The Paipaikou Hongwanji is a venue that has been transformed over the last year. The wood grain walls and pillars did a lot to improve the venue's appearance. This has got to be one of the nicest and best kept event spaces for a Hongwanji on the island. It was a perfect setting for this country themed wedding. This was the wedding of Jon and Shailyn.

Country themed weddings are a great idea for a themed wedding. It can be described as rustic with a casual elegance. A very organic ambiance with a natural feel. Country music also has some of the greatest love songs that are perfect for weddings. Songs from Edwin McCain, Blake Shelton, and Heartland are artist and groups that provide just a few country wedding classics.

I was surprised at how much work the groom put into making the decorations for this party. There were wooden fences, tables, chairs, signs, along with hay on the floor. It was obvious a lot of work went into creating this atmosphere and it showed. The ambiance was fantastic! For the lighting for this night we used amber lighting with light shadowing and touches of white. Lighting like this helps preserve the natural look.



In the picture of the head table above there was amber lighting with white lighting on the remembrance pictures on each side of the head table. It's always a great idea to bring loved ones that could not be present into a wedding. It really adds something special. String lighting also works very well for a country themed wedding. We did not use that technique at this wedding, but I wanted to throw that out because of how well it goes with a country themed event. I look forward to many more country themed weddings in the future. Congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs. Menino!

To contact the Papaikou Hongwanji Hall call (808) 964-1640. For more info on Eclipse Effect Entertainment services, please call (808) 936-3552 or email bookings@eclipseeffect.com. Don’t forget to sign up for our bridal newsletter filled with useful wedding tips and downloads. Click on the link on the left of this page to sign up and for your bonus download.

- Blog written by Jase Takeya. jase@eclipseeffect.com

Tags: papaikouhongwanji, papaikou, Hawaiiwedding, Hilowedding, reception, Bigislandwedding, Country, Countrytheme, Countrywedding, Bigisland