Although she has created the persona of Aunty Tutu for this stage in her life, the name belies the force of nature that is this wahine, whose given name is Stephanie Lindsey. Perhaps others who hear that name (also, “Aunty Steph”), can recall when she was once the executive director and emcee of the famous Germaine’s Luau on O’ahu back in the day, or that she was part of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s Tahitian show.

Being Hawaiian, she incorporates her cultural beliefs and protocol into her ceremonies. As she stands there, she imagines in her mind the setting with the ceremony taking place: which way the light falls to the photographer gets the best shot or which way the wind will be blowing so the bride’s hair falls just so and doesn’t hide her eyes as they gaze upon her beloved.

“We talk story and email back and forth,” Aunty says. “I say, ‘How are you wearing your hair?’ and make suggestions that will put her in the best light. The bride always gets the last word,” she adds.

As Aunty Tutu walks around the grounds of the chosen wedding venue, she will be greeting guests as if they were long-lost friends, she is spreading so much aloha and kindness and it absolutely catches them off-guard, their faces lit up with a smile as they walk away from this priceless encounter. She lives the persona of Aunty Tutu, not just in her ceremonies or while on stage, but at all times. It’s the Aunty Tutu way!

- Karen Valentine
Keola Magazine 2017