Wedding Diaries | Hawaii wedding, cake tastings, wedding makeup | Aja Dang

I'm Aja Dang and over the 2021 holiday, I tried to set things up for my 2022 Hawaii wedding.
I was only home for 9 days so I tried to schedule as many vendor meetings as I could, while also trying to enjoy my time home.
•VIDEO MENTIONS•
Pinterest Wedding Board: pin.it/654EQbQ
Sunset Ranch Hawaii: www.sunsetranc...
A Cake Life: www.acakelife....
Cheryl Brown: www.colormykis...
Memoirs Catering Hawaii: memoirshawaii....
Marie Blooms Floral: www.mariebloom...
•VENDORS FOR MY WEDDING•
Wedding Planner: Angelica from Anela Events: anelaevents.com/
Wedding Dress: Sarah Seven: www.sarahseven...
Honolulu Photobooth: Proparazzi Photo Booth: www.proparazzi...
Photographer: Rhema Jaime: rhemajaime.myp...
Venue: Sunset Ranch Hawaii: www.sunsetranc...
Bar: www.mobilebarh...
• END CARD/GRAPHICS •
Chrisline Raymundo: chrislineraymu...
•STAY CONNECTED•
MSTRPLN: www.mstrpln.co
Website: www.ajadang.com
Instagram: ajadang
Twitter: ajadang
Tik Tok: ajadang

[@AjaDang]

WANTED - cruelty-free, smudge-proof, red lipstick.

[@maweeeesa]

Check out Sunnies Face

[@heyitsjujuu]

Matte Liquid Lipsticks highend: - about face (Halsey's brand) $22.00: Matte Cherry - Dose of Colors $18.80: Extra saucy or Brick - Ofra Cosmetics $20.00: Atlantic City or Brickell - Stila Stay All Day $22.00: Fiery Red drugstore: - Half Caked $12.00: Power Trip - Nyx Lingerie XXL $9.00: Stamina - Nyx Shine Out Loud $11.50: Rebel in Red ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@Madison-tf6qf]

Still stay all day liquid lip

[@violettababenko4847]

I have DLS phantom red matte lipstick and it doesn't budge. I also have a thunderbolt tint that stays, but you have to take off the first layer after applying so that the tint is left.

[@Lalalovelies]

I recommend checking out Violette fr’s red lip Petal Bouche Matte. It stays down and does not move.

[@alexisreve1]

These chill Hawaiian vibes are giving me life 🥰

[@MihaelaClaudiaPuscas]

I wish I could experience that one day ...my own wedding planning... must be one of the most beautiful feelings ever, second only to the birth of a child and the wedding itself! Congrats!

[@renmarie3]

Venue, hair, and makeup all looking gorgeous, and those cupcake flavors made my mouth water! I never got to have a wedding because of Covid (had to do the courthouse thing), so I love seeing your videos and am living vicariously through your wedding updates!

[@AjaDang]

congrats on your marriage!

[@renmarie3]

@@AjaDang Thank you so much ❤

[@genoemi]

I LOVED planning my wedding. It was about 60 people but it was so much fun and my friends were super helpful & involved. I really enjoyed seeing this video :)

[@marinatolentino]

Excited for you! Sunset ranch is gorg. I've been a planner in HI for years but even after leaving the industry mid pandemic it makes me happy to see people still enjoying the journey. Best wishes!

[@ladyfightsoctopus8166]

Oh nothing beats an island wedding 😭 I hope planning & everything goes smoothly

[@jackthezoo]

the trial makeup and hair looks SO GOOD!!!! excited for you, Aja!

[@AjaDang]

thank you!

[@agirlwithajournal]

She looked absolutely stunning.

[@jshima12]

As someone who planned a wedding back home in Hawaii from the mainland last year (and then had to cancel everything because of COVID 😭), cake tasting was one of the "normal" wedding planning things we got to do early on, and A Cake Life did not disappoint! We couldn't get our money back when we cancelled, so we picked up our order from them and passed them out to our friends/family instead. Everyone loved it!

[@amaNanaama]

The trial makeup looks great! So beautiful

[@liurachelct]

I had my wedding in Hawaii too! I chose my cake from A Cake Life and the guava was the bomb!

[@AjaDang]

how many tiers did you get?

[@liurachelct]

@@AjaDang just 2 ❤️

[@jessabibliophile]

I got married in September and wedding planning was stressful for me, but also fun because it allowed me to reconnect with friends and family. However on the day of the wedding I was a stressful mess, and looking back now I wish I delegated tasks more and didn't take it on myself to worry/stress about every little detail. I wish I allowed myself to just enjoy the moment and go with the flow - but, being the Type A and perfectionist I am it was definitely a struggle. Bottom line, just enjoy the process and don't overthink things! :)

[@AP-oq5jn]

Gorgeous lady… so excited for you and Brian 💕🙌

[@AjaDang]

thanks!

[@GeorginaBowie]

I completely agree. I'm in the process of planning my wedding and I have to admit that, even though I'm not someone who gets stressed easily, I am stressing about this. And it's only a small wedding. The red lipstick looks great though, I hope you find something. I'm testing just using my usual red lipstick with something called Lipcote over the top of it. It's meant to hold it in place.

[@AjaDang]

literally had a crying breakdown today and got into a fight with Brian lol.

[@GeorginaBowie]

@@AjaDang Oh dear, I'm sorry to hear that and I completely get it. Every time I look at my list of things that still need to get done I really want to cry and I have to remind myself to just breath. Ed's trying to help but there are all sorts of little details that just aren't on his radar at all. Sending a big hug through the internet.

[@SamElle]

Aja, what is the dimsum at 2:46? It looks like eggplant but is there something inside? I LOOOOVE dim sum so much but Ive never seen this one before!!

[@AjaDang]

it's just sauteed eggplant. Super simple, nothing stuffed in it but that would probably be a good idea haha

[@murcuryjenny]

I’m looking for venues for spring 2023 in New Jersey. It’s $110-190 per plate depending on the date. I’m Im ready to elope lol

[@AjaDang]

omggg

[@candy2325]

Definitely a nude lip for your big day. Even supposedly smudge proof red lipstick is not forgiving when eating anything oily/greasy 😫 and your gonna want to kiss your husband and stuff and not have to deal with the mess. I really love the glowy skin and hair 👌

[@AjaDang]

maybe red for ceremony and nude for reception?

[@sunshine345]

Wahh! I can't wait to watch this lol

[@AjaDang]

🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@harryfall3500]

Loving the hair and the make up sooo sooo stunnning Ajaaaa big huuugs from Switzerlaaand

[@breannapimentel3216]

If your makeup gal uses the cloud liquid lipstick or any of the liquid lipsticks from limecrime your lipstick color will stay put throughout the day. I wear mine and go to the office, have soup, eat lunch. And it stays on. Pretty sure it’s all vegan and a small business. They have orange red shades. They also don’t leave any dry or flakiness like most liquid lipsticks. It actually doesn’t even feel like I have any lipstick on.

[@barbbeach2437]

😊 yay ❤️

[@maeflower522]

I know red lips are tricky especially on your wedding day, but it looked gorgeous with the hair and eyeliner. Maybe go for a matte red that’s smudge and kiss proof

[@AjaDang]

I have the next 8 months to search for one.

[@Cristbw]

i second this

[@xxxRhenalynnxxx]

@@AjaDang I recommend the MAC Retro Matte liquid lip colour “Feels So Grand” or Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink “Dancer”! Hope these help 😊

[@maeflower522]

@@AjaDang NYX has this dual-ended lipstick and gloss that’s suppose to be mask and kiss proof

[@pri.sci.lla.]

@@xxxRhenalynnxxx she wants cruelty free cosmetics

[@melisssali]

Wedding planning was actually overall positive for me, although stressful near the end. Just have to prioritize what matters the most when it comes to costs. For us, it was entertainment and food! You can't go wrong with fried chicken but the sliders might be a little messy for dressed up guests, just a thought!

[@AjaDang]

I was definitely thinking how messy the sliders were as I was watching this video. Good advice!

[@KristynRaeV]

You seem so peaceful and truly happy in this video, perhaps between planning such a joyous event and being home in one of your fav places with fav people for Christmas. I felt similarly when we finally toured our venue and tasted some catering and had this sense of relief to get some of the big things solidified. Thanks again for sharing your process/experience Aja!

[@AjaDang]

I definitely feel more myself when I'm at home.

[@maibananna92]

Ahhhh the ceremony spot is gorgeous!! Also love that you are cutting first dance with dad in your wedding program, I am doing the same! I think it is important to stay true to you and your authentic relationship with your family, not put something in the program just because everyone else is doing it

[@ayeeeannieee]

So excited for you and Brian. I got engaged on NYE and am planning as well. So this is helpful

[@RunRiotProd]

I AM SO LOOKING FORWARD to all the vlogs your wedding EVERYTHING

[@AjaDang]

💕

[@lynninfinite]

$8,000 for 70 people to eat 😱

[@mkabulencia]

Hi Aja! Do you have a DJ/MC yet? If so - would you be open to sharing? :)

[@belloves2laugh]

The venue is beautiful!!! You looked stunning with the trial hair/makeup, taste testing looks yummy! Good luck with everything

[@AjaDang]

thank you!

[@michelletruong9064]

Your HMU trial looks amazing on you! So excited for y’all! As stressful as it may be sometimes, hope you both enjoy the wedding planning process to its fullest! 💕

[@Ding3023]

I’ll be planning my wedding soon on Oahu too, so this is super helpful - please keep the series going! Mahalos 🤗

[@fine9ja]

$8,000 for food and staff...oh those guest better eat everything on their plate lol. Also I really love the red lip. Hope you can find a nice red smudge free lipstick 💄

[@AjaDang]

yaaaaaa. we didn't end up going with them haha

[@alannakalixo]

Maybe an unpopular opinion, but I absolutely loved wedding planning! Now that it’s over, I wish I could rewind and do it all again. It can definitely get stressful, but try to enjoy it because it’s an experience you’ll only have once!

[@ashleyturcios4147]

I love the peaceful vibes on this vid! I’ve been watching a lot your videos recent and you’ve inspired me to be financially savvy or well try to be lol Quick question where did you get the at home covid tests?

[@AjaDang]

I got them from Longs/CVS in Hawaii. I was able to pick up a few before the spikes so it's my understanding that they're pretty hard to come by now. Try getting one from here: sick.org/

[@lizanik8541]

Wait wait let me go get my coffee and settle in Edit: 8,000 for food... weddings man. Maybe I don't ever need one 😅

[@AjaDang]

...still looking for food vendors lol

[@popyNcorny]

My favorite non-transferring red lip is the L’Oréal Infallible pro Matte liquid lipstick in the color 368 Matador. That stuff will not budge. I’ve gone clubbing with it and kissed my fiancé all night and it stayed on! You should definitely give it a try

[@Yuru616]

Can’t wait for your wedding. Love more Hawaii vlogs

[@Natalie_11188]

Fenty and Nars both make liquid red lips that are smudge proof.

[@AjaDang]

unfortunately neither of them are cruelty free but I'll see what options are out there.

[@Natalie_11188]

@@AjaDang please let us know what you find out!

[@Natalie_11188]

@@AjaDang fyi Sephora says that Fenty is cruelty free, I will do more research because I thought they were as well.

[@AjaDang]

@@Natalie_11188 On the Fenty website it says they never test on animals but Cruelty-Free Kitty & Logical Harmony haven't been able to confirm it with the brand so I'm gonna hold off until other people can confirm.

[@Natalie_11188]

@@AjaDang thank you!

[@HienTran-pg9cr]

Aja, since you've been to the venue, can you let us know if the stable has that smell that your wedding planner was mentioning? I was looking at this venue for a 2023 wedding but thank goodness your other video pointed it out. Would it still be feasible to dine in there?

[@boba5257]

I never realized aja was from Hawaii too till now 😭💀

[@alexysgonzales748]

It seems like you are making great progress! Better that than having a nervous breakdown a month before the wedding like I did 😂😂

[@AjaDang]

I still have 8 more months to have a nervous breakdown so we will see.

[@cutepinksocks]

What’s your wedding budget? Are you able to stay in budget? Sorry if you already mentioned this in another video

[@AjaDang]

I've mentioned it before but I should touch upon it again. Our budget is $30,000 and honestly, it's getting very close to going over budget. But hopefully we'll have confirmation this week on a couple big budget items (rentals, flowers, etc) and we can make adjustments.

[@cutepinksocks]

@@AjaDang thank you for replying! I have a friend also getting married at Sunset Ranch next month. Her wedding is also about 30K~ for approx 120 people. It seems that is the median cost for a "conservative" Hawaii wedding... >.< She also said Sunset provides a lot of the vendors to make it easier for people not to look around...? Not sure. Anyway, I have really been enjoying your wedding video series since I am trying to plan my own in August. It is so stressful!! Hopefully it's all worth it in the end :)

[@AjaDang]

@@cutepinksocks $30 for 120?! Mine is $30k for 70 and I'm struggling. LMK if she has any money savings tips while booking to stay within budget

[@cutepinksocks]

@@AjaDang I think she asked family and friends to help with a lot of things... like a "free" officiant and DJ. Food is what cost the most (not sure where she's catering from). But does your budget include traveling fees and hotel stays? I can imagine destination weddings would cost more due to that compared to if you already live on the island. Good luck Aja!! You got this.. and even if you go a little over budget, just remember as long as you're happy it's worth it :)

[@cutepinksocks]

@@AjaDang come to think of it. My wedding budget was 20K for 50 people, but i dont think that's happening Lol. bittersweet :')

[@TinTin-wh5nw]

We had our wedding at Sunset Ranch too! Just the week before you visited. It was SO muddy (maybe that’s still our mud tracks) but it was even more so amazing than anything. The rain stopped for the entire event and clouds cleared just in time for sunset so that view that was hiding was on full display, 1000/10. I’m clearly biased but it’s the best venue 😉 We planned our wedding for FOUR years, so it’s so hard for us to say we enjoyed it also lol with all the restrictions for the past 2 years it was more bad than good for sure 🥲

[@AjaDang]

I'm so happy you finally got married after four years!! Bc it was so muddy, how did you work around that?

[@TinTin-wh5nw]

@@AjaDang thank you! I’m so excited for you both, especially since it’s bringing you home :) honestly, we just rolled with it, and luckily there were no slips. We made sure our guests dressed properly (flats or block/wedges, no skinny heels) and some of our vendors were prepared with boots - I wish we had thought to let the whole team know to bring a pair ahead of time. We got married in the meadow instead of fern’s garden so the grass helped a bit (reception at the pond too). I ended up going one with the ‘āina (barefoot) because it was so slippery and the hems of my and my girls’ dresses were covered with mud but we were too busy having fun. I recommend to bring towels, trash bags, and lots of wet wipes just in case, hopefully you won’t need them

[@suongho6585]

I love ur hat, where did u get it? :)

[@AjaDang]

lackofcolor.com/collections/straw/products/the-sunnydip

[@maxikeodouangsa]

Omg Aja the makeup and hair trial looks so beautiful on you 🥺😍

[@crystallbell]

Aja hitting us with the food porn 🤤😂 PS: that venue is STUNNING. I've been following you for a while now and it's so inspiring to see you planning a wedding debt free! 🙌🏻

[@maryk6686]

Cute outdoor venue! That’s too bad your fiancé didn’t make it out to do all these wedding planning bits in person! My hubby and I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing it all together- taste testing menus, envisioning things at the venue etc.

[@hasitdawnedonyou]

No do the red lip but use a long lasting lip colour. I really enjoy the Chanel duo. It doesn’t even rub off when you have a mask on really amazing. A dupe for that is NYX or kiko but dammit it’s going to be your wedding day 😂

[@kkkkkkkkkk955]

Seeing other people planning and having weddings gives me anxiety. Definitely not dreaming about that at all. Plus it's $$$$

[@childoftheonlyking]

If you like the red lips, maybe try a different lipstick, one that's more longwear like Fenty Stunna

[@xthinguyen8590]

Aloha! Welcome home! Good luck with all you wedding plans. :)

[@Yuru616]

BTW, everything will be so worth it once it’s over.

[@OurPerez]

Geesh u look amazing😻she did a great job!

[@cutepinksocks]

You’re so beautiful 🥰

[@merylnb13]

SO EXCITED FOR YOU AJA

[@ARealCookinMama]

😁🌺 Ah, good timing coming back during the week’s worth of rain… Everything looked amazing, Aja - thank you for continuing to support the local businesses here at home. ❤️

[@AjaDang]

xoxo

[@nineohsix9]

Yooo the dim sum 🥟 looked amazing. Have you guys started to look at tux options for Brian?

[@AjaDang]

I'm leaving that up to Brian but I know he hasn't started looking.