FW26 Editor's Note: Simply the Best
In this feature, you’ll find more than a list: it is a curated roster of California’s most talented wedding professionals, vetted by the industry itself.
May 15, 2026
The sun is shining and the votes are in for California Wedding Day’s Best of 2026. In this feature, you’ll find more than a list: it is a curated roster of California’s most talented wedding professionals, vetted by the industry itself. Through a monthlong online voting process, peers nominated and voted for vendors who consistently raise the bar. Whether you’re searching for a gown that feels like it was made for you (because it was) or a dining experience that rivals any fine restaurant, the visionaries on this year’s list are ready to bring your vision to life.
And there is still more to celebrate with our Editor’s Choice Awards. This is where our editorial team shares the weddings, designs and moments that made us catch our breath. Gucci wallpaper at a wedding, a pastry bar doubling as a seating chart—and that’s just the beginning. We suggest taking a deep breath before diving in (page 63).
Furthermore, you’ll discover that bright and bold color palettes and playful concepts have pushed neutrals to the background. Lush, textured florals are in full bloom on nearly every page; think sunset-hued statements (page 46) and sunny yellows (page 44). Looking for ways to make your wedding feel memorable and personal? Take a cue from one of the many creative concepts spotlighted, such as our Ralph Lauren-inspired feature shot in the horse stable at TERI Campus of Life—of which the residents were more than happy to step in as models (page 86). Trust us—there’s something to swoon over on every page.
Lara Burnap
larab@irondiamondmedia.com
@lara_irondiamond
