Pacific WEDDINGS launched the very first Art + Design Issue with a fabulous celebration at the ultra-modern new Honolulu Design Center. The theme for the evening was White Desire, a prelude to the edition you now hold in your hands. Editor Robyn I'aea says, "It was the perfect time to share our gratitude with sponsors, advertising agencies, and contributing editors and designers. We are incredibly fortunate to have the most talented people in the industry lending their unique gifts to Pacific WEDDINGS™. Many of our sponsors have been with us since the beginning—it was a wonderful time to thank them!"

The evening began with music and a special DVD presentation by cinematographer, Angel de Armas, in which highlights of nearly eight years of Pacific WEDDINGS™ were shown on the big screen to U2's song Desire. (You can view it online now at www.pacificweddings.com.) Creative director Hali'i I'aea took the opportunity to announce continued expansion of the magazine to reach thousands of couples internationally with new digital editions now online. The exciting plans include integration of video media and Apple's cutting edge technology, so readers can
now literally read the pages of Pacific WEDDINGS™ on their iPhones. Planning is even easier according to I'aea, "It is all about giving the readers what they need for every aspect of their wedding, while maintaining the same high quality they have come to expect from Pacific WEDDINGS™."

Guests were also privileged to be the first to preview designer Tamara Catz's new line of bridal gowns in a fabulous fashion show. Features editor Shaunna Keough wore one of Tamara's gorgeous dresses at the event and commented, "Tamara's gowns are perfect for a destination wedding. They are comfortable without sacrificing a bit of elegance. We were so happy to unveil her new designs at the White Party."

Pacific WEDDINGS™ contributors
transformed the semicircular space into a mod lounge to set a fun tone for the party, and guests arrived dressed in white to celebrate. The room was ensconced with white light that shimmered against stark metal walls and lit ice monograms flanking the stage. The mojito was the signature drink made with Tommy Bahama White Sand Rum and served from behind a massive ice bar sculpted by Sean Kaumeheiwa. For the tables, florist Yvonne Chapman designed sleek cylinders of white calla lilies, editor Robyn I'aea's favorite flower. Carmen Emerson- Bass of Cake Couture indulged all with her legendary vanilla cupcakes. Photographer Dave Miyamoto was the life of the party, capturing guests in a photo booth with not a camera-shy person in the group. Ruth Mahelona and Nichole Shin of Savvy Designs created glamorous silver and white programs to announce the evening's agenda, the ending, of which, came all too early for happy party goers.

Florals By Yvonne Floral Design

Stationary By Savvy Designs

Cupcakes By Carmen Emerson-Bass

Mojito Bar By Tommy Bahama Rum

Photo Booth Images By Dave Miyamoto Photography

Lighting and Rentals By Accel Party Rentals

Ice Designs By Aloha Ice Sculpting

Gifts By Big Island Candies, Pure Fiji, Auntie Nalani's Cookies + Ola Hawaii

Fashion Show By Tamara Catz

Jewelry By Rockabella Jewels

Hair + Makeup Styling By Jacque Rojas