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If you happen to be the lucky one in charge of planning a bridal shower, The Best Wishes Wedding Shower Kit is here to stylishly assist you! Each lovely package includes a guest book, party favor tags with ribbon, a gift-record organizer and thoughtful party tips. Simply put, this is a savvy party planner in a really cute box! xo Shaunna
I've always been known for my love affair with stripes but lately I have a crush on polka dots! These elegant crystal paperweights by Iomoi will add a stylish touch to any tabletop! Although Iomoi is known for their online social stationery, they offer classic home accessories with a fun and modern twist. Partners Irene Chen and Matthew Grenby set out to find a more personal way to communicate online, so they crafted "iomoi", a handwritten note that could be sent via email. Each choosen design is paired with specific fonts and colors in mind and can be monogramed if you so desire. Beyond the polka dots, there are lovely flower patterns and island themes from which to choose. (Pictured L-R: dot pattern in black, preppy dots, dot pattern in yellow).
I love Iomoi's black and white polka dot coasters with a miniature pink heart, pictured below. Is it too early to mention Valentines Day?! Also shown are Hable Construction's pink polka dot gift tags that will make any gift look cute. The thick cardstock is letterpressed with their signature bold patterns. And their new line of linen covered photo frames are perfect for a guestbook table! xo Shaunna
I've been hearing great things about the art and design resurgence in Honolulu's Chinatown district. I finally had a chance to peruse the area this week and the historical neighborhood truly offers a colorful and unique array of stylish restaurants, innovative cuisine and galleries on each block. Hotel Street in particular has really come alive with a handful of chic night spots lining the dimly lit street. The potential for private parties and personalized events is exciting! Thirty Nine Hotel is my top bar and lounge pick for a night out with your bridal party or an intimate dinner with wedding attendants. The indoor/outdoor space is clean and modern with an all-white interior space (even the bar is a crisp white lacquer). I especially like the feel of the open-air patio with exposed brick and tin rooftops all around. The owner says, "We offer an unpretentious and loving atmosphere for individuals in search of something different." Try their fresh Mojo Mojito, Thirty Nine Hotel's specialty drink!
Another note-worthy Chinatown spot is the charmingly intimate, Duc's French Bistro, on Maunakea Street. You can't miss the red neon roses that light the window front of the old brick building. If you're in town on the first Friday of the month, check out Chinatown's First Friday evening festival where galleries, museums and studios open their doors to the public for an artsy experience. xo Shaunna
Planning a wedding away may seem intimidating at first glance, especially for those of us who are more than a little concerned with the details. Allow us to introduce Tammy Perkins, author of The Best of Hawaii Wedding Book, and quite possibly your new best friend! Based on the island of Maui, Tammy heads the coordination firm, First Class Weddings, and has literally planned hundreds of beautiful events in Hawaii. When she was approached by a publisher to share her expertise and advice, she graciously agreed. The book is loaded with inside tips and a local perspective that is invaluable when planning from afar, with commentary on all things Hawaii including reception sites, caterers, photographers and travel accommodations. This little book will give you the confidence to make good decisions about one of the most important days of your lives. In fact, once you have read it you may just decide that Tammy is the perfect one to manage this momentous occasion personally.
Shaunna and I are both paper obsessed. Journals, notecards, invitations—you name it—if it is made with paper and especially, if it is personalized, we love it. As a self professed design-aholic, I constantly visit Dwell magazine's web site for inspiration, and I happened across an ad for fabulousstationery.com, so naturally I clicked through (for professional reasons, of course!). A modern girl's dream, the site offers adorable, quirky stationery, including unique save-the-dates. If you're into mid-century modern or you simply love paper like we do, we suggest you head over for a little shopping spree. The notecards are simply irresistable... er, I mean fabulous!
Some artists have this innate talent to create truly timeless work. Debbie Hemingway, of the eponymous Designs by Hemingway, is one of those gifted people. I was perusing a back issue of Pacific Weddings when I came across a feature in which Debbie had created gorgeous tropical bouquets. I realized (yet, again) that her designs from several years ago are just as relevant and beautiful today, and her wiring and assemblage are as impeccable as her taste. Any florist will tell you that tropical bouquets present a particular challenge due to their bulky stems and weight, and Debbie is a master at working with just such natural elements to create unique floral designs. Most importantly, they are designs that consistently withstand the test of time.
Photo by Robie Price
My Henry Road 2008 catalogue arrived in the mail today and it is full of so many colorful graphic patterns! The collection by designer Paula Smail includes even more table linens, bags and paper goods featuring bright and cheerful floral prints. My absolute favorite is the black and white Gloria table linen, pictured below. And of course I love the matching letterpress notecards! Paula creates bold cotton fabrics that reflect "her childhood, her travels, her love of color, and the inspiration she finds in the sunshine and flora of Los Angeles", the city she now calls home. We featured Henry Road's pink grid table linens in our Winter/Spring 2007 edition, The Pink Issue. The retro-modern table set-up, pictured above, displays the clean, contemporary look of pink and black in wedding decor. xo Shaunna
The results are in and Maui is once again named the "golden child" of idyllic retreats. Having had the privilege of living here for 18 years, it doesn't surprise me. There is so much more to the island of Maui than the amazing white beaches and tropical allure—it is the people and their culture that make this place truly unforgettable. I could go on, but I will save that for another day!
Today is a day of congratulations to all the people who have made it possible for the prestigious media accolades. Each year Condé Nast Traveler publishes its "Gold List - World's Best Places To Stay" and the new list recently appeared in the January 2008 issue. Not surprisingly, Four Seasons Resorts Hawai`i claimed the top four spots in Hawai`i in this year's list. Led by Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, which was named the top-scoring property in the United States, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka`upulehu, Four Seasons Resort Lana`i, The Lodge at Koele and Four Seasons Resort Lana`i at Manele Bay followed as Hawai`i's top resorts (check out the new White Issue for our stunning feature on the Lana`i properties).
Maui also took the lead in Orbitz’s "Top 10 List of U.S. Winter Beach Destinations" (based on bookings from 2005-2008):
1. Maui, Hawaii (but, of course!)
2. Daytona Beach, Fla. (hmmm?)
3. Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (another great selection!)
4. Key West, Fla.(beautiful and there is the Hemingway draw)
5. San Diego, Calif. (nice!)
6. Charleston, S.C.
7. Fort Lauderdale/Miami, Fla.
8. Sarasota, Fla.
9. Santa Monica, Calif.
10. Fort Myers, Fla.
I would add the islands of Kaua'i and O'ahu, as both have incredible white sand beaches and offer much more romantic surroundings than any of the Florida locations mentioned. We've visited many of the top spots for destination weddings, so please post your questions and we'll get back to you! Aloha~
[The image pictured above is The Lodge at Koele by Christiaan Phleger]
Paia is a charming surf town on Maui's North Shore that is bustling with colorful characters and a laid-back island vibe. The brightly painted plantation style shops and cafés that line Baldwin Avenue offer an ecclectic assortment of styles and flavors for every personality. I was so happy to see that Ono Gelato Company opened its doors in the most convenient of locations last month at the intersection of Hana Highway and Baldwin Avenue. The café is super cute with crisp white walls and lime green benches ideal for people watching. And the gelato really is ono (delicious)! Be sure to try their nearly 30 unique Hawaiian flavors such as Maui Gold Pineapple, Lilikoi and Kula Strawberry. Their philosophy is one worth supporting, too: "We combine the fresh flavors of Hawaii with the traditions of Italy, to create a product that is all natural, organic, local, sustainable and ono!" Yum! xo Shaunna
We have all heard stories of the disastrous bridesmaid dress... enter NY stylist, Beth Blake. When she was faced with her first fashion dilemma and unable to find a suitable bridesmaid's dress for her sister's wedding, Beth and her friend Sophie did what any enterprising fashionata would do—they designed their own beautiful frocks for the occasion, and THREAD was born.
Beth knows a thing or two about design. She was a fashion editor at Vogue for three years prior to her work as a freelance stylist for Vanity Fair and INSTYLE. Working with designers like Versace, Narciso Rodriguez and Ralph Lauren certainly had a positive career influence. So, your bridesmaids will be forever grateful should you select a dress from the THREAD collection. We are particularly fond of Sarah—the striped chiffon ruching at the waist will flatter any figure, and the design is perfect for a destination wedding. The Scarlett bridal gown should also be added to your list of possibilities for a wedding away. And by the way, where do we find that adorable shirt the bicyclist is wearing?
Image by THREAD
For most women, the wedding day presents the one shining moment in a lifetime— perhaps the only time— you will have reason to don a crown without reserve. On this precious occasion, why not indulge your girlish dreams to be a true princess for the day? Tiaras have been en vogue for centuries, and now more than ever brides have a marvelous array of choices. The key is finding just the right look perfectly suited to your gown and accessories. Pay particular attention to your hair style on the day of the wedding and be sure to schedule a trial appointment with your stylist to play around with different looks. In the photos above, Tara wears a Monsoon tiara by The Tiara Room (pictured left) and crystal and pearl diadem by Brides Head Revisited while Joelle wears plated brass headpieces for Las Coronas by Mary Beth McGowan. Hair and Makeup by Dan Sanchez and Jessica Waite. Pick up the White Issue to read the full story!
A lovely alternative for the down-to-earth bride is to wear a haku lei, a natural crown of colorful flowers and local foliage. One of our real wedding brides, Emily Robb was radiant in a lei po‘o made of fragrant tuberose and natural greenery. She also had her bridesmaids don matching haku lei in true island style! The traditonal Hawaiian head lei was made popular by both male and female hula performers and is typically worn in formal ceremonies. The word “haku” refers to a technique of
lei-making where the flowers and greenery are braided to face out. A haku lei is wonderfully romantic and perfect for a seaside wedding!
xo Shaunna
All images by Christiaan Phleger + Lexi Mackenzie
Shaunna offered a quick addition to my last post on finding the perfect carry-on for your wedding trip. I agree that Elle magazine's recent list of first-class accessories bears repeating. For the traditionalist, they suggest the LV monogram cruiser bag--we love the boxy shape. For the collector, nothing but Gucci will do. Their white canvas duffel with the classic G logo in navy blue is our choice for a sporty girl with great taste. Shaunna's favorite is a (sassy red!) patent leather Marc by Marc Jacobs suitcase that you won't miss on the conveyor—but then again, who wants to part with something so precious? Checking this bag would be a (fashion) crime.
A destination wedding is the perfect excuse to indulge in at least one new piece of adorable luggage. Check out Anthropologie's Here a Crab, There a Crab Weekend Wheelie. If you are headed to a seaside setting, it's the perfect carry-on. While you're at it, take a look at their online Travel Guide Book for tips on what to pack for tropical chic style on your honeymoon. If nothing else, you'll be temporarily transported to an exotic local like Costa Rica or Santorini.
Bon Voyage!
Getting ready for a party is almost just as fun as the party itself. And sifting through the pages of The Evening Dress by Alexandra Black is almost like trying on countless frivilous gowns and cocktail dresses that women have treasured for centuries. If only we could have attended such wonderfully lavish parties! This beautifully illustrated tribute to fashion's highest art showcases the glamorous and festive attire that goes on after dark. Indulge your imagination when it comes time to find your wedding dress with these timeless photographs and sketches of exquisite gowns.
And since you're sure to love every page of this title, The Party Dress is guaranteed to inspire and bring out the girly girl in all of you! It is a lovely retrospective of the pleasures of dressing up. Enjoy! xo Shaunna
While I am currently living the sweet island life in Hawaii, I do consider myself a city girl at heart. What is my city of choice, you ask? New York, of course! To crave both locales is an interesting mix-- the serenity, ease and abundant nature of the Hawaiian Islands vs. the vivacious energy, and inspired chaos of the concrete jungle. Is it possible to have the best of both worlds when it comes to hosting your wedding? While the few beaches in New York may not compare to the white sandy shores of Hawaii, there are endless venues full of character and charm to choose from. If you're in search of all things wedding in NYC, turn to Vane at Brooklyn Bride. She offers up some really great creative resources for planning a modern celebration and she's got that designer eye for
detail. You
could literally spend hours sifting through her hand-picked selection
of wedding vendors (including the chic reception site, Divine Studio, pictured below).
I'd like to share one of my favorite shops in Brooklyn to find truly unique gift offerings and home decor. When I stepped into The Future Perfect,
located on North Sixth Street, I couldn't resist purchasing this Hope
Forever Blossoming vase by D-Bros, innovatively made of plastic materials. Wouldn't this make the coolest
reception table centerpiece? (Image from Dedece+ where they can be purchased online).
xo Shaunna
If you are of Japanese descent or raised in Hawaii, you'll
recognize this cute kitten. These ceramic statues of a waving cat are
said to bring good fortune, and you'll find them a ubiquitous sight in
the islands, a true cultural melting pot. Karen Sasaki's
hand-decorated Lucky
Cats aren’t made of traditional porcelain, but creamy, solid
Belgian Chocolate. As owner of Suedy's Koo-Ki Sushi, she is a sansei,
or third-generation Japanese American. Her luck began when she won a
cookie contest that led to the creation of her adorable, kitshy cookies
made to look like sushi. The legendary kitties make a cute wedding
favor and give a whimsical nod to your Japanese heritage.
Karen also offers kanpai cups (pronounced “kom-pi”, Japanese for “cheers!”), that are shaped in rich chocolate and come in four delicious flavors: green tea, strawberry, white chocolate, and dark chocolate marble. Each sake cup is decorated by hand with a detailed floral trim except for the dark chocolate, which is marbled with creamy milk chocolate. Although tasty on their own, the kanpai cups can be used to serve sake, your favorite liqueur or sorbet— a memorable finish to your reception dinner.
C'mon brides, share your ethnic favor ideas! Cheers~
Perfume is one of the most personal and thoughtful gifts that a woman can receive. Because a scent has the unmistakable ability to capture a feeling, a place and a time like no other, perfume is the luxurious token of romantics. If you dare to select a scent to gift each one of your bridesmaids to wear on your wedding day, you will certainly assure a moment to remember.
Most of my girlfriends are loyal to their favorite scent— a signature trademark of their unique personas. I like to mix it up depending on the season, the city or gala. My fashion friend in downtown Manhattan always wears Stella McCartney's Peony. Its blend of patchouli and amber is edgy yet feminine. My sunny island girls opt for Marc Jacob's Daisy for its warm floral hints and playful flavor. It is sophisticated and alluring but not too grown-up and serious. And the bottle is too precious to resist!
Your wedding destination may determine your special selection at the fragrance counter or maybe you will choose a perfume to cleverly match your wedding flowers. Kai Fragrance is the preferred scent for a California bride with its light blend of natural essences and exotic aroma. The clean, fresh scent adds the perfect touch to a whimsical celebration. Whichever your preference, these timeless fragrances will surely fill the air with love!
xo Shaunna
According to recent studies, the destination wedding trend has grown over 400% in the past ten years. If you are considering tying the knot in a faraway place, we have the lowdown on all the hot spots in the Pacific, and one of my favorite destinations is the gorgeous Royal Davui in Fiji. This exclusive island retreat offers complete seclusion and arguably the most romantic honeymoon accommodations in the world. Did I mention the huge Jacuzzi spa? With the simple press of a
button your roof opens to reveal a canopy of countless stars in the Fijian skies …sigh.
If you want to get away from it all, this is the place to disconnect from a hectic world. Your Vale (vah-le is the Fijian word for home), or villa, is just one of 16 nestled into the tropical cliffs—the resort is literally without neighbors on the tiny island. A mesmerizing view of the reef and lagoon from your private terrace is captivating. Spend the day lazing in your private plunge pool, there is one in each and every Vale.
I would be remiss if I neglected to mention the cuisine. The chefs at the Royal Davui prepare the most delicious fare you may experience in Fiji. Matched with an exceptional wine list, the meals— like everything else at the Royal Davui—are a perfect blend of traditional Fijian culture with modern luxury.
If you opted for a destination wedding or are in the planning stages now, please share your ideas or questions--we'd love your feedback!
Since the details of the day are often the things that your guests will remember, we knew you would appreciate a few resources to add a personal touch (or two!) to your wedding. How cute are these mint tins from Beaucoup with the retro graphics and great colors? We also discovered Dragonfly Cakes's delicate petit fours at Williams-Sonoma and instantly ordered them for our photo shoot in the new issue. WS is an excellent source for personalized items, like their elegant paper coasters in gold or silver. If you want to get even more detailed, visit ForYourParty.com, where you can customize everything from cocktail stir sticks to gift tags for your event. If you've had fun putting your stamp on all your wedding details, please share your ideas! We'd love to hear from you. (Photo above courtesy of Beaucoup; below courtesy of Williams-Sonoma.
Shaunna is away in NYC until next week, reportedly shopping until she drops—one of her many amazing talents. So, while she braves the icy cold, I will blog away in the Maui sunshine. In case you are fending off the cold weather, too, I thought you'd appreciate a touch of spring. We both loved Kate Spade's whimsical floral sketches on her Rutherford Circle
dinnerware, which we featured last winter. The brilliant
colors are brought to life in Town and Country’s floral designs, an
enticing arrangement of orange tulips, red makara orchids, pink
bouvardia, yellow freesia, yellow spray roses, and sugar snap peas. A
chartreuse ribbon accents the base of an ultra-modern vase. Clara
Confectioner’s boxed chocolates are tied expertly with a ribbon striped
with fuchsia, yellow, and white. Kinohi’s contemporary invitation
announces the festivities with a playful monogram. This bold, contemporary palette may be the perfect thing to cheer any winter blues, but if you'd like more on spring flowers, try MSW.
A destination wedding gives the men in your party a valid reason to forgo formal attire, but the location and time of day for your event will ultimately influence the groom's decision of what to wear. A tropical climate usually calls for a lightweight pale suit or an elegant linen jacket, however, a tux is certainly appropriate for a formal evening event.
If you or your betrothed are a little intimidated by the myriad nuances of men's wedding fashion, seek counsel from the experts. The arbiter of classic American style, Ralph Lauren, offers the RL Style Guide with head-to-toe advice on dressing with timeless elegance. For instance, did you know that the suit coat sleeve should extend just past the wrist when the arm hangs naturally at the side? If a jacket isn't even a consideration, look to Tommy Bahama for laid-back luxe. For the detailed man, try one of my favorites, Thomas Pink, the British haberdashery that will custom tailor both shirt and tie for your event. No matter what he decides, your groom will head to the altar looking his best!
