Our photo shoot took place in the lush surroundings of Nu’uanu Valley at the historic Queen Emma Summer Palace on O’ahu. Once the mountain home of Hawaii's Queen Emma, wife of King Kamehameha IV, the Victorian estate is a charming setting. Born in 1836, Queen Emma was one of the earliest symbols of the islands' cosmopolitan culture, a descendant of Hawaiian chieftains and of John Young, an Englishman who became a friend and advisor of the Great Kamehameha I. The estate once served as a royal summer retreat for Queen Emma, King Kamehameha IV, and their son Prince Albert Edward. Today the lovely grounds have graciously been extended to the public for events and parties.

The flagstone terrace of the palace was transformed into a garden party for our photo shoot, with Island Snow as the inspiration. “The color of winter in Hawaii is anything but white!” declares Christina Hassing, a Honolulu event designer of Pacific Aisles. Christina took her cues for the color palette from the golden pink tones of a Hawaiian sunset.

A reception table sparkling with ice infuses the island celebration with a wintery ambience, in beautiful concert with the warmth of a blush silk chiffon overlay and ivory china. White orchids and Swarovski glass pearls bejewel the entwined birch branches of the centerpiece along with table number tags, creating the effect of falling snow. Blush pink and white roses spill over the sides of a vase carved entirely out of ice, refracting the light of the afternoon sun. Favors cleverly doubling as place cards are clear boxes filled with pa‘akai, white Hawaiian sea salt, and adorned with sculpted coconut shell spoons. A curtain strung with hundreds of pearls and white orchids stands behind the table to continue the unexpected winter scene.

Accordant with the regal surroundings of the palace, a grand white cake designed by Carmen Emerson-Bass captures the essence of the setting. The multi-tiered confection sits atop a Baccarat crystal cake stand that perfectly mimics carved ice. The cake is covered in smooth, white rolled fondant and brushed with pearl luster. Sparkling sugar crystals add a frosty, elegant effect. Shimmering pearl strands encircle each tier. For the finishing touch, a medallion designed from a custom template is painted a pearly pink hue to resemble a lovely antique brooch that perhaps even Queen Emma would have appreciated.

Pretty bouquets created by Debbie Hemingway are tied with richly colored satin ribbon to match the decor. A cluster of calla lilies is simply elegant. Edged in delicate transparent leaves, a feminine bouquet of cymbidium orchids, roses and hydrangea in subtle tones of pink and white is wonderfully delicate. Pearl sprigs add the perfect touch of sparkle.

Event Design By Pacific Aisles

Flowers By Designs By Hemingway

Shot at Queen Emma's Summer Palace

Stationery/Details By Uncommon Envelope

Cake By Cake Couture

Ice By Aloha Ice Sculpting

Equipment By Accel Party Rentals

Linen Overlays By Event Essentials

Linen Underlays By BBJ Linens