When it came to picking a florist for her own wedding @akilahreleford wasn’t about to settle for anything basic. It had to be timeless...but EPIC. To bring that vision to life, she trusted the one and only, @elpetrosfloral

We talked to Emily to get the inside scoop on @akilahreleford `s wedding and picked her brain on what trends we can expect to see more of in 2027... here`s what she had to say...

What piece were you most excited about/proud of?

I will forever be proud of the way Akilah`s chuppah turned out. The end result graced the pages of Black Bride magazine and has since been used as a reference point for many other weddings. I will always appreciate a client who is willing to go ALL in, and eternally grateful for her trust in me.

Were there any specific challenges that you had to overcome (but made it look effortless)?

Every event will present unknown challenges throughout the day, some events can be worse than others (extreme heat, wind, problematic loading docks, etc). Luckily, I was over-prepared and well-staffed for Akilah`s wedding. The only challenge I can recall is facing morning LA traffic on the way to the venue - even with that, we still wrapped up early. Hiring quality designers and staff might be the most vital key to successful/smooth set-up days.

What trends can we expect to see in 2027?

As a non-trend conformist (haha) I can`t be too bothered by what happens next. But I do think it`s fascinating to see this ultra sculptural, modern movement happening now, and I`m sure this trend will persist into 2027. I`m seeing a lot of wearable floral art, a lot of sculptural mounds and interesting floral art pieces; a focus on larger moments as opposed to traditional "centerpieces" which I think is a smart and interesting use of budget.

Planning: @rowynevents @kt_jstarks
Florals: @elpetrosfloral
Venue: @belairbayclub
Photography: @nikimariephoto
Signage: @velvetfoxdesigns
Dress: @verawangbride
Rentals: @archiverentals
Rentals: @adorefolklore
Linens: @bbjlatavola

#weddingchicks #weddingflowers #celebritywedding #influencerbride #laflorist #floraldesigner

The bubble hem...the color...this dress is STUNNING! How do we feel about your dress being your something blue???

Model: @laurrreyes
Photography: @esemismoale
Styling: @carolininwonderland
Dress: @oscardelarenta

#weddingchicks #oscardelarenta #oscardelarentabride

Wow...@engagesummits was such an incredible experience. The connection...the community....we feel so seen and loved! Thank you so much Engage! for choosing Wedding Chicks as a media partner.

As the sun rose in the island sky, The Aloha Pavillion served as the backdrop for an afternoon picnic featuring low tables, lush pillows, an herbal mocktail bar dotted with edible flowers 🌸, a vintage logoed Porsche, and the Benoit Jazz Duo setting the most perfect Maui mood. 🎷☀️ The perfect send-off into an afternoon at leisure or participating in more @braindate sessions.

Then it was time to get dressed up and celebrate in style at the Maui in Bloom Gala 🏝️ 🌺🪷🌼🌿 Last night’s dinner was designed to be a love letter to and from the islands.

A hui hou Hawaii—until we meet again. 😘

Credits:
Event: @engagesummits
Host Property: @ritzcarltonkapalua
Planning & Design: @islandevents
Floral: @islandevents
Art Direction, Branding, Menus & Design Support: @tpddesignhouse
Gala Entertainment: @jordankahnorchestra
Linens: @nuagedesignsinc
Lighting Design: @jacobco_creative
Sound & AV: @encore_global
Backline Support: @horizonweddingsmaui
Rentals: @mcaeventrentals @letsentertainmaui @tklevents
Cold Sparks: @mauidjservices
Photo Booth: @bangabooth
Floral Chandeliers: @thelightingchambers
Hair: @shawnleech
Floral Wholesaler: @fmifarms
Photography: @melialucida @dmitriandsandra @erickelley @megannollphotography
Florist: @fernhouseflowers
Picnic Rental Set: @mauiluxepicnics
Specialty Botanical Bar: @embellishmaui
Porsche: @mauiroadsters
Entertainment: @phil_angelabenoit @yardgameshawaii
Small group facilitation: @braindate

#weddingchicks #engagesummits #engage26maui #engagegala

Summer rain and honeymoon vibes all the way

Photography: @elierabba_
Venue: @hideoutbali
Couple: sandranhandal

#weddingchicks #honeymoon #bali #honeymoonbali

The wedding industry has had directories. It’s had CRMs. It’s had publications. But no one ever put them together (Until now)

Gather by Wedding Chicks is the only platform where you can manage your clients, run your wedding business, share your portfolio with anyone (anywhere), and submit your work for editorial review.

Built for this industry and backed by 15 years of Wedding Chicks reach.

And yes. It’s $79 a month.

Click the link in bio to join and to stay up to date with new Gather updates

Day 2 at Engage!26 Maui was a whirlwind of wellness and entertainment. Attendees even got to pick their own adventure to close out the afternoon.

Some headed to the Media Panel moderated by @bridalbar, packed with writers, contributors, and editors from @vogueweddings, @people, @overthemoon, @aislesociety, @destinationido, @equallywed, @perfete, @prettypearbride, @weddingchicks, and @wed_vibes.

Others kept the convo going in the Media Lounge or dove into @braindate sessions to connect over the topics most on their minds. 💬 And we shaved the best for last! 🍧 Before the evening kicked off, attendees took a sweet little detour for shave ice in every color of the rainbow. 🌈

Then it was time to connect at Engage!CONNECT: The Luxury Resort + Venue Showcase returned after years of requests from hoteliers and attendees alike. We brought together a select group of hotels, resorts, and venues for one-on-one time with the decision-makers shaping global luxury events. 🤝 Attendees even had the chance to enter to win stays at incredible destinations around the world. 🌍

This year’s lineup: @ritzcarltonmauievents, @atlantisbahamas, @fairmontorchid, @fsmaui, @1hotel.hanaleibay, @1hotel.southbeach, @themaybournebh, @ritzcarltonameliaisland, Azul Hospitality Group, @ritzcarltonreynoldslakeoconee, and @waileabeachresort.

Event: @engagesummits
Host Property: @ritzcarltonkapalua
Planning & Design: @islandevents
Art Direction, Branding, Signage & Design Support: @tpddesignhouse
Linens: @nuagedesignsinc
Small Group Facilitation: @braindate
Photos: @amyanaizphoto @melialucida @megannollphotography @paulmorseweddings @mollymccauley_photo

#weddingchicks #engagemaui #engagesummit #hawaiiwedding #weddingsummit

So many couples are booking DJs for the wrong reasons. You don’t hire a DJ to simply push play on a Spotify playlist. You hire a DJ to curate a vibe. A good DJ reads the room and knows just what to play to get people on the floor and (most importantly) keep them there. When we were picking a DJ for our Match Day Event, we knew exactly who to call. We follow LoveStory on IG and are obsessed with his mashups. We knew he would bring the right energy to the event...and we were right!

Click the link in bio or stories to book LoveStory for your wedding!

Event Planning & Design @gianevents @kuurraa
Catering @crateful_catering
Photography & Videography @titusandjo
Content Creator @socialvow
Live Band @jordankahnorchestra
Floral @parkerandposies x @elpetrosfloral
Stationery @velvetfoxdesigns
Rentals @amigo.event.rentals
Linens @bbjlatavola
DJ @devotion_studios_ @a_lovestory
Live Engraver @thekimicollective
Live Sketch Artist @_createline
Photobooth @soireephotoboothco
Wine @luckygirlrose
Caviar @prlcaviar

#weddingchicks #dj #weddingdj #ladj lovestory