HAWAII: TARYN STARK WYANT – CITY & BEACH MAGAZINE

The islands are so much more than a backdrop to me – they’re home. That deep connection to the land and culture naturally led us to found our services there. I feel a personal responsibility to celebrate Hawai‘i thoughtfully and respectfully through our events and am truly grateful to have the opportunity to do so…”
Taryn Stark Wyant, Owner & Executive Producer, TSWED

Taryn Stark Wyant (above) is Owner and Executive Producer of Taryn Stark Wyant Event Planning and Design (TSWED), a full-service luxury wedding planning and design firm creating multi-day destination celebrations for couples around the world. While their office is based in Raleigh, North Carolina, Taryn and her team frequently work in Hawai‘i, Europe, and at select U.S. destinations. Taryn’s approach is immersive and deeply intentional – each event tells a story, and her team prides itself on making it personal and meaningful for every couple, many of whom have ultimately become dearest of friends of TSWED. Here, in our CITY & BEACH ISLAND WEDDINGS series, we discuss the exotic beauty and culture of the islands, and Taryn’s close ties to the islands…

C&B: “Taryn, your images are beautiful – how many years have you been planning weddings, where are most of them staged, and do you also operate anywhere else?”

TSW: “TSWED has been producing weddings for nearly thirteen years, though my background in hospitality began long before that. I was raised on Maui, Hawaii, so I was involved in Destination Events from the beginning of my career. Over the past five years, our destination work beyond Hawaii has grown significantly, and today it’s a major focus of our company…”

Hawaii is an archipelago located in the central Pacific Ocean, composed of 137 islands, atolls, and islets, with eight main islands being the most significant: Hawai’i (the Big Island), Maui, O’ahu, Kaua’i, Moloka’i, Lāna’i, Ni’ihau, and Kaho’olawe. Hawaii is renowned for its diverse natural scenery, warm tropical climate, and unique ecosystems, which include rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and coral reefs…”
City & Beach Lifestyle

C&B: “Hawaii as a destination is the epitome of glamour and mystique – which of the islands and venues are the most popular with your clients, and why?”

TSW: “Maui, Kaua‘i, and the Big Island tend to be favourites. Each island has a unique spirit. Maui offers refined luxury with sweeping views. Kaua‘i feels wild and romantic. The Big Island carries a grounding energy that’s incredibly special. We often work with venues like the Wailea Beach Resort, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, and are eager to break ground with the new Kona Village (below) because of their impeccable service, design, and adaptability to multi-day formats…”

There’s a responsibility that comes with creating here, and we take that seriously. Every wedding is a chance to honour the land, uplift the culture, and create lasting joy. We are so grateful for the opportunity to work in this space and to share it with couples who are just as moved by it as we are…”
Taryn Stark Wyant, Owner & Executive Producer, TSWED

C&B: “Although Hawaii is a wedding destination of dreams, there must be challenges when organising a special occasion on one of a collection of islands. How do you overcome them?”

TSW: “Island planning does require flexibility, patience, and an understanding of the local rhythm. Things move at a different pace in Hawai‘i – we all call it ‘Maui time’ – and that’s part of its beauty. We adapt with calm, grace, and strategic planning. Whether it’s building in extra shipping time, designing with native florals, or ensuring guests are comfortable in the elements, we tailor each detail to suit the environment and honour the setting…”

Multi-day wedding weekends are what we do best, and they come alive in Hawai‘i. Imagine a barefoot welcome dinner along the beach, a heartfelt ceremony beneath a kiawe tree, a sunset sail with mai-tais in hand, and a send-off brunch with fresh local fruit and malasadas…”
Taryn Stark Wyant, Owner & Executive Producer, TSWED

C&B: “What logistical aspects do you find yourself having to take into account when coordinating events in what’s considered a remote location?”

TSW: “Island logistics are their own beast, and we’ve learned to navigate them well. We account for shipping delays, unpredictable weather, and even inter-island coordination. We always build in generous timelines and have contingency plans in place. Our long-term relationships with trusted local vendors also help us solve challenges quickly and gracefully. We couldn’t do what we do without our amazing team!”

C&B: “The islands are characterised by their rich cultural heritage, heavily influenced by Native Hawaiian traditions. How does TSWED incorporate local culture into the events you plan?”

TSW: “Very closely – this is a cornerstone of TSWED. We work closely with locals to respectfully weave tradition into each celebration. That might mean a lei exchange, a blessing by a Hawaiian ‘kumu’, who is an elder, or including hula and ukulele performances. These moments are never just decorative – they’re meaningful, and we always help our clients understand the depth and significance of what’s being shared…”

C&B: “Is it difficult finding the right vendors that reflect the high standards of the TSWED brand?”

TSW: “We take our time to find the right people. Trust, respect, and collaboration are key. Many of our vendor relationships have grown over years of working together. We look for professionals who not only produce beautiful work but who also share our values and treat our clients with genuine care. Hawai‘i is a close-knit community, and we strive to build lasting, mutually supportive partnerships…”

Elopements and intimate gatherings thrive here in Hawaii – the islands are so inherently romantic that even the simplest celebration feels rich and cinematic…”
Taryn Stark Wyant, Owner & Executive Producer, TSWED

C&B: “Taryn, the islands are gorgeous – what key considerations do you find yourselves most often having to take into account on behalf of your clients?”

TSW: “We always look for a balance between beauty and functionality. A venue should feel connected to its surroundings, offer logistical ease, and align with the couple’s vision. Accessibility, proximity to accommodations, and quality of vendor support are also key. But most of all, it needs to feel right – it should inspire the kind of celebration our clients and their closest family members and friends will remember forever…”