Paul Togioka

Paul was a delight to work with. We hired Paul to play guitar during the cocktail hour of our reception. Our guests raved about his beautiful music and what a nice guy he was. He was professional, quick to respond to e-mails, and had a professional Website with samples of his work. Oh, and the guy can play guitar like nobody's business. In fact, he's played slack-key guitar on two Grammy-nominated albums, but he'd never mention that to you because he's such a down-to-earth guy. If I had to do it all over again, I would have hired Paul as our ceremony musician. My wedding planner recommended someone else, so we went with him (the guy might have been fine but we couldn't hear him at all b/c he had no amp). Paul's song list is vast (Hawaiian, typical bridal selections, classical, pop) and he has his own small amp that he brings with him. If you are getting married in Kauai, or any of the Hawaiian islands, I would highly recommend Paul for your ceremony or cocktail hour. He's a talented guy and a class act.

Paul had a wireless mic set up to his slack key guitar and so was able to walk around the grounds playing before the ceremony, during and after. We wished we could have heard him playing during our cocktail hour but we were taking pictures on the beach. Some of our guests who are musicians especially admired his playing. He gave us a CD of his music as a keepsake of our beautiful wedding!

I debated whether or not to hire a separate musician for the ceremony and cocktail hour, but I’m so glad that we did. He was very prompt to respond to emails and was very flexible about some last minute changes we wanted to make. He is very talented. For the cocktail hour I simply requested that he play upbeat music, and although we weren’t there to enjoy it the guests said it really added to the overall experience.

When choosing a musician for our Hawaiian wedding we wanted something very reminiscent of Hawaii and its natural beauty. The most important song to me was Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Hawaiian artist Israel Kamakawiwo Ole'. This particular song was featured in the movie, 50 First Dates, starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. We had chosen a couple of musicians that had the right sound and flavor. We went with Paul because our wedding planner, Manulele knew Paul personally and felt his work would be best for us.

Paul played so wonderfully at our wedding Iz's song as well as other fun and beautiful songs while the guests waited for my arrival and afterwards during pictures. Paul is very reasonably priced and highly recommended.

Grammy nominated musician is so very humble and kind. His work is wonderful and will add so much to your day.