March 2010

Lanai City, Hawaii

From the Photographer: “The wedding of Cori to Steven was a sweet and intimate occasion held at the Four Seasons Lanai.  The couple, who were visiting from Los Angeles, decided to wed on the beach – just the two of them.  I started photographing up in their hotel room, then took  some photos in the lobby before the ceremony at Hulopo’e Beach. Officiated by Rev. Pia Aluli, the ceremony was lovely. Cori and Steven both looked at each other with so much love and adoration, it was such an honor to witness!  Akiko, the coordinator at the Four Seasons did a fantastic job of ensuring that everything went smoothly and beautifully on the day of. Asa Flowers on Maui created an exquisite bouquet for Cori.  The two had a romantic candlelit Ocean Hale dinner.” -Joanna Tano Photography

Real Wedding and Photography Courtesy of: Joanna Tano Photography

Here is the spread that appeared in the magazine.

Photo shoot styling – Pacific Weddings Magazine

Makeup – Jessica Waite

Hair Styling – Dan Sanchez

Locations – Kapalua Spa & Trilogy

10 Great Locations for Engagement Sessions

7. Paia

Engagement Session by Joanna Tano

With its timeless restaurants and interesting boutiques, this small town hasn’t changed much over the years. Come casual and walk arm in arm with the one you love as you check out all of the fun details of Paia. Be sure to stop by the Ono Gelato Company for a delicious treat to end the day!

8. North Maluaka Beach

Engagement Session by Joanna Tano

The southern coast of Maui is arguably one of the most romantic beach locations for engagement sessions during the morning or late afternoon.

9. Heritage Garden

Engagement Session by Joanna Tano

The Heritage Garden is located in Iao Valley and is significant in showing Maui’s diverse heritages within the community. You’ll find the garden filled with beautiful ponds, small waterfalls and gardens. Heritage Garden is beautiful almost anytime of the day, and you won’t want to miss Iao Valley State Park while you are in the neighborhood. Don’t forget to stop by the fruit stand on the way out for some ono local grinds and an ice cold coconut to quench your thirst.

A Childhood Vacation Spot Turns Wedding Venue in This Real Hawaiian Wedding

Words by Courtney Cox
Photos courtesy of Joanna Tano Photography

Gretchen and Justin hail from stormy Seattle, so when it came to planning their big day–they saw sunshine in their forecast. Luckily for Justin, he vacationed in Maui almost every year as a child and had ample oppotunity to scout out venues for his future “I Do’s.” So, when it came time to planning their destination wedding, the location was a no-brainer.

The couple knew there was no place else that would hold as much meaning as Maui, Hawaii. Justin and Gretchen, along with their closest friends and family, gathered at the groom’s family condo at the Makena Surf. The ceremony was held on the condo’s lush green grounds overlooking the ocean.

Gretchen took advantage of the local flora with colorful tropical flowers brightening up the entire ceremony and reception. The love birds also took the opportunity to frolic on the white-sand beach with the constantly changing sky as their backdrop. By keeping all the events on the same property, the newlyweds’ guests were able to truely relax, have a great time and enjoy each other’s company.

The reception occurred poolside and really set off a laid back, hip vibe. The wedding party was able to celebrate and party in close quarters. What would a Hawaiian wedding be without little drink umbrellas? Gretchen and Justin also took advantage of Hawaii’s beautiful native flowers when it came to the decoration of their cake thanks to Dellables Flowers.

It’s apparent that this couple really wanted their guests to feel as though they could unwind and set free their inner-child. Perhaps the giant, flavored snow cones paid homage to Justin’s own childhood. Either way, they’re just plain fun! It’s obvious from the couples photos that this childhood destination is now home to a whole new collection of fond memories. We hope that Gretchen and Justin approach married life with zeal and childlike enthusiasm.

One of the first things you’ll do once you land in Hawaii (or any tropical honeymoon spot) is to shop for a couple of new bathing suits. When I moved to the island of Maui, I learned quickly that local girls wear substantially smaller swimsuits! My surfer beau at the time—now my husband—treated me to my first “real” bikini. It may sound odd, but the bigger the bikini bottom, the bigger your buns can look. Iwalani Isbell, owner of Pualani Hawaii, gave me my first proper bikini fitting and explained this very fact. For the Summer issue, we scoured Hawaii designers’ collections along with a few from Australia and California to bring you the hottest new styles. I have to say this may have been my all-time favorite shoot aboard the Trilogy catamaran. We had a blast—whales were breaching, the sun was shining and the water was a crystal blue sheet of glass. It was heavenly! Here are some shots from that day… did I mention we spent the morning at Kapalua Spa? I wish every work day was like this. xo ~robyn

(Photos by the oh-so-talented Joanna Tano, whose image was featured on our cover this issue; model Justine Edwards-Miguel; hair by Dan Sanchez; makeup by Jessica Waite)

Sources from top, left to right: Letarte, Sea Folly, SG Designs, Letarte, Sea Folly, SG Designs, Sea Folly; scarves by Hermès; hats by Tommy Bahama; sunglasses by Marc Jacobs and Tommy Bahama

Heading into Labor Day weekend, I thought I would do a follow up post in case you’re looking for a stylish new swim suit and cover up. I’m loving Letarte’s new collection. Designer Lisa Cabrinha is a Maui girl whose signature prints reflect her island life. She really has a flair for the details, adding intricate “jewelry” to the bikinis like little sea horses and starfish and sophisticated embroidery to her cover ups. Sable Garcia is another up and coming bikini designer and fellow Maui girl. She is the maestro behind SG Designs (her bikini is the hot pink triangle top pictured in the standing shot below). Her suits are really flattering—not overly-elasticized like some bikini bottoms. For our shoot, Dan Sanchez styled Justine’s hair, giving her beautiful beach waves, and makeup artist Jessica Waite applied a sun-kissed look for the sail aboard the Trilogy. Makes me want to grab my own bikini and head over to Lanai this weekend!   xo ~robyn

Hawaiian Themed Wedding Ideas

We love Hawaii, especially Amy! So we had to share some weekend Hawaiian wedding inspiration from Joanna Tano Photography.

With a rustic, backyard setting and very vibrant colors, Maile and Cody’s casual wedding is filled with inspirational backyard wedding ideas. We love the green dresses and the cowboys boots. Be sure to check out all the perfect wedding details by clicking here.

Hawaiian wedding photographer, Joanna Tano Photography is a proud sponsor and preferred vendor of The Wedding Chicks

Congratulations to Katie and Ryan once again! Your wedding was simply stunning.