Minnesota Bride Best of 2026 | Editor's Choice

Best of

The results are here! Minnesota Bride's annual awards program, Best of 2026, honors the most innovative and creative talent in the wedding industry across the state. The winners were chosen by their peers through an open voting process held online and were revealed at our Best of 2026 Awards Gala on Monday, July 20 at The Depot Minneapolis, and the Editor's Choice winners were directly selected by our editor.

Click HERE to see all of Minnesota's winners.

And the Minnesota Bride's Editor's Choice winners are...

Best Real Wedding - Tate & Danny

Perfect in pink! Tate’s sense of fashion—and her rose-hued floral gown—set the tone for a petal-forward wedding resplendent with summer’s juiciest colors. Blooms in vivid shades of pink and orange appeared in abundance: locally grown peonies, ranunculus, poppies, sweet pea and larkspur tumbling out of hand-tied bouquets and overflowing centerpieces. The sun-soaked aesthetic was splashed throughout the design, from the place cards and flower-filled tables to the blush-toned bridesmaids’ dresses. Awash in the happiest hues, Tate and Danny’s day was unmistakably theirs. 

 

Bartending Service: WITH A TWIST BARTENDING SERVICE Cake: INK SWEETS Content Creation: THE HARMON EDIT Florals: ASHLEY FOX DESIGNS Hair & Makeup: LADY VAMP ARTISTRY Music: BLUE WATER KINGS BAND; THE R FACTOR ENTERTAINMENT; WATERCRESS TRIO Photography: MARIT WILLIAMS PHOTO Rentals: APRÈS EVENT DÉCOR & TENT RENTAL Stationery: JILL ELAINE DESIGNS Transportation: STAR TRANSPORTATION Venue & Catering: SOMERSET COUNTRY CLUB Videography: BRAD RICH FILMS Wedding Planning: JULIA LACROIX STYLED EVENTS

Best Event Design - Collected & Co. and D'Amico Hospitality

Collected & Co. and D’Amico Hospitality designed this intimate dining experience around the ethos of quiet luxury. A sophisticated palette of warm golden tones and blush accents establishes a cohesive thread throughout the tableau, echoed in the menu’s fresh, seasonal flavors. Every detail is intentional—from the butter yellow and blush blooms that harmonize with the linens and stemware to the culinary vision itself, with intentionally plated dishes such as a jewel-toned watermelon napoleon and a vibrant green olive salsa verde adorning the sea bass. Together, every element becomes a beautiful, cohesive celebration of seasonal elegance. 

 

Beverage Barcycle: MINNYBAR MOBILE BEVERAGE Cake, Desserts & Catering: D’AMICO HOSPITALITY Content Creation: CANDID & KATE Florals: APRICOT FLORAL Photography: MARIT WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY Linens: NUAGE DESIGNS Rentals & Planning: COLLECTED & CO. Stemware: APRÈS EVENT DÉCOR & TENT RENTAL Stationery & Signage: JILL ELAINE DESIGNS Venue: METROPOLITAN BALLROOM & CLUBROOM Videography: BLUSH FILM CO. 

Best Moment - Stephanie Wolf Photos

Swept away after saying “I do,” Stephanie Wolf captures Nora and Joe in this emotional, yet fleeting moment with an artistic eye. 

 

Bridal Attire: FLORA BRIDAL from THE WHITE ROOM Florals: COSMOS FLORAL Groom’s Attire: ATMOSFERE; J HILBURN Hair & Makeup: PAIGE PALMA (hair); DESIREE GRAYBILL (makeup) Photography: STEPHANIE WOLF; ANNE BRADY (second photographer)

Best Bouquet - Stang Floral Design

Natural, wild and refined all at once, this bouquet is a dreamy accessory for the golden hour. An effortless gathering of white cosmos and ivory hellebore with allium stems adding a little unexpected movement while a hint of moody raspberry foliage adds depth. 

 

Bridal Attire: TAYLOR MADE DRESS RENTAL; A.B. ELLIE (jewelry) Florals: STANG FLORAL DESIGN Model: ELLA SHUHERK Photography: MADDY RASMUSSEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Best Cake - Hey There, Cupcake

A grand statement, indeed. Featuring six tiers of vintage-inspired piping, this luxe tower cake elegantly rests on a pedestal among glam flowers, bringing drama and elegance to the cake-cutting tradition. 

 

Bridal Attire: DIVINE ATELIER from IVORY BRIDAL CO. Cake: HEY THERE, CUPCAKE Content Creation: UNVEILED CONTENT CO. Dance Floor: WOODBURY EVENT RENTALS Draping & Lighting: WE’VE GOT IT COVERED Florals: JUNE AND JANE FLOWER COMPANY; LEN BUSCH ROSES (orchids) Groom’s Attire: GENERATION TUX Hair & Makeup: STYLED BY ABBI; MAKEUP BY MINDIE Models: MADALYN HUEN & PARKER Photography: RACHEL ELLE PHOTOGRAPHY Planning & Design: HAPPILILY EVENTS Rentals: PRETTY CREATIVE EVENTS (platform stage); LINEN EFFECTS (chairs & glassware); BBJ LA TAVOLA (linens & charger plates); STYLE SOCIETY (lounge furniture); APRÈS EVENT DÈCOR AND TENT RENTAL (place settings) Stationery & Signage: ST. CROIX DESIGNS Venue: RUSTIC ROOTS WINERY

Best Escort Card Display - Pink Peony Events

Frozen margaritas as a seating chart? Yes, please. For Paige and Willie’s vibrant July wedding, the escort card display was as refreshing as it was chic featuring rows of salted-rim glasses paired with fuchsia floral name tags, set against a floral wallpaper pulled directly from their invitation suite. A punny message along the top sealed the look with a wink. Guests found their seats, grabbed their drinks, and the party was underway. 

 

Design & Concept: PINK PEONY EVENTS Florals: THE PETAL FLORAL DESIGN Installation: GIRL FRIDAY CREATIVE Photography: AMANDA NIPPOLDT PHOTOGRAPHY Wallpaper & Beverage tags: JILL ELAINE DESIGNS