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Eye Lash Extensions at Lavilash - A YES! for Your Wedding

9/20/2016

Last week, I went to Lavilash, located in downtown Kona, to check out what was really involved in lash extensions, and to see if it was a yes or a pass for any bride getting married here in Kona.

I personally had never gotten eye lash extensions before; I have nice lashes, although nearly invisible if I am not wearing mascara, and eye lash extensions weren't really a "thing" when I got married, or I probably would have considered it then...

I mean, not having to worry about smudging, or mascara smearing from tears shed on wedding day, looking great when waking up in the morning, and always looking like I actually HAVE eyelashes even when in the water, would have been a big plus.

So when I heard that there was an actual lash extension place in town, I knew I just had to go and see for myself, so that I could give you a first hand account of what was involved from the perspective of a lash extension virgin, and to give you a report of the experience and the results, so that if you are thinking of getting lash extensions for your big day, you'll know whether it is worth it, and what to expect.

I will be honest - I was kind of nervous. What if it ended up hurting my lashes? What if I looked WAY too made up or simply ridiculous? What if it hurt? I put these fears aside and embraced my desire to have lashes that look beautiful from sun-up to sun-down, and to let you know whether this is a procedure and a place you could trust for your big day.

The verdict: YES!! I LOVE THEM!! And so does my husband, who talks about my lashes and how much he loves them still, even a week later....

But more on that later. Here is my personal experience, along with a report on what to expect when you go to Lavilash by Janice:

I made an appointment with the owner, Janice, who has been doing lashes for over 8 years, and recently moved from Oahu here to Kona, where she has - lucky for us - just set up shop. There are also apprentices and junior lash stylists to choose from, but I wanted to have the experience from the one who brought this experience to Kona!

Even though the decor of the shop (at the time of this blog) is not even quite finished outside or in in terms of decoration, is still very lovely and welcoming and girly. All of the girls that greet you (apprentice and junior lash stylists as well) are fabulous and make you feel right at home.

After Janice came out and greeted me, she started by using an amazing app on her eye pad to have me choose the lash look I was going for. It was kind of like SnapChat for eyelashes only.

Choosing Lash look at Lavilash by Janice

Once I'd chosen the look I wanted (as well as with some guidance and questions answered by Janice) - natural, but with some added volume - we went into her room and I settled down on the table. Before beginning, we selected the best lash color (I choose dark brown), and the work began.

Janice (as is standard practice) cleaned my eye area of any make-up or extraneous lotion or what not before beginning. She then used some gentle tape to pull my eyelids into the correct position (totally painless), and began the procedure.

During the procedure, individual lash bunches are painstakingly glued to your existing lashes, to give fullness, length and volume, depending on what you've selected. The glue does sting a bit, but nothing unbearable, and any slight stinging and redness went away about 15 minutes after we were complete.

Janice, with her experience, takes significantly less amount of time to complete the job (it took about 2 hours from start to finish) than do her apprentices and junior lash stylists, and the cost reflects this as well. For my first time, as you might for your big day, I wanted to experience the master, although I have seen the work of her apprentices and junior lash stylists on her FB page, and they do a beautiful job as well!

During my treatment, I was also lucky enough to have Rose, a manicurist for over 35 years, who happens to also work at the shop, give me both a gel manicure and a pedicure while I was getting my lashes done. And, despite how it sounds, it was a very comfortable process, and my nails turned out AMAZING. Rose also does manicures outside of the lash room, and may at some point offer pedicures off the table as well.

After a couple hours of lash fastening and pampering, I was done. I opened my eyes to find that I now have eye lashes you can SEE without me having to wear mascara.

The effect is amazing, and care is surprisingly easy. You'll get a lash care card, along with two pretty mascara brushes to comb your lashes, when you leave.

Simple Kona Beach Weddings goes to Lavilash

Your lashes will look FABULOUS for at least a month, and any lash extension expert in your home town can give you a "fill" to fill in the natural gaps that occur as your own lashes fall out, the lash extensions with them.

As I said earlier, the verdict from my personal perspective is a HUGE yes! in terms of both Lavilash by Janice and for the lash extension process in general for your big day.

Be sure to read my Bridal Cheat Sheet (either to the side of this column or below it) for tips on booking your appointment and things to consider when getting your lashes done.

Lavilash also offers massages, facials, spray tan, waxing and nails! Be sure to inquire for pricing and availability when you call.

DETAILS:
Lavilash by Janice
808-342-5023
75-5729 Alii Drive Suite C-104, Kailua Kona HI
**Be sure to tell them that Becky from Simple Kona Beach Weddings sent you for extra nice treatment!**

Cheat Sheet for Brides on Lash Extensions:

1) If you can, book your appointment at least one month in advance. If not, be sure to tell them that you are a bride from the mainland (or another country), and you are hoping to get your lashes done before your big day. They will do your best to get you in.

2) When choosing your appointment date and time, take into consideration that the appointment takes at least 2 hours, and you cannot get your lashes wet for about 24 hours after you have them done.

3) If you want your nails done at the same time, be sure to ask for Rose to do this when you are making your appointment.

4) Finally, be sure to let them know that Becky from Simple Kona Beach Weddings sent you (and shoot me an email as well to let me know, so I can give a call over on your behalf as well), and they'll be sure to treat you extra nice!

Lavilash also offers massages, facials, spray tan, waxing and nails! Be sure to inquire for pricing and availability when you call.

About Us:
At Simple Kona Beach Weddings, we do something a bit different. We offer both small package and custom weddings and vow renewals right on the beach, from planning to officiating all in one swoop, while still allowing you to customize your day, while also offering full wedding planning and coordination for larger parties up to 35 (with occasional exceptions for larger groups).

Our goal is to provide warm, excellent communication from start to finish, and to help you make your day as special as you imagine it to be. I invite you to learn more about us and what we offer by checking out the rest of the website - from the About page, to the Pricing and Packages page, to Photos and Reviews...

And, of course, if you are interested in booking with us, and/or would like more information, please go to our Contact page to get in touch!

Comments

The Most Common Hawaii Marriage License Questions Answered

8/31/2016

Comments

Although I have resources for Hawaii marriage license questions right on the FAQ tab of my site, I still get a lot questions about the process. This blog is meant to answer those questions, as well as provide a step-by-step guide to the marriage license process to make your big day here in Hawaii as easy as possible.

How do I get my license?
Despite being in the middle of the ocean, Hawaii is pretty modern, and does much of the wedding license process online. While it is not required to fill out the license online, it will make your visit with the marriage license agent about twice as fast, so I highly recommend it. Plus, there may be information that is required that you may not know off the top of your head, so it's nice to do it from the comfort of your own home, where you have time to gather the information you may need. Note that you will need a credit card to pay for the license fee, whether you do it online or with the marriage license agent.

Here is the link to apply for your Hawaii marriage license online:
https://emrs.ehawaii.gov/emrs/public/home.html

As I say on my FAQ tab, it is recommended that you leave the DATE of your marriage and the LOCATION blank on the application. This will make your license good for one year of application, and will allow for any last-minute changes to location or actual wedding date due to weather or whatnot. Also, if you make any mistakes on your license, know that those can be corrected when you meet with the marriage license agent.

Do I have to meet with someone in person to get my license? How do I arrange this?
Yes, both members of the couple have to appear together, in person (NOW VIRTUAL; subject to change) after you arrive here in Hawaii, to meet with a marriage license agent in order to get your license. There is NO waiting time here in Hawaii, so know that you could literally drive from the marriage license agent's office to your ceremony, but giving yourself a little leeway is always advisable, if possible.

Here on the Big Island, Kona side, I have a marriage license agent that I send all of my people to, and you simply make an appointment to meet with her at some point prior to your wedding.

If you doing your wedding through a hotel, they often have a marriage license agent on site for their couples, or they will set you up with a marriage license agent off-site.

If you are visiting another Hawaiian island before getting married here on the Big Island, you may certainly visit a marriage license agent or go to a State office on any other island as well, since it is all the same state. Here is the link to the list of all marriage license agents in the State of Hawaii:
https://health.hawaii.gov/vr2021/marriage-licenses/license-agents/

The marriage license agent I send all of my couples to is Andrea Bojorquez, and her office is near to the Kona airport. About a month before your wedding, you'll call or email her to set an appointment. Here is her contact information:
Andrea Bojorquez
Phone: (808) 990-1929
weddinglicense1@gmail.com

You will then bring this license with you to your ceremony, and we'll sign it after you are married to make it official! Your job is then done. I will do the filing for you with the State of Hawaii, and you'll just wait for it in the mail from the State. (See below for how long it will take).

Will my Hawaii marriage certificate be valid at home?
If you are a U.S. citizen, getting married in Hawaii is the same as getting married in any other state. So rest assured, your Hawaii marriage certificate will be treated just the same as if you were to get married in your home town.

If you reside outside the U.S., your Hawaii marriage certificate will be treated however your country treats any marriage taking place in the United States. Some countries have a simple process and others have various forms that must be filled out. The marriage license agent that you will meet with to get the actual license is very versed in these things, and should be able to help you know what you do when you return home. However, I strongly recommend that you make calls to local offices or do a web search on your country's policies before deciding to get married "officially" here in Hawaii. Some couples simply find it easier to get it legally handled in their home country before coming for their ceremony here in Hawaii.

How long will it take to get my marriage certificate?
Honestly, this all depends on how busy the state is with weddings at the time, and whether there are any major holidays that will get in the way of a regular work week. As a wedding officiant, it is required that I submit your marriage license information online and electronically sign it within 48 hours of your wedding (I usually do it right when I get home). You should be able to reference the signed certificate using your marriage license number on the copy your marriage license agent gave you within 2 business days after your wedding. However, in terms of the State processing and mailing you your certificate, that usually takes between 2-6 weeks, sometimes less and sometimes more (especially if you are overseas).

Once you have your marriage certificate, you can go about the business of changing your name (if applicable), combining accounts, getting on insurance, etc.

And there we are! That covers the most common questions I receive, and will hopefully help you as you move forward on your journey to wed here in Hawaii!

If you have a question that is not covered here, or I receive one that I think would benefit the whole, please comment in the comment section below.

Sending Love and Aloha,

*Becky Ringler*

About Us:
At Simple Kona Beach Weddings, we do something a bit different. We offer both small package and custom weddings and vow renewals right on the beach, from planning to officiating all in one swoop, while still allowing you to customize your day, while also offering full wedding planning and coordination for larger parties up to 35 (with occasional exceptions for larger groups).

Our goal is to provide warm, excellent communication from start to finish, and to help you make your day as special as you imagine it to be. I invite you to learn more about us and what we offer by checking out the rest of the website - from the About page, to the Pricing and Packages page, to Photos and Reviews...

And, of course, if you are interested in booking with us, and/or would like more information, please go to our Contact page to get in touch!