California Wedding Day's Best of 2026 | Editor's Choice

Best Video - Iron & Fern

This beautiful film from Molly and Sullivan’s wedding at Greystone Mansion artistically captures their day with romance and emotion.

SEE THE VIDEO HERE

Best Moment - Marlies Hartmann

An editorial eye for intimate moments is the hallmark of Hartmann’s photography, which is beautifully illustrated in this candid moment between Ian and Meagan during their after-party celebration.

Best Escort Card Display - Amorology & Back Up Productions

Heather Baillet and her team at Amorology are known for their imaginative wedding concepts—but this one may be their sweetest yet. The groom proposed with a ring tucked inside a pastry box, a moment that inspired the seating display. Each guest or couple received their own pastry box, complete with chocolate croissants and a seating assignment to guide them to their table.

Bakery Case & Stands: CAL-MIL Cake: HEY THERE, CUPCAKE! Florals: POSEY POP Photograph: SPOSTO PHOTOGRAPHY Stationery: PRIM & PIXIE

Best Real Wedding - Lindsay & Natalie by Wild Heart Events

“Throughout the planning process, our goal was simple: we wanted guests to leave saying, ‘That was so Lindsay and Natalie,’” says the couple. After getting engaged abroad, Lindsay and Natalie returned with a vision as vivid as a Provençal market, a dream that Wild Heart Events flawlessly executed. Drawing from Healdsburg’s golden fall landscape, the team wove together warm neutrals, mustard, burgundy and dusty blue across a riot of patterned linens, including block prints and stripes. Cocktail hour channeled French aperitivo culture with bistro tables, linen menus and free-flowing Aperol spritzes. The tented reception invited guests into a cozy restaurant featuring layered tablescapes and bold patterns—with each table telling a design story of its own. The night ended in the couple’s ultimate love letter to themselves. The Girls’ Room, their after-party, featured a custom mosaic dance floor and retro candy station straight out of a cool NYC haunt.

Bridal Attire: DANIELLE FRANKEL (Lindsay); CHOSEN BY KYHA (Natalie) Cake: FLOUR AND BLOOM CAKES Content Creation: BTS BRIDE Florals: LOOP FLOWERS Hair & Makeup: SHEA STYLES; MISS J MAKEUP Music: DART COLLECTIVE Photo Booth: POP LIFE PHOTO Photography: ANYA KERNES PHOTOGRAPHY Rentals: THE ARK; ADORE FOLKLORE; THEONI COLLECTION; FOUND RENTAL CO.; ZEPHYR TENTS; NUAGE DESIGNS; BARKER DECOR Stationery & Signage: CARTA PLENA DESIGN Transportation: PURE LUXURY TRANSPORTATION Venue: MONTAGE HEALDSBURG Videography: AMY HUNG FILMS

Best Inspiration - Nicole Alexandra Designs

The essence of Gucci’s iconic floral wallpaper inspired every detail of this Ojai Valley Inn wedding. The print itself makes a bold statement at the welcome bar and reception banquettes, while the invitation suite, bouquet, tabletop and more draw from its rich color palette.

Florals: TULAROSA FLOWERS Linens: LOLA VALENTINA DESIGNS Lighting & Design: BELLA VISTA DESIGNS Photography: JESSICA MANGIA PHOTOGRAPHY Tabletop Rentals: PREMIERE RENTS Rentals: FOUND RENTALS Stationery & Signage: SWELL PRESS Venue: OJAI VALLEY INN

Best Dressed - Alexandra & Wesley

Effortless and elegant, Alexandra and Wesley’s wedding day style is the epitome of California romance. At Jeune Perché in Fallbrook, the bride is flawless in her Danielle Frankel gown—beautifully structured with a refined lace neckline and extended sleeves. The groom pairs perfectly in a custom tuxedo, together striking the ideal balance between timeless elegance and contemporary refinement.

Bridal Attire: DANIELLE FRANKEL Groom’s Attire: CUSTOM TUX from HALL MADDEN Florals: PETALSCAPE FLORAL DESIGN Photography: FOOLISHLY RUSHING IN Wedding Planning: ALISON ROSE EVENTS