You’ve probably noticed a few changes around here lately. We’re at the dawn of the new Wedding Chicks era. Think of it as a glow up. Couples are changing, weddings are changing, so we did too. We listened to couples and vendors, and overwhelmingly, you all said you needed a platform that focused on the reality of planning a wedding in today’s culture, community, economy, etc., and we couldn’t agree more! That’s why we decided to do something revolutionary—Match Day!
Perched on a private 20-acre private property in Ojai, CA, sits Casa Loce Estate, where we hosted 100 of SoCal’s most exciting planners, photographers, designers, florists, stationery designers, and creative studios along with engaged couples who are actively planning their weddings. We wanted to create an intimate (and stunning) space for wedding professionals and couples to meet up outside of the DMs and bring their planning into the real world.
This revolutionary event was hosted by Akilah Releford Gould, the new owner of Wedding Chicks whose creative vision and community-first drive are already shaking up the industry (and we’re so here for it!). Right by her side, co-hosting, was renowned event planner Reneille Velez of GIAN, who brought together an incredible team of vendors who made Akilah’s vision a reality.
Couples and vendors mingled over cocktails and at long tables under golden hour. Music lingered in the air, and candlelight danced on faces, and we all shared the kind of conversation that doesn’t happen online. But it’s us, so you know it was a PARTY. The night carried on into a DJ A LoveStory after-party. Along with the real connections and good vibes, guests took home plenty of goodies, including engraved bottles of wine from the vineyard on-property, and portraits of themselves sketched live by Create Line!
Match Day is all about making meaningful connections, so it’s only fitting that we discovered one of our favorite new wedding planning tools there. Meet Festa, an AI-powered wedding assistant that’s helping modern couples spend less time managing guest questions and more time enjoying their engagement. From answering FAQs and sending reminders to handling RSVP updates and sharing wedding day logistics, Festa keeps guests informed before, during, and after the celebration. Just like Match Day is reimagining how couples connect with wedding vendors, Festa is redefining how couples connect with their guests. You can try Festa Here.
And we’re not stopping there, so make sure you follow along @weddingchicks on IG.
