It has been said that white is the absence of color, but we disagree. Upon first glance, a white palette may seem limiting, but a closer look reveals an incredible array of whites, from bright white with subtle shades of blue to luxurious ivories with hints of pale pink—the nuances of this traditional wedding color are anything but boring. We selected a natural element for each of these wedding themes including water, wood, and tapa, and each element dictated a very specific style: modern, vintage and organic chic. More than likely, you will be drawn initially to the theme that best suits your style, but don't be too quick to decide. You may find out there are more sides to your personality than first believed.

Vintage Ivory: Set on one of the lawns at the Bayer Estate in Honolulu, this table is a beautiful balance of feminine charm and rustic appeal. Yvonne Chapman's lush table arrangement is smartly designed around a curly manzanita tree branch surrounded by a mix of flowers in contrasting shades of white. Fragrant ivory roses, white lisianthus, and dahlias are punctuated by dark leaves and foliage. A vintage lace table runner is accented by butterfly napkin rings and sage green satin ribbons.

Beaucoup's Earl Grey tea favors are the perfect addition to this ensemble. A bouquet of sumptuous roses wrapped in lace and satin is elegant and romantic. A beautiful letterpress invitation tied in the same ribbon and accented with a border of green, was custom designed by Ceci Invitations, New York. Delicate butterflies rest atop white chocolate petit fours created by Tilly's Cakes.

Bon Appétit We called upon Michelle Nakaya, owner and chef of Ginniberries, to design a unique menu all in white. As one of Honolulu's most in-demand caterers, she thrives on creating delicious contemporary cuisine using healthy, fresh ingredients. We loved her tasty tea sandwiches cut out in the shape of butterflies to match our stationery motif by Ceci New York. A sumptuous array of pale fruit and cheese will beautifully complement Michelle's suggestions for a fabulous all white menu, shown above.

Fijian White Tapa: A recent visit to the exotic Fijian island of Vatulele inspired this Polynesian table, centered around a white tapa cloth Fijians call masi. The rhythmic sounds of women pounding the beautiful white tapa still rings throughout the village, where Fijian culture remains strong. Tapa cloth has always been used in ceremonies throughout the Pacific Islands, and masi remains the traditional Fijian wedding attire. The remote island of Vatulele is one of only two places in Fiji where this special white tapa is now made, and the village women were happy to
prepare it especially for our table. Designer Debbie Hemingway created a striking floral sculpture for the centerpiece using pussy willow branches and immense white anthuriums atop a ceramic Michael Aram palm leaf vase. A rustic wood plank rests upon the white masi adding texture and vivid contrast to the table.

Monkeypod goblets and wooden boxes holding tiny sculpted orchid soaps mark each place setting. Shell candles make lovely natural votive candles. (All three items are available at pacificweddings.com.) An invitation by Hello! Lucky is in keeping with the elegant organic theme. We commissioned Hawaiian weaver Pohaku Kaho'ohanohano to create a magnificent ring pillow of woven lauhala for our island setting, the perfect touch of aloha.

White Water: Florist Fong Tagawa's modern table captures the fluidity and movement intrinsic to nature's precious element of water. Layers of silver, lucite and white create a magical centerpiece that flows down the table like a natural stream. Pale phaleonopsis orchids float in lucite trays filled with water and clear glass pebbles and stacked in varied heights on a glimmering table runner by Chilewich. Gorgeous hand blown glass vases by Anna Torfs mimic the swirl and bubbles of sparkling water, along with Nambé plates and silver candlesticks that add even more motion. Guests will appreciate the fresh scent of Illume's white candle, with its silver lid embossed perfectly to match our theme. A silver CD tin from Beaucoup is personalized with a vellum tag, so friends can also take home a compilation of your favorite songs. Fong hung floating white bubble lights overhead for a whimsical touch, and the clear Kartell chairs are the final detail to the water-inspired setting. Known for her clean aesthetic and contemporary approach, Fong enjoys the creativity and challenge in making every event unique.

Shot on Location at the Bayer Estate, Honolulu Hawaii

Floral Designs By Floral Inspirations, Yvonne Floral Design, Designs By Hemingway

Catering By Ginniberries

Kartell Chairs for Water Table By Pacific Home, Honolulu

Lighting and Chiavari Chairs By Accel Party Rentals

Cake Platters and Tableware available at Neiman Marcus

Illume candles available at illumecandles.com

Butterfly Petit Fours By Tilly's Cakes, tillyscakes.com

Stationery By Ceci New York, cecinewyork.com