Having grown up on Hawaii’s Big Island, Lance Duyao knows a thing or two about this magical place. And as a creative mind behind Big Island Candies, he’s recognized in Hawaii as a true arbiter of style. Lance is our go-to for beautiful boxes and ribbons for all kinds of gifts and favors, not to mention his passion as a consummate foodie.  We couldn’t think of anyone better to ask what makes the Big Island so special. Here’s Lance’s shortlist of things to do and see on your next visit.

If you’ve never tried Big Island Candies’ famous chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies, you haven’t lived! Perhaps a slight exaggeration, but you get the point. And the taste is only matched by the fabulous packaging. Since Lance is a humble guy, we’ll add them to the list. Thanks, Lance! xo ~robyn

Wendy and Eric Mansperger of L’amour Photography shot this original editorial at Laniakea for the Winter/Spring ’11 issue of Pacific Weddings. The scene was created by the incredibly talented Yvonne Chapman and the team from Mood. Like many of our ideas, this was inspired by a runway look Yvonne and I both loved. Of course, she always exceeds my expectation in translating the style board into the final vision. Stacey Nomura of Bradley & Lily designed simply elegant stationery to complement the pearl and deep purple motif. Take a look behind the scenes as Yvonne reinvents the humble carnation in a setting that is at once glamorous and sculptural. xo ~robyn

(Dress by Vera Wang, hair and makeup by Jacque Rojas)

If your groom desires to channel Tom Ford’s iconic style and innate savoir faire, look to his Spring/Summer ’11 Collection. While his very short shorts in the collection may not suit your man’s taste, this cocktail jacket can’t miss. The bow tie, classic shawl collar and exquisite silk jacquard are at once timeless and super chic. Would your groom rock this look?  xo ~robyn

(photo courtesy of Tom Ford)

Pacific Weddings is starting off the New Year with remarkable giveaways, and I have to admit—it’s fun! We’ll be announcing the winner of the La Fleur Photographers Workshop soon, and today you have a chance to win a 5-day honeymoon at the magnificent Capella Ixtapa Resort! There are only 59 suites at Capella, each facing the ocean as the resort cascades down towards the Pacific. Read below for instructions on how to enter or simply click on the image below.

Capella terraces open up to the incredible ocean views and powder-white sand. It’s a private world of splendor paired with unparalleled luxury, and you have the chance to win five amazing nights compliments of Capella Resort and Pacific Weddings. It’s easy to enter—all you have to do is send us a photo and your love story by clicking here. We’ll narrow it down and let the readers vote for their favorite couple. Just a note in case you’re the lucky winner: Room nights must be utilized between April 30, 2012 and September 30, 2012 so we can feature your photo in the following edition of Pacific Weddings. Wishing you all lots of luck. xo ~robyn

The Winter Spring ’12 edition of Pacific Weddings is on newsstands and receiving fabulous reviews! We have such an amazing array of real weddings this time around and, as always, we’re so grateful for all the talented individuals who contributed to this issue. Here is a sneak peek of some of the stories. Run out and get your copy or order it online—I promise it is even more beautiful in person! xo ~robyn

(From top, left to right: photos by Scott Andrew, model photo by Visionari, flowers by Yvonne Design/photo by Frank Amodo, cake photo by Corbin Gurkin/cake by Sugarplum Cake Shop, stationery by Ceci New York/photo by Frank Amodo, model photo by Corbin Gurkin, cake by Maggie Austin Cake.

Tommy Bahama is the definition of laid-back luxe. They take their brand seriously, exceeding expectations in every facet from the understated clothing line to fresh island fare. Pacific Weddings was honored to invite an A-list of Hawaii wedding talents to our summer launch party, and we were all treated to the signature gracious hospitality that is Tommy Bahama. Wine pairings, several amazing courses and delicious desserts—let’s just say no one left hungry! Thanks to Maui photographer J. Anthony Martinez we have these great photos to share.

The newly renovated open-air dining room is private from the main restaurant, perfect for one of the many wedding events you may host: rehearsal dinner, welcome party or a day-after gathering. Impeccable attention to detail and quietly attentive service make it one of my favorite spots… that and the amazing chocolate butterscotch pudding! Our go-to for catering, Tommy’s will work with you to create a custom wedding menu that—like all things they do—with exceed your expectation in every way. (Flowers by Bella Bloom) xo ~robyn

The Hawaii Bridal Expo is coming up January 20th to 22nd in Honolulu at the Blaisdell Exhibition Center. Get the girls together and make a weekend of it! Kahala Limo and the PW girls will be there to hand out copies of the latest issue of Pacific Weddings and a bag full of lovelies!

Pictured above is the adorable and talented Wendy Mansperger from L’amour Photography (we’re guessing hubby Eric took this shot) and Visionari‘s sleek set up photographed by Evonne Wong. Take in fashion shows, prizes and a long list of wedding talents all under one big roof. xo ~robyn

Save the date for Jill La Fleur’s Photographers and Stylists Workshop January 22-24th, at the gorgeous  Haiku Mill, Maui! I am honored to be speaking among this A-list of talents—including Jose Villa and Joel Serrato—and even more excited to give away a coveted ticket to one lucky reader! Here’s how you can win: Just head over to our Facebook Page and “like” the workshop post or simply make a quick comment below. We will randomly choose the winner from among the comments and “likes”.

Jill is an incredibly talented wedding designer and stylist (and one of the sweetest ladies I know:) and she will be sharing her best tips and business advice.  Wait ’til you see the amazing lineup of industry greats she has planned for this event: Photographers will have a chance to shoot alongside lensman Jose Villa to capture floral details and an invitation suite by Ceci New York. Everyone’s favorite wedding blogger, Abby Larson of Style Me Pretty, will give a one-hour live Q&A on “Using the Web to Build your Brand.” And  Joel Serrato, cinematographer of Joel Serrato Films, will discuss his success story of building his business from the ground up. Brian Greenberg of Richard Photo Lab will wrap things up , presenting advice on client and vendor relationships and discussing printing techniques. (He’s the talented guy behind the scenes who prints all of Jose’s romantic—and perfectly toned—images.) My better half and PW Creative Director, Halii Iaea, will be joining me to share his production tips on to make your albums absolutely stunning and how to get your work published. Tickets are nearly sold out, so click here to register online now. The workshop is not only super fun, it’s a great way to take your business to the next level in 2012!

Often times, the most beautiful designs are derived from the simplest of concepts. Last year, tassel garlands and zany pinatas by Confetti System swept the party circuit in a flurry of sparkle and shine. Nicholas Andersen and Julie Ho are the faces behind the label. They are artists, stylists, designers and friends that share a love of old-fashioned celebration and craft-making. Dwell magazine did a fun Q+A with the pair not to long ago and when asked what’s best about their job, they simply said, “Being able to do what we love”. Isn’t that what we all desire? They have amassed an impressive roster of brand collaborations with their amazingly simple concepts executed to pure visual delight. Pictured above is their tassel branch mobile project in shades of the pale.



We basically lusted over their feminine tissue paper flowers for Lanvin the moment we laid eyes on them. Nicholas and Julie created over 900 paper flowers which took them two weeks to make. If you’re thinking large-scale, eye-popping design for your wedding, start early on the crafting and enlist your bridal party! The bottom photo is the Complex Garland Installation No. 3 at a group show at Maryam Nassir Zadeh.


A gold and pastel permanent wall installation was created for the Crewcuts flagship store in Tribeca, New York; Martha Stewart Weddings featured a fringe heme inspired by Confetti System with a stationery vignette and modern three-tier cake.


Our favorite is the 30-foot long fringe curtain created for the New York store opening of Creatures of Comforts;  A fringed wall installation at a restaurant in paris; An exclusive collection of pinatas and blindfolds for Bergdorf Goodman.

How fun are these custom fringe oversize suitcases created for the Target GO International Designer Collective launch hosted by Opening Ceremony at the Ace Hotel in New York. We love them! xoxShaunna

We’re excited to announce we just received advance copies of the Winter-Spring ’12 edition of Pacific Weddings, and it’s filled to the brim with fabulous ideas and inspiration. Here is a sneak peek with the stunning Misty Ma’a gracing the cover in a Claire Pettibone dress. The cover was captured by the ever so talented guys at Visionari, Mike Joy and Jon Lagon, on location at Bella Sophia Estate in Kailua, Hawaii. Look for it on newsstands in January or order online to receive your copy in the mail. We will be posting a peek inside the issue next week. xo~ robyn