California Wedding Day's Best of 2025 | Editor's Choice

Best Real Wedding - Matthew & Jonathan, Alison Rose Events

Matthew, a fitness instructor and influencer known for his kindness and dedication, and Jonathan, a top LA real estate agent with a passion for wellness, infused their wedding with meaningful and stylish details. Their wedding joined a classic white palette with trend-forward details, such as infusing the air with a signature scent (Diptyque’s Ambre candle) and a curated mocktail menu to reflect Jonathan’s advocacy for an alcohol-free lifestyle. Music played an integral part, beginning with Matthew and Jonathan walking down the aisle to classical renditions of Lana Del Rey’s “Young and Beautiful” and Mariah Carey’s “Emotions.” At the reception, guests discoed on the dance floor to a purposeful mix of ‘80s and ‘90s disco classics, including “It’s Raining Men” by The Weather Girls, “Let’s Dance” by Donna Summer and “Believe” by Cher while a roaming cannoli server kept the guests energized. 

Cake & Desserts: JENNIFER NAYLOR | Catering: COMMAND PERFORMANCE CATERING | Florals: DOGWOOD FLORALS | Groom Attire: TODDS NY DERNY | Hair & Makeup: KIM ALVARADO | Music & DJ: JEREMY GREEN; REDSHOW LA | Photography: LUCAS ROSSI | Rentals: PREMIERE PARTY RENTALS | Transportation: RIZ TRANSPORTATION | Venue: HUMMINGBIRD NEST RANCH | Wedding Planning: ALISON ROSE EVENTS

Best Event Design - Kristin Banta Events

A masterful blend of whimsy and elegance, the design was inspired by the couple’s shared love of Legends of Zelda and nature. The design featured a whimsical entrance through a hedge maze in the Vibiana courtyard, where guests were welcomed with champagne and serenaded by woodland musicians, including an ocarina player, flutist, and harpist. The ceremony path was adorned with lush greenery and lined with gray and beige ottomans, leading to a romantic backdrop of layered translucent panels nestled among wild flora. 

For the reception, the open-air Redbird dining room was transformed into a greenhouse-inspired space with overhead greenery and soft uplighting. Modern string quartet arrangements and a trio of musicians added to the enchanting atmosphere. The evening continued with a relaxed lounge area for dancing and mingling. The design perfectly balanced natural elements, soft lighting and elegant textures, creating a romantic and immersive experience.

Cake & Desserts: CAKE FANTASY FROSTINGS | Décor & Florals: R. JACK BALTHAZAR | Desgin, Planning & Production: KRISTIN BANTA EVENT DESIGN INC | Entertainment: DART COLLECTIVE; LUXURY ENTERTAINMENT GROUP; PRISM DJS | Hair & Makeup: PAGE BEAUTY | Lighting: LIGHTEN UP INC | Officiant: YOUR CUSTOM CEREMONY | Photography & Videography: SCOTT CLARK PHOTO | Rentals: CASA DE PERRIN; TOWN & COUNTRY | Venue: REDBIRD

Best Photography - Dennis Roy Coronel

Coronel artfully captures the arc of a wedding day through the lens of fashion, art and cinema, delivering images that are raw, delicate and filled with love.

Best Escort Cards - Shimmer and Stain

This interactive seating chart is a showstopper with “bellhops” presenting custom room keys etched with each guest’s name. 

Photography: AMANDA CREAN | Wedding Planning: JEAN ROBIRDS EVENTS

Best Bouquet - Lambert Floral Studio & Bustle Events

For a garden wedding at the Filoli estate, Bustle Events dreamed of baskets in lieu of traditional bridesmaids’ bouquets. Bustle’s idea was enchantingly executed by Lambert Floral Studio, which artfully designed vibrant floral-filled baskets as the perfect accessory. 

Florals: LAMBERT FLORAL STUDIO | Photography: MASHAIDA | Wedding Planning: BUSTLE EVENTS

Best Invitations - Something Lettered

This suite sets the tone for an Italian-inspired minimalism wedding melding classic styling with earthy tones and Tuscan influences.

Photography: PURITY WEDDINGS | Wedding Planning: EVERLY AND CO.