
pretty. I thought of you when we went and tried some pineapple wine at Tedeschi Vineyards in Maui. Capt. Howie, you touched our hearts with your deep inspiration. Based on the length of time you blew into the conch shell I know we will enjoy a long life and marriage together!

With warmest of wishes,

Cheryl & Jim Funk
Married  – September 9th 2010

Giovanna & Jon Stavola • Middle Village, New York • Hawaiian Wedding Planners

October 17th, 2010

Aloha Above Heavens Gate,

Jon and I would like to say “Mahalo” many times!! Chrissy and Jodi were amazing Hawaiian weddings planners!! They made us feel right at home and very comfortable. We communicated through e-mails exactly what we were looking for, and what we received was above and beyond what we had expected.

Wade was wonderful!! I was looking for a specific look for my makeup and I got even better!! My up-do was so perfect and it stayed the whole night!!

Fernando is an amazing photographer with great vision. Our pictures turned out absolutely beautiful and truly unique.

And finally, dearest Captain Howie, made our wedding ceremony very special and totally personalized as well. We will never forget the nautical wedding vows Captain Howie gave us.

Admiral Giovanna and Captain Jon are sailing on the calm seas of love!!

To Captain Howie and his marvelous crew, we say, “ Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Aloha,
Giovanna & Jon
married – September 27th 2010

Judy and Ken Marquez • Costa Mesa, California • Waimanalo Bay Beach Park

October 16th, 2010

Aloha, Above Heaven’s Gate!!

We wanted to share with you that from the moment we stepped onto the beautiful beach at Waimanalo Bay Beach Park (Angels Bay) , we knew we had made the right choice in choosing Above Heaven’s Gate. The view was breathtaking! Our guests were also spellbound by the beauty of the area.

Our wedding ceremony and vows were beautiful. We have listened to them several times already, and shared them with friends and family. Reverend Rich had everyone laughing and at ease from the moment the ceremony started. The vows were very touching, and we are reminded each time we listen to them… of the day and the love that surrounded us.

We absolutely love our photos and couldn’t be happier!! They’re gorgeous! We are reminded again, looking at the pictures, and listening to our vows, how much fun we had. Everyone thought the pictures were beautiful, and we’ve even gotten comments from one friend that they’ll think of Above Heaven’s Gate when they want to renew their vows.

We are very pleased with the service you provided us, making our wedding memorable. Our Hawaiian wedding exceeded our wildest expectations – you truly made our day very special, one that we will remember the rest of our lives.

Mahalo!
Ken and Judy Marquez

Married – September 2nd 2010

Kim and Boris Sigwalt • Arlington, Virginia • Hawaii Destination Wedding on Oahu

October 12th, 2010

Dear Captain Howie, Chrissy, Jodi & Deva,

We would like to take the time to personally thank each of you for making our wedding both an amazing and truly unforgettable experience.  When my husband and I first got engaged, we knew that we would need help translating our dream destination wedding in Hawaii plans into reality.  Generic Internet searches listed so many different vendors. We felt that it would be hard to find one that was reliable, reputable and would understand the kind of memorable experience we were looking. Thankfully we found Captain Howie’s website.  From our first email exchange with Chrissy & Captain Howie in February 2010, we felt we had found a company that would help make our wedding dreams into reality with a beautiful afternoon Hawaiian beach wedding on a white sand beach.  Their professional and friendly attitudes made it very easy to work with them and they were always willing to accommodate changes (number of guests, guest leis, wedding cake, etc.) that would allow us to have our dream wedding in Hawaii.

When our wedding day arrived, Jodi & Deva greeted us very warmly and invited us to the guest cottage to get ready before the ceremony.  Our make-up artist, Wade, did an excellent job our hair and make-up for me, my mother, and two bridesmaids… and he made us look amazing.  The wedding ceremony site at Angels Bay was beautiful and definitely exceeded our wildest expectations.  Our guests kept exclaiming that it was “breathtaking” and that they “had never seen anything like it” before.  My husband and I appreciated that Captain Howie’s ceremonies are not scripted, and we felt that our ceremony was very heartfelt and touching.  We loved the conch shell blowing at the start of the ceremony and the music played by both Captain Howie and our musician throughout the ceremony.

After the ceremony, we went back to Pukalani Falls and Captain Howie’s Hobbit House for portraits. His private garden is absolutely gorgeous, complete with a waterfall, fountains, many flowering trees and parrots.  This lush landscape made a beautiful backdrop for our photographer’s photos and we were able to capture our moments both beachside and in the gardens for some truly unique Hawaiian wedding photos.

We would highly recommend Above Heaven’s Gate to anyone that is planning a Hawaii destination wedding on O’ahu and is looking for something beautiful, memorable and unique.  Angels Bay Beach (also called Waimanalo Bay), provided the perfect backdrop for us to begin our lives together and we are truly grateful for the expert guidance provided by Captain Howie and his wonderful team, from start to finish.

Mahalo and Aloha!
Kim and Boris
Married – September 23rd 2010

Lisa Wilcox and Tanya Hawkins • Everett, Washington • Committment Ceremony in Hawaii

October 10th, 2010

Dear Captain Howie and his amazing team at Above Heaven’s Gate,

There are not enough words in the English language to express the thanks and gratitude for everything you did to make our Hawaiian commitment ceremony so special. Please know it was an unbelievable moment to remember and we will think of you all fondly whenever we think back on our magical day.

We highly recommend you to any couples considering a commitment ceremony in Hawaii!

Mahalo and much Love,

Married – September 10th 2010

Eternally,
Lisa and Tanya

Carra and Sam Dedusevis • Fort Wort, Texas • Hawaii Destination Wedding

October 5th, 2010

Hello everyone at Above Heavens Gate,

Sam and I would like to thank you all for helping us have the perfect Hawaiian wedding. I was a little reluctant to have a Hawaii destination wedding but Jodi was awesome at calming my fears. She answered all of my questions and made me feel as though she cared as much about my big day as I did. You guys made planning our wedding simple – even when I was trying to make it difficult.

As far as the actual wedding day and ceremony, we could not have asked for a more perfect Hawaiian sunrise wedding. Part of my reluctance about getting married in Hawaii was that we really didn’t want the standard “cookie cutter” wedding we are all so used to. Much to the contrary, Captain Howie and the whole team really made it into something totally meaningful and natural rather than putting on a “show” for our family and guests. It was so easy and natural with no rehearsing involved.

My hair and makeup turned out much better than I had ever imagined. I didn’t end up with big Texas hair. Our photographer made us feel very comfortable and made taking pictures fun. The pictures turned out amazing, and the “Digital Botox” was the greatest thing EVER!

Captain Howie made many very inspirational comments during the ceremony and really brought out the true purpose of marriage. He totally personalized his words to inspire deep meaning in our individual lives. We thank you all so much for everything. You helped turn our special day into memories that will last a lifetime.

Carra and Sam
Married September 21st 2010

Lisa and Raul Rico • Orting Washington • Hawaiian Wedding Planners

September 22nd, 2010

Hello everyone at Above Heaven’s Gate,

Lisa and I just wanted to thank you for the lovely experience. Our wedding day will truly always be a special time. Your wedding location, Angels Bay, was so unbelievably beautiful that we went back multiple times to enjoy the scenery and seclusion. We really love our photos and the copper fire torches really made the scene pop. Captain Howie is truly a special person and extremely evolved and outgoing. He with his team make sure things totally are perfect.

Thanks Captain Howie! We will always hold place in out heart for you. I definitely would recommend you’re services as Hawaiian wedding planners in to anyone whom wants a nice specialized unique “one of kind wedding”.

Aloha from Lisa and Raul

Vanessa and Darcy Woods • Rocanville, Canada • Short Notice Hawaii Wedding (four days)

September 21st, 2010

Aloha Captain Howie and crew!

We just wanted to send our most heartfelt thank you to you all, everyone we talk to about “Short Notice Hawaii Wedding” (only four days) is amazed that it actually turned out so NICE! You were able to work so fast and take the stress out of planning a wedding. You  made our wedding day a day of relaxation and pure joy rather than the normal: stress, stress and more stress! We would HIGHLY recommend (and have highly recommended already) you to anyone looking for the “easy way out” in planning their wedding. I would not have had it any other way!

Every one of our married friends are very jealous of our beautiful pictures and how perfect our wedding truly was. Our Hawaiian wedding video brings tears to the eyes of our loved ones, and most importantly Darcy and I. We can reflect on our wedding day with an appreciation of how perfect it was, thanks to you! It was absolutely the most perfect day of our lives -  exactly what a wedding should be. Thank you so much for making the first day of the rest of our lives the best day it could ever possibly be.

Darcy and Vanessa Woods