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Hawaii, CHARLESTON, Tuscany wedding photographer | Available for worldwide travel

Honi. The Hawaiian Kiss

Wedding Photography

April 29, 2014

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Destination wedding photographer, world traveler, chocolate and wine lover. I’m the girl behind the lens that will capture and narrate the story of you and your wedding day so you may have your treasured memories for generations to come.

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QUESTIONS TO ASK A VENUE BEFORE YOU BOOK

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Oahu, North Shore, Destination Wedding, Hawaii, beach, sunset

When planning your wedding in Hawaii, couples often are looking to intertwine traditions of local culture. Most will choose to exchange lei where you can learn more here. Then there is the Honi. In short, honi, means to kiss. The gravity of the honi in the Hawaiian culture is often unknown to visitors, which, in my opinion is a shame. It’s a beautiful act of love and respect between two people. During this “kiss”, two people touch foreheads, with noses touching and then inhaling as the same time. This act represents two very distinct ideas, very present in the local culture. It is the exchanging of ha – the breath of life, as well as mana -the spiritual power that resides in each of us.

I love the Honi for all that is symbolizes, exchanging breath and and spirituality. It’s a beautiful moment to capture and one I would highly consider the Honi for your Hawaiian wedding ceremony.

Oahu, North Shore, Destination Wedding, Hawaii, beach, sunset

Resources:

“The honi is a Polynesian greeting in which two people greet each other by pressing noses and inhaling at the same time. This is a very honorific as this represents the exchange of ha–the breath of life, and mana–spiritual power between two people. This act and the concepts behind it are very unusual to western audiences and care should be taken to explain the spirituality and sacredness of this simple act of greeting.”

Renee Bishaw, Hawaiian Greeting/Protocol

“The ancient custom of honi when meeting another included touching foreheads together, inhaling, kissing the other on the cheek or lips, hugging and then exhaling. It is said that this custom enabled the ancients to detect who visited their homes hours after they left by the distinctive body odor of that person. We’ve also read that the kiss used to be on the lips but changed to the cheek or eliminated when the tuberculosis epidemic hit Hawai`i. ”

Source: Hawaiian Etiquette by Wai`anae students

Oahu, North Shore, Destination Wedding, Hawaii, beach, sunset

jeannemaire is Hawaii’s premiere destination wedding photographer. She is based on Oahu and Maui. She will travel to neighbor islands or where ever your destination takes you (or her!). contact us at info@jeannemariephoto.com to schedule your free consultation today!

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Well hello there and welcome. Starting out my career in NYC as a graphic designer and art director, which had taken me from ice cream and beer to the fashion world, working on some of the top brands. All of which taught me about composition and working under pressure. After a life changing trip, I decided it was time to explore the world and have an adventure. 
I tell you this as it helps me, help you capture your own story with care, creativity and emotion.

Meet Jeannemarie

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QUESTIONS TO ASK A VENUE BEFORE YOU BOOK

Grab our Free Guide + Checklist!

DOWNLOAD

FREE DOWNLOAD

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What to ask your Wedding Venue before you book

 Over 55 questions to ask a wedding venue before you book them. No matter if you're marrying in Hawaii or anywhere your destination takes you.

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