Honolulu

High Tide

January 15, 2012

Pacific Weddings

Known for her clean aesthetic and contemporary approach, floral designer Fong Tagawa enjoys the creativity and challenge in making each event unique. [above] Her modern setting encompasses the dynamic essence of water with clear glass bubbles and scintillating waves of white calla lilies—a statement that modern doesn't necessarily mean minimalist. Table linens by Les Saisons mimic the glimmering surface of the ocean on a sunny day, with sequins that, upon closer inspection, are reminiscent of iridescent fish scales. Fong engineered a canopy of delicate white netting dripping with crystal raindrops above the table. The scene is at once simple and sophisticated, with every detail intentionally designed as a modern waterscape. Each place setting is layered in white and silver glassware with lucite Chiavari chairs to create the nuances of earth's most precious element.

Stacey Nomura of Bradley & Lily Fine Stationery designed an invitation booklet for her clients, Maile and Mark, both marine biologists. The distinctive look draws upon a scientific perspective that is rich in color and classically elegant. Stacy's white and silver letterpress invitation suite evokes the ocean in a more minimalist, serene way, with an intricate die-cut overlay that adds a luxurious touch to the motif. A vellum overlay is painstakingly cut to resemble lacy sea fans and delicate coral found in the Pacific. Pretty boxes filled with Big Island Candies' white chocolate- dipped shortbread cookies are tied with pearl ribbon. White calla lilies are the perfect sensuous flower for this table, woven among hand blown glass globes that reflect the sparkling table linens.

A closer look at the 'Juliet' rose reveals a remarkable similarity to the spiral chambers of a nautilus. Place cards designed by Ceci New York bear her signature high style, with gold and silver-blue lettering that references the iridescent, ever-changing hues of the pearl nautilus.

The captivating polished pearl nautilus shell inspired this elegant Old World table designed by Fong Tagawa. A sculpture of duo shells mounted on mercury glass candlesticks spills over with 'Juliet' roses in feminine shades of peach. The centerpiece is comprised of 'Versilia' roses, magnolia leaves, white freesia and Cremon mums. Blossoms of white snapdragon and larkspur add texture to the arrangement, while natural sea fans, 'Silver Bell' eucalyptus pods, 'Sea Holly' and 'Silver Dollar' eucalyptus mark distinctive references to sea life.

Ceci New York's invitation suite was custom designed in keeping with the classic setting. A sea shell motif of pale peach and icy blue is embellished with richly textured gold paper on the invitation itself. [this page] The color story is repeated in the flower arrangements, accentuated by capiz chargers and taupe silk table linens. Each place setting is complemented by elegant place cards and menus created by Ceci New York.

An organic sculpture of bleached grape wood, 'Juliet' garden roses, amaryllis and gladiola blooms is juxtaposed within a modern acrylic vessel. It's this unexpected, artistic flair that sets floral designer Yvonne Chapman apart. La Tavola linens sewn with tiny peach sequins add to the dimension of the table. Shell chargers are layered with gold linen-textured plates from the Magnolia boutique of Honolulu. [this page] Chic linen and lavender wedding stationery by Ceci New York takes a cue from the humble sea urchin with its lovely coloring and tactile surface. Yvonne also employed the delicate sea treasures in her driftwood sculptures. Sola shell flowers (made of tapioca wood) embellish silver boxes of Big Island Candies' shortbread cookies. The mix of organic elements and sophisticated accents makes this table a work of art.