2024 OWA Board Candidates

We are thrilled to present your 2024 OWA Board candidates. Our dedicated board candidates bring a wealth of experience and a passion for the wedding industry that is second to none. As we approach the 11/7 election, we encourage our members to get to know these candidates and their roles in the industry. The Oahu Wedding Association has played a pivotal role in shaping our industry, and we're excited to see where the journey of the next year takes us.

2024 OWA President Candidates

Tessa Gomes - Current President

I'm Tessa, owner and wedding planner at Fred and Kate Events. In addition to wedding planning, I co-host a podcast, Unveiling Paradise about - you guessed it - wedding planning in Hawaii! I've been in this industry for 20 years, and I'm 100% committed to seeing it thrive and grow. As the current President of the Oahu Wedding Association, my goal was to increase our membership, focusing on education and structured networking, while channeling my energy on the political agenda within our local government and still planning a kickass end of year party... WHEW!! I've just gotten started and would love another year with all of you!

Shannon Hannold

Shannon Hannold is the owner and creative Director of Flawless Hawai’i Weddings. She has garnered an industry wide reputation for her unparalleled ability to bring vision to life.

Motivated by her passion for people, Shannon incorporates fresh ideas inspired by Hawaii’s beauty and over 20 years of expertise. She has a deep rooted understanding of clients needs, resulting in her ability to create highly personal weddings and events down to the smallest detail. Her love for people is evident and has been seen at the many Make-A-Wish events she’s planned.  Each bride and groom become part of her ohana.

The ocean is her happy place.  When she’s not on the beach, you’ll find her entertaining friends on her lanai, or tending to her succulents.  She enjoys hiking and camping with her son, and catching up with her daughter, who lives in Australia.

2024 OWA Vice President Candidate

Andrew Tran - Current Vice President

I'm Andrew Tran, the owner of Redefined Weddings. I'm truly passionate about storytelling and the power of collaboration. I truly believe the wedding industry has shaped who I am as a person and creative this past decade so I'm committed to elevating and enhancing this beautiful industry we all love. Over the past year, it's been an exciting journey working with the current board and our dedicated members to build a strong and supportive community within the Oahu Wedding Association. However, I believe there is still so much more room to grow and innovate, and that's why I'm stoked and ready to continue serving for another year. I'm eager to bring my energy, vision, and dedication to help shape the future of the OWA.

2024 OWA Secretary Candidate

Hunter Kwiatkowski

Hunter Kwiatkowski, a passionate entertainer originally from Washington State, has spent over 17 years in Hawaii, providing unique and unforgettable experiences for weddings and events all over Oahu. He has over 15 years of DJ experience as well as a BA in music from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He embraces all musical genres for his couples and ensures that the music reflects their vision for their wedding. Currently serving as a member at Large and Chair of the Workshop/Events Committee, he is ready for another year as the OWA Secretary or Treasurer- continuing his support of the Oahu Wedding Association!

2024 OWA Treasurer Candidate

Jillian Tamaru

My name is Jillian Tamaru, Catering Sales Manager for the Marriott Waikiki Complex which includes the Sheraton Waikiki, Royal Hawaiian, Moana Surfrider and Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel. Currently a Member at Large, looking to further my involvement within the association for 2024. In my free time I love to hike, try out new restaurants and travel. I look forward to continuing to serve you all!

2024 OWA Member at Large Candidates

Henry Fang

Henry was formerly a Catering Sales Manager at the Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina, but has since started his own retail business born during covid, Paradise Monarchs. Through his company, he gets to share his passion and love for monarch butterflies through his unique chrysalis boxes, butterfly releases, and education experiences, all with the mission to help with butterfly conservation in Hawaii. Henry has been an active OWA committee member since the beginning of 2023 and looks forward to helping to make a more positive impact in the Oahu wedding industry.

Edmar Castillo

My name is Edmar Castillo and I am the proud owner of Edmar Castillo Photography. Before venturing into the world of wedding photography, I spent almost a decade as an Investigator, documenting photographic evidence. Now, I find joy in capturing the love and happiness shared during weddings. It may seem like an unusual career transition, but there is a common thread between the two professions - both involve navigating conflicts and finding compromises. It is with this mindset that I aspire to join the Board as a Director, aiming to elevate our industry and address any governmental regulations that may impact us while connecting with like-minded professionals. 

Tori Honda

One of the best parts of being a Catering Sales Manager, at Four Seasons Resort Oahu, is the opportunity to work along side so many talented professionals in this industry.

As a member at large, I would love the opportunity to help elevate our industry; continuing to build on community over competition.

Zabrina Zablan

Hey everyone, I'm Zabrina, Zabs... owner, founder and head planner at The Gay Agenda. I'm proud of the fact that we are queer, kanaka and sustainable planners. I've been heavily involved in several boards this year and I have to say - the Oahu Wedding Association is the one I've been most excited about. Having the opportunity to lean into an industry that has grown so much (and continues to grow) excites me. I'd love to be a part of the industry and this organization as it continues to elevate.

Alyssa Topacio

Catering Sales Executive at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

RSVP for the Election and Networking event.

Please RSVP to join us at the election event to cast your vote and network with fellow members and esteemed wedding industry professionals.