As ethereal and radiant as the event's theme, the best of the industry showed up in a big way to California Wedding Day's Best of 2025 awards at 440 Elm. The day's design, expertly executed by Michelle Garibay Events and Jamison + Tania Events (all done up for the evening by Aly Rose Beauty), was inspired by the theme: The Sky's the Limit. Elegant Image Transportation shuttled guests to the VIP cocktail hour, which welcomed attendees with performers from ElectriCirque Entertainment bedecked in angel wings. CASS Winery and Laetitia Vineyard & Winery handled the bubbly, getting everyone in the mood to celebrate. Social Cart provided the perfect charcuterie bites while The Sweet Shoppe supplied guests with the sweetest of treats: a cotton candy cart and a champagne bar.
Inside the venue, the ambiance was elevated by dreamy scents from Wyndzy and soft candlelight courtesy of Vogue Candles. Lush, celestial floral installations by Kate Flowers LA and MDL Events framed the celebration, enhancing the white drapery and fresh palette. Live music floated through the space throughout the evening, thanks to violinist Ben Hoyt, pianist Nalu the Piano Man the string duo, Twins & Violins. Guests sipped wine from Ancient Peaks as the festivities unfolded.
Weddings Royale served as charismatic emcees for the awards ceremony, guiding guests through a dazzling presentation set against crisp white florals and projection mapping by Waveform Events. Dreamwood Films kicked off the event with a dynamic opening video, while Miguel Garcia Studios and Sheff Production captured every moment with film and photo. The Iron Diamond team, including Amanda Holder (California Wedding Day Publisher), Sonja Babich (CEO) and Lara Burnap (Editorial Director), looked red carpet–ready as they spoke to the wedding community thanks to glam by Page Beauty, styled with jewelry from Van Gundy Diamonds.
The paper goods and signage throughout the event were created by The Kimi Collective, adding a branded touch to the décor, while A Rental Connection and Bright Event Rentals ensured the space sparkled with sleek bars, lounge furniture and a reflective stage setup. Zaffre Fine Linens provided luxe textures to elevate the tablescapes, while Trejo Dance Floors Inc. installed the custom "Best of 2025" dance floor that served as the event's centerpiece.
After the awards ceremony, the celebration transitioned into an unforgettable after-party. Performances from ElectriCirque, including aerialists and LED dancers, kicked off the evening as walking art, followed by Viva Band by Blitz Nation, bringing the high energy. The stage transformed into a lively concert scene as guests danced the night away. Ruby Lemon provided expert event staffing, keeping service flowing, and Bite Catering Couture offered passed bites and innovative fare throughout the night. Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream added a dramatic (and delicious) flair to dessert service, offering smoky, flash-frozen treats.
Guests lingered long into the evening beneath the glow of chandeliers, sipping signature cocktails poured into glassware from A Rental Connection and toasting to the honorees. Courtesy blocks from The Courtyard Long Beach Downtown, The Queen Mary and the Marriott Long Beach Downtown (for the Iron Diamond team) gave some guests a place to rest their heads after an unforgettable night.
View more images captured by Sheff Production here!
Find your photo booth photo from PhotoBohemia here!
See the night unfold with a video created by Miguel Garcia Studios here!
See the California Wedding Day opening film created by Dreamwood Films here!
