An event planner with over a decade of experience in the wedding industry, Mokihana Pambianchi was inspired to start creating luxury picnics in the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains after seeing the trend take off on social media in her native Hawaii a few years ago. “The idea was really born during the pandemic,” says Pambianchi, who is the founder of Greene County-based Bliss Events. “When we couldn’t have more than 25 guests at an event, it was still such a special way to celebrate intimate gatherings.”
Now, even after large weddings and events have returned to multi-hundred-person affairs, Pambianchi’s luxury picnics have become her most-sought-after service.
She’s orchestrated everything from surprise engagements at the end of breathtaking hikes to romantic dinners next to waterfalls and intimate parties in the backyards of Airbnbs. She’s even helped couples from as far as Europe and the Middle East plan one-of-a-kind romantic experiences while on vacation in the Catskills.
Video by Mountain Love Media.
“Globally, luxury picnics are really popular right now,” she says. “Think dates, proposals, anniversaries, baby showers, bachelorette parties, and anything in between. We even recently did a corporate picnic in Saugerties.”
For her luxury picnics, Pambianchi handles every part of the event’s planning and execution. After deciding on a location and date of your choosing—Living Stone Events in Round Top and the waterfall-viewing platform at Shinglekill Falls B&B in Purling are two of her go-to spots—and taking care of any necessary permitting, she gets to work crafting the pitch-perfect two-hour pop-up event.
Her base level offering is a luxury picnic for two people to enjoy, though more guests can be added for an additional fee. The picnic includes the table, china, glassware, and decor styled by Pamibianchi, as well a gorgeous charcuterie display crafted by her favorite local caterer. (The only thing that’s not included is alcohol, but you’re free to bring along your own libations as long as your location allows.) Pambianchi is there to greet you and your guests upon arrival, makes a swift exit so you can enjoy your event, then returns to break everything down at the end.
For anyone looking to go all-out, Pambianchi also offers a bespoke picnic package that can be completely tailored to your tastes. “Whether you want a dozen pink roses or a customized menu, a photographer, live music, or anything else to enhance your experience, we can make it happen,” she says.
“We get such a diversity of people who visit our region in all seasons to explore everything we have to offer,” she says. “If you’re coming up to Hunter Mountain to go skiing or hiking in Greene County and then you just ‘stumble’ on this beautiful planned picnic that your loved one designed, it’s a wonderful way to make your visit that much more memorable.”
To learn more about luxury picnics from Bliss Events, visit Myblissevents.com, follow along on Instagram @my_bliss_events, or email [email protected].
