Visionari Blog

Visionari Blog http://www.visionariblog.com/ Visionari Blog en-us Bali http://www.visionariblog.com/index.cfm?postID=68 http://www.visionariblog.com/index.cfm?postID=68 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:56:00 GMT
Bali was where Melissa and Kelvin had their first vacation together and a favorite destination for both of them. Also, they have both always wanted an outdoorsy wedding near the beach or ocean. Given that most of their family and friends live in Singapore, Hong Kong and Indonesia, Bali became a natural choice for their destination wedding.

The ceremony and reception was held at the breathtaking Khayangan Estate in Uluwatu, which has a 180-degree view of the Indian Ocean. Guests from all over the world - London, Sydney, New York, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Indonesia were in attendance. Melissa wanted the decor to be somewhat formal yet timeless, so she opted for black and white as her wedding colors. Sinly Anfeny of Bali Paradise Wedding did a great job planning the entire wedding week.

Congratulations, Melissa and Kelvin! Thank you so much for allowing us the opportunity to document your special day!

Here is the amazing wedding team that made everything possible:

Photography: Visionari SF
Event Planning: Sinly Anfeny of Bali Paradise Wedding
Ceremony Location: Khayangan Estate
Reception Location: Khayangan Estate
Flowers: D'Oasis
Invitations: Bride - Melissa San
Wedding Dress: Noel Chu
Chinese Wedding Dress ... Shoes: Koon Nam Wah ... Co.
Wedding Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Bride's Rings: Gems ... Tassels
Groom's Ring: Tiffany ... Co.
Earrings: Gift from Bride's Sister
Hair/Makeup Artist: Lely
Officiant/Minister: Bali Christian Protestant Church
Caterer ... Rentals: Bali Catering Company
Baker/Cake Designer: Ixora Cakes
Tent: Ristana Utama Tent
Cinematographer/Videographer: Point One Video
Photo Booth: Moments to Go
Ceremony Quartet: Catherine Whitaker, Sally Joe, Robert Brown and Mia Watson
Reception Musician: Joanna Dong
DJ: Stevie G., Melali Music Bali

]]> Volunteer Japan http://www.visionariblog.com/index.cfm?postID=67 http://www.visionariblog.com/index.cfm?postID=67 Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:27:00 GMT
While in Japan he continued to keep in touch with everyone back in Honolulu and mentioned the eerie perception of normalcy while riding the train through Tokyo. Despite the disaster just days before, it was difficult to grasp what was going on elsewhere. Having lived and worked in Japan, with many close friends and family scattered throughout the country, he had been back many times but the unsettling urge to help weighed on him throughout this visit. Before leaving, he knew that he had to come back and help with the relief efforts in areas that were hit the hardest by the tsunami. After weeks of communicating back and forth with those in Japan, Jon left Hawaii again in July to help with the reconstruction mission. Having spent a part of his early career in the military he was prepared to face what was being reported as the one of the world's worst humanitarian disasters on record. Hoping for the best, but prepared for the worst, he packed just enough necessities to fit in his backpack.

"Went to the hardest hit part of Ishinomaki today - the destruction is just indescribable."Jon via Twitter, 19 Jul 2011

Watching the news stories being reported on the ongoing relief efforts and reconstruction in the area, he was still taken aback by what he saw when he arrived in Ishinomaki. In the middle of Japan's sweltering summer heat, there were no signs of a robust clean-up effort or reconstruction efforts by the government, only survivors and foreign volunteers left behind and wondering how and when more aid would come.

In the immediate aftermath of the tsunami the world was held captive with images of the national military clearing out roads to help in the recovery effort. Despite an outpouring of aid from the international community, Tokyo was adamant that it was able to handle the situation on its own, that it would take care of its own people. But months later, Jon and the other volunteers continued to see that it was different story on the ground. There were no signs of troops, government officials or the aid that was donated by international agencies. Goods continued to sit in warehouses outside of the area, barely trickling in to the people who needed it.

Talking with the citizens, it was a heart dropping realization that possibly the national government, reeling from own political issues and obligations elsewhere was leaving the stricken areas to manage the situation on their own.

Funakoshi: there used to be 1000 people living here - they are the last 2" Jon via Twitter, 25 July 2011.

With their entire fleet destroyed by the tsunami, a few fishermen will spend days and nights trying to repair even a couple of boats to working order. They do this however, without even knowing if they will ever be able to fish these waters again due to the environmental destruction and nuclear fallout that has occurred. At the time there were no plans for the people to return to any sort of industry; the type that once sustained the local population. In what little spare time he had, Jon showed some of the women how to weave bracelets of paracord, giving them something to do and keep their minds and hands active through the days. With some of the money he raised from these bracelets, he was able to return in August to help with building supplies for the community.

Just helped with http://team-nadia.org/ today great bunch of people from Tokyo, did a lot of hard "volunteering" today and it was fun.
23 Jul

An image held from the world's attention is the ongoing reality of the people left behind. An aging and displaced population of those just struggling to get through each day, they have nowhere else to go and no plan or assistance being offered to them by the government. Hearing Jon describe what he saw and heard, is sobering to say the least.

Perhaps it is the cultural adherence to caution that keeps the government from continuing its efforts, but the groups of volunteers continue to work tirelessly despite the dangerous conditions that exist.

"Just sat through another earthquake, that's 4 pretty big ones in the past 2 days." Jon via Twitter, 17 July 2001.

With the number of volunteers working on different projects, Jon was able to help out where assistance was needed. One day a project would be cleaning up homes the next day it would be building chairs for a children's school.

While people still live in areas like Ishinomaki, the efforts of international volunteers will continue. On Jon's last trip back to Japan in August, he was able to capture some of the images that remind him of the hope that still exists amongst the devastation. Children's toys lay scattered amongst the rubble as tiny monuments to the life that existed before the disaster. Hopefully they are also symbols of what can someday return to the area.

While it is likely that the country's government will continue to turn away from anything that is a reminder of the devastation, volunteers will hopefully continue in their efforts. Jon is planning to return again in January in the middle of the Japan's winter season and whether or not more aid will have reached areas like Ishinomaki by then, he is prepared to help wherever he is needed.

]]> Roshni & Abhi http://www.visionariblog.com/index.cfm?postID=66 http://www.visionariblog.com/index.cfm?postID=66 Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:32:00 GMT
Photos by Lisa

]]> St Regis California http://www.visionariblog.com/index.cfm?postID=65 http://www.visionariblog.com/index.cfm?postID=65 Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:25:00 GMT

]]> Hawaii Meets Country http://www.visionariblog.com/index.cfm?postID=63 http://www.visionariblog.com/index.cfm?postID=63 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 21:09:00 GMT
The Haiku Mill was the perfect setting for this country chic couple who were amazing to work with. Nickki and Tim were so at ease and relaxed throughout the entire day, it made my work that much more fun and enjoyable.

Perfect setting, perfect couple makes a perfect day....what more can I ask for?

Photos by Lisa

]]> Jake and Kelly Shimabukuro http://www.visionariblog.com/index.cfm?postID=61 http://www.visionariblog.com/index.cfm?postID=61 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 13:48:00 GMT

At the tender age of 4, Jake Shimabukuro received his first ukulele from his mother and now has become one of the best ukulele virtuoso in Hawaii as well as in the world. He first met Kelly Yamasato, a physician in Obstetrics and Gynecology, during a blind date set up by his stepsister. They were supposed to go on a real date afterward, but both got caught up with their busy schedules and it's not until 3-1/2 years later that they were able to rekindle the spark that they first had.

When Jake decided to propose to Kelly, his uncle, Honolulu jeweler Wayne Kam, helped him select the perfect ring for his future bride. Of course Kelly said yes and the wedding planning for close to 300 guests was under way.

Both the ceremony and reception were held at the lovely JW Marriott Ihilani Resort ... Spa. Kelly looked radiant in her Morilee by Madeline Gardner silk wedding gown, and Jake couldn't be more handsome in his Dior suit. They were surrounded by their loved ones. It truly was a beautiful day.

Congratulations, Jake and Kelly! Thank you for having Visionari capture all the wonderful memories of your special day!

Photos by Jon Lagon and Mike Joy

]]> Engagement http://www.visionariblog.com/index.cfm?postID=60 http://www.visionariblog.com/index.cfm?postID=60 Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:46:00 GMT
Photo by Jon and Mike

]]> Post-Bridal http://www.visionariblog.com/index.cfm?postID=59 http://www.visionariblog.com/index.cfm?postID=59 Fri, 06 May 2011 15:43:00 GMT didn't have time to do it all in one day. Opting to do a post-bridal photo session, Ryan and Lisa were able capture the couple's style and personalities against Oahu's most scenic backdrops. Thank you Robyn and Matt for letting us be a part of your special time here in the islands.