These are the most creative and inspiring works of 2019-2020 that were submitted for Best of 2020's Editor Picks. Entries were culled from real wedding submissions (sent to cwdrealweddings@tigeroak.com), social media feeds and by using the following hashtags for each category:
Best Event Design #cwdbesteventdesign2020
Best Photo #cwdbestphoto2020
Best Cake #cwdbestcake2020
Best Bouquet #cwdbestbouquet2020
Best Escort Card Design #cwdbestescortcard2020
Best Invitation #cwdbestinvitations2020
Best Catering #cwdbestcatering2020
Best Dressed #cwdbestdressed2020
Best Bride Idea #cwdbestbrideidea2020 (new tradition, creative concept, or designs)
BEST EVENT DESIGN
Nicole Alexandra Designs
nicolealexandradesigns.com
Desert inspiration and a twist of modernism set the scene at Colony 29 in Palm Springs for a modern, colorful wedding designed by Nicole Gillis of Nicole Alexandra Designs. The couple exchanged their vows framed by an arch verdant with bright tropical florals with pops of pink. For the reception, tables were adorned with chic orbs hung from standing gold frames which were adorned with spiky palm fronds and Fuschia flowers. The décor also incorporated a variety of textures, such as velvet chairs at the head table, bold centerpieces, contemporary brass silverware, pink linen napkins and clean, white Eames chairs. The escort card design board was a standout, featuring an ombre background, tasseled key rings and acrylic place cards that also served as a party favor. Event Design and Planning: Nicole Alexandra Designs | Florals: Rebelle Fleurs | Photography : Nicole Leever | Rentals: Signature Party Rentals, Folklore Rentals, Hostess Haven
nicolealexandradesigns.com
Desert inspiration and a twist of modernism set the scene at Colony 29 in Palm Springs for a modern, colorful wedding designed by Nicole Gillis of Nicole Alexandra Designs. The couple exchanged their vows framed by an arch verdant with bright tropical florals with pops of pink. For the reception, tables were adorned with chic orbs hung from standing gold frames which were adorned with spiky palm fronds and Fuschia flowers. The décor also incorporated a variety of textures, such as velvet chairs at the head table, bold centerpieces, contemporary brass silverware, pink linen napkins and clean, white Eames chairs. The escort card design board was a standout, featuring an ombre background, tasseled key rings and acrylic place cards that also served as a party favor. Event Design and Planning: Nicole Alexandra Designs | Florals: Rebelle Fleurs | Photography : Nicole Leever | Rentals: Signature Party Rentals, Folklore Rentals, Hostess Haven
BEST MOMENT
Lucas Rossi
Photographer Lucas Rossi perfectly captured the energy and love during Brandon and Vik’s first dance at The London West Hollywood. The newlyweds busted a move to a mashup of songs that included Josh Groban’s “More of You” and Rihanna’s “We Found Love.”
BEST BOUQUET
Lilla Bello
We’re high on this cannabis bouquet designed by Toby Kassoy of Lilla Bello for bride Sarah Nisperos’ wedding at the Houdini Estate in Los Angeles. The arrangement includes fresh-cut blooming Cannabis, wild foliage, dahlias, garden roses, scabiosa, and poppy pods.
Photography: Callaway Gable | Wedding planner: David Pressman
BEST ESCORT CARD DESIGN
Cecile’s Paper Co.
As beautiful as they are imaginative, Cecile’s Paper Co.’s “popsicle” escort cards (table assignments are on the back of each stick) consist of acrylic molds filled with orange slices and florals. The pretty pieces also serve as a favor for guests at the citrus-themed garden party.
Event Design: Sarah Kay Love | Photography: Rebecca Yale Photography
BEST INVITATION
Twinkle and Toast
The classic pairing of black and white gets a modern makeover with holographic detailing from the talented hands of stationery designer and calligrapher
Taryn Sutherland Gross.
Photography: Jessica Jaccarino Photography
BEST BRIDE IDEA
Sterling Engagements
Sterling Engagements created a dreamy garden entrance to Natalie and Zachary’s wedding reception on the grounds of Hummingbird Nest Ranch. Guests entered the tented structure underneath a profusion of hanging orchids and hydrangeas. Candlelight, dramatic up lighting and a custom neon sign illuminated the signature design.
Draping: Edge Design and Decor | Floral Design and Décor: Shawna Yamamoto Event | Design Lighting: Amber Event Production | Photography: Maya Myers Photography | Rentals: A Rental Connection | Signage: Prim & Pixie
BEST CATERING
Colette’s Catering & Events
Presentation is everything when it comes to the food we eat. Colette’s Catering continually raises the bar with its beautifully presented displays, from romantic, flower-adorned charcuterie trays to this bohemian-style bread basket station filled with dips, spreads and salsas—because carbs really are everyone’s favorite.
BEST CAKE
Hey There, Cupcake!
Magic happens when you combine the sugar-spinning creativity of Stevi Auble of Hey There, Cupcake! and the brilliant design mind of Heather Balliet of Amorology. A trio of hanging cakes presents a stunning backdrop for the simple yet architecturally adorned cake duo, giving us a whole new perspective on displaying wedding cakes.
Coordination: Amorology | Flowers: Siren Floral Co | Photography: Trynh Photo | Venue: Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards
BEST DRESSED
Cavin Elizabeth
Cavin Elizabeth, a wedding photographer and owner of The White Flower Bridal Boutique in San Diego, knew that when it came time for her wedding, she wanted something nontraditional. “I searched the internet and department stores for months before I finally found my colorful dream dress. It was luxe enough to be bridal, colorful enough to fit my wedding design vision, and made by Marchesa, a brand I’ve loved since I wore a burgundy Marchesa Notte gown to my high school senior prom,” says Elizabeth. “I knew that I needed to honor the motto I tell my own brides, ‘‘You do you.’” If you love what you choose for your wedding and you do it to honor yourself, you can look back 50 years from now and know in your heart that you made the right choice.”
Florals: Compass Floral | Hair and Makeup: 1011 Makeup | Photography: Tenth and Grace | Venue: Fairmont Grand Del Mar | Wedding Planner: Amorology
