Once engaged, many people rejoice that they have found their match and the searching is over. They kick up their feet and get ready for a new life with their one and only. But once they realize that there is still more matchmaking to do, Tanna and Bryson Dang will come to their rescue. As owners of two locations of The Wedding Café, this married couple helps future brides and grooms choose wedding professionals who match their tastes and visions for the big day.
The Dangs purchased The Wedding Café at Manoa Marketplace in 2004 and the more recent Ward Warehouse location opened in 2007. Now both venues are havens for those committed to planning the perfect wedding. “We turned this business from a café with wedding things into a wedding resource center with a café,” says Bryson. Lining the walls of the larger, Manoa café are posters, brochures and business cards belonging to wedding coordinators, florists, photographers, cake makers, and other wedding professionals. Photo albums of makeup artists’ work and sample invitations are also there for browsing. All it takes is the arrival of a confused-looking brideto- be and the matchmaking service begins. With an encouraging “Have you been here before?” they begin a tour of the café and then let their guest browse to absorb information and generate questions. On the side, the café’s famous pumpkin crunch and soothing iced teas complement the search.
Finding out exactly what the bride and groom are looking for — whether it’s the whole shebang or just a florist — is the first crucial step. “We harness their feedback and help make choices,” says Bryson. In addition, Wednesday night workshops at the café bring couples together with vendors who give tips and showcase their talents. From hair and makeup demonstrations to videographer presentations, brides, and even more grooms these days, are taking advantage of the free information to make their decisions. Tanna and Bryson also contribute by sharing their own stories, including Tanna’s “Bridezilla” moments. “It makes the brides feel at ease because they know we’re human,” Tanna explains. “We become that friend that every bride wants. When you’re getting married, it can be hard to have a conversation without ‘wedding’ in it. When you’re not getting married, sometimes you just don’t want to hear it. But we listen to all of it.”
Partnering with Roy and Karen Kawaji, the Dangs are extending their personalized advice with a new wedding directory, White. White offers a more intimate survey of the styles and personalities of Hawaii wedding specialists. It provides pictures, testimonials, and the favorite movies, books, music, and more of each featured professional. When the wedding frenzy is over, Tanna and Bryson continue to welcome clients to shopping and charity events that they host at the café.
And, to think that the Dangs’ strong partnership started with some harmless flirting at First Hawaiian Bank – Bryson was a teller there and Tanna often came in to deposit her checks. “He was the youngest guy who worked there, so I always tried to flirt with him,” Tanna laughs. Nothing materialized right away and it would take another random meeting at a networking function to ignite the sparks. The Dangs were married in 2004.
As married business partners, it is important to “know your roles and play up to your strengths,” advises Bryson. Tanna agrees, adding, “You can never be a jack-of-all- trades!” But most important to the Dangs is remembering why they got here in the first place. After four years of hard work, days of chopping romaine lettuce hours on end, and learning how to efficiently operate as a team, they are happy with business but are most happy about being together. This is all icing on the cake,” Tanna smiles. “We found each other.”
Tanna and Bryson Dang
Owners
The Wedding Café
Manoa Marketplace & Ward Warehouse
www.theweddingcafe.net
love@theweddingcafe.net
MM: 808.988.1005 WW: 808.591.1005
