the first rays of the morning sun peek over the crater's edge to the east, a soft golden light infuses the grounds, awakening the colors of the garden.  Like pretty little "ladies-in-waiting" dressed in wedding finery, a profusion of multi-hued flowers nestled among the lush green foliage sits in colorful attendance, poised to beautifully frame you on your special day.  As the sun climbs higher in the cool morning sky, the sea beyond begins to sparkle with light, and the air is filled with the rhythmic sound of the waves rushing along the shoreline. And one can hear the trees rustling in the tradewinds that blow down from the mountains to the sea.

     And in the midst of the gardens sits a charming historic home, cozy and inviting with its deep, comfortable wing-back chairs and warm lighting.  Its antique furnishings and old-style sunroom off of the patio conjure up nostalgic feelings of a gentler time.  Welcome to another lovely day at the Bayer Estate — a wonderfully peaceful, almost magical setting, for your wedding.

      This historic property, recognized most notably for its architectural significance, was placed on the Hawaii Register of Historic Places in 1997.  Guests are sure to be charmed by this lovely 2-storey Craftsman style home that sits on a breezy, expansive oceanfront lot in the East Honolulu community of Aina Haina.  Designed by renowned territorial architect, Raymond L. Morris, in 1936 for the prominent Alexander & Baldwin executive, Carl Bayer, and his wife, Florence Gurrey (daughter of insurance executive/maritime artist, Alfred R. Gurrey, Sr.), the home is situated on one of the few remaining unsubdivided parcels that run from Kalanianaole Highway to the ocean.

      The theme of Bayer Estate weddings is a return to a more refined and graceful period, reminiscent of the classic elegance and style of the intimate, private home weddings of yesteryear. Guests of the estate will enjoy the relaxing and romantic "old world" feeling of this intimate oceanfront retreat, where quality and attention to detail are a priority.  The nostalgic and elegant ambience of this charming historic home by the sea is enhanced by lovely antique furnishings, fragrant fresh floral arrangements, fine linens, crystal, and china, all backdropped by soft, relaxing background music.  Wedding ceremonies may be held in the main parlor or the oceanfront garden.

      Arrangements may be made for guests to linger awhile and enjoy a delightful post-ceremony repast of delicate pastries, tea sandwiches (or other more elaborate selections, prepared by some of Hawaii's outstanding chefs) in the sunroom or garden.  Exquisite gourmet wedding cakes and petit fours created by a master French pastry chef may also be custom ordered.

      Since the Bayer Estate's placement on the historic register, I feel an ethical obligation, as its new "guardian", to preserve and restore this charming seaside property for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike for generations to come.    Patrons of the Bayer Estate will be contributing to the preservation of not only this historic property, but others as well, as a portion of the proceeds generated will be donated annually to help fund other private and public historic preservation projects in the State of Hawaii.

      I hope that perhaps you and your family and friends will be gathering together in celebration at the Bayer Estate, where nostalgic wedding traditions of the past will be beautifully revisited.