EST 1991

For over 25 years, a White Orchid Wedding, also known as WOW, has been specializing in unique island weddings and receptions from simple to lavish. We are now thrilled to announce our partnership with the Westin Maui Resort and Spa on the spectacular Kaanapali Beach of Maui! Recognized for our attention to detail along with exquisite custom wedding and event designs, A White Orchid Wedding ensures the most memorable and spectacular events tailored to our client’s desires. Established in 1991, WOW has been nationally and internationally recognized as Hawaii’s best in the business. Clients of WOW have full access to not only your personal event coordinator but also our in-house team of professionals comprised of the most talented, dedicated, creative, and passionate event and design specialists in the industry. With the collaboration between your personal WOW event coordinator, The Westin Team, and our WOW design team, you will receive expert professional support and advice coupled with unmatched vision and creativity. Above all, we provide an unforgettable personal experience for you and your guests and share with you the true essence of the aloha spirit. We look forward to working with you to create the wedding of your dreams and help you say I DO in Paradise….

CAROLEE HIGASHINO | President & Founder

Owner of A White Orchid Wedding, Carolee has been rated #1 in the industry.  She has been recognized for initiating the "Destination Wedding Industry" in Hawaii. Launching her business in 1990, she was one of the first women to establish wedding planning on the islands. She is one of the founding members of the Maui Wedding Association and was appointed by the State of Hawai’i to represent Weddings and Honeymoons for the Hawaii 2000 Millennium Campaign which launched brilliant celebrations for the years to follow. 

Carolee continued on her path and earned local Hawai'i notoriety as the Pacific Business News’ "Women Who Mean Business" award winner for many consecutive years.  She also has been acknowledged by the Pacific Business News as one of their "Businesswoman of the Year" for the State of Hawaii. Other accolades include her as one of the "Fastest 50" growing companies in the state every year from 2002-2015 and "Women Who Mean Business" award for being one of the 25 women-owned businesses in the State of Hawai'i for thirteen consecutive years. 

In addition she enhanced her career in the workshop, film and television industry featuring both herself and her design work on an extensive platform of productions and television shows. Her celebrity accolades include an array of actors, filmmakers, artists and athletes to name a few. As a producer she orchestrated the first ever International Wedding Week Hawaii Celebration for 2016 and 2017 featuring wedding greats such as Eddie Zaratsian and David Tutera as her keynote speakers and also was the Event Producer for David Tutera’s Hawaii Production “The Lineup’.

Internationally she has served on the National Board of Directors of WIPA - The Wedding International Professionals Association as Director of Programs and Education. She now has been circling the globe giving workshops to event professionals while still maintaining her WOW business in the islands.

Carolee believes in 'giving back' and served on the Board of Directors for the Maui Visitors Bureau, A Keiki's Dream Foundation and the Neighborhood Place of Wailuku. Her fundraising efforts include; The Maui Aid's Foundation, Raja's Light of Youth Foundation, A Keiki's Dream Foundation, Maui Athletic Leagues, The American Cancer Institute, The Neighborhood Place Wailuku and the West Hawaii Theatre and Dance Academy.  

JACQUELINE ISHIKAWA | WOW Event Manager and Senior Event Coordinator

Please meet another member of our White Orchid ‘ohana, Jacqueline Ui’lani Ishikawa. Jacqueline is our office “ray of sunshine,” never without a smile and filled with the true essence of aloha. A native of the islands and inspired by a love for travel, Jackie graduated from the International Air Academy then happily returned to the Valley Isle to pursue a career in the travel industry. As a passenger service agent, she became well-versed in the travel, air, and accommodations as well as collecting knowledge of the resort and activity offerings in the State of Hawaii. She has since become one of the leading wedding planners in the state of Hawaii with WOW. Now celebrating more than fifteen years as a WOW premiere event planner she was promoted to the position of WOW’s Sales Manager. You can count on Jackie to go the extra mile to ensure that each and every one of her events are flawless. A consummate professional, she makes planning a fun experience and strives to make her clients feel ‘in the moment’ on this most remarkable day.

KENDALL ORETA | WOW Event Manager and Senior Event Coordinator

From a tropical island in the middle of the sea, to the sparkling city of lights of Las Vegas, this island girl has experienced everything from tiki torches to sophisticated big city glitz and glamor. A native Hawaiian, Kendall blends her warm aloha spirit and infectious smile with a professional background in the hospitality industry. Having studied special events and hospitality at UNLV, she learned first hand the design of a celebration in the party capital of the universe!

Her creativity, attention to detail, and stylish design work have helped Kendall blossom into one of WOW’s most sought after event coordinators in the State of Hawaii. You will know when you are in her hands that you will be treated with golden glove service and a genuine touch.

Kendall’s work has been featured in many international and national publications and social media channels and she has appeared on many local television productions across the State of Hawaii.  She is passionate about her art and her clientele often refer to her as exceptional yet personal. Kendall has been with our team for over five years now and we are so happy to have her also serve on our WOW design team.

Kendall is now married and is the happy momma of three boys, two dogs, and two goats... 

TIERA JENSON | Event Coordinator

Allow us to introduce our WOW gal Tiera Jenson. Tiera is a native of Oahu and a graduate of the prestigious Punahou School and attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa. From her early years she grew up dancing hula and Tahitian capturing the hearts of many! Now she is joining hearts with our ‘ohana as a premiere event specialist.

Tiera exhibits a passion for the arts which is reflected into her sense of design. Her ability to balance and manage strategically enable her to be effective when orchestrating even the most elaborate of affairs. As a self proclaimed ‘foodie’ she has an extensive catering background which is extremely beneficial to event planning. Tiera’s warm demeanor and infectious laugh coupled with her exquisite attention to detail will certainly make your wedding and event planning a fun and smashing success!

With a passion for adventure and knowledge she has traveled extensively in pursuit of cultural enlightenment, religion and spirituality and is especially fond of the Philippines and Indonesia. In her spare time you might find her on the basketball court or on her yoga mat. WOW is thrilled to offer you our lovely and talented event professional Tiera to create moments you will forever cherish.

Oh…and she would never turn down a glass of fine wine.

LAURIE A’I I Event Coordinator

An Oahu native, Laurie shares her true essence of aloha from the minute you connect. Her warm demeanor coupled with her confidence and expertise in the industry are a welcoming experience to our WOW clientele.  

In her younger years, Laurie's family chose to move to the ‘outer island’ of Maui where she has flourished in the travel, hospitality and tourism industry for the last decade.  Her resume includes a remarkable career including employment at some of the finest resorts in the world including The Four Seasons Maui and the Grand Wailea Resort and Spa. Laurie expanded her career to work with celebrity chef Bev Gannon learning the ‘ins and outs’ of catering with her Celebrations Catering Team. (A WOW favorite!) Furthering her career and her love for travel she also added Hawaiian Airlines to her list of accomplishments.  

Known for her impeccable attention to detail and what she self proclaims her ‘insane organizational skills’ clients know they can sit back, relax and enjoy their planning process knowing they are in the best of hands. Her passion for the creative process is also quite evident and her artistic eye shines in every celebration created by her and our team.  

All of this coupled together led Laurie to WOW. We are so honored to share her expertise and talent with you as our WOW premiere planner. As a momma to two beautiful keiki Laurie opts for the surf and sand on her off days. The ocean is her natural home and if the surf is up, so is she!

ETHEL LEVAL | Office Manager

Our “local girl” was born and raised on the island of Maui. You will often hear her voice during the course of your wedding planning as she is the White Orchid Office Manager and Accountant. With a degree in Hotel Operations and Accounting, she is the business side of White Orchid. Her extensive background in the food and beverage industry enable her to provide invaluable expertise in the area of event management, finance, and the orchestration of weddings. Ethel is literally the ‘backbone’ of WOW, efficiently managing accounts for more 20 years to keep business running smoothly and assure our clientele that their every need has been handled.

PARTIES & EVENTS

Our services aren't limited to weddings. In fact, we are very well-versed in special events and party planning. Whether you are planning an anniversary, birthday, corporate event, reunion, holiday gathering or sales incentive event, we handle all of the production and fine details so you can play host. Please contact us to hear more about event planning services. 

HERE ARE SOME OF THE SERVICES WE PROVIDE:

Graphic Design & Invitations

Guest Management & Logistics

Hair and Make-up

Stationery & Printed Materials

Lighting Design & Implementation

Linen & Furniture Rentals

Location Research and Management

Permitting and Licensing

Photography & Video Production

Pyrotechnics

Budget Creation & Management

Catering & Mixology

Concept Consultation & Development

Detailed Timeline and Event Production Guide

Entertainment & Talent Booking

Event Coordination & On-Site Management

Floor Plans & Renderings

Floral, Props, Custom Decor and Production

Gifting

Rehearsal Day

Staffing

Sound & Audio Visual

Tenting, Staging & Set Design

Transportation

Vendor Recommendations & Bookings

Venue Selection & Management

Welcome Bags & Favors

Welcome Reception, Rehearsal Dinner and Farewell Brunch