Always Tomiko is my cousin’s heartfelt project, and I was honored to help her bring it to life. The name is a tribute to our grandmother, Tomiko, and the legacy she’s passed down. Born into an Okinawan family that moved to Hilo, she grew up embracing her roots while navigating new traditions. As a child, she chose to go by Mildred in school because it was easier for others to say, but Tomiko was always a part of her.
Together, we wanted to honor her story and our shared memories. The logo features two kōlea birds, inspired by the ones we’d always see in our grandparents’ backyard on Oʻahu. The kōlea, known for its long journeys between islands and its deep connection to home, felt like the perfect symbol for love, commitment, and everything these vow books represent.
Designed with care, these books aren’t just for your vows—they’re for the promises that tie you to the ones you love, with a little piece of our family’s history woven in.
The design process was a true collaboration. We started by exploring several cover concepts, playing with layouts, fonts, and subtle nods to the logo and theme. To ensure the design resonated, my cousin created a survey and shared it with her friends, gathering feedback to determine which option was the favorite. Once we finalized the design, we turned our attention to the details—selecting the perfect cover colors and creating a distinction between “his” and “hers” versions while keeping everything cohesive. Every decision was made with care to ensure the vow books felt timeless and meaningful.
