READING TIME: 4 min 5 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/03/2025
UPDATED: 06/03/2025
There are some stories that begin quietly and unfold into something extraordinary. For Taryn Stark Wyant, the founder of Taryn Stark Wyant Event Planning and Design, her journey into wedding planning began with a twist of fate—and a deep sense of purpose that continues to define her work today.
“On just my second day, the unexpected happened—the Wedding Manager went into labor a month early, and there was no one to run the department. I jumped in without hesitation, and that experience absolutely changed my life.”
From that spontaneous beginning in Maui’s lush coastal paradise to planning immersive destination weddings around the world, Taryn has never looked back.
Taryn’s story starts in Lahaina, Maui, where she was interning in the convention services department of a breathtaking oceanfront resort. That pivotal moment—stepping in to lead the wedding department during a staffing emergency—lit a fire that still fuels her passion today.
“By the time my internship ended, I was hooked. The resort offered me the Wedding Manager position, and less than a week after earning my degree on the mainland, I was back on Maui—this time officially starting my career in wedding planning.”
Her first full wedding planning experience? Her own wedding—held at the picturesque Ka'anapali Coffee Farms Private Estate.
“Our day was filled with laughter, florals, amazing food, and deep love—it was everything I wanted my future clients to experience, too.”
With over a decade of experience, Taryn brings a refined sense of artistry and emotional intelligence to every wedding she plans.
“What I love most about wedding planning is the opportunity to deeply connect with people and bring their most meaningful visions to life.”
Her company philosophy is grounded in intentionality, personalization, and elevated service.
“We believe your wedding should be a genuine reflection of who you are—curated with care, executed with excellence, and celebrated with the people you love most.”
Whether it’s a cliffside celebration in Hawai‘i or a countryside gathering in Portugal, her goal is always the same: to craft a wedding that feels deeply you.
At TSWED, wedding planning is more than a checklist—it’s a concierge-level experience.
“We offer Full Service Wedding Planning and Design, which means we’re with our clients every step of the way—from venue scouting and creative direction to vendor management, timelines, logistics, and full weekend production.”
Her team also assists with welcome experiences, room blocks, guest excursions, and even collaborates with in-house travel expert Britta Heath Travel for honeymoons and scouting trips.
“Our goal is to meet each couple exactly where they are and build a planning experience that feels aligned and supportive.”
When asked about her most unforgettable celebration, Taryn points to a multicultural four-day wedding on O‘ahu, recently featured by Brides.
“The couple wanted to honor both of their heritages while fully embracing the soul of Hawai‘i.”
The wedding featured a Korean ceremony, a Western oceanfront ceremony, a welcome golf tournament, and a starlit Aloha dinner. Every element—down to the custom mahjong sets and culturally rich menu—reflected thoughtful storytelling.
“There was a moment during the ceremony when the couple stood beneath a lush floral arch, surrounded by ocean, mountains, and the people they loved most. The breeze was soft, the sun was setting, and there was this collective sense of peace, joy, and presence that I’ll never forget.”
Taryn knows that the magic of a wedding starts with trust.
“The biggest challenges we've experienced have always stemmed from a lack of mutual trust and respect within the client/planner relationship.”
That’s why she puts communication, boundaries, and alignment first—ensuring that each couple feels seen, heard, and supported.
“The best weddings come from a place of shared trust, mutual respect, and a common goal: creating a once-in-a-lifetime celebration that reflects the heart of each couple’s love story.”
With her proprietary Event Order system, Taryn helps couples align their budget with what matters most.
“We begin by understanding our couple’s top priorities—what matters most to them in terms of guest experience, design impact, and overall feel.”
Rather than view budgeting as a constraint, she reframes it as a values-based tool.
“Be honest about your priorities and trust your planner to guide you.”
For those at the start of their planning journey, Taryn offers grounded, heartfelt advice.
“Start with purpose. Before diving into the details, take the time to define what truly matters most to you.”
She also encourages couples to find community and guidance through her podcast, Wedding Tips and Tales with TSWED.
“It’s packed with honest advice, inspiring real wedding stories, and expert insights to guide you through the process with intention and confidence.”
Looking back on her career, Taryn reflects on what she would tell her younger self when first launching the business.
“Prioritize education, build your network intentionally, and never stop hustling.”
Her growth hasn’t been without grit—but every challenge, lesson, and relationship has shaped the celebrated planner she is today.
“Stay humble, stay hungry, and stay in motion. Opportunities come to those who show up, again and again, with energy, purpose, and heart.”
When it comes to dream destinations, a few venues stand out in Taryn’s heart.
In Hawai‘i, she’s enamored with Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort on the Big Island—a resort that rose from the ashes of a tsunami to become one of the islands’ most soulful luxury properties.
“It’s a true Hawaiian treasure and an extraordinary place to create unforgettable wedding weekends.”
Internationally, she adores Penha Longa Resort & Spa in Sintra, Portugal.
“It’s a venue that inspires beauty, intention, and soul in every detail.”
More than a planner, Taryn is a storyteller, a guide, and a steward of love. Her events are not just beautiful—they are profoundly personal.
“Every couple deserves to feel completely seen, supported, and celebrated. That’s the kind of magic we live to create.”
Through curated experiences, heartfelt service, and global destinations, Taryn Stark Wyant continues to elevate weddings into unforgettable journeys.
