Best of 2019: Editor's Picks

It's our pleasure to share our picks for the most creative moments of 2019, from the best photography, bouquets, dresses, ceremony design to cakes, catering and more. The picks were chosen from real wedding submissions, our social media feed and by using the following hashtags for each category:

Katie Edwards Photography 

BEST EVENT DESIGN
Kristin Banta Events
kristinbanta.com
Minimalist, industrial, and a sense of effortless chic were the design aspirations for blogger and influencer Erin Sackman and Matt Schwartz’s wedding at Carmel Valley Ranch. Kristin Banta Events designed a fashion-forward ceremony featuring a contemporary spin on the traditional chuppah by incorporating a copper prism frame hung with three copper pendants. Flanking the aisle were polished concrete risers adored with copper vessels containing floral arrangements of white bunny tail grass, baby’s breath and parrot tulips. The reception design took it to the next level with a glowing couture environment featuring a collection of table shapes, each uniquely topped with arrangements of copper vessels, smoky gray and rose gold votives, and assortments of white dried and fresh florals.

EVENT DESIGN/WEDDING PLANNER: Kristin Banta Events FLORALS AND DECOR: R. Jack Balthazar PHOTOGRAPHER: Katie Edwards RENTALS: Casa de Perrin (glassware, dinnerware), Collective Rentals, Edge Design and Decor, BBJ Linen, Chic Event Rentals, Bright Event Rentals VENUE: Carmel Valley Ranch #cwdbesteventdesign2019

Heather Kincaid

BEST CAKE
Loria Stern
loriastern.com
Vibrant colors and organic seasonal produce are hallmarks of private chef and caterer Loria Stern in Santa Barbara. This four-tiered beauty features 11 layers of olive oil cake, pomegranate curd and citrus buttercream decorated with edible blooms handpicked from Stern’s organic garden.
CAKE: Loria Stern PHOTOGRAPHY: Heather Kincaid  #cwdbestcake2019 
 

My Sun and Stars Co. 

BEST BOUQUET
Idlewild Floral & Event Design
idlewildfloral.com
Natural, handmade and textural were the keywords for designing this bouquet. Inspired by the beautiful detailing on the bride’s Costarellos gown, the dreamy arrangement features a blend of dried and bleached ferns, bunny tail grass, amaranthus and hydrangea. Just as romantic as fresh flowers, dried florals and foliage are a great option because they are lightweight, don’t wilt in heat and last forever.
FLORIST: Idlewild Floral & Event Design PHOTOGRAPHER: My Sun and Stars Co. VENUE: Hotel Joaquin WEDDING PLANNER: Crowned Events #cwdbestbouquet2019

Feather & Stone

BEST ESCORT CARD DISPLAY
Amorology
amorologyweddings.com
Amorology always hits the right note of personalization when it comes to designing a wedding. For Renee and Brian Ross’ nuptials, Heather Balliet and her team created a spa-inspired setting by joining the initials of bride’s first name and groom’s last name, hence R&R. Amorology teamed up with Backup Backdrops to create an olfactory bar paired with a “We Just Make Sense” sign by Prim & Pixie. Scented candles were placed under bell cloches that also displayed the guests’ names. Guests were directed to their tables according to the table names, which corresponded to the candle scents; such as “botanical,” “citrus grove” and “fresh laundry.”
BACKDROP: Backup Backdrops CALLIGRAPHY/SIGNAGE: Prim & Pixie EVENT DESIGN/WEDDING PLANNER: Amorology FLORIST: Posey Pop PHOTOGRAPHER: Feather & Stone RENTALS: Archive Rentals VENUE: The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe #cwdbestescortcard2019

Michael Radford 

BEST INVITATION SUITE
Lovely Paper Things
lovelypaperthings.com
Bougainvillea and Mexican tiles have never looked prettier than in this invitation suite by Caroline McGah of Lovely Paper Things. The beauty begins with screen-printed envelopes opening to reveal floral liners; within is a custom die-cut detail card and a fold-out, hand-painted invitation all finished with custom stamps and a modern crest. The tiles feature personalized nods to the couple; including the bride’s horses, her wedding dress lace, the groom’s favorite candy and retro patterns.
CALLIGRAPHY: Design by Laney FLORIST: Oak & the Owl INVITATIONS: Lovely Paper Things PHOTOGRAPHER Michael Radford WEDDING PLANNER: Amorology #cwdbestinvitations2019
 

Next Exit Photography

BEST MOMENT
Next Exit Photography
nextexitphotography.com
No bouquet? No bridezilla here! In her excitement to walk down the aisle at Westwood Presbyterian Church, Natalie Bushey left her bouquet behind. Next Exit Photography captured an unforgettable moment as Natalie and her guests burst into laughter.
#cwdbestphoto2019

BEST CATERING DISPLAY
Contemporary Catering
contemporarycatering.com
Forget the doughnut wall, Contemporary Catering’s fresh take on the trend presents a variety of salads accented by a garden-planter-style display of fresh fruits and veggies in lieu of blooms. Bright ingredients pop against the white backdrop as guests choose from a variety of delectable and beautifully plated salads.
#cwdbestcatering2019