Goin' to the chapel

So my mom and her long-time boyfriend (legally, domestic partner) are finally going to tie the knot before they leave for Italy in September; and I've been helping her with the planning. She decided she wanted to do something very vintage Hawaiian getaway, however she was very much at a loss of where she wanted to have the reception. At first she was just going to book a cabana at the clubhouse, but after a grueling deliberation we decided it just was not going to do. So then I suggested the Tonga Room, which I don't know why I didn't think of it from the get-go, but the point is that it did come to mind; and now my mom has officially set a reservation for her wedding reception/dinner party to be held there! I'm so very excited for her, and I'm glad she loves the locale as much as I do.

For those of you who don't know, The Tonga Room is this amazing tiki Lounge & Restaurant in San Francisco. Its located inside of the historical Fairmont Hotel; the actual restaurant itself is located where the Olympic-size swimming pool used to be back in the 1940s, which was frequented by celebrities and Olympic athletes of the day. The pool is still there of course, but its more for decoration than actual swimming--although I must admit, it would be a funny sight to see patrons diving in during dinner! Lol! The decor is just so beautiful though, the food is delicious, and I love the "hurricane" bar when they make it thunder and rain inside in the pool. Its such a fantastic spectacle, and I'm really excited that it worked out for what my mom wanted to do. I was so surprised she'd never heard of it too. I myself have always wanted to visit, but never have before now unfortunately...

So now that planning is fully under way (with only a little over a month to go), I'm helping her get together some of the other preparations before I move. We've got her dress picked out, flowers, and the menu all set. Now all I need to do is find a seriously awesome dress to wear to celebrate their long-awaited nuptials! I'm so happy for my folks; it's been a long time coming <3

The occasion gives me the chance to splurge a little, but at the same time I'm a bit wary on where to shop/what to buy. I mean, I'd love a Shaheen, but finding one for a reasonable price is kind of a laughable idea. To be honest, I would die for anything vintage Hawaii/tropics in general (I mean, what vintage girl wouldn't?), but again; it can get a little expensive. I've been lurking my usual vintage/thrift shopping spots, including etsy and haven't come across the right dress quite yet, and unfortunately Pinup Girl Clothing has sold out of the Dixiefried tiki wrap dresses again and has yet to re-stock them. Otherwise, I'd order the Malibu or Polynesian one right here, right now.

I have been looking at Whirling Turban however, which is an amazing vintage reproduction shop out of Bali. The owner, Katherine, whom I've spoken to on a few occasions, is a total sweetheart and a genius at her craft. I really love that gold lame number with bordeaux flowers; its seriously a dream come true! I hope I can find something like it for my mama's wedding!

xoxo Coco