We are so excited to post our first (of many) Style Sheets to inspire all of the fresh details of a modern wedding event from favor ideas to color palettes, fashion and cuisine. Michael and Anna Costa sent us these beautiful images from Amy + Mike's wedding at El Careyes Beach Resort, a hidden gem on Mexico's gold coast. The Santa Barbara photographers perfectly captured the island casual setting and thoughtful details of the destination wedding.
Our last post on Oslo Press seemed to strike a chord, so we thought we would share a few accessories that complement the wood veneer invitations. Our beloved Martha Stewart is the Princess of Faux Bois, offering everything from beautiful craft supplies to unique wedding cakes decorated in this motif, which literally translated simply means "false wood". (The French translation always adds caché, doesn't it?!) Here are a few more ideas from MSW that will bring out the nature girl in you! ~aloha, robyn
(Photos by Oslo Press and Martha Stewart Living)
If you are looking for wedding invitations that are both "green" and elegant, Oslo Press offers unique sets
that blend wood veneers and pretty cotton papers. Each
invitation is created using a smooth veneer which is laser engraved with Oslo's original
designs. Coordinating pieces such as the reply card and envelopes are printed with a letterpress, which adds even more great texture and a classic touch to this innovative combo. If you are planning to "go green" for your wedding, these designs could be just what you're seeking! ~aloha, robyn
Summer is upon us and we've beachcombed the shelves to find the perfect essentials for a day at the shore. If you're planning your holiday trip you will want to look breezily chic without breaking a sweat. Easy, right? Letarte Swimwear offers the ultimate glam bikinis that put function just as high as style. We trust designer Lisa Letarte Cabrinha, a former pro windsurfer, who puts her wears to the test at her home in Maui. Since you will be covered from the sun, apply Fresh's High Noon Freshface Glow, a sheer easy-to-blend liquid bronzer packed with powerful antioxidants. Just one shade fits all skin tones so it’s impossible to go wrong. Don a classic two-tone straw hat; forever 21 has a cute selection. Glamorous, big shades are a necessity. The Skyla shades by Oliver Peoples are pictured above. Their luxury eyewear features Ivory Shell with Spice Brown Gradient in a flattering upswept shape. Was there life before the Havaiana sandal hit the marketplace? The Chico Flip Flop is fun and exotic. Visit Free People for a great assortment of flats. xo Shaunna
Hula is a captivating dance, famously said to be the heartbeat of Hawai‘i, as it speaks the language of the heart. As a visitor to the islands, you will leave changed forever once you begin to comprehend the depth of the Hawaiian culture. The modern day wedding gives the ancient Hawaiian hula a contemporary stage upon which to perform. Those of you that have watched the graceful and swift movements of the hula know how thrilling the performance is— a true cause for celebration.
In the days leading up to your wedding in Hawaii, a loose itinerary for your guests will give them a chance to intermingle and get a feel for the islands. Brides are always looking for a special way to spend the day with their maids, beyond spa treatments and sun-bathing! We love the idea of getting your girlfriends together for a hula lesson. Sarah Chang, owner of Wanna Hula in Honolulu offers individual and group lessons, performances, and audience participation lessons, always entertaining!
For the bold ones, consider the Ku‘uipo (sweetheart) package, in which Sarah will teach you to dance the hula at your wedding to surprise your husband and thank your loved ones! Otherwise the ladies in the bridal party can enjoy a day of dancing under the sun for your eyes only. xo Shaunna
It's finally time to announce the winner of the Last Word Photo Contest. Like any good race, it was a close one right up until the deadline, with nearly 1,000 user votes in the end! Congratulations to Trailbrook Photography who shot the winning image, It Had To Be You. Reader's remarked "It's classic and elegant — the moment was truly captured", "Now that looks like true love", "elegant, glamorous, stunning!"
The beautiful couple pictured is Kristy and Carlos Valdivia who wed in San Diego last Fall. Look out for the Summer/ Fall 2008 edition on newsstands in July! A sincere thank you to all of the hopeful finalists and to our dedicated readers! 
We are down to the wire and it has been an exciting contest! We will be closing the votes in our photo contest at midnight tonight (PST-Hawaii time), so you still have time to select your favorite image by commenting in the previous post below. Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to cast your vote, and congratulations to our contest finalists—all the photos are truly stunning! Keep those votes coming!
The results for the finalists are in for The Last Word Photo Contest! It wasn't easy, but we have selected five photos out of hundreds of entries, and they are listed below in no certain order. Thank you to all of you who took the time to send us your beautiful images. Now it is YOUR opportunity to cast a vote for your favorite photograph. Vote for your favorite finalist by posting a comment, including the number and "name" of the image. Please include the reason why you were touched by the picture (keep it brief and amazing;) Deadline to cast your vote is Friday, April 25, 2008 and we will announce the winner the following Monday. Tell your family and friends to add their comments, too. Happy voting and congratulations to our finalists!
#1 Grandma's Girl, Stephanie Brockman Photography
#2 Swept Away, Fred Egan, Photographer
#3 This Kiss, Trever Hoehne Photography
#4 Bicycle Built For Two, Gertrude & Mabel Photography
#5 Had To Be You, Trailbrook Photography
Happy voting and congratulations to our finalists!
Happy Aloha Friday! Just a quick note to thank everyone who took the time to submit images to the Last Word contest! The entry gates are now closed ;) We've received some pretty amazing photos but you'll have to wait a few more days to check them out! The top five finalists will be posted here next week and you, the readers will vote. xo Shaunna
Photo : Visionari
Travelers seeking escape from the clamor of everyday life will revel in the Mauna Lani Resort's Spa. The serene oasis located on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii was recenty voted #1 spa in Hawaii by Condé Nast Traveler magazine! For the ultimate in exotic treatments, newlyweds should try the Lava Love package. The private lava-themed treatments include the resort's sun-warmed outdoor Lava Sauna, naturally detoxifying Lava Flow body treatment and Lava Watsu pool experience. The open-air Lava Sauna made of 'ili'ili stones, pictured above, uses black clay from the earth to draw the impurities from the body. This uniquly Hawaiian spa experience is unparalleled. On top of the praise for their spa retreat, Mauna Lani is deemed one of the "World's Top Earth-Friendly Getaways."
